bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reverse vaccinology-based identification of a novel surface lipoprotein that is an effective vaccine antigen against bovine infections caused by Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Islam Epshita A. , Fegan Jamie E. , Tefera Takele A. , Curran David M. , Waeckerlin Regula C. , Ng Dixon , Ahn Sang Kyun , Lai Chun Heng Royce , Nguyen Quynh Huong , Shah Megha , Tesfaw Liyuwork , Adamu Kassaye , Medhin Wubet W. , Legesse Abinet , Deresse Getaw , Getachew Belayneh , Rawlyk Neil , Evans Brock , Potter Andrew , Schryvers Anthony B. , Gray-Owen Scott D. , Moraes Trevor F.
Published: March 2023

Pasteurella multocida can infect a multitude of wild and domesticated animals, with infections in cattle resulting in hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) or contributing to bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. Current cattle vaccines against P. multocida consist of inactivated bacteria, which only offer limited and serogroup specific protection. Here, we describe a newly identified surface lipoprotein, PmSLP, that is present in nearly all annotated P. multocida strains isolated from cattle. Bovine associated variants span three of the four identified phylogenetic clusters, with PmSLP-1 and PmSLP-2 being restricted to BRD associated isolates and PmSLP-3 being restricted to isolates associated with HS. Recombinantly expressed, soluble PmSLP-1 (BRD-PmSLP) and PmSLP-3 (HS-PmSLP) vaccines were both able to provide full protection in a mouse sepsis model against the matched P. multocida strain, however no cross-protection and minimal serum IgG cross-reactivity was identified. Full protection against both challenge strains was achieved with a bivalent vaccine containing both BRD-PmSLP and HS-PmSLP, with serum IgG from immunized mice being highly reactive to both variants. Year-long stability studies with lyophilized antigen stored under various temperatures show no appreciable difference in biophysical properties or loss of efficacy in the mouse challenge model. PmSLP-1 and PmSLP-3 vaccines were each evaluated for immunogenicity in two independent cattle trials involving animals of different age ranges and breeds. In all four trials, vaccination with PmSLP resulted in an increase in antigen specific serum IgG over baseline. In a blinded cattle challenge study with a recently isolated HS strain, the matched HS-PmSLP vaccine showed strong efficacy (75–87.5% survival compared to 0% in the control group). Together, these data suggest that cattle vaccines composed of PmSLP antigens can be a practical and effective solution for preventing HS and BRD related P. multocida infections.
Evolución de la representación del dentista en el cine
Authors: Vidal Cyril
Published: March 2023

A lo largo de los años y con la evolución del cine, las representaciones de los dentistas también han evolucionado. Desde el cine mudo hasta el sonoro, desde el blanco y negro hasta el color, desde Hollywood hasta el cine europeo, hemos tratado de identificar las características del dentista en las películas. De ser un personaje secundario y anecdótico, ha pasado a ser el protagonista por excelencia.

De ser una caricatura y un argumento guionizado, el dentista se ha ido convirtiendo en un protagonista complejo. Estos cambios influyen en la percepción que el público tiene de la profesión dental, lo que permite esperar una mejor relación entre pacientes y dentistas, con el objetivo de mejorar la salud pública bucodental.
A clinical case of phosphopenic osteomalacia due to paraneoplastic secretion of metastatic prostate cance
Authors: Gronskaya S. A. , Golounina O. O. , Buklemishev Yu. V. , Khairieva A. V. , Degtyarev M. V. , Rozhinskaya L. Ya. , Belaya Zh. E.
Published: March 2023

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor can cause osteomalacia due to excessive secretion of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which disrupts the metabolism of phosphate and vitamin D. These tumors are predominantly benign, but less than 5% of them are malignant forms. This article presents the first clinical case in the Russian Federation of a 69-year-old patient with severe hypophosphatemia due to metastatic prostate cancer. Increased secretion of FGF23 are described in the androgen-resistent prostate cancer, which led to pronounced disorders of mineral metabolism, accompanied by a clinical symptom of weakness, pain in the bones, immobilization of the patient. The condition was regarded as worsening against the background of the progression of the disease. However, symptomatic therapy aimed at increasing the level of phosphate significantly improved the patient’s general condition. The medical community should be aware of the possibility of developing hypophosphatemia in patients with weakness and bone pain, which are not always associated with the progression of metastatic prostate cancer.
Approaches to organization of Fracture Liaison Services at the regional level with the involvement of primary care physicians
Authors: Evstigneeva L. P. , Kondakova V. G. , Dubowskoj A. V. , Avramenkova K. G.
Published: March 2023

To prevent fractures which the elderly and the very old might deal with is a strategic task for preserving the life quality of the elderly and their independence from outside help, as well as reduce the health care and social support economic costs. The most effective and cost-effective organizational structure for reducing fractures frequency is the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS). The foundation of FLS at the regional level includes various models of these services, which is associated with a multi-level system of trauma care, different numbers of attached population and different number of specialists. Firstly, these are identification, assessment of clinical risk factors for osteoporosis, investigation for secondary osteoporosis causes and treatment initiation in the FLS with follow-up in the primary health care in 12–18 months’ time. Secondly, these are identification, risks assessment, patients’ investigation in the FLS during 3 months with the follow-up treatment initiating by the primary health care physician. And thirdly, these are assessment, investigation and treatment initiation by a primary care doctor immediately after trauma care. In any case of the FLS organization, a patient who has had a fragility fracture in any period after the fracture will be under the supervision of a primary care physician, and therefore additional efforts should be made by healthcare organizers, heads of a medical organization and other specialists in order to increase the identification of the patients with osteoporosis, their examination and treatment with anti-osteoporotic drugs in the primary health care. The article presents the results of the studies confirming the effectiveness of FLS with a coordinator, educational activities for patients and doctors, the role of a traumatologist in motivating a patient for examination and treatment, and other options to help a primary care physician with identifying, diagnosing and treating patients after fragility fractures.
El desarrollo de la plenitud intrahistórica en san Agustín
Authors: Abbate Stefano
Published: March 2023

La importancia de la aportación de Agustín de Hipona acerca del estudio del fin de la historia y de la escatología es indiscutible. En este artículo se pretende reconstruir la evolución del pensamiento agustiniano desde una posición favorable a una plenitud intrahistórica de carácter eclesial —contenida particularmente en los «Sermones»— y el desarrollo de la «Ciudad de Dios» así como las razones de dicha evolución. El cambio de esta perspectiva se produce a través de una nueva exegesis del cap. XX del Apocalipsis donde Agustín parece negar dicha posibilidad.
Synthesis and characterization of a new complex based on antibiotic: Zirconium complex
Authors: Benmebarek Sabrina , Boussaa Sabiha Anas , Benmebarek Imad Eddine , Boudraa M’hamed , Merazig Hocine
Published: March 2023

It is well known that sulfonamide derivatives, through exchange of different functional groups without modification of the –S(O)2N(H)– function, can exhibit a wide variety of pharmacological activities. In addition, some metal complexes of these ligands have been prepared to promote rapid healing of burns in humans and animals, for example, the complex of Zn(ii) sulfadiazine. Their effectiveness does not depend solely on the slow release of the metal ion, but rather strongly on the nature of the material to which the metal is bound. Given the ability of sulfonamide derivatives to coordinate with metal atoms in different ways, considerable interest in the synthesis and structural aspects of new complexes has arisen. These results confirm that the significant chemical capacity of sulfonamides to act as ligands is based on the acidity of its –S(O)2N(H)– function, which gives a donor anionic ligand, allied to the presence of atoms vicinal to nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen of the heterocyclic ring, which provide the stereochemical requirements for the realization of complexes with monodentate ligand, chelating agent or bridging ligand, providing monomeric structures, dimeric arrangements and polymers. In addition, the aromatic amino group is responsible for the chemical versatility of the sulfonamides, since it can act as a coordination site, as well as a reactive site for chemical modifications of sulfonamide complexes with very interesting biological purposes. In the present work, the synthesis and structure of a novel sulfanilamide complex: nitro (4-aminobenzenesulfonamide) zirconium was presented. Characterization of the complex was performed by infrared spectroscopic, thermogravimetric and X-ray diffraction analysis.
Unions and Automation Risk: Who Bears the Cost of Automation?
Authors: Lee Changkeun , Kim Olivia Hye
Published: March 2023

Automation creates winners and losers. By examining establishment-level panel data, we explore how labour unions affect labor adjustment associated with automation. Although automation can increase new hires of junior and unskilled production workers, the presence of labour unions neutralizes these effects. The results suggest that labour unions have incentives to protect incumbent workers negatively affected by automation.
Entrepreneurship in Times of Crisis: A Comprehensive Review with Future Directions
Authors: Lee Yoowoo , Kim Jayoung , Mah Sunghyuck , Karr Angela
Published: March 2023

Despite an increased interest in crises within the field of entrepreneurship, there is still a lack of understanding about the interplay between different types of crises and entrepreneurship. In addition, the specific circumstances surrounding each type of crisis may also cause the conclusions of these studies to diverge or converge. To enhance our theoretical understanding of entrepreneurship during times of crisis, our review seeks to answer the following research questions: (1) How are the different types of crises addressed in entrepreneurship literature, and what similarities and differences exist? (2) How can we broaden our understanding and deepen our insights into the relationship between a crisis and entrepreneurship? In an effort to review the largest possible variety of crises that extends beyond political crises, natural disasters, and financial crises, we have also included a number of recent studies that examined COVID-19 from an entrepreneurial perspective. Following this, our study identifies six types of crises along with corresponding research themes, key findings, and critical shortcomings. This review also identifies multiple research gaps and suggests several future research directions, as well as theoretical approaches that researchers can take to build upon existing discussions surrounding entrepreneurship in times of crisis.
Body Integrity Dysphoria and “Just” Amputation: State-of-the-Art and Beyond
Authors: Loriga Leandro
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the foundation upon which the contemporary knowledge of body integrity dysphoria (BID) is built. According to the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition (ICD-11), the main feature of BID is an intense and persistent desire to become physically disabled in a significant way. Three putative aetiologies that are considered to explain the insurgence of the condition are discussed: neurological, psychological and postmodern theories. The concept of bodily representation within the medical context is highlighted, with the concept of dysphoria, which was brought to the fore with the introduction of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and the ICD-11. Contemporary issues of “justice” are addressed to identify ethically relevant distinctions between BID and sex reassignment surgery. It is argued that there is no ethically relevant difference between the BID actor’s desire for invasive surgical intervention and the wish of gender dysphoric individuals to undergo sex reassignment surgery procedures. Some BID actors self-mutilate, and this presents medical professionals with difficult choices regarding whether or not to intervene in order to satisfy the BID patient’s desire. Both abstention and intervention may lead to severe ethical complications for doctors and patients despite the positive outcomes in terms of quality of life for BID individuals who manage to undergo such procedures.
Presentation, management and outcomes of iliopsoas abscess at a University Teaching Hospital in Nepal
Authors: Sah Jayant Kumar , Adhikari Shankar , Sah Ganesh , Ghimire Bikal , Singh Yogendra Prasad
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is an uncommon clinical disease and is often missed to diagnose due to vague clinical presentation. Early treatment with drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy is necessary before sepsis sets in and become lethal. We conducted this study to evaluate clinical features, etiology, management strategies, and outcomes in patients with IPA from a University Teaching Hospital in Nepal.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 32 consecutive IPA cases managed at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal for the period of January 2019 to February 2022 was carried out.

Results

The mean age was 42.5 ± 19.1 years (range, 19–75 years) and the male: female ratio was 2.2:1. Two-thirds or more patients presented with fever, limp, fixed flexion deformity and/or low back pain. Ultrasonography (US) was diagnostic in 27 (84.4%) patients. Eighteen (56.3%) patients had primary IPAs, and 14 (43.7%) had secondary IPAs. Thirty (93.7%) patients were managed with US guided percutaneous drainage (PCD) and 2 (6.2%) patients underwent open surgical drainage. Drainage procedures were combined with antibiotics in all patients. Pus culture showed Staphylococcus aureus growing in the majority of cases (10 of 23, 43.5%). The hospital stay was longer in patients treated via surgical drainage compared to those who received PCD: 13 days (range 12–14 days) vs. 6.6 days (range 4–13 days), respectively. Recurrence of abscess was seen in 4 (12.5%) cases and all were successfully managed via a second PCD. There was no mortality.

Conclusions

Varying clinical presentation of iliopsoas abscess demand a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. Initial imaging modality in suspected case of IPA is US. US-guided PCD along with the appropriate antibiotics is a successful frontline treatment of IPAs with shorter hospital stay.
New non-augmented mixed finite element methods for the Navier–Stokes–Brinkman equations using Banach spaces
Authors: Gatica Gabriel N. , Núñez Nicolás , Ruiz-Baier Ricardo
Published: March 2023

In this paper we consider the Navier–Stokes–Brinkman equations, which constitute one of the most common nonlinear models utilized to simulate viscous fluids through porous media, and propose and analyze a Banach spaces-based approach yielding new mixed finite element methods for its numerical solution. In addition to the velocity and pressure, the strain rate tensor, the vorticity, and the stress tensor are introduced as auxiliary unknowns, and then the incompressibility condition is used to eliminate the pressure, which is computed afterwards by a postprocessing formula depending on the stress and the velocity. The resulting continuous formulation becomes a nonlinear perturbation of, in turn, a perturbed saddle point linear system, which is then rewritten as an equivalent fixed-point equation whose operator involved maps the velocity space into itself. The well-posedness of it is then analyzed by applying the classical Banach fixed point theorem, along with a smallness assumption on the data, the Babuška–Brezzi theory in Banach spaces, and a slight variant of a recently obtained solvability result for perturbed saddle point formulations in Banach spaces as well. The resulting Galerkin scheme is momentum-conservative. Its unique solvability is analyzed, under suitable hypotheses on the finite element subspaces, using a similar fixed-point strategy as in the continuous problem. A priori error estimates are rigorously derived, including also that for the pressure. We show that PEERS and AFW elements for the stress, the velocity, and the rotation, together with piecewise polynomials of a proper degree for the strain rate tensor, yield stable discrete schemes. Then, the approximation properties of these subspaces and the Céa estimate imply the respective rates of convergence. Finally, we include two and three dimensional numerical experiments that serve to corroborate the theoretical findings, and these tests illustrate the performance of the proposed mixed finite element methods.
Numerical investigations of flow in nuclear fuel assembly with spacer grid and OpenFOAM validation
Authors: Mistry Hemish
Published: March 2023

Spacer grids with mixing vanes have complex geometry and are used to support the fuel rods in nuclear fuel assemblies as well as to improve heat transfer by generating turbulence downstream of the spacer grid in the cores of the pressurized water reactors. To validate the CFD code OpenFOAM for relevant spacer grid geometries, numerical analyses on the OECD/NEA MATiS-H benchmark were performed. The flow behind two different types of spacer grid designs was analysed: split- and swirl-type. Initially, an appropriate inlet velocity profile was generated. In a next step, Computer-Aided Design models of the spacer grids were prepared and then meshed using ANSYS Mesher 19.2. Transient URANS simulations were performed with the k-ω-SST turbulence model and the results were compared with data. Good agreement was obtained for the mean velocity profile and the vorticity in the swirl-type configuration, while the numerical results slightly overestimated the transverse velocity profile at some measurements locations of the split-type configuration.

The content of this article was initially presented at the 33rd German CFD Network of Competence Meeting, held on March 22–23 at GRS in Garching, Germany.
Electrically tunable THz graphene metasurface wave retarders
Authors: Park Hyunwoo , Jeong Sodam , Seo Changwon , Park Hyeongi , Oh Donghak , Shim Jae-Eon , Lee Jaeyeong , Ha Taewoo , Kim Hyeon-Don , Baek Soojeong , Min Bumki , Kim Teun-Teun
Published: March 2023

Anisotropic materials with chirality or birefringence can be used to manipulate the polarization states of electromagnetic waves. However, the comparatively low anisotropy of natural materials hinders the miniaturization of optical components and devices at terahertz frequencies. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate that the relative phase retardation of a THz wave can be electrically controlled by integrating patterned mono- and bilayer graphene onto an otherwise isotropic metasurface. Specifically, we show that a refractive index for one of the orthogonal polarization states can be electrically controlled by modulating graphene’s conductivity, thereby weakening the capacitive coupling between adjacent meta-atoms in an anisotropic manner. With monolayer graphene, phase retardation of 15° to 81° between two orthogonal polarization states can be achieved. Maximum phase retardation of 90° through a metasurface with bilayer graphene suggests its use as a tunable quarter-wave plate. Continuous control from linear- to circular-polarization states may provide a wide range of opportunities for the development of compact THz polarization devices and polarization-sensitive THz technology.
Super-gain nanostructure with self-assembled well-wire complex energy-band engineering for high performance of tunable laser diodes
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Tai Hanxu , Duan Ruonan , Zheng Ming , Lu Wei , Shi Yue , Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Xing , Ning Yongqiang , Wu Jian
Published: March 2023

Although traditional quantum-confined nanostructures e.g. regular quantum wells or quantum dots have achieved huge success in the field of semiconductor lasers for past decades, these traditional nanostructures are encountering the difficulty of enhancing device performance to a higher level due to their inherent gain bottleneck. In this paper, we are proposing a new super-gain nanostructure based on self-assembled well-wire complex energy-band engineering with InGaAs-based materials to break through the existing bottleneck. The nanostructure is constructed by utilizing the special strain-driven indium (In)-segregation and the growth orientation-dependent on-GaAs multi-atomic step effects to achieve the distinguished ultra-wide and uniform super-gain spectra. The structural details and its luminescence mechanism are investigated by multiple measurement means and theoretical modeling. The polarized gain spectra with the max fluctuation of <3 cm−1 in 904 nm–998 nm for transverse electric (TE) mode and 904 nm–977 nm for transverse magnetic (TM) mode are simultaneously obtained with this nanostructure. It enables an ultra-low output power fluctuation of <0.7 dB and a nearly-constant threshold power throughout an ultra-wide wavelength range under a fixed injection level. It was difficult to realize these in the past. Therefore, the described super-gain nanostructure brings a brand-new chance of developing high performance of tunable laser diodes.
Modulatory effects of ergothioneine on behavioural responses of Arabian stallions following a 2,000 m race during the rainy and hot-dry seasons in a tropical environment
Authors: Adah Adakole S. , Ayo Joseph O. , Rekwot Peter I. , Aluwong Tagang , Adah Deborah A.
Published: March 2023

Experiments were performed to determine the effects of ergothioneine (ERG) on behavioural responses of stallions to exercise during hot-dry and rainy seasons. Eighteen healthy stallions were divided into three groups of six horses each. Group I (ERG + Exercise) was treated with ERG before exercise, group II was treated after exercise (Exercise + ERG), and group III (Exercise only) was not treated but subject to exercise. The stallions were subjected to a race of 2,000 m at maximum speed. The time spent standing by the horses in the ERG + Exercise and Exercise + ERG groups (1430.31 ± 30.73 s/30 min and 1403.32 ± 32.43 s/30 min, respectively) were higher (P < 0.0001) than the time spent standing in the Exercise-only group (1033.26 ± 21.19 s/30 min). The number of times the stallions bit their cribs per 30 min in the ERG + Exercise (0.38 ± 0.02/30 min) and Exercise + ERG (0.67 ± 0.0530 min) groups was lower (P < 0.0001) than that recorded in the Exercise-only group (3.51 ± 1.7730 min). It was concluded that ERG modulates behavioural responses to exercise in stallions, and the agent may be beneficial in alleviating exercise-induced stress responses and improving the welfare of horses post-exercise.
Determinants of Government Debt in Sub-Saharan African Countries: The Role of Conflict, Governance, and Economic Factors
Authors: Nikolaidou Eftychia , Okwoche Princewill
Published: March 2023

In recent years, there have been growing concerns around the implications of large fiscal imbalances in sub-Saharan African countries (SSA). An ongoing debate focuses, among other things, on the determinants of public debt in the sub-region. Much of the recent work has, however, employed descriptive methods in quantifying the extent of the debt problem and in explaining the drivers thereof. Moreover, most studies only consider macroeconomic factors. Instead of focusing only on macroeconomic factors, this study considers the influence of conflict and governance as important drivers of public debt in SSA countries given that most of them have experienced (or are still experiencing) conflict and poor governance. Focusing on a sample of 38 SSA countries over the period 1996–2019, it employs a variety of panel methods, namely, the pooled OLS, one- and two-way fixed effects, and instrumental variables fixed effects to facilitate the comparison of results. The study finds compelling evidence showing that conflict and governance are important determinants of SSA’s public debt in addition to the economic factors. Policy recommendations based on the findings are discussed.
Gift for the gods or scrapping over scrap metal? Metallographic examination of sword fragments from the Late Bronze Age hoard from Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Authors: Perez Gonzalez M. L. , Schwab R.
Published: March 2023

The deposition of metal in hoards appear throughout the European Bronze Age and there is on-going dispute about motivations behind the practice of hoarding metals at that period. Therefore, nine fragments of bronze swords from a late Bronze Age hoard have been investigated by metallography and X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) in order to evaluate their conditions. The objects do not show compositional deviations from contemporaneous material, but they are of poor quality showing considerable casting defects and pronounced dendritic segregation. They may never have been finished. Nonetheless, the reasons for their destruction and burial do not become evident.
Cultural Landscapes as Potential Tools for the Conservation of Rural Landscape Heritage Values. Using the Example of the Passau Abbey Cultural Site
Authors:   German National Tourist Guide Assosiation, Pentz Mónika , Albert Noémi ,   Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Pécs
Published: March 2023

Heritage values are receiving more attention today than they have ever before. Many international and local conventions, as well as legislations, deal with the conservation and valorization of heritage values. Among these, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention (UNESCO, 1972) and the International List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2003) are particularly important. This subject is also becoming more meaningful in the field of tourism. Ambitious tourists put an authentic environment first, and cultural tourism based on intellectual interest is one of the most dynamically developing types of tourism products (Gonda, 2016). One of the fundamental characteristics of a cultural landscape is change, which is reflected in the natural landscape and also in the features that fill the spaces. However, the changes that have taken place in recent decades have not only led to the loss of diversity of cultural and historical habitats. These have also resulted in a blurring of the images that characterize a region, with the consequent loss of aesthetic values and identity. The Bavarian example examined in my study is an attempt to map and record the current state of the Bavarian cultural landscape and to define recommendations for the various sectors as a guide for future generations.
EURO-ATLANTIC INTEGRATION OF FINLAND AND NORWAY: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Skripka Ivan , Erdynieva Oiuna ,   MGIMO University
Published: March 2023

The article provides a comparative analysis of the Euro-Atlantic integration carried out by Finland and Norway. The differences and similarities of the integration paths of the two countryes, the historical reasons for their choice, the pros and cons, as well as the immediate prospects for the integration policy in these states are considered. The article touches upon the issues of economic integration, military integration and their impact on relations with the Russian Federation. Finland and Norway are at different stages of integration processes due to historical conditions, as well as government decisions in the 20th century. In this regard, the question arises whether these countries could choose a different path of development and how their integration experience, which they acquired in different conditions and different time periods of history, correlates. Thus, Finland has a deeper economic integration into the European Union, and Norway has long-standing ties in the NATO military-political bloc. In addition, the article examines the impact of integration on relations between the studied countries and Russia. Particular attention is paid to changes in the politics and rhetoric of the Finns and Norwegians after the entry of Crimea into the Russian Federation and the start of the Special Military Operation in 2022.
SPAIN: AT THE START OF THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN – 2023
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Popov Ivan
Published: March 2023

The article analyzes the domestic political and economic results of 2022 in Spain on the eve of the start of the campaign for elections to local and autonomous authorities, as well as to the national parliament of the country. The stabilization of the socio-economic situation became possible in the context of unprecedented financial assistance from the European Union, as well as thanks to the active policy of social interventionism of the center-left government of Spain. Despite the relative internal political stability against the background of negative processes in the leading EU countries, there is no guarantee of maintaining positive dynamics in the economy and social sphere due to the country’s excessive dependence on the economic conjuncture of the European Union. The situation is aggravated by the persistence of the general crisis of the Spanish political system, which has developed because of the compromises of the post-Franco democratic transit period. Against the background of a complex and contradictory situation with the alignment of domestic political forces, the leading Spanish parties have actually come to a consensus in the field of foreign policy based on unconditional loyalty to the common line of the West. This position of the country’s leading parties contradicts the ideas about the national interests of Spain, formed by a significant part of the electorate, both left and right wing. Taking into account the real domestic political and economic situation, as well as due to the weak influence of the foreign policy factor on the Spanish electorate, the author concludes that following the results of the 2023 election campaign in Spain, no political party in the country will be able to form a stable parliamentary majority. Thus, the situation of increasing domestic political instability seems to be real, which could open the way to national politics for new forces capable of reorienting the country’s foreign policy in accordance with the sentiments of a significant part of Spanish voters.
CaMKIIα Promoter-Controlled Circuit Manipulations Target Both Pyramidal Cells and Inhibitory Interneurons in Cortical Networks
Authors: Veres Judit M. , Andrasi Tibor , Nagy-Pal Petra , Hajos Norbert
Published: March 2023

A key assumption in studies of cortical functions is that excitatory principal neurons, but not inhibitory cells express calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II subunit α (CaMKIIα) resulting in a widespread use of CaMKIIα promoter-driven protein expression for principal cell manipulation and monitoring their activities. Using neuroanatomical and electrophysiological methods we demonstrate that in addition to pyramidal neurons, multiple types of cortical GABAegic cells are targeted by adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) driven by the CaMKIIα promoter in both male and female mice. We tested the AAV5 and AAV9 serotype of viruses with either Channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2)-mCherry or Archaerhodopsin-T-green fluorescent protein (GFP) constructs, with different dilutions. We show that in all cases, the reporter proteins can visualize a large fraction of different interneuron types, including parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SST), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and cholecystokinin (CCK)-containing GABAergic cells, which altogether cover around 60% of the whole inhibitory cell population in cortical structures. Importantly, the expression of the excitatory opsin Channelrhodopsin 2 in the interneurons effectively drive spiking of infected GABAergic cells even if the immunodetectability of reporter proteins is ambiguous. Thus, our results challenge the use of CaMKIIα promoter-driven protein expression as a selective tool in targeting cortical glutamatergic neurons using viral vectors.
Gas7 Is a Novel Dendritic Spine Initiation Factor
Authors: Khanal Pushpa , Boskovic Zoran , Lahti Lauri , Ghimire Aruna , Minkeviciene Rimante , Opazo Patricio , Hotulainen Pirta
Published: March 2023

Brain stores new information by modifying connections between neurons. When new information is learnt, a group of neurons gets activated and they are connected to each other via synapses. Dendritic spines are protrusions along neuronal dendrites where excitatory synapses are located. Dendritic spines are the first structures to protrude out from the dendrite to reach out to other neurons and establish a new connection. Thus, it is expected that neuronal activity enhances spine initiation. However, the molecular mechanisms linking neuronal activity to spine initiation are poorly known. Membrane binding BAR domain proteins are involved in spine initiation, but it is not known whether neuronal activity affects BAR domain proteins. Here, we used bicuculline treatment to activate excitatory neurons in organotypic hippocampal slices. With this experimental setup, we identified F-BAR domain containing growth arrest-specific protein (Gas7) as a novel spine initiation factor responding to neuron activity. Upon bicuculline addition, Gas7 clustered to create spine initiation hotspots, thus increasing the probability to form new spines in activated neurons. Gas7 clustering and localization was dependent on PI3-kinase (PI3K) activity and intact F-BAR domain. Gas7 overexpression enhanced N-WASP localization to clusters as well as it increased the clustering of actin. Arp2/3 complex was required for normal Gas7-induced actin clustering. Gas7 overexpression increased and knock-down decreased spine density in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Taken together, we suggest that Gas7 creates platforms under the dendritic plasma membrane which facilitate spine initiation. These platforms grow on neuronal activation, increasing the probability of making new spines and new connections between active neurons. As such, we identified a novel molecular mechanism to link neuronal activity to the formation of new connections between neurons.
Perceptual Difficulty Regulates Attentional Gain Modulations in Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Sawetsuttipan Prapasiri , Phunchongharn Phond , Ounjai Kajornvut , Salazar Annalisa , Pongsuwan Sarigga , Intrachooto Singh , Serences John T. , Itthipuripat Sirawaj
Published: March 2023

Perceptual difficulty is sometimes used to manipulate selective attention. However, these two factors are logically distinct. Selective attention is defined by priority given to specific stimuli based on their behavioral relevance, whereas perceptual difficulty is often determined by perceptual demands required to discriminate relevant stimuli. That said, both perceptual difficulty and selective attention are thought to modulate the gain of neural responses in early sensory areas. Previous studies found that selectively attending to a stimulus or increasing perceptual difficulty enhanced the gain of neurons in visual cortex. However, some other studies suggest that perceptual difficulty can have either a null or even reversed effect on gain modulations in visual cortex. According to Yerkes–Dodson's Law, it is possible that this discrepancy arises because of an interaction between perceptual difficulty and attentional gain modulations yielding a nonlinear inverted-U function. Here, we used EEG to measure modulations in the visual cortex of male and female human participants performing an attention-cueing task where we systematically manipulated perceptual difficulty across blocks of trials. The behavioral and neural data implicate a nonlinear inverted-U relationship between selective attention and perceptual difficulty: a focused-attention cue led to larger response gain in both neural and behavioral data at intermediate difficulty levels compared with when the task was more or less difficult. Moreover, difficulty-related changes in attentional gain positively correlated with those predicted by quantitative modeling of the behavioral data. These findings suggest that perceptual difficulty mediates attention-related changes in perceptual performance via selective neural modulations in human visual cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBoth perceptual difficulty and selective attention are thought to influence perceptual performance by modulating response gain in early sensory areas. That said, less is known about how selective attention interacts with perceptual difficulty. Here, we measured neural gain modulations in the visual cortex of human participants performing an attention-cueing task where perceptual difficulty was systematically manipulated. Consistent with Yerkes–Dodson's Law, our behavioral and neural data implicate a nonlinear inverted-U relationship between selective attention and perceptual difficulty. These results suggest that perceptual difficulty mediates attention-related changes in perceptual performance via selective neural modulations in visual cortex, extending our understanding of the attentional operation under different levels of perceptual demands.
Concurrent- and After-Effects of Medial Temporal Lobe Stimulation on Directed Information Flow to and from Prefrontal and Parietal Cortices during Memory Formation
Authors: Das Anup , Menon Vinod
Published: March 2023

Electrical stimulation of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) has the potential to uncover causal circuit mechanisms underlying memory function. However, little is known about how MTL stimulation alters information flow with frontoparietal cortical regions implicated in episodic memory. We used intracranial EEG recordings from humans (14 participants, 10 females) to investigate how MTL stimulation alters directed information flow between MTL and PFC and between MTL and posterior parietal cortex (PPC). Participants performed a verbal episodic memory task during which they were presented with words and asked to recall them after a delay of ∼20 s; 50 Hz stimulation was applied to MTL electrodes on selected trials during memory encoding. Directed information flow was examined using phase transfer entropy. Behaviorally, we observed that MTL stimulation reduced memory recall. MTL stimulation decreased top-down PFC→MTL directed information flow during both memory encoding and subsequent memory recall, revealing aftereffects more than 20 s after end of stimulation. Stimulation suppressed top-down PFC→MTL influences to a greater extent than PPC→MTL. Finally, MTL→PFC information flow on stimulation trials was significantly lower for successful, compared with unsuccessful, memory recall; in contrast, MTL→ventral PPC information flow was higher for successful, compared with unsuccessful, memory recall. Together, these results demonstrate that the effects of MTL stimulation are behaviorally, regionally, and directionally specific, that MTL stimulation selectively impairs directional signaling with PFC, and that causal MTL-ventral PPC circuits support successful memory recall. Findings provide new insights into dynamic casual circuits underling episodic memory and their modulation by MTL stimulation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe medial temporal lobe (MTL) and its interactions with prefrontal and parietal cortices (PFC and PPC) play a critical role in human memory. Dysfunctional MTL-PFC and MTL-PPC circuits are prominent in psychiatric and neurologic disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Brain stimulation has emerged as a potential mechanism for enhancing memory and cognitive functions, but the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms and dynamic causal circuitry underlying bottom-up and top-down signaling involving the MTL are unknown. Here, we use intracranial EEG recordings to investigate the effects of MTL stimulation on causal signaling in key episodic memory circuits linking the MTL with PFC and PPC. Our findings have implications for translational applications aimed at realizing the promise of brain stimulation-based treatment of memory disorders.
Media Articulate Storyline Berbasis Nilai-Nilai Tradisi Rokat Phandaba pada Peserta Didik di SMAN 1 Grujugan Bondowoso
Authors: Triyanto Jefri Rieski
Published: March 2023

The aims of this study are as follows: (1) to analyze and find out the needs of historical learning media based on local wisdom values ​​at SMAN 1 Grujugan; (2) Knowing the procedure for developing an articulate storyline media based on the traditional values ​​of the Rokaat Phandeba; 3) Knowing the feasibility of the media articulate storyline that was developed based on the results of expert validation. This type of research is development or research and development by adopting the ADDIE model design (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation) in the product development process. The results of this study indicate that the history learning media used at SMAN 1 Grujugan still uses conventional media such as power point and only uses material from textbooks and internet sources. Second, the development of articulate storyline media was developed based on the primary sources of material from Rokat Phandaba by adopting the ADDIE model, starting from analyzing the needs of learning media in the field, making media designs developed, developing media articulate storylines based on the results of material validation tests and media validation tests by experts, implementation limited and broad, then the final step is to evaluate the media that was developed based on the results of the questionnaires given by students and teachers. Based on the validation results of learning media experts and material experts, the following percentages were obtained: (1) good 60%; (2) 10% is sufficient; (3) perfect 0%; (4) less than 0%; (5) significantly less 0%.
European pallets fabricated with composite wood blocks from tropical species reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose: Effects on the properties of blocks and static flexure of the pallet
Authors: Rigg-Aguilar Priscilla , Moya Róger , Vega-Baudrit José , Navarro-Mora Angel , Gaitan-Alvarez Johana
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to characterize the performance of composite wood blocks (CWB) by testing internal bonding, nail extraction resistance, and water absorption. The CWB were glued with two wood adhesives, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), and urea formaldehyde (UF), modified with 1% nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). Three tropical species were employed: Vochysia ferruginea, Cordia alliodora, and Gmelina arborea. In addition, the original European pallet in the static flexure test was evaluated. The results showed that the internal bonding relative to solid wood blocks (SWB) increased with both adhesives. Meanwhile, the CWB of V. ferruginea with UF and C. alliodora with PVAc showed the greatest resistance to nail extraction, while in G. arborea, the NCC increased the resistance to nail extraction. The CWB with modified adhesives absorbed more moisture, particularly with PVAc, compared with the SWB. In static flexure tests of the pallets fabricated with CWB, the load at the limit of proportionality and the maximum load increased, while deflections were lower, compared with SWB. The results showed the potential of utilizing NCC in CWB fabricated with tropical species.
Response surface optimization of alkali extraction and characterization of poplar hemicellulose
Authors: Shao Hui , Hu Yu , Sun Hui , Yang Biao , Fan Baomin , Zhang Huijuan
Published: March 2023

Hemicellulose was isolated from poplar powder using alkaline hydrolysis coupled with alcohol precipitation. Response surface methodology was applied to study the effects of sodium hydroxide concentration, reaction time, and temperature on the extraction yield. The optimal conditions for the extraction of the hemicellulose from poplar powder were an alkaline mass fraction of 9.5%, reaction time of 4 h and 12 min, and temperature of 78 °C. The extraction yield reached 52.8% under this optimal condition. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and sugar component analyses showed that the obtained hemicellulose with excellent water absorption and heat resistance consisted mainly of 4-O-methyl-glucurono-xylan, and the molar ratio of xylose to glucuronic acid on the molecule chains was 3.95.
Dimensional changes of cross-laminated specimens produced under different conditions due to humidity variation
Authors: Han Yeonjung , Park Yonggun , Yang Sang-Yun , Chung Hyunwoo , Chang Yoon-Seong , Yeo Hwanmyeong
Published: March 2023

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is becoming increasingly adopted into wooden construction of South Korea. Due to the lack of standards and protocol for CLT, there are many problems in the production and utilization phases. This study focused on the deformation and defects of CLT due to humidity variations. In this study, small, cross-laminated specimens were manufactured using three layers of laminated larch planks that had various moisture contents. The dimensional changes of these specimens were measured in response to changing internal conditions including side adhesion or moisture content variation and external conditions such as humidity. Shrinkage in width and thickness was less than 1.0% when using dry planks as the cross-laminated specimen. However, high-moisture content (MC) planks were not suitable when used as the surface layer of the CLT, as the shrinkage in width and thickness were greater than 2.0%. When high-MC planks are used in the inner layer, their shrinkage must be less than 2% to prevent splitting caused by a MC difference between the surface and inner planks. For this purpose, laminates with a MC less than 15% should be used for CLT.
Status investigation and damage analysis of the dougong under the external eaves of the main hall of Chuzu Temple in the Shaolin Temple Complex
Authors: Yao Ziyin , Que Yilin , Yang Xiaolin , Teng Qicheng , Li Zherui , Zhang Xiaolan , Cai Weizhen , Lv Hongyi , Hou Tongyu , Liu Yifan , Que Zeli
Published: March 2023

Chuzu Temple is one of the buildings in the historical architectural complex in “The Center of Heaven and Earth” in Dengfeng County. It is more than 800 years old. Currently, various kinds of damage can be found in the Chuzu Temple main hall. For more applicable conservation and renovation of the building, the status of the dougong (斗拱) under the external eaves of the Chuzu Temple main hall was investigated. Additionally, the existing types of damage and their causes were statistically analyzed to provide a practical reference for structural performance evaluations and protection reinforcement of the extant structure. According to the investigation results, 50.8% of the dougong members under the external eaves of the main hall had different types of damage. The main types of damage included detachment, plucking, holes, cracking, crushing, separation, and missing parts. The main causes were mechanical damage, bioerosion, and material degradation. Additionally, the study revealed that Larix sp., Ulmus sp., Quercus sp., and Populus sp. were the wood species used in the restoration to replace the antiquated wood.