bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral splitting in phase mismatched harmonics
Authors: Halifa Levi Raz , Ildis Ori , Levanon Assaf , Fleischer Avner , Bahabad Alon , Pomerantz Ishay
Published: December 2023

Spectral splitting of high harmonic radiation is observed when a gas target is irradiated with a high-energy laser pulse, having an extreme amount of frequency chirp. The phenomenon, which may be observed only by using a multi-TW laser system, originates from the temporal evolution of the phase-matching conditions. We illustrate how these conditions are mapped to the spectral domain, and present experimental evidence which is validated by our model.
Quantum squeezing-induced quantum entanglement and EPR steering in a coupled optomechanical system
Authors: Wu Shao-Xiong , Bai Cheng-Hua , Li Gang , Yu Chang-shui , Zhang Tiancai
Published: December 2023

We propose a theoretical project in which quantum squeezing induces quantum entanglement and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering in a coupled whispering-gallery-mode optomechanical system. Through pumping the χ(2)-nonlinear resonator with the phase matching condition, the generated squeezed resonator mode and the mechanical mode of the optomechanical resonator can generate strong quantum entanglement and EPR steering, where the squeezing of the nonlinear resonator plays the vital role. The transitions from zero entanglement to strong entanglement and one-way steering to two-way steering can be realized by adjusting the system parameters appropriately. The photon-photon entanglement and steering between the two resonators can also be obtained by deducing the amplitude of the driving laser. Our project does not need an extraordinarily squeezed field, and it is convenient to manipulate and provides a novel and flexible avenue for diverse applications in quantum technology dependent on both optomechanical and photon-photon entanglement and steering.
A robust and precise centroid positioning method for the weak beacon spot in long-distance inter-satellite optical wireless communications
Authors: Wang Qiang , Cui Lei , Wang Xuewei , Tan Liying , Ma Jing
Published: December 2023

The centroid estimation of the beacon spot is crucial to the pointing, acquisition, and tracking subsystem in inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC), especially for the received very weak beacon caused by a long link distance. In this work, we propose an accurate centroid positioning method to calculate the centroid of such a weak beacon with a low peak signal-to-noise ratio. The proposed method is based on the idea that uses the normalized amplitude of the gray gradient to enhance the weights near the center of the beacon spot. Both comparative numerical simulation and experimental verification are implemented, which demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method. Compared to the gray centroid method, interpolation-based method, Hough transform method, and Gaussian fitting method, the proposed method has stronger robustness and higher accuracy, which could be helpful to applications in IsOWC as well as beacon-based pointing and tracking systems.
High-efficiency second harmonic generation in a micro-resonator on dual-layered lithium niobate
Authors: Du Haoyang , Zhang Xiuquan , Lv Hengyue , Lin Jintian , Wang Lei , Chen Feng
Published: December 2023

High-quality micro-resonators on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) have emerged as an ideal platform for on-chip nonlinear optical applications due to their strong light confinement and excellent natural nonlinear optical properties. Here, we present high-efficiency second-harmonic generation (SHG) in micro-resonators on a TFLN based on the modal phase matching and natural quasi-phase matching. By optimizing the phase-matching conditions through thermal tuning, we demonstrate an on-chip SHG efficiency of 149,000%/W in the low power regime. Furthermore, we achieve an absolute conversion efficiency of 10.3% with a 0.3 mW pump power. Our work paves the way toward future efficient on-chip frequency conversion of classical and quantum light without the need for poling of the LN films.
Learning context shapes bimanual control strategy and generalization of novel dynamics
Authors: Orschiedt Jonathan , Franklin David W.
Published: December 2023

Bimanual movements are fundamental components of everyday actions, yet the underlying mechanisms coordinating adaptation of the two hands remain unclear. Although previous studies highlighted the contextual effect of kinematics of both arms on internal model formation, we do not know how the sensorimotor control system associates the learned memory with the experienced states in bimanual movements. More specifically, can, and if so, how, does the sensorimotor control system combine multiple states from different effectors to create and adapt a motor memory? Here, we tested motor memory formation in two groups with a novel paradigm requiring the encoding of the kinematics of the right hand to produce the appropriate predictive force on the left hand. While one group was provided with training movements in which this association was evident, the other group was trained on conditions in which this association was ambiguous. After adaptation, we tested the encoding of the learned motor memory by measuring the generalization to new movement combinations. While both groups adapted to the novel dynamics, the evident group showed a weighted encoding of the learned motor memory based on movements of the other (right) hand, whereas the ambiguous group exhibited mainly same (left) hand encoding in bimanual trials. Despite these differences, both groups demonstrated partial generalization to unimanual movements of the left hand. Our results show that motor memories can be encoded depending on the motion of other limbs, but that the training conditions strongly shape the encoding of the motor memory formation and determine the generalization to novel contexts.
Understanding the fine-scale heterogeneity and spatial drivers of malaria transmission in Kenya using model-based geostatistical methods
Authors: Mategula Donnie , Gichuki Judy
Published: December 2023

Malaria remains a public health concern. Monitoring the fine-scale heterogeneity of the malaria burden enables more targeted control efforts. Although malaria indicator surveys (MIS) have been crucial in evaluating the progress of malaria control interventions, they are only designed to provide a cross-sectional national and regional malaria disease burden. Recent advances in geostatistical methods allow us to interpolate national survey data to describe subnational disease burden that is crucial in informing targeted control. A binomial geostatistical model employing Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) parameter estimation methods is used to understand the spatial drivers of malaria risk in Kenya and to predict malaria risk at a fine-scale resolution, including identifying hotspots. A total of 11,549 children aged six months to 14 years from 207 clusters were sampled in this survey and used in the present analysis. The national malaria prevalence based on the data was 8.4%, with the highest in the lake endemic zone (18.1%) and the lowest in the low-risk zone (<1%). The analysis shows that elevation, proportion of insectcide treated net (ITN) distributed, rainfall, temperature and urbanization covariates are all significant predictors of malaria transmission. The 5x5 Km resolution maps show that malaria is heterogeneous in Kenya, with hotspot areas in the lake endemic area, the coastal areas, and some parts of the shores of Lake Turkana and Kajiado. The high-resolution malaria prevalence maps produced as part of the analysis have shown that Kenya has additional malaria hotspots, especially in areas least expected. These findings call for a rethinking of malaria burden classification in some regions for effective planning, implementation, resource mobilization, monitoring, and evaluation of malaria interventions in the country.
A Prospective cohort study of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in tunisia: Clinical and Immunological features and immune correlates of protection
Authors: Naouar Ikbel , Kammoun Rebai Wafa , Ben Salah Afif , Bouguerra Hind , Toumi Amine , Hamida Nabil Belhadj , Louzir Hechmi , Meddeb-Garnaoui Amel
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aimed to define immunological markers of exposure to L. major parasites and identify correlates of protection against infection.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of 790 individuals at risk of developing ZCL living in endemic areas with varying L. major infection prevalence. One area had a high infection prevalence indicated by high proportions of leishmanin skin test (LST) positive subjects, while the other areas were recent foci with lower infection prevalence. Blood samples were collected before the transmission season to measure Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), and Granzyme B (GrB) levels in response to parasite stimulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

A one-year follow-up period involved active detection of new ZCL cases to estimate disease incidence after a transmission season and identify immune correlates of protection.

Results

The study population showed heterogeneity in parasite contact, evident from specific scars and/or positive LST results, significantly higher in the old focus compared to recent foci. IFN-γ and GrB were markers of parasite exposure and reliable indicators of immunity to L. major. Positive correlations were observed between IFN-γ/IL-10 and GrB/IL-10 ratios and LST results.

Unexpectedly, only 29 new ZCL cases (4%) appeared after a transmission season, with 27 cases reported in recent foci and 2 in the oldest focus. Our findings indicate that individuals in L. major endemic areas are likely to develop ZCL regardless of their LST status.

We showed that high pre-transmission season levels of IFN-γ and GrB produced by PBMC, along with a high IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, were associated with protection.

Conclusion

This study on a large cohort at risk of ZCL confirmed IFN-γ and GrB as protective factors against the disease. A high IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, but not GrB/IL-10 ratio was associated with resistance. These results are valuable for developing and evaluating of a vaccine against human leishmaniasis.
Adaptive optimal control of under-actuated robotic systems using a self-regulating nonlinear weight-adjustment scheme: Formulation and experimental verification
Authors: Saleem Omer , Rizwan Mohsin , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: December 2023

This paper formulates an innovative model-free self-organizing weight adaptation that strengthens the robustness of a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) for inverted pendulum-like mechatronic systems against perturbations and parametric uncertainties. The proposed control procedure is devised by using an online adaptation law to dynamically adjust the state weighting factors of LQR’s quadratic performance index via pre-calibrated state-error-dependent hyperbolic secant functions (HSFs). The updated state-weighting factors re-compute the optimal control problem to modify the state-compensator gains online. The novelty of the proposed article lies in adaptively adjusting the variation rates of the said HSFs via an auxiliary model-free online self-regulation law that uses dissipative and anti-dissipative terms to flexibly re-calibrate the nonlinear function’s waveforms as the state errors vary. This augmentation increases the controller’s design flexibility and enhances the system’s disturbance rejection capacity while economizing control energy expenditure under every operating condition. The proposed self-organizing LQR is analyzed via customized hardware-in-loop (HIL) experiments conducted on the Quanser’s single-link rotational inverted pendulum. As compared to the fixed-gain LQR, the proposed SR-EM-STC delivers an improvement of 52.2%, 16.4%, 55.2%, and 42.7% in the pendulum’s position regulation behavior, control energy expenditure, transient recovery duration, and peak overshoot, respectively. The experimental outcomes validate the superior robustness of the proposed scheme against exogenous disturbances.
Effects of high-intensity functional training on physical fitness and sport-specific performance among the athletes: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xinzhi , Soh Kim Geok , Samsudin Shamsulariffin , Deng Nuannuan , Liu Xutao , Zhao Yue , Akbar Saddam
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aims to meta-analyze the impact of high-intensity functional training on athletes’ physical fitness and sport-specific performance.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in five well-known academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and the Cochrane Library) up to July 1, 2023. The literature screening criteria included: (1) studies involving healthy athletes, (2) a HIFT program, (3) an assessment of outcomes related to athletes’ physical fitness or sport-specific performance, and (4) the inclusion of randomized controlled trials. The Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies included in the meta-analysis.

Results

13 medium- and high-quality studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, involving 478 athletes aged between 10 and 24.5 years. The training showed a small to large effect size (ES = 0.414–3.351; all p < 0.05) in improving upper and lower body muscle strength, power, flexibility, and sport-specific performance.

Conclusion

High-intensity functional training effectively improves athletes’ muscle strength, power, flexibility, and sport-specific performance but has no significant impact on endurance and agility. Future research is needed to explore the impact of high-intensity functional training on athletes’ speed, balance, and technical and tactical performance parameters.
Mechanical characteristics and energy evolution of rock with circular hole defects
Authors: Xuan Zhongtang , Li Hongyan
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the uniaxial compression damage characteristics of specimens are analyzed containing holes using PFC2D. In addition, the crack propagation, stress distribution and energy development characteristics of the specimens were systematically discussed. The findings indicate that the strength parameters of various specimens drop initially and then increase with increasing center point connecting angle, in comparison to intact rock. The most significant reduction in strength parameters is observed at a center point connecting angle of 45°. The stress concentration around the holes occurs prior to crack initiation and vanishes upon specimen failure. The number of cracks in the specimens is small and the propagation length is short before touching the peak value, while the cracks expand rapidly in a short period of time after the stress touches the peak value, and the crack development rules in the two stages are quite different. With increasing center point connecting angle, the pre-peak energy and total energy drop first and then increase. After touching the peak value, the specimen is dominated by energy release and the ability to absorb energy is weakened. In the case of center point connecting angle of 45°, the specimen has the largest energy difference coefficient and the worst ability to resist damage. The damage behavior can be composed of no damage, initial damage and accelerated damage take into account the damage change rules of the specimens.
The V2 domain of HIV gp120 mimics an interaction between CD4 and integrin ⍺4β7
Authors: Van Ryk Donald , Vimonpatranon Sinmanus , Hiatt Joe , Ganesan Sundar , Chen Nathalie , McMurry Jordan , Garba Saadiq , Min Susie , Goes Livia R. , Girard Alexandre , Yolitz Jason , Licavoli Isabella , Wei Danlan , Huang Dawei , Soares Marcelo A. , Martinelli Elena , Cicala Claudia , Arthos James
Published: December 2023

The CD4 receptor, by stabilizing TCR-MHC II interactions, plays a central role in adaptive immunity. It also serves as the HIV docking receptor. The HIV gp120 envelope protein binds directly to CD4. This interaction is a prerequisite for viral entry. gp120 also binds to ⍺4β7, an integrin that is expressed on a subset of memory CD4+ T cells. HIV tropisms for CD4+ T cells and gut tissues are central features of HIV pathogenesis. We report that CD4 binds directly to ⍺4β7 in a dynamic way, consistent with a cis regulatory interaction. The molecular details of this interaction are related to the way in which gp120 interacts with both receptors. Like MAdCAM-1 and VCAM-1, two recognized ligands of ⍺4β7, the binding interface on CD4 includes 2 sites (1° and accessory), distributed across its two N-terminal IgSF domains (D1 and D2). The 1° site includes a sequence in the G β-strand of CD4 D2, KIDIV, that binds directly to ⍺4β7. This pentapeptide sequence occurs infrequently in eukaryotic proteins. However, a closely related and conserved sequence, KLDIV, appears in the V2 domain of gp120. KLDIV mediates gp120-⍺4β7 binding. The accessory ⍺4β7 binding site on CD4 includes Phe43. The Phe43 aromatic ring protrudes outward from one edge of a loop connecting the C’C” strands of CD4 D1. Phe43 is a principal contact for HIV gp120. It interacts with conserved residues in the recessed CD4 binding pocket. Substitution of Phe43 abrogates CD4 binding to both gp120 and ⍺4β7. As such, the interactions of gp120 with both CD4 and ⍺4β7 reflect elements of their interactions with each other. These findings indicate that gp120 specificities for CD4 and ⍺4β7 are interrelated and suggest that selective pressures which produced a CD4 tropic virus that replicates in gut tissues are linked to a dynamic interaction between these two receptors.
Moving between worlds: Performance, the scene of empathy and flexible identity in Infernal Affairs
Authors: Byrne Sebastian
Published: December 2023

This article explores the bodily and psychological dimensions of Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s performance in Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s urban noir thriller, Infernal Affairs (2002), as a way of trying to comprehend the actor’s flexible, transnational stardom. Through a textual analysis of a pivotal scene from the film, the article argues that Leung’s facial acting facilitates an embodied and empathetic connection between the actor and the spectator, effectuated through cinematic techniques such as close-ups, editing and music. An embodied understanding of Leung’s facial work in the close-up thus challenges the existing scholarship that limits Leung’s transnational appeal to a restrained or minimalist acting style. A greater appreciation of Leung’s modulating, flexible and multi-layered performance is also illustrated through the scene’s juxtaposition of narrative and spectacle. The rupturing of the spectator’s empathetic and bodily engagement with Leung’s character during the spectacle sequence encourages the actor to shift his emotional response and bodily expressivity towards a performance delivery dictated by a flexible identity, thus bringing into relief the film’s preoccupation with a postcolonial identity crisis.
BRONZE LINK FROM THE BRIDLE FROM KULUNDA: CONTEXT OF THE FIND AND X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS
Authors:   Altai State University, A. TISHKIN , O. FILIPPOVA
Published: December 2023

The article for the first time publishes a metal link from an ancient bridle, accidentally discovered on the territory of the Klyuchevsky district of Altai Krai in the course of agricultural work. The circumstances and approximate location of the archaeological object are presented. A detailed description of the item is given, as well as the results of X-ray fluorescence analysis, with the help of which the chemical composition of the alloy used is established. Elements of horse equipment are important cultural and chronological markers. The next find allows supplementing the available information about the stay of ancient nomads on the territory of Kulunda. It has been deposited in the Altai State Museum of Local Lore (Barnaul).
Optimization of Energy for Proton Therapy with Pencil Beam Collimator Model in Craniopharyngioma Tumor Using MCNP6 Code
Authors: Putri Weni Antari , Riyatun Riyatun , Darmanto Darmanto , Suharyana Suharyana , Arianto Fajar
Published: December 2023

Computational simulations of proton therapy with a pencil beam collimator for craniopharyngioma have been done using MCNP6. A pencil beam was radiated towards cube shaped tumor cells in size 1.2 cm, located at a 5.4 cm depth from the surface of the scalp. A 0.1 cm pencil beam was radiated from the left 19.6 cm from the scalp. The cube of tumor cell is divided into the front layer, middle layer, and back layer. Each layer of the tumor cell is divided into 9 cubicles, thus there are 27 cubicles. Using various energy from 108 MeV to 115 MeV and various intensity of energy for each irradiation, it produces the dose for each cubicle in unit MeV/gram per proton. The best isodoses occurred in 5 variations of energy which is 108.2; 111.2; 113.4; 114.7 and 115 MeV. The healthy organ that received the largest dose of the proton is the brain, it is (7.38±0.01)×10-2 MeV/gram per proton, or only 0.412% compared to the tumor cell dose.
Development of Sasirangan Liquid Waste Treatment System Using Ozonization Method Using Composite Ceramic Filter Media Based on Water Chestnut (Eleocharis Dulcis)
Authors: Khalis Raida Salsabila , Margareta Margareta , Hasbullah Hasbullah , Suarso Eka , Fitriana Syifa , Farisa Ulya
Published: December 2023

Sasirangan Liquid Waste (SLW) contains heavy metals and chemicals with BOD and COD concentrations exceeding the waste water quality standards in accordance with the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number P.16 of 2019. The aim of this research is to design and develop a SLW processing system using filter media and composite ceramics made from water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis). Based on previous research, using the filtration method; filtration and adsorption; filtration, adsorption, sedimentation and ozonization. Filtration method can remove solid particles and sediment from water, so the water appears clearer. The water purification process that involves a filtration method using slow sand filter (SSF), which additional processes are needed either before or after the SSF is carried out. Meanwhile, the use of water chestnut has been carried out by several researchers due to its high active carbon content, namely 50.68%. In this research, we combine several methods including filtration, sedimentation, and ozonization. Water chestnut has a bound carbon content of 84.53% after being activated with an H2SO4 activator, where the largest porosity is found in ceramics with activated charcoal composite materials with variations of the H2SO4 activator. Apart from that, chestnut also has a cellulose content of 35.32% so it has the potential to be effective as a ceramic composite material in sasirangan liquid waste processing filters, especially as an adsorbent. The benefits obtained from the results of this research can be a scientific reference for the use of water chestnut as a filter media and composite ceramic.
Hodnocení úrovně well-beingu a nastavení mysli u vybraných vysokoškolských studentů ve vztahu k jejich akademické úspěšnosti
Authors: Kočí Jana , Koldová Petra
Published: December 2023

Akademický well-being vysokoškolských studentů si v poslední době získává pozornost jako jeden z hlavních zdravotních zájmů univerzit, které samy chtějí well-being svých studentů aktivně podporovat. Vysokoškoláci hledají způsob, jak zlepšit nejen svou osobní pohodu, ale také svou studijní úspěšnost. Výzkumy potvrzují korelaci mezi well-beingem studentů a jejich akademickým výkonem. Neustále rostoucí problémy s duševním zdravím studentů, špatné studijní výsledky a zvýšená míra předčasného ukončování školní docházky vyžadují pravidelná empirická měření well-beingu studentů analyzující současný stav. Příspěvek prezentuje výsledky měření úrovně well-beingu u vybraných vysokoškolských studentů a jejich nastavení mysli ve vztahu k jejich akademické úspěšnosti. Dotazníkovým šetřením byla zjišťována úroveň akademického well-beingu u vybraných vysokoškolských studentů, životní spokojenost a hodnocení korelace mezi nastavením mysli a školní úspěšností respondentů. Při komparaci dat bylo zjištěno, že celková úroveň well-beingu u dotazovaných vysokoškolských studentů byla nadprůměrná, tedy 6,06 bodů na numerické hodnoticí škále 0-10 a nadprůměrná hodnota 6,8 bodů byla zaznamenána i u jejich spokojenosti se životem. Přesto, že respondenti reportovali vysokou psychickou pohodu s minimálními náznaky deprese, z dlouhodobého hlediska studenti uváděli, že jsou unavení a čelí vysoké míře stresu. Statisticky významná korelace mezi nastavením mysli a školní úspěšností byla naměřena pouze u studentů s hraničními výsledky (vysokou akademickou úspěšností či naopak velmi nízkou akademickou úspěšností). Jinými slovy, respondenti s výborným prospěchem vykazovali vyšší úroveň well-beingu a pozitivní nastavení mysli a studenti s nejvyšším váženým průměrem vykazovali nižší úroveň well-beingu a nastavení mysli. Závěrem lze konstatovat, že univerzitní a vysokoškolské vzdělávání by se mělo zaměřovat na obojí. Jak na akademické učení přinášející tradiční výsledky školní docházky, tak i na budování well-beingu a zdraví studentů, čímž dochází k podpoře nejen psychického zdraví studentů, ale i jejich dobrých akademických výsledků.
Correlation of Short Leukocyte Telomeres and Oxidative Stress with the Presence and Severity of Lung Cancer Explored by Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Belić Milica , Sopić Miron , Roksandić-Milenković Marina , Ćeriman Vesna , Guzonijić Azra , Vukašinović Aleksandra , Ostanek Barbara , Dimić Nemanja , Jovanović Dragana , Kotur-Stevuljević Jelena
Published: December 2023

Lung cancer (LC) is the second most common malignancy and leading cause of cancer death. The potential “culprit” for local and systemic telomere shortening in LC patients is oxidative stress. We investigated the correlation between the peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) telomere length (TL) and the presence/severity of LC and oxidative stress, and its usefulness as LC diagnostic marker. PBL TL was measured in 89 LC patients and 83 healthy subjects using the modified Cawthon RTq-PCR method. The relative PBL TL, found to be a potential diagnostic marker for LC with very good accuracy (P < 0.001), was significantly shorter in patients compared to the control group (CG) (P < 0.001). Significantly shorter telomeres were found in patients with LC TNM stage IV than in patients with stages I-III (P = 0.014), in patients without therapy compared to those on therapy (P = 0.008), and in patients with partial response and stable/progressive disease compared to those with complete response (P = 0.039). The total oxidant status (TOS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher in patients compared to CG (P < 0.001) and correlated negatively with TL in both patients and CG (P < 0.001). PCA showed a relation between PAB and TL, and between the EGFR status and TL. Oxidative stress and PBL telomere shortening are probably associated with LC development and progression.
Regulation of Dihydropyrimidinase-like 3 Gene Expression by MicroRNAs in PC12 Cells with Induced Ischaemia and Hypothermia
Authors: Kwon Kisang , Song Ji-Hye , Park Hyewon , Kwon O-Yu , Kim Seung-Whan
Published: December 2023

Although hypothermic treatment has been reported to have some beneficial effects on ischaemia at the clinical level, the mechanism of ischaemia suppression by hypothermia remains unclear due to a lack of mechanism understanding and insufficient data. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize microRNAs specifically expressed in ischaemia-hypothermia for the dihydropyrimidinase-like 3 (Dpysl3) gene. PC12 cells were induced with CoCl2 for chemical ischaemia and incubated at 32 ℃ for hypothermia. In ischaemia-hypothermia, four types of microRNAs (miR-106b-5p, miR-194-5p, miR-326-5p, and miR-497-5p) were highly related to the Dpysl3 gene based on exosomal microRNA analysis. Dpysl3 gene expression was up-regulated by miR-497-5p but down-regulated by miR-106b-5p, miR-194-5p and miR-326-5p. Our results suggest that these four microRNAs are involved in the regulation of Dpysl3 gene expression. These findings provide valuable clues that exosomal microRNAs could be used as therapeutic targets for effective treatment of ischaemia.
Stereocomplex PLLA–PBAT copolymer and its composites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes for electrostatic dissipative application
Authors: Veang-in Onpreeya , Srithep Yottha , Morris John , Aussawasathien Darunee , Worajittiphon Patnarin
Published: December 2023

Because of its low thermal stability and brittleness, both the drawbacks of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) were solved by forming stereocomplex (ST) and its copolymer with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLLA–PBAT). In this study, we synthesized PLLA and PLLA–PBAT copolymer by ring-opening polymerization. Both polymers were blended with poly(d-lactide) to form ST crystals. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were added into the polymer matrix at 5 phr by the solvent casting method. The surface resistance of the composite was ≅106 Ω, which is appropriate for electrostatic dissipative purposes. The copolymer and its ST crystallites were confirmed by the peaks in infrared spectra at 922 and 908 cm−1, respectively. The PLLA–PBAT copolymer had 60% lower tensile strength than PLLA and its stereocomplex, but 10% higher elongation at break. The elongation at break of the PLLA–PBAT copolymer/MWCNT composite decreased by 17% while its thermal stability slightly increased when compared to the unfilled copolymer. The melting temperature for both ST PLLA–PBAT copolymers, with and without MWCNTs, was around 225°C, which is 50°C higher than that of the homocrystals. Moreover, the glass transition temperature and crystallinity of the ST PLLA–PBAT copolymer also increased by adding MWCNTs.
Rainfall-induced transportation embankment failure: A review
Authors: Linrong Xu , Usman Aliyu Bamaiyi , Bello Al-Amin Danladi , Yongwei Li
Published: December 2023

Rainfall is one of the leading causes of transportation embankment failure. Similarly, the fill material properties and the loading conditions of the embankment serve as principals for assessing the mechanisms of potential failures that are derived from rainfall-related events. These events affect the hydro-mechanical behaviors of embankment fills and cast doubt on the construction and service life of most transportation-infrastructure. This article presents a review, of existing available records to critically examine rainfall-induced transportation embankment failures, causes, mechanisms, existing measures, and prevention techniques. Consequently, a review of the susceptibility assessment of infrastructures due to rainfall-induced failures, particularly in China, and embankment characteristics and their effects on the duration, magnitude, and safety of the infrastructures was carried out. The study was able to classify rainfall conditions as they influence embankment stability. We suggest the development of local and global rainfall-embankment fill material relationships that will give unique information on how rainfall-events change the behavior of fill material and to what extent they trigger failures. A summary of some of the active processes leading to transportation embankment failures is presented. Finally, we concluded by identifying future and prospective rainfall-induced transportation embankment failures that will enhance monitoring and mitigation of instability in embankments.
The 𝔪-WG° inverse in the Minkowski space
Authors: Liu Xiaoji , Zhang Kaiyue , Jin Hongwei
Published: December 2023

In this article, we study the

m

{\mathfrak{m}}

-WG

∘

{}^{\circ }

inverse which presents a generalization of the

m

{\mathfrak{m}}

-WG inverse in the Minkowski space. We first show the existence and the uniqueness of the generalized inverse. Then, we discuss several properties and characterizations of the

m

{\mathfrak{m}}

-WG

∘

{}^{\circ }

inverse by using the core-EP decomposition. Applying the generalized inverse, we obtain the solutions of some matrix equations in Minkowski space.
User verification of Abbott Alinity HQ hematology analyzer
Authors: Bayraktar Nilufer , Topcu Deniz Ilhan
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the performance characteristics of the Alinity HQ hematology analyzer in a routine laboratory setting.

Methods

In the study, precision (short-term and long-term precision), accuracy (method comparison with Abbott Cell Dyn Ruby and estimation of bias), confirmation of a background (Limit of Blank, LoB), and carry-over were used to evaluate the performance of Alinity HQ as recommended by ICSH, CLSI guidelines EP15-A3, EP09, EP17A2, and H26-A2. Acceptance criteria were based on manufacturer technical specifications and the EFLM Biological Variation Database.

Results

According to the short-term precision results, except for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), all measurements exhibited coefficient variations (CV) lower than their verification limits. Basophil, eosinophil, and monocyte counts, as well as mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCHC, and red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD), did not meet the allowable imprecision criteria for the long-term precision study. The estimated bias for all analytes was within verification limits. However, the method comparison study showed concentration-dependent variations for MCHC, MCH, and mean platelet volume (MPV) parameters. Furthermore, the correlation of parameters between Alinity HQ and Cell Dyn Ruby ranged from 0.46 to 1.00. The LoB and carry-over studies demonstrated satisfactory performance for the Alinity HQ analyzer.

Conclusions

Although some parameters had higher CVs than expected and concentration-dependent bias, the overall analytical performance of Alinity HQ was found to be satisfactory. Alinity HQ is an accurate, highly precise analyzer with good analytical performance, suitable for high-volume laboratories.
Benefícios da participação paterna no processo gestacional
Authors: Farias Isadora Caroline , Fiorentin Lujácia Felipes , de Bortoli Cleunir de Fátima Candido
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: conhecer o processo de participação paterna durante o período gravídico na perspectiva das mulheres. Método: caracterizou-se por um estudo de campo de abordagem qualitativa e de caráter descritivo. Participaram dez puérperas, primíparas e multíparas e os dados coletados por meio da técnica de entrevista semiestruturada, no período de março a abril de 2021. A análise ocorreu pela técnica de análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: os resultados indicam que os benefícios do apoio paterno no processo gravídico, envolvem o apoio, a segurança e o empoderamento da mulher. Envolvimento do homem durante este período, fortalece o vínculo com a criança e reflete significativamente na saúde do binômio mãe e filho. Conclusões: a presença do companheiro durante esse processo, proporciona uma experiência única e prazerosa na vida da mulher.
Afetividade e ambiente de trabalho dos enfermeiros: estudo transversal
Authors: Ferreira Maria Margarida , Vidal Diogo Guedes , Teixeira Joana Margarida , Silva Mafalda Sofia , Parola Vitor Sérgio
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: identificar as relações de afetividade estabelecidas no ambiente de trabalho dos enfermeiros. Método: estudo quantitativo, do tipo analítico, transversal composto por 72 Enfermeiros a trabalharem nos serviços de internamento e de urgência. Foram aplicadas as escalas do “Bem-estar Psicológico”, “Estilo de Vida Fantástico” e “Ambiente de Trabalho da Prática de Enfermagem”.  Resultados: a amostra é constituída maioritariamente por enfermeiras (80,6%), solteiras (61,1%), 94,4% quase sempre tem alguém com quem conversar sobre assuntos importantes e 88,9% relata quase sempre dar e receber carinho. Falta de afeto impacta negativamente na perceção da colaboração entre médicos e enfermeiros, atualização dos planos de cuidados de enfermagem e relevância do diagnóstico de enfermagem. Conclusão: verificou-se um desequilíbrio nas dimensões afetividade e relações interpessoais, as quais influenciam negativamente a qualidade no ambiente de trabalho.
Auditory Corticofugal Neurons Transmit Auditory and Non-auditory Information During Behavior
Authors: Ford Alexander N. , Czarny Jordyn E. , Rogalla Meike M. , Quass Gunnar L. , Apostolides Pierre F.
Published: December 2023

Layer 5 pyramidal neurons of sensory cortices project “corticofugal” axons to myriad sub-cortical targets, thereby broadcasting high-level signals important for perception and learning. Recent studies suggestdendritic Ca2+spikesas key biophysical mechanisms supporting corticofugal neuron function: these long-lasting events drive burst firing, thereby initiating uniquely powerful signals to modulate sub-cortical representations and trigger learning-related plasticity. However, the behavioral relevance of corticofugal dendritic spikes is poorly understood. We shed light on this issue using 2-photon Ca2+imaging of auditory corticofugal dendrites as mice of either sex engage in a GO/NO-GO sound-discrimination task. Unexpectedly, only a minority of dendritic spikes were triggered by behaviorally relevant sounds under our conditions. Task related dendritic activity instead mostly followed sound cue termination and co-occurred with mice’s instrumental licking during the answer period of behavioral trials, irrespective of reward consumption. Temporally selective, optogenetic silencing of corticofugal neurons during the trial answer period impaired auditory discrimination learning. Thus, auditory corticofugal systems’ contribution to learning and plasticity may be partially nonsensory in nature.
Phosphorylation of RPT6 Controls Its Ability to Bind DNA and Regulate Gene Expression in the Hippocampus of Male Rats during Memory Formation
Authors: Farrell Kayla , Auerbach Aubrey , Musaus Madeline , Navabpour Shaghayegh , Liu Catherine , Lin Yu , Xie Hehuang , Jarome Timothy J.
Published: December 2023

Memory formation requires coordinated control of gene expression, protein synthesis, and ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS)-mediated protein degradation. The catalytic component of the UPS, the 26S proteasome, contains a 20S catalytic core surrounded by two 19S regulatory caps, and phosphorylation of the 19S cap regulatory subunit RPT6 at serine 120 (pRPT6-S120) has been widely implicated in controlling activity-dependent increases in proteasome activity. Recently, RPT6 was also shown to act outside the proteasome where it has a transcription factor-like role in the hippocampus during memory formation. However, little is known about the proteasome-independent function of “free” RPT6 in the brain or during memory formation and whether phosphorylation of S120 is required for this transcriptional control function. Here, we used RNA-sequencing along with novel genetic approaches and biochemical, molecular, and behavioral assays to test the hypothesis that pRPT6-S120 functions independently of the proteasome to bind DNA and regulate gene expression during memory formation. RNA-sequencing following siRNA-mediated knockdown of free RPT6 revealed 46 gene targets in the dorsal hippocampus of male rats following fear conditioning, where RPT6 was involved in transcriptional activation and repression. Through CRISPR-dCas9-mediated artificial placement of RPT6 at a target gene, we found that RPT6 DNA binding alone may be important for altering gene expression following learning. Further, CRISPR-dCas13-mediated conversion of S120 to glycine on RPT6 revealed that phosphorylation at S120 is necessary for RPT6 to bind DNA and properly regulate transcription during memory formation. Together, we reveal a novel function for phosphorylation of RPT6 in controlling gene transcription during memory formation.
Processamento e análise de backlog de vestígios de crimes sexuais pelo Laboratório Forense da Polícia Científica do Amapá
Authors: Miranda de Souza Mayque Paulo , Cáceres Durán Miguel Ángel , Maués Amaral Thiago , Santos de Brito Ana Flávia , Corrêa Oliveira Thales Alberto , Da Costa Francez Pablo Abdon
Published: December 2023

No Brasil, os crimes sexuais são muito frequentes. A devida coleta, acondicionamento, transporte e processamento de amostras biológicas é importante para o prosseguimento da investigação e solucionamento de casos. A formulação de leis específicas e a implementação dos bancos de perfis genéticos, fizeram com que perfis oriundos de amostras biológicas fossem submetidos aos bancos genéticos para realizar confrontos genéticos. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste artigo consistiu em analisar amostras de DNA provenientes de crimes sexuais, atendidos pelo Laboratório Forense da Polícia Científica do Amapá (PCA-AP), armazenadas entre os anos de 2008 e 2021, avaliando a qualidade dessas amostras. Um total de 876 amostras foram processadas, o qual compreenderam amostras coletadas da região vaginal, vulvar, anal, oral, dentre outras. Desse total, 229 amostras (26,14%) apresentaram DNA degradado, sendo o ano de 2008, o ano com maior percentual de amostras degradadas, em relação ao total de amostras armazenadas para cada ano, com 61,54%, e o ano de 2014 com o menor percentual, correspondendo a 10,91%. Das amostras processadas, 299 (34,13%) corresponderam a misturas de perfis genéticos, sendo o ano de 2021 o que apresentou o maior percentual de mistura de DNA, com 55,88%, e o ano de 2008, com a menor porcentagem de mistura de DNA (25,00%). Um total de 332 amostras (37,90%) tiveram seus perfis genéticos depositados no Banco Nacional de Perfis Genéticos (BNPG), sendo o ano de 2016 com maior porcentagem de perfis depositados (64,63%). Perfis genéticos depositados no BNPG podem ajudar na resolução e investigação de crimes sexuais e de outras vertentes, contribuindo assim para a redução de crimes.
Parathyroid adenoma apoplexy mimicking a thyroid bleeding cyst: a seemingly innocent condition that can be life-threatening
Authors: Van de Kerkhof Jasmine , Bijnens Jacqueline , De Geeter Frank , Dick Catherine , De Paepe Pascale , Van den Bruel Annick
Published: December 2023

Primary hyperparathyroidism most commonly presents with hypercalcaemia. Rarely, parathyroid apoplexy or haemorrhage mimicking a thyroid bleeding cyst is the first presentation of a parathyroid adenoma. A woman presented with a sudden-onset painful ‘goitre’. Ultrasound showed a cystic nodule located posterior to rather than in the right thyroid lobe, suggesting parathyroid adenoma bleeding. Biochemistry showed mild primary hyperparathyroidism. 99mTc-pertechnetate/sestamibi showed no uptake in the nodule, which was interpreted as a cold thyroid nodule. 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT showed uptake in the nodule, suggestive of a parathyroid adenoma. Persistent mild primary hyperparathyroidism complicated by nephrolithiasis and osteopenia favoured parathyroidectomy over a wait-and-see approach. The patient was referred for parathyroidectomy along with right thyroid lobectomy. Pathology showed an adenoma, with an eccentrically located cystic structure filled with red blood cells surrounded by a thickened fibrous capsule. In conclusion, cervical pain/haemorrhage with hypercalcaemia points to the diagnosis of parathyroid apoplexy, mimicking a thyroid bleeding cyst. Workup with ultrasound and, if available, 18F-choline PET/CT allows for timely surgery, minimizing the risk of recurrent and severe bleeding.

Learning points

A bleeding cyst may be located posterior to rather than in the thyroid, suggesting a parathyroid haemorrhage.

Neck pain and/or haemorrhage along with primary hyperparathyroidism point to parathyroid apoplexy.

A two-step presentation has been described, with a first phase of local symptoms to be followed by visible and possibly life-threatening compressing bleeding.

Therefore, an expedited workup is needed, allowing for timely surgery.
Spermatogonial depletion and a spermatogenesis defect in the Dp(16)1Yey mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Dard Rodolphe , Tutunaru Anastasia , Bouassida Malek , Balde Camara Aissatu , Parizot Estelle , Kassis Nadim , Fortemps Joanne , Cierniewski Céline , Racine Chrystele , Di-Clemente Nathalie , Vialard François , Janel Nathalie
Published: December 2023

In brief

Little is known about the mechanism responsible for male infertility in Down syndrome. Duplication of Mmu16 chromosome (an orthologue of Hsa21, bearing Dyrk1A) in Dp(16)1Yey mice is responsible for impaired spermatogenesis through spermatogonial depletion and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal disorder in humans. Men with DS are infertile. The DYRK1A gene on Hsa21 is involved in several features of DS. Overexpression of the homolog dyrk1A disrupts primordial germ cell migration in zebrafish, and overexpression of Dyrk1A impairs gonadotropic axis function and the early stages of spermatogenesis in the mouse. Other genes on Hsa21 might be involved in the pathogenesis of infertility in DS. We investigated the Dp(16)1Yey mouse model of DS, which features segmental duplication of chromosome Mmu16 (orthologous to a large part of Hsa21 and carrying Dyrk1A and 112 other genes). Using an immunohistochemical assay for the spermatogonial marker STRA8, we observed spermatogonial depletion in the Dp(16)1Yey mouse. This was correlated with low mRNA expression of GFRα1 (a marker of the self-renewal stem cell pool) in an RT-qPCR assay and low protein expression of PLZF (a marker of differentiating stem cells) in a slot-blot assay. Spermatogenesis was present but impaired, with a low sperm count, low protamine-1 expression, a low testis weight, and a low seminiferous tubule diameter. Low circulating luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels and an elevated testis anti-Müllerian hormone level (as measured in ELISAs) revealed the presence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The Dp(16)1Yey mouse model of DS recapitulates observations made in zebrafish and mice overexpressing DYRK1A homologs. The presence of an excess of Mmu16 material perturbs spermatogenesis and the gonadotropic axis. More generally, DYRK1A’s role in human infertility (outside DS) remains to be characterized.
Los conceptos de la investigación interdisciplinaria
Authors: Muñoz Morales David , Gómez Navarro Juan Diego
Published: December 2023

This article gives a series of essential concepts to initiate an interdisciplinary research process. The purpose is to provide a glossary of analytical content and a brief contextualization of Rolando Garcia’s work on complex systems and interdiscipline that brings together, under our criteria, the most advanced science of complexity. We refer to the monumental work of Jean Piaget materialized in genetic epistemology, the general theory of systems of Ludwing Von Bertalanffy (1976) and the innovative explanations of physics and chemistry of the School of Brussels. Special mention is made of the historical materialism of Karl Marx (1867), which represents a transdisciplinary theory with the characteristics necessary for the study of the social system as organized, determined and structured by the multiple relationships between its subsystems. Finally, some examples are offered to clarify the fundamental processes in the application of an interdisciplinary research methodology consistent with the epistemology of complex systems. This work is intended as a very synthetic contribution, an analytical summary and a sort of reference manual for the investigation of hypercomplex phenomena: subject-centric and self-reflexive phenomena with the ability to think of themselves, which raises to the maximum the levels of complexity of their processes, that is, social phenomena.