bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of dynamic biasing InGaAs/InAlAs avalanche photodiodes with different active areas
Authors: Lin Zebiao , Tian Yang , Zeng Xuan , Yu Xuzhen , Feng Xuyang , Ding Wenqiang , Zhang Hewei , Zhao Yanli
Published: July 2023

In this work, by comparing and analyzing dynamic biasing InGaAs/InAlAs avalanche photodiodes(APDs) with different active areas, it is found that they have different noise suppression frequency ranges. The upper limit frequency(defined as the frequency at which the noise suppression effect begins to fail) of InGaAs/InAlAs APDs with active area diameter of 50 µm, 100 µm and 200 µm are 2400 MHz, 1990MHz and 1400 MHz respectively. In addition, for InGaAs/InAlAs APDs with an active area diameter of 50 µm, 100 µm and 200 µm, their optimal frequencies of dynamic biasing (defined as the frequency corresponding to the optimal SNR) are 1877MHz, 1670 MHz and 1075 MHz respectively. At last, applying dynamic biasing technology, it achieves a useful gain of 6698.1, which is much greater than that of DC bias (47.2), and this technology has the potential to be applied in high sensitivity laser radar receivers.
Mechanical force induced luminescence ratiometric thermometry in CaZnOS:Dy3+
Authors: Li Tao , Li Leipeng , Li Pei , Han Yixiao , Cai Chongyang , Yang Yanmin
Published: July 2023

The 4I15/2-6H15/2 and 4F9/2-6H15/2 transitions of Dy3+ are usually used for luminescent ratiometric thermometry in the form of photoluminescence. However, here we demonstrate the possibility of using this pair of lines for luminescent ratiometric thermometry in the model of mechanoluminescence (ML) in CaZnOS:Dy3+. Upon stimulation of an external mechanical force rather than light, CaZnOS:Dy3+ emits bright yellow luminescence. The intensity ratio of 4I15/2-6H15/2 to 4F9/2-6H15/2 transitions of Dy3+ is found to increase gradually with the rise of temperature, which makes Dy3+ a qualified temperature indicator. Our work enriches the family of optical thermometry.
Speckle suppression in arbitrary parallel holographic illumination by the spatial frequency regaining method
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zheng Yao , Gong Wei , Si Ke
Published: July 2023

This Letter proposes a spatial frequency regaining method for parallel holographic illumination (SFR-PHI) to suppress speckle noise in phase-only computer-generated holography (CGH). Based on the accurate calculation of the beam bandwidth, this method uses the bandwidth-limited quadratic initial phase and weighted constraint iteration to generate the optimized phase hologram, which can provide the accurate spatial frequency of multiple illumination patterns. The results show that SFR-PHI performs superiorly in speckle suppression for generating dozens of illumination patterns in parallel and with arbitrary shapes and numbers. Compared with other speckle-suppression methods, it exhibits significant advantages in terms of accuracy and modulation efficiency.
Single-pixel image reconstruction using coherent nonlinear optics
Authors: Thomas Matthew , Kumar Santosh , Huang Yu-Ping
Published: July 2023

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, hybrid optoelectronic system that utilizes mode-selective frequency upconversion, single-pixel detection, and a deep neural network to achieve the reliable reconstruction of two-dimensional (2D) images from a noise-contaminated database of handwritten digits. Our system is designed to maximize the multi-scale structural similarity index measure (MS-SSIM) and minimize the mean absolute error (MAE) during the training process. Through extensive evaluation, we have observed that the reconstructed images exhibit high-quality results, with a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) reaching approximately 20 dB and a structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of around 0.85. These impressive metrics demonstrate the effectiveness and fidelity of our image reconstruction technique. The versatility of our approach allows its application in various fields, including Lidar, compressive imaging, volumetric reconstruction, and so on.
Two-level optical encryption platform via an electrically driven liquid-crystal-integrated tri-channel metasurface
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Wang Qi , Gao Xufeng , Zhang Dawei , Zhuang Songlin
Published: July 2023

Metasurface-based optical encryption techniques have garnered significant attention due to their ultracompact nature and ability to support multichannel optical responses. Here, we present a liquid-crystal (LC)-integrated metasurface that enables polarized-encrypted amplitude and phase multiplexing. This approach allows for simultaneously realizing trifold displays of both meta-holography and meta-nanoprinting. By combining propagation and geometric phase modulation, we meticulously screen the unit cells of the metasurface, establishing a comprehensive structural dictionary. As a proof-of-concept, we developed an electrically driven advanced optical encryption platform that boasts multifunctional channels and two-level encryption capabilities. This study paves the way for advanced optical encryption and identification techniques.
The fitness of an introgressing haplotype changes over the course of divergence and depends on its size and genomic location
Authors: Dagilis Andrius J. , Matute Daniel R.
Published: July 2023

The genomic era has made clear that introgression, or the movement of genetic material between species, is a common feature of evolution. Examples of both adaptive and deleterious introgression exist in a variety of systems. What is unclear is how the fitness of an introgressing haplotype changes as species diverge or as the size of the introgressing haplotype changes. In a simple model, we show that introgression may more easily occur into parts of the genome which have not diverged heavily from a common ancestor. The key insight is that alleles from a shared genetic background are likely to have positive epistatic interactions, increasing the fitness of a larger introgressing block. In regions of the genome where few existing substitutions are disrupted, this positive epistasis can be larger than incompatibilities with the recipient genome. Further, we show that early in the process of divergence, introgression of large haplotypes can be favored more than introgression of individual alleles. This model is consistent with observations of a positive relationship between recombination rate and introgression frequency across the genome; however, it generates several novel predictions. First, the model suggests that the relationship between recombination rate and introgression may not exist, or may be negative, in recently diverged species pairs. Furthermore, the model suggests that introgression that replaces existing derived variation will be more deleterious than introgression at sites carrying ancestral variants. These predictions are tested in an example of introgression in Drosophila melanogaster, with some support for both. Finally, the model provides a potential alternative explanation to asymmetry in the direction of introgression, with expectations of higher introgression from rapidly diverged populations into slowly evolving ones.
A heterotrimeric complex of Toxoplasma proteins promotes parasite survival in interferon gamma-stimulated human cells
Authors: Lockyer Eloise J. , Torelli Francesca , Butterworth Simon , Song Ok-Ryul , Howell Steven , Weston Anne , East Philip , Treeck Moritz
Published: July 2023

Toxoplasma gondii secretes protein effectors to subvert the human immune system sufficiently to establish a chronic infection. Relative to murine infections, little is known about which parasite effectors disarm human immune responses. Here, we used targeted CRISPR screening to identify secreted protein effectors required for parasite survival in IFNγ-activated human cells. Independent screens were carried out using 2 Toxoplasma strains that differ in virulence in mice, leading to the identification of effectors required for survival in IFNγ-activated human cells. We identify the secreted protein GRA57 and 2 other proteins, GRA70 and GRA71, that together form a complex which enhances the ability of parasites to persist in IFNγ-activated human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs). Components of the protein machinery required for export of Toxoplasma proteins into the host cell were also found to be important for parasite resistance to IFNγ in human cells, but these export components function independently of the identified protein complex. Host-mediated ubiquitination of the parasite vacuole has previously been associated with increased parasite clearance from human cells, but we find that vacuoles from GRA57, GRA70, and GRA71 knockout strains are surprisingly less ubiquitinated by the host cell. We hypothesise that this is likely a secondary consequence of deletion of the complex, unlinked to the IFNγ resistance mediated by these effectors.
Modular Clinical Decision Support Networks (MoDN)—Updatable, interpretable, and portable predictions for evolving clinical environments
Authors: Trottet Cécile , Vogels Thijs , Keitel Kristina , Kulinkina Alexandra V. , Tan Rainer , Cobuccio Ludovico , Jaggi Martin , Hartley Mary-Anne
Published: July 2023

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) have the potential to improve and standardise care with probabilistic guidance. However, many CDSS deploy static, generic rule-based logic, resulting in inequitably distributed accuracy and inconsistent performance in evolving clinical environments. Data-driven models could resolve this issue by updating predictions according to the data collected. However, the size of data required necessitates collaborative learning from analogous CDSS’s, which are often imperfectly interoperable (IIO) or unshareable. We propose Modular Clinical Decision Support Networks (MoDN) which allow flexible, privacy-preserving learning across IIO datasets, as well as being robust to the systematic missingness common to CDSS-derived data, while providing interpretable, continuous predictive feedback to the clinician. MoDN is a novel decision tree composed of feature-specific neural network modules that can be combined in any number or combination to make any number or combination of diagnostic predictions, updatable at each step of a consultation. The model is validated on a real-world CDSS-derived dataset, comprising 3,192 paediatric outpatients in Tanzania. MoDN significantly outperforms ‘monolithic’ baseline models (which take all features at once at the end of a consultation) with a mean macroF1score across all diagnoses of 0.749 vs 0.651 for logistic regression and 0.620 for multilayer perceptron (p< 0.001). To test collaborative learning between IIO datasets, we create subsets with various percentages of feature overlap and port a MoDN model trained on one subset to another. Even with only 60% common features, fine-tuning a MoDN model on the new dataset or just making a composite model with MoDN modules matched the ideal scenario of sharing data in a perfectly interoperable setting. MoDN integrates into consultation logic by providing interpretable continuous feedback on the predictive potential of each question in a CDSS questionnaire. The modular design allows it to compartmentalise training updates to specific features and collaboratively learn between IIO datasets without sharing any data.
Prevalence and predictors of Aspergillus seropositivity and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in an urban tertiary hospital in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Lakoh Sulaiman , Kamara Joseph B. , Orefuwa Emma , Sesay Daniel , Jiba Darlinda F. , Adekanmbi Olukemi , Deen Gibrilla F. , Russell James B. W. , Bah Abubakarr Bailor , Kargbo Maxwell Joseph , Firima Emmanuel , Yendewa George A. , Denning David W.
Published: July 2023

Background

In the World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2022, 37% of pulmonary TB patients were clinically diagnosed and thus many people were treated for TB without evidence of the disease. Probably the most common TB misdiagnosis is chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of Aspergillus seropositivity and CPA in patients with chronic respiratory symptoms in an urban tertiary hospital in Sierra Leone.

Methodology/principal findings

We used a cross-sectional study design to recruit adults (≥18 years) from the Chest Clinic of Connaught Hospital, Freetown between November 2021 and July 2022. Aspergillus antibody was detected using LDBio Aspergillus IgM/IgG. Logistic regression was performed to assess the independent predictors of Aspergillus seropositivity and CPA. Of the 197 patients with chronic respiratory symptoms, 147 (74.6%) were male. Mean age was 47.1 ± 16.4 years. More than half (104, 52.8%) had been diagnosed with TB in the past, while 53 (26.9%) were on TB treatment at the time of recruitment. Fifty-two (26.4%) patients were HIV positive, 41 (20.8%) were seropositive for Aspergillus and 23 (11.6%) had CPA, 2 (3.8%) with current TB and 18 (17.3%) with past TB. Common radiologic abnormalities reported were localized fibrotic changes 62 (31.5%), consolidation 54 (27.4%), infiltrates 46 (23.4%), hilar adenopathy 40 (20.3%) and pleural effusion 35 (17.85) and thickening 23 (11.7%). Common symptoms were weight loss 144 (73.1%), cough 135 (68.5%), fever 117 (59.4%) and dyspnea 90 (45.7%). Current or past TB infection {aOR 3.52, 95% CI (1.46, 8.97); p = 0.005} was an independent predictor of Aspergillus seropositivity and CPA.

Conclusions/significance

We report a high prevalence of Aspergillus antibody seropositivity and CPA, underscoring the need to integrate the prevention and management of pulmonary fungal infections with TB services and asthma care in order to reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality.
Who should be first? How and when AI-human order influences procedural justice in a multistage decision-making process
Authors: Jiang Luyuan , Qin Xin , Yam Kai Chi , Dong Xiaowei , Liao Wanqi , Chen Chen
Published: July 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally changed the way people live and has largely reshaped organizational decision-making processes. Particularly, AI decision making has become involved in almost every aspect of human resource management, including recruiting, selecting, motivating, and retaining employees. However, existing research only considers single-stage decision-making processes and overlooks more common multistage decision-making processes. Drawing upon person-environment fit theory and the algorithm reductionism perceptive, we explore how and when the order of decision makers (i.e., AI-human order vs. human-AI order) affects procedural justice in a multistage decision-making process involving AI and humans. We propose and found that individuals perceived a decision-making process arranged in human-AI order as having less AI ability-power fit (i.e., the fit between the abilities of AI and the power it is granted) than when the process was arranged in AI-human order, which led to less procedural justice. Furthermore, perceived AI ability buffered the indirect effect of the order of decision makers (i.e., AI-human order vs. human-AI order) on procedural justice via AI ability-power fit. Together, our findings suggest that the position of AI in collaborations with humans has profound impacts on individuals’ justice perceptions regarding their decision making.
Onset of ADL and IADL limitation among Chinese middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Zheng Wenyuan , Huang Zhiyong
Published: July 2023

It is important to measure the prevalence and onset of limitations for older adults to take critical day-to-day activities in the population. However, too often, only very older people are covered, and too few activities are included in the studies. Using a nationally representative sample from 2011 to 2018 (N = 16, 381), this study characterizes the limitation pattern covering ADL and IADL activities among middle-aged and older adults in China. We use survival models to characterize the limitation transition. We find that half of the population become limited in activities including housekeeping, toileting, managing money, and cooking in their early 70s, followed by shopping, bathing, transferring and dressing in their late 70s, continence, and taking medications in their early 80s, and feeding in their early 90s. In addition, women show significantly younger age of limitation onsets for all activities except continence.
Evolutionary dynamics in financial markets with heterogeneities in investment strategies and reference points
Authors: Xu Wen-Juan , Zhong Chen-Yang , Ren Fei , Qiu Tian , Chen Rong-Da , He Yun-Xin , Zhong Li-Xin
Published: July 2023

In nature and human societies, the effects of homogeneous and heterogeneous characteristics on the evolution of collective behaviors are quite different from each other. By incorporating pair pattern strategies and reference point strategies into an agent-based model, we have investigated the effects of homogeneous and heterogeneous investment strategies and reference points on price movement. In the market flooded with the investors with homogeneous investment strategies or homogeneous reference points, large price fluctuations occur. In the market flooded with the investors with heterogeneous investment strategies or heterogeneous reference points, moderate price fluctuations occur. The coexistence of different kinds of investment strategies can not only refrain from the occurrence of large price fluctuations but also the occurrence of no-trading states. The present model reveals that the coexistence of heterogeneous populations, whether they are the individuals with heterogeneous investment strategies or heterogeneous reference points of stock prices, is an important factor for the stability of the stock market.
Exploring the double burden of malnutrition at the household level in the Philippines: Analysis of National Nutrition Survey data
Authors: Gaupholm Josephine , Dodd Warren , Papadopoulos Andrew , Little Matthew
Published: July 2023

Background

In the Philippines, the rising prevalence of obesity and related chronic diseases alongside persistent undernutrition presents a complex public health challenge. Understanding the patterns and dynamics of this ‘double burden of malnutrition’ (DBM) is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. However, evidence of the occurrence of undernutrition and overnutrition within the same household is currently lacking.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from the 2013 Philippines National Nutrition Survey this study examined the prevalence of different typologies of household-level DBM from an analytical sample of 5,837 households and 25,417 individuals. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with overall occurrence of intrahousehold DBM.

Results

The overall prevalence of double burden households was 56% based on a comprehensive definition. The most common typology of intrahousehold DBM characterized in this study (% of all households) comprised households with at least one adult with overnutrition and at least one separate adult with undernutrition. Household size, wealth quintile, food insecurity, and household dietary diversity were all associated with household-level DBM. Double burden households were also influenced by head of household characteristics, including sex, level of education, employment status, and age.

Conclusions

The findings from this study reveal that the coexistence of overnutrition and undernutrition at the household level is a major public health concern in the Philippines. Further comprehensive assessments of household-level manifestations of the DBM are needed to improve our understanding of the trends and drivers of this phenomenon in order to develop better targeted interventions.
Availability and use of personal protective equipment in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Drouard Salomé Henriette Paulette , Ahmed Tashrik , Amor Fernandez Pablo , Baral Prativa , Peters Michael , Hansen Peter , Hashemi Tawab , Sieleunou Isidore , Iyabode Ogunlayi Munirat , Karibwami Alain-Desire , Ruel Bergeron Julie , Montufar Velarde Edwin Eduardo , Yansane Mohamed Lamine , Wesseh Chea Sanford , Mwansambo Charles , Nzelu Charles , Uddin Helal , Tassembedo Mahamadi , Shapira Gil
Published: July 2023

Background

Availability and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is of particular importance in Low and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) where disease outbreaks other than COVID-19 are frequent and health workers are scarce. This study assesses the availability of necessary PPE items during the COVID-19 pandemic at health facilities in seven LMICs.

Methods

Data were collected using a rapid-cycle survey among 1554 health facilities in seven LMICs via phone-based surveys between August 2020 and December 2021. We gathered data on the availability of World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended PPE items and the use of items when examining patients suspected to be infected with COVID-19. We further investigated the implementation of service adaptation measures in a severe shortage of PPE.

Results

There were major deficiencies in PPE availability at health facilities. Almost 3 out of 10 health facilities reported a stock-out of medical masks on the survey day. Forty-six percent of facilities did not have respirator masks, and 16% did not have any gloves. We show that only 43% of health facilities had sufficient PPE to comply with WHO guidelines. Even when all items were available, healthcare workers treating COVID-19 suspected patients were reported to wear all the recommended equipment in only 61% of health facilities. We did not find a statistically significant difference in implementing service adaptation measures between facilities experiencing a severe shortage or not.

Conclusion

After more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall availability of PPE remained low in our sample of low and middle-income countries. Although essential, the availability of PPE did not guarantee the proper use of the equipment. The lack of PPE availability and improper use of available PPE enable preventable COVID-19 transmission in health facilities, leading to greater morbidity and mortality and risking the continuity of service delivery by healthcare workers.
Repeat sprint fatigue and altered neuromuscular performance in recreationally trained basketball players
Authors: Philipp Nicolas M. , Cabarkapa Dimitrije , Eserhaut Drake A. , Yu Daniel , Fry Andrew C.
Published: July 2023

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate how the fatigue induced through a repeat sprint protocol acutely affected different measures of neuromuscular performance. Recreationally trained basketball players (n = 25) volunteered to participate in the study, and performed three countermovement jumps (CMJ), as well as three drop jumps (DJ) prior to a fatiguing repeat sprint protocol. These procedures were repeated two minutes, and 15 minutes, following the protocol. Various force-time metrics were extracted from the jump tasks, and linear mixed models with subject ID as the random factor, and time as the fixed factor were used to investigate changes across the three time points. To account for the performance during the repeat sprint protocol, a second, two factor model was performed with time and repeat sprint ability (RSA) as the fixed factors. Study results indicated that the sample as a whole merely experienced fatigue-induced decreases in jump height from pre-repeat sprint ability protocol (pre-RSA) within the CMJ compared to two minutes post-repeat sprint ability protocol (post-RSA1) and 15 minutes post-repeat sprint ability protocol (post-RSA2), while jump height within the DJ was only significantly different from pre-RSA at post-RSA1. Further, despite the implementation of the fatiguing RSA protocol, over the course of the three time-points, participants seemed to perform the two jump tasks more efficiently, seen through significantly lower contraction times, greater eccentric (ECC) peak power, and greater ECC mean deceleration force within the CMJ following the RSA task. The two-factor model revealed that several significant time*RSA interactions were found for metrics such as ECC peak velocity and peak power in the CMJ, as well as reactive strength index in the DJ. This suggests that the level of RSA influenced changes across CMJ and DJ characteristics and should be accounted for when interpreting fatigue-induced changes in neuromuscular performance.
Social presence and dynamics of group communication: An analysis of a health professionals WhatsApp group chats
Authors: Mbada Chidozie E. , Jeje Oluwatosin O. , Akande Micheal , Mbada Kikelomo A. , Fatoye Clara , Olakorede David , Awoniyi Olusola , Okafor Udoka A. C. , Falade Olatomiwa , Fatoye Francis
Published: July 2023

WhatsApp has become a medium of communication with the potential of promoting collaborative environment with peers, patients and general population. Till date, no analysis of professional WhatsApp groups’ activities exists in physiotherapy. The official WhatsApp group chats of the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria (ACAPN) was analyzed. A total of 20760 chats were gleaned from July 2020 to June 2021. Videos, audios and emoticons were excluded in the analysis. Administrative permission to conduct was obtained from ACAPN leadership. Two consenting physiotherapists who had never deleted their ACAPN group chats shared and exported all chats to a Gmail. The social presence theory for group communication was used as the framework of analysis. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages were used to summarize data. Based on social presence theory classifications, interactive messages (64.5%) followed by cohesive messages (30%) were predominant. Members used the platform more for expression of emotions affectively (100%), referring explicitly to others’ messages interactively (56.6%) and for greetings (phatic and salutation) cohesively (61.8%). Qualitative themes indicate that all three categories of social presence theory communications were present sufficiently with interactive category being the most common, as members used the WhatsApp platform to interact, construct and share knowledge. Group WhatsApp platform is a veritable means of communication and an indicator of level of social presence among Nigerian physiotherapists. Communication among Nigerian physiotherapists is mostly interactive, then cohesive and affective in terms of dynamics.
Age-related response to mite parasitization and viral infection in the honey bee suggests a trade-off between growth and immunity
Authors: Zanni Virginia , Frizzera Davide , Marroni Fabio , Seffin Elisa , Annoscia Desiderato , Nazzi Francesco
Published: July 2023

Host age at parasites’ exposure is often neglected in studies on host-parasite interactions despite the important implications for epidemiology. Here we compared the impact of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, and the associated pathogenic virus DWV on different life stages of their host, the western honey bee Apis mellifera. The pre-imaginal stages of the honey bee proved to be more susceptible to mite parasitization and viral infection than adults. The higher viral load in mite-infested bees and DWV genotype do not appear to be the drivers of the observed difference which, instead, seems to be related to the immune-competence of the host. These results support the existence of a trade-off between immunity and growth, making the pupa, which is involved in the highly energy-demanding process of metamorphosis, more susceptible to parasites and pathogens. This may have important implications for the evolution of the parasite’s virulence and in turn for honey bee health. Our results highlight the important role of host’s age and life stage at exposure in epidemiological modelling. Furthermore, our study could unravel new aspects of the complex honey bee-Varroa relationship to be addressed for a sustainable management of this parasite.
Characterization of two novel proteins involved in mitochondrial DNA anchoring in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Amodeo Simona , Bregy Irina , Hoffmann Anneliese , Fradera-Sola Albert , Kern Mara , Baudouin Hélène , Zuber Benoît , Butter Falk , Ochsenreiter Torsten
Published: July 2023

Trypanosoma brucei is a single celled eukaryotic parasite in the group of the Kinetoplastea. The parasite harbors a single mitochondrion with a singular mitochondrial genome that is known as the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). The kDNA consists of a unique network of thousands of interlocked circular DNA molecules. To ensure proper inheritance of the kDNA to the daughter cells, the genome is physically linked to the basal body, the master organizer of the cell cycle in trypanosomes. The connection that spans, cytoplasm, mitochondrial membranes and the mitochondrial matrix is mediated by the Tripartite Attachment Complex (TAC). Using a combination of proteomics and RNAi we test the current model of hierarchical TAC assembly and identify TbmtHMG44 and TbKAP68 as novel candidates of a complex that connects the TAC to the kDNA. Depletion of TbmtHMG44 or TbKAP68 each leads to a strong kDNA loss but not missegregation phenotype as previously defined for TAC components. We demonstrate that the proteins rely on both the TAC and the kDNA for stable localization to the interface between these two structures. In vitro experiments suggest a direct interaction between TbmtHMG44 and TbKAP68 and that recombinant TbKAP68 is a DNA binding protein. We thus propose that TbmtHMG44 and TbKAP68 are part of a distinct complex connecting the kDNA to the TAC.
HIV-1 virological synapse formation enhances infection spread by dysregulating Aurora Kinase B
Authors: Bruce James W. , Park Eunju , Magnano Chris , Horswill Mark , Richards Alicia , Potts Gregory , Hebert Alexander , Islam Nafisah , Coon Joshua J. , Gitter Anthony , Sherer Nathan , Ahlquist Paul
Published: July 2023

HIV-1 spreads efficiently through direct cell-to-cell transmission at virological synapses (VSs) formed by interactions between HIV-1 envelope proteins (Env) on the surface of infected cells and CD4 receptors on uninfected target cells. Env-CD4 interactions bring the infected and uninfected cellular membranes into close proximity and induce transport of viral and cellular factors to the VS for efficient virion assembly and HIV-1 transmission. Using novel, cell-specific stable isotope labeling and quantitative mass spectrometric proteomics, we identified extensive changes in the levels and phosphorylation states of proteins in HIV-1 infected producer cells upon mixing with CD4+ target cells under conditions inducing VS formation. These coculture-induced alterations involved multiple cellular pathways including transcription, TCR signaling and, unexpectedly, cell cycle regulation, and were dominated by Env-dependent responses. We confirmed the proteomic results using inhibitors targeting regulatory kinases and phosphatases in selected pathways identified by our proteomic analysis. Strikingly, inhibiting the key mitotic regulator Aurora kinase B (AURKB) in HIV-1 infected cells significantly increased HIV activity in cell-to-cell fusion and transmission but had little effect on cell-free infection. Consistent with this, we found that AURKB regulates the fusogenic activity of HIV-1 Env. In the Jurkat T cell line and primary T cells, HIV-1 Env:CD4 interaction also dramatically induced cell cycle-independent AURKB relocalization to the centromere, and this signaling required the long (150 aa) cytoplasmic C-terminal domain (CTD) of Env. These results imply that cytoplasmic/plasma membrane AURKB restricts HIV-1 envelope fusion, and that this restriction is overcome by Env CTD-induced AURKB relocalization. Taken together, our data reveal a new signaling pathway regulating HIV-1 cell-to-cell transmission and potential new avenues for therapeutic intervention through targeting the Env CTD and AURKB activity.
La universidad en la pospandemia: escenarios de futuro
Authors: Lion Carina-Gabriela
Published: July 2023

La pandemia ha reabierto preguntas que son nodales tanto para las políticas como para las prácticas de enseñanza en el nivel superior. El uso intensivo de plataformas plantea interrogantes acerca de los procesos de autonomía y gestión del conocimiento que serán cruciales para los próximos años en la educación superior. El solapamiento entre información y conocimiento derivado, entre otros aspectos, de la sobresimplificación de la mediación tecnológica trae el desafío de hacer visible el pensamiento, los procesos, las capacidades, las mediaciones. En un contexto cada vez más algorítmico y dataficado en el cual los intersticios para la autonomía son ínfimos; fortalecer la “agencia” se torna relevante y crucial. El artículo es un ensayo que, desde un enfoque personal e interpretativo, se propone abordar si se han visto interpeladas las prácticas de enseñanza y los aprendizajes, especialmente respecto de la autonomía y la autorregulación en este contexto complejo y de plena incertidumbre que ha sido la pandemia y es la pospandemia. Como objetivo específico, plantea tensiones, interrogantes y diseñar algunas respuestas que permitan imaginar algunas transformaciones didácticas para los próximos años. Parte del relevamiento de algunas voces de estudiantes y docentes que se recrean e interpretan para proponer análisis que respondan a interrogantes tales como ¿han cambiado las prácticas de enseñanza en sus concepciones didácticas?, ¿se han visto interpelados los modos de aprender? A lo largo del ensayo se pretende dar respuesta a estos interrogantes a través aproximaciones analítico-interpretativas.
Causal agency and influences on transitional choices: Comparison of Croatian and Romanian youth
Authors: Kostelić Katarina , Fleșeriu Cristina
Published: July 2023

This research aims to provide insight into groups of influences on youth's transitional choices and examine the patterns of those influences. The self-reported influences on transitional choices were collected from Croatian and Romanian students. The analysis examines the interconnectedness of influences, differences arising from age and gender, and the heterogeneity of personal influence. Assuming that the approach to examined decisions is transferable to other social and economic choices, the results of this explorative study show that causal agency in decision-making should not be assumed a priori. This calls for further research and potential revision of the standard approach to individual decision-making.
Economic empowerment as a result of achieving SDGs with resource access: A comparative research between Gaza Strip and Hungary
Authors: Nassar Samia , Naárné Tóth Zsuzsanna , Vasa Laszlo
Published: July 2023

Donors, development agencies, and international non-governmental organizations are currently shaping a large part of the development and humanitarian agenda of sustainable developmen, especially regarding the first and second Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to ending poverty and hunger worldwide. Thus, an increasing number of development interventions are aimed at protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for everyone by strengthening the resilience of vulnerable households and communities. The research implemented a quantitative methodology approach that relied on distributing a survey based on the research variables. Data were collected in both the Gaza Strip and Hungary using google forms over a sample of 700 respondents, however, only 616 respondents filled out the survey. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical tool to research the impact of no poverty and zero hunger on economic empowerment and how resource access mediates this relationship. The research results were reported using descriptive and regression analysis, while mediation analysis was based on the method of Barron and Kenney. Most of the world's poor live in rural regions, and if we want to help them, we need to concentrate on developing agriculture in a modern and sustainable manner to create employment, increase farmers' incomes and consumption, and decrease food costs. Governments need to learn more about their strengths and challenges to aid communities in expanding. While primary agriculture may provide a viable income for those living in different regions, there is always the potential for diversification. Recognizing and capitalizing on other areas' variety or growth might significantly lower poverty levels. There is an urgent need to address the issue of food security, which requires a renewed commitment from governments, farmers, national policymakers, and international donors.
4-methyl-4-[2-(naphthalene)-2-oxoethyl] morpholin-4-ium iodide as a water soluble photoinitiator
Authors: Ozcan Fatma , Dogruyol Zekeriya , Keskin Dogruyol Sevnur
Published: July 2023

Quaternary ammonium salt namely 4-methyl-4-[2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl] morpholin-4-ium iodide (WSMPM) was synthesized and characterized. High molar absorptivity at 347 nm (1910 L･mol-1･cm-1) and good solubility in distilled water (10-2 M) allows WSMPM to be used as an effective photoinitiator also in water-soluble systems. Photopolymerization of acrylamide monomer with WSMPM (10-3 M) and a tertiary amine (N-methyldiethanolamine), resulted in 84.4% monomer to polymer conversion. Based on laser photolysis and electron spin resonance, a photoinitiator mechanism was proposed.
The improvement in properties of polyester resin-based composites using a new type of silane coupling agent
Authors: Urbaniak Włodzimierz , Bednarek Wojciech , Paukszta Dominik , Szostak Marek , Szymańska Joanna
Published: July 2023

Adhesion between the polymer matrix and fillers is an important factor influencing the properties of the obtained composites. One way to improve interactions at the interface is to modify the filler with coupling agents, e.g., silanes. The article presents the effect of modifying the surface of the mineral filler with a new type of silane [triethoxy(ketoimino)silane] on the mechanical properties of polyester resin based composites. Composites with triethoxy(ketoimino)silane-modified filler had similar mechanical properties to composites obtained with commercial silanes, with slightly lower water absorption.
COVID-19 lockdown affects zooplankton community structure in dolphin appearing site of the River Ganga at Patna
Authors: Rajan Kumar , Khudsar Faiyaz A. , Kumar Ram
Published: July 2023

The advent of the 2019 Corona virus impacted day-to day human activities and the nationwide lockdown in India completely paralyzed life (midnight of 24th March, to 31st June, 2020). However, this complete halt of human activity allowed the Ganga ecosystem to realise its maximum self-purification potential, resulting in the improvement of flow regime, water quality and over all restoration of the river. The most common manifestation of restoration of an aquatic ecosystem is zooplankton community structure; i.e. relative proportion of various functional feeding groups. The present study compares selected water quality parameters (DO, BOD, pH, Total coliform, Fecal coliform), and zooplankton community structure estimated during the lockdown period with the values recorded for the same period in previous three years at dolphin appearing site near Kalighat, (25° 37’ 19.398’’ N; 85° 9’ 55.8972’’ E), middle of the Patna city and Mittal Ghat (downstream site of the Patna City) at Gurhatta (25° 36’ 24.5772’’ N; 85° 13’ 1.6788’’ E). During each sampling, the dolphin emergence site and frequency were monitored for three hours duration. Monthly zooplankton samples were collected at both the sites using a 53 µm mesh size plankton net beginning January 2018 by filtering 45-50 l of river water. Zooplankton were identified and segregated based on functional feeding groups. The values of dissolved oxygen were significantly higher, whereas that of BOD level, total coliform and total fecal coliform were lower during the lockdown period than those in previous years. Detailed analyses revealed that relative proportions of Cladocera were significantly higher, whereas that of bacterivorous Rotifera were significantly lower than the previous values of the same months. The highly indicator species at both the sampling sites was Moina micrura during March-May 2020; in previous years it was Brachionus rotifers 8.8 (ind l-1) at Kalighat and Moina micrura (15 ind l-1) at Gurhatta. Our results suggest that during the lockdown the dolphin appearing sites at both stations shifted towards the riverbank whereas, zooplankton community structure changed towards algaevorous Cladocera without affecting overall species richness.
Towards a successful River Dolphin conservation plan in India: A scientometric mapping of past research and current needs
Authors: Nayak B. B. , Iburahim S. Abuthagir
Published: July 2023

The Ganges Dolphin needs uninterrupted water sources in order to both communicate and to locate its food. Ever-increasing activities in the rivers, especially from motorized vessels, are likely to add noise to the soundscape used by this animal and may affect its ability to locate its prey or to sense its environment. Although efforts have been made to improve the quality and flow of the water passing through the Ganga River system, a coordinated effort among policymakers, local implementing authorities, researchers, and funding agencies is needed to achieve the desired goal of restoring the habitat of dolphins, stopping their accidental deaths, increasing their number by captive breeding, and reinstating the biodiversity of aquatic organisms that are passively or actively linked to them. While passive restoration plans such as improving water quality, increasing water volume, and habitat reclamation may work well, the developmental needs along the river exert constant pressure on these plans. These plans may not be effective without the strict enforcement of guidelines, an understanding of the requirements of the plans by all the stakeholders, and the awareness of the population living along the rivers. Therefore, conservation efforts, along with ongoing passive restoration processes aimed at improving the dolphin's living ecosystem by providing enough quality water cover and prey, should focus on increasing the population of these animals by propagating them in captivity through biological or biotechnological means, the success of which needs strong scientific research backing. A scientometric analysis of 20 years (2001–2020) on this animal shows that scientific studies are confined to the ecology of the animals and very little is known either of their biology or their genetics. During the study period, India occupied fourth spot in number of publications on river dolphins, with the Indian Institute of Technology as leading institute. Advance biology techniques may allow us to breed the animal in captivity and even clone the animal. However, the research towards this requires creating the necessary basic infrastructure, funding, and policy support, and developing human resources for research and management.
Predicting response of migratory fish populations to dam removal
Authors: Hayes Daniel , Fricano Gail , Turek James , Jordaan Adrian , Kulik Brandon , Baker Mary , Murray Jason
Published: July 2023

Dam removal is a potential habitat restoration alternative through which parties responsible for injuries to natural resources can provide compensation for reductions in fish populations. Predicting the potential response of migratory fish populations to candidate dam removal(s) is a critical step in the natural resource damage assessment process to evaluate whether the proposed action provides adequate compensation. There is currently no standard approach to making such predictions, particularly in cases where data on candidate streams with dams are limited. We considered six modeling approaches for addressing this problem and evaluated the features of each approach for this application. We judged that an approach based on habitat suitability indices and weighted usable area provides the best balance between predictive capacity and cost of model implementation. This balancing act evaluating the cost effectiveness of predictive models is worth consideration in a wide range of fisheries modeling applications.
Pytania prejudycjalne do Trybunału Sprawiedliwości Unii Europejskiej w praktyce orzeczniczej Wojewódzkiego Sądu Administracyjnego we Wrocławiu w latach 2006–2020
Authors: Bończyk Paulina
Published: July 2023

Artykuł dotyczy zagadnienia pytań prejudycjalnych zadawanych przez Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny we Wrocławiu do Trybunału Sprawiedliwości Unii Europejskiej. Przedstawiona zostaje ogólna istota pytań prejudycjalnych oraz kluczowe elementy w postępowaniu sądowoadministracyjnym. Następnie zostają omówione pytania prejudycjalne tego sądu w zakresie treści pytań, zawieszenia postępowania oraz wpływu orzeczenia wydanego przez TSUE na orzeczenie kończące postępowanie sądowoadministracyjne. Dokonana zostaje także analiza tychże pytań w aspekcie statystycznym na tle wszystkich sądów krajowych Rzeczpospolitej Polskiej oraz sądów wszystkich państw członkowskich Unii Europejskich.
Prezydent a powołanie Rady Ministrów. Praktyka konstytucyjna
Authors: Kruk Rafał
Published: July 2023

Artykuł ten dotyczy roli prawnoustrojowej Prezydenta RP w procesie powoływania Rady Ministrów na gruncie regulacji Konstytucji Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z 2 kwietnia 1997 roku na tle praktyki konstytucyjnej. W pracy poruszono zagadnienia kompetencji Prezydenta we wszystkich przewidzianych przez ustawę zasadniczą trybach tworzenia rządu. Autor dokonał analizy relacji prawnych i ustrojowych między Prezydentem a Sejmem RP w kontekście procedur tworzenia gabinetu. Pozycja ustrojowa głowy państwa determinowana jest także przez czynniki o charakterze politycznym, co zostało uwzględnione.
Development of an AI-driven system for neurosurgery with a usability study: a step towards minimal invasive robotics
Authors: Zeineldin Ramy A. , Junger Denise , Mathis-Ullrich Franziska , Burgert Oliver
Published: July 2023

Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enabled promising applications in neurosurgery that can enhance patient outcomes and minimize risks. This paper presents a novel system that utilizes AI to aid neurosurgeons in precisely identifying and localizing brain tumors. The system was trained on a dataset of brain MRI scans and utilized deep learning algorithms for segmentation and classification. Evaluation of the system on a separate set of brain MRI scans demonstrated an average Dice similarity coefficient of 0.87. The system was also evaluated through a user experience test involving the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Hospital Ulm, with results showing significant improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and reduced cognitive load and stress levels. Additionally, the system has demonstrated adaptability to various surgical scenarios and provides personalized guidance to users. These findings indicate the potential for AI to enhance the quality of neurosurgical interventions and improve patient outcomes. Future work will explore integrating this system with robotic surgical tools for minimally invasive surgeries.
DUSP2 inhibits the progression of lupus nephritis in mice by regulating the STAT3 pathway
Authors: Liu Xingzhong , Chen Jie , Liu Lu
Published: July 2023

One of the most severe side effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is lupus nephritis (LN). To search for potential therapeutic targets in SLE is crucial for the progression of SLE. In this study, we selected C57BL/6J mice as controls and MRL/lpr mice as an LN model and obtained dual specificity phosphatase 2 (DUSP2)-overexpressed mice by injecting AAV-DUSP2 plasmid into the tail vein. Then, proteinuria, urea nitrogen, dsDNA and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels were measured in each group of mice. In addition, renal histopathological damage was assessed by hematoxylin–eosin. Finally, STAT3 phosphorylation levels were detected by Western blot assay. The results showed that DUSP2 could reduce proteinuria, urea nitrogen, dsDNA and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and improve renal tissue injury in mice with LN. Mechanistically, DUSP2 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation. These results demonstrated that DUSP2 played a role in ameliorating LN, which provided potential targets for LN research.