bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ratio-dependent competitions between a
Wolbachia
-uninfected bisexual strain and
Wolbachia
-infected thelytokous strain of the egg parasitoid,
Trichogramma dendrolimi
Matsumura (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Dong Qian-Jin , He Yue , Dong Yu-Zhe , Che Wu-Nan , Zhou Jin-Cheng , Dong Hui
Published: May 2024

Background

Wolbachia
-infected thelytokous
Trichogramma
wasps have been considered as potential effective biocontrol agents against lepidopteran pests in agriculture and forests. However, intra-specific competition may arise when
Wolbachia
-infected thelytokous
Trichogramma
coexist with their uninfected bisexual counterparts in fields or during mass-rearing procedures. This competition could potentially impact the efficacy of
Trichogramma
females in biological control programs.

Results

This study examined the parasitic capacities of bisexual (
TdB
) and
Wolbachia
-infected thelytokous (
TdT
) strains of
Trichogramma dendrolimi
as influenced by host density (ranging from 5 to 70 host eggs) and wasp density (two, four, and six females per arena). The experiments involved inter-strain competition between
TdB
and
TdT
strains (Inter-
Td
) as well as intra-strain competition within the
TdT
(Intra-
TdT
) or
TdB
(Intra-
TdB
) strains. Results revealed that females in the Inter-
Td
group exhibited a higher attack rate compared to those in the Intra-
TdT
and Intra-
TdB
groups, irrespective of wasp density. Specifically, when six females were present, the Inter-
Td
group showed significantly shorter host handling times than the Intra-
TdT
group. Within intra-strain cohorts,
TdT
females displayed a lower attack rate than
TdB
females when four or six females were present, and longer host handling times when six females were present. Mutual interference between individuals was not affected by competition types. Females of the Inter-
Td
group exhibited a higher probability of superparasitism than those of the Intra-
TdB
group or Inter-
Td
group. When both strains coexisted, the proportion of
TdT
offspring with six females was higher than that with two females or four females. Male ratios of bisexual offspring in Inter
-Td
groups were higher than those in Intra
-TdB
groups. The male ratio of bisexual offspring in the Inter-
Td
group increased with wasp density.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the negative impact of
Wolbachia
on parasitic capacity of
Trichogramma
females, increasing the likelihood of superparasitism. The coexistence of both strains enhances total parasitic efficacy, albeit resulting in a higher proportion of male offspring compared to scenarios with only uninfected females. The results will provide the reference for the usage of
Wolbachia
-infected thelytokous strain of
T. dendrolimi
in augmentative biological control programs.
Effect of material characteristics of lead rubber isolators on seismic performance of box girder bridge
Authors: Baig Mirza Aamir , Ansari Imteyaz , Islam Nazrul
Published: May 2024

Near-field (NF) earthquakes have distinct ground motions, forward directivity pulses, and fling-step motions, causing structural responses to differ from far-field (FF) earthquakes. Seismic isolation is regarded as a developed and successful technology that may be applied to enhance a structure’s functionality and safeguard it against catastrophic earthquake effects. The variation in mechanical properties of seismic isolation also significantly influences bridge seismic response. The study investigates the influence of lead rubber (LRB) isolators and the characteristics of ground motions on seismically isolated bridges, aiming to determine optimal parameters for minimal earthquake response. Key parameters include ground motion characteristics, characteristic strength (Q), and isolator flexibility. The study modeled the force-deformation behavior of isolators using bilinear behavior, reflecting the Bouc-Wen hysteric model. CSI Bridge was used to model seismically isolated steel box girder bridges, with eight natural accelerograms assessing a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years. The peak responses of pier displacement (MPD), isolator hysteric energy (HED), base shear, and deck acceleration are chosen as the response parameters for the comparison. To evaluate the response parameters, the earthquake data are scaled to the three studied peak ground acceleration (PGA) levels of design level (0.2 g), extreme level (0.4 g), and rare-extreme level (0.8 g). The findings offer insight on the relevance of isolator stiffness and its influences on the seismic performance of isolated bridges. The study identifies minimum values for pier displacement, hysteric energy, deck acceleration, and base shear at specific Q/weight sustained by isolator (W) and time period (T) values. Recommendations are made for the preliminary seismic isolation design of bridges with LRB isolators, highlighting the importance of PGV to PGA ratio in earthquake damage assessment.
Ultracold atomic spin mixtures in ultrastable magnetic field environments
Authors: Cominotti Riccardo , Rogora Chiara , Zenesini Alessandro , Lamporesi Giacomo , Ferrari Gabriele
Published: May 2024

Ultracold atomic spin mixtures develop rich and intriguing magnetic properties when external radiation coherently couples different spin states. In particular, the coupled mixture may acquire a critical behavior when the spin interactions equal the coupling energy. However, atomic mixtures generally feature a relatively high sensitivity to magnetic fields that can set a limitation to the observable phenomena. In this article, we present an overview of experimental studies of magnetism based on superfluid multicomponent gases in an ultrastable magnetic field environment, which recently became available.
Controlled Antenatal Thyroid Screening Study III: Effects of Gestational Thyroid Status on Adolescent Brain Morphology
Authors: Scholz Anna , McNabb Carolyn B , Bloomfield Laura , Bhargava Raghav , Hales Charlotte , Dayan Colin M , Taylor Peter N , Lazarus John H , Okosieme Onyebuchi , Ludgate Marian , Jones Derek K , Rees D Aled
Published: May 2024

Context

Children born to mothers with gestational hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may have increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, the effects of maternal thyroid status on offspring brain development are unclear.

Objective

This work aimed to establish whether adolescent brain morphology is affected by suboptimal gestational thyroid function (SGTF).

Methods

The Controlled Antenatal Thyroid Screening (CATS) study randomly assigned mothers with SGTF to levothyroxine or no supplementation from approximately 12 weeks’ gestation. At age 9, children born to mothers who were overtreated with levothyroxine had a higher risk of conduct and hyperactivity traits. For the current CATS III study, children underwent neuroimaging studies, including T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 85 children aged 11 to 16 years had usable T1-weighted MRI data (exposed to untreated SGTF [n = 21], normal GTF [n = 24], or treated SGTF [optimally treated (n = 21), overtreated (n = 20)]). The primary outcome was to examine the association of SGTF and its treatment with global brain volumes. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were to investigate the association of maternal thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels with global and subregional brain volumes. Results were adjusted for age, sex, and pubertal scores.

Results

There were no significant differences in global brain volumetric measures between groups, including total gray matter volume (P = .373). Weak positive correlations were found between maternal TSH, but not FT4, levels and several brain volumes, but these did not survive testing for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that SGTF was associated with differences in adolescent brain morphology, and no effect of levothyroxine supplementation.
Uncontrolled Acromegaly Resulting in the Need for Left Ventricular Assist Device as Bridge to Heart Transplant
Authors: Murugesh Megana , Thelmo Franklin Llereña , Shirodkar Monika Khanna
Published: May 2024

Acromegaly is a rare pituitary condition stemming from hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH). Classic presentation involves enlarged hands, feet, and coarse facial features. However, late-onset cardiac manifestations develop in the absence of disease control. Of the various cardiac complications, heart failure is the rarest (3%-4% of cases). Here we present a case of acromegaly diagnosed after the patient exhibited symptoms of heart failure, with eventual placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to orthotopic heart transplant. The 37-year-old patient originally presented with exercise intolerance and “heavy heartbeats” but was found to be in acute decompensated heart failure, with an ejection fraction (EF) of 15%. The acromegaly diagnosis was confirmed with labs, and he began treatment with lanreotide 120 mg weekly along with 0.5 mg cabergoline twice weekly. EF improved up to 30%. Soon after, he was lost to follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic and returned with worsening EF. An LVAD was placed to support recovery while the patient awaited heart transplant. While LVADs are a common measure of cardiac support for ischemic cardiomyopathy, they can also be successful options in the setting of GH-driven cardiomegaly.
Short- and long-term exposure to high glucose induces unique transcriptional changes in osteoblasts in vitro
Authors: Jalava Niki , Arponen Milja , Widjaja Nicko , Heino Terhi J. , Ivaska Kaisa K.
Published: May 2024

Bone is increasingly recognized as a target for diabetic complications. In order to evaluate the direct effects of high glucose on bone, we investigated the global transcriptional changes induced by hyperglycemia in osteoblasts in vitro. Rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were differentiated into osteoblasts for 10 days, and prior to analysis, they were exposed to hyperglycemia (25 mM) for the short-term (1 or 3 days) or long-term (10 days). Genes and pathways regulated by hyperglycemia were identified using mRNA sequencing and verified with qPCR. Genes upregulated by 1-day hyperglycemia were, for example, related to extracellular matrix organization, collagen synthesis and bone formation. This stimulatory effect was attenuated by 3 days. Long-term exposure impaired osteoblast viability, and downregulated, for example, extracellular matrix organization and lysosomal pathways, and increased intracellular oxidative stress. Interestingly, transcriptional changes by different exposure times were mostly unique and only 89 common genes responding to glucose were identified. In conclusion, short-term hyperglycemia had a stimulatory effect on osteoblasts and bone formation, whereas long-term hyperglycemia had a negative effect on intracellular redox balance, osteoblast viability and function.
Inovação aberta no setor público: obstáculos e oportunidades
Authors: Burcharth Ana , Alsted Søndergaard Helle , Lage Becker Patrícia , Gitirana de Araujo Guerra Paulo Roberto
Published: May 2024

É hora de reduzir as barreiras para a inovação aberta no setor público a fim de melhorar a capacidade do governo de atender às necessidades da população.
Assessment of the seismic capacity of existing RC buildings short columns or soft storey, in accordance with the Second-Degree Pre-earthquake Inspection
Authors: PANAGOPOULOU MARIA , Lamprini Zochiou
Published: May 2024

The seismic capacity assessment of two three-storey reinforced concrete buildings constructed prior to 1984 is being conducted in this paper. Specifically, the case of short columns or soft storey on the ground floor is investigated and a comparison is made regarding the seismic response obtained for each case. The approximate method of the Second-degree pre-earthquake inspection is applied for the case of known and unknown of reinforcement amounts. The obtained results are then compared to the corresponding of a Non-linear static analysis. The primary criterion for the comparison is the failure index of the buildings, as derived from each method. The buildings are categorized into seismic categories according to the Second-degree pre-earthquake inspection, which are compared with the seismic classifications determined by KANEPE. The results of the failure indices and seismic categories according to the Second-degree pre-earthquake inspection were in great convergence with the corresponding results of failure indices in terms of acceleration and the seismic classifications according to KANEPE obtained when the Non-linear static analysis is applied. This convergence is particularly pronounced when known amounts of reinforcement are considered for the vertical elements. Furthermore, the seismic vulnerability of buildings with soft storey or short columns was confirmed in both methods in a similar manner.
An experimental investigation of rundown of the L-type calcium current
Authors: Agrawal Aditi , Clerx Michael , Wang Ken , Gissinger Evgenia , Gavaghan David J. , Polonchuk Liudmila , Mirams Gary R.
Published: May 2024

Background L-type calcium channels (LCCs) are multi-protein macro-molecular ion channel complexes that are involved in several critical functions in cardiac, skeletal, neuronal, smooth muscle, and endocrine cells. Like other ion channels, LCCs can be selectively over-expressed in a host cell line and studied using voltage-clamp patch-clamp experiments. However, L-type calcium current (ICaL) recordings commonly exhibit a reduction in current magnitude over time, commonly termed ‘rundown’. Previous studies have shown the effect of phosphorylation on rundown, here we provide evidence that accumulation of Ca2+ inside the cell also contributes towards ICaL rundown. Methods We generated experimental conditions that should promote the accumulation of sub-membrane Ca2+ in a CHO expression system, by increasing calcium import or decreasing export. These interventions took the form of: a decrease in inter-pulse duration between sweeps, block of the sodium-calcium exchanger, and increased temperature. Results On average, we found that current reduced to 63% of its initial value within 325 seconds. This reduction of current with time was found to follow two main patterns: linear or saturating decay. Additionally, current magnitude in some cells increased before stabilising or decaying. Conclusions This study shows that the rundown of ICaL in patch-clamp experiments can be reduced by modifying the experimental conditions, and implies that reduced accumulation of Ca2+ inside the cell membrane reduces calcium-dependent inactivation of ICaL.
Perceptions of policymakers and ethicists on ethical considerations in the conduct of research during disease outbreaks in Nigeria
Authors: Yakubu Aminu , Makinde Olusesan , Saxena Abha , Haire Bridget , Oyedeji Kolawole , Iliyasu Zubairu , Tegli Jemee , Chiedozie Ike G. , Danladi Ado , Borodo Musa M. , Foláyan Morẹ́nikẹ́ Oluwátóyìn
Published: May 2024

Background There is a dearth of literature on the perspectives of stakeholders from countries in Africa on the institution of a research culture as part of a holistic system of pandemic preparedness and response. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of policymakers, representatives from Research Ethics Committees (RECs), and international bioethics experts on the ethics of conducting research during infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria. Methods We conducted structured interviews with six policymakers actively engaged in disease outbreak response. The interview themes included systems and structures for research, local researcher competency, regulatory oversight, study types, ethical review approaches, and integrating research into outbreak response. We further engaged 12 participants including REC members from Nigeria and Liberia, international bioethics experts, and study co-investigators in a structured discussion to appraise and expand on themes identified during the interviews at a 2-day meeting in December 2018. We also held two virtual consultations afterwards. The findings from these processes were synthesized to develop a comprehensive report. Results Participants stressed the significance of conducting research during disease outbreaks to understand causal factors, evaluate public health measures, and inform future prevention and treatment strategies, and identified the need for clear ethical guidelines for RECs during outbreaks. Participants proposed a sliding scale for prioritizing categorized studies, emphasizing immediate solutions over future-focused research. Discussants proposed a "systems approach" to ethics review, emphasizing interdependence, governance structures, communication infrastructure, effective communication with policymakers, and a funding structure. Conclusion Conducting ethical research during disease outbreaks requires a comprehensive, context-dependent approach, involving stakeholders, and ensuring robust ethical oversight through proficient RECs. The proposed "System Approach" offers a model for sustainable and effective ethics review during outbreaks, fostering locally relevant and socially valuable research while prioritizing the well-being of research participants and communities.
Kategorie pedagogiczne w perspektywie gerontologiczno-biograficznej (refleksje z badań)
Authors: Sulik Monika
Published: May 2024

W artykule podjęta została próba ukazania kategorii pedagogicznych z perspektywy wiedzy i doświadczeń biograficznych osób w wieku senioralnym. Pod uwagę zostały wzięte opisane przez Józefa Górniewicza w interdyscyplinarny i usystematyzowany sposób: podmiotowość, odpowiedzialność, samorealizacja, tolerancja, twórczość, wyobraźnia oraz wyobraźnia moralna. Kategorie te w obli- czu dojmujących zmian, przeobrażeń i kryzysów społecznych obecnie w sposób szczególny wymagają redefinicji i aktualizacji jako kategorie znaczące. Co więcej, można dostrzec bardzo silne ich zakotwiczenie w obecnie wyjątkowo mocno wybrzmiewających w przestrzeni społecznej i pedagogicznej metakategoriach, którymi w moim przekonaniu są: obecność i uznanie. W artykule została ukazana również wartość i znaczenie dialogu międzypokoleniowego w poszukiwaniu wiedzy o sobie, świecie i o innych.
Studenci ze szczególnymi potrzebami w przestrzeni akademickiej na przykładzie Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Authors: Gutowska Anna
Published: May 2024

Celem artykułu jest zwrócenie uwagi na zmiany zachodzące w szkolnictwie wyższym, które dokonują się w kontekście wyzwań, jakie stanowi kształcenie osób ze szczególnymi potrzebami. Autorka artykułu, na przykładzie własnych doświadczeń wynikających z kierowania jednostką wspierającą w Uniwersytecie Łódzkim oraz doświadczeń nauczyciela akademickiego, omawia rozwiązania sto-sowane w tej uczelni. W tym celu dokonuje charakterystyki działań Akademickiego Centrum Wsparcia UŁ, poprzedzając to informacjami na temat kształcenia studentów ze szczególnymi potrzebami i jego jakości, a także aktualnymi regulacjami prawnymi dotyczącymi omawianego zagadnienia. W artykule przedstawiono także do- bre praktyki z zakresu dydaktyki akademickiej dostępnej dla osób ze szczególnymi potrzebami.
Association between personality disorders and migraine. A narrative review
Authors: Olek Ewa , Szewczyk Oliwia , Czarnecka Karolina , Korczak Anna , Burda Katarzyna , Wójcik Emilia , Łopacińska Olga , Stańczyk Katarzyna , Korn Aleksandra , Jędrzejczyk Justyna
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Migraine is one of the most prevalent types of headache and is a subject of many clinical trials. There are various risk factors associated with migraine occurrence, from hormonal and genetic to environmental. It is observed that some migraineurs have specific psychological features- sometimes called as migraine personality. This encouraged researchers to evaluate migraine patients in terms of psychiatric co-existing conditions.
Aim of study: The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between migraine and psychiatric comorbidities, primarily personality disorders.
Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in PubMed and Google Scholar Database with the use of keywords such as ”migraine”, “headache factors”, “personality disorder”, “migraine personality”, “migraine education”, “borderline personality disorder”, “anxious personality disorder”, “migraine health”, “depression and migraine”, “medication over-use in migraine”, “migraine comorbidities”, “depression”, “anxiety”.
Results: Investigation of available literature revealed the connection between migraine and personality disorders. Psychiatric comorbidities worsen the treatment prognosis, are a risk factor of medication overuse and chronic headaches.
Conclusion: Psychiatric comorbidities are frequent among migraineurs. Clinical evaluation of these patients should be complex and contain psychological and psychiatric analysis, especially in patients resistant to standard treatment.
The Interplay Between Individual Mobility, Health Risk, and Economic Choice: A Holistic Model for COVID-19 Policy Intervention
Authors: Yang Zihao , Krishnan Ramayya , Li Beibei
Published: May 2024

This paper was motivated by the need to simultaneously address two competing policy objectives during the course of the COVID pandemic: namely, the public health objective, which required people to be less mobile, and the economic objective, which aimed to ensure that the economy was not adversely affected by the constraints imposed by the first objective. To realize these objectives, we developed a data-informed approach to model human mobility, health risk, and economic activity jointly. This approach computes equilibrium between epidemic models of public health and economic activity under policy interventions that could be used to change people’s mobility behavior. Our approach is distinctive in its capacity to assemble proprietary data sets from public and private sectors at the individual and the zip code levels, which heretofore had not been used together. These data enabled customization of the population-level epidemic models widely used in public health (e.g., the SIR model) with individual-level data traces of mobility behaviors for assessment of public health risks. The outputs of the proposed model enabled parameterization of economic choice models of individuals’ economic decision-making. Various policy interventions and their capacities to shift the equilibrium between economic activity and public health were investigated in this study. Whereas the data-informed joint modeling approach was developed and tested in the pandemic context, it is generalizable for the evaluation of any counterfactual policy interventions.

History: Olivia R. Liu Sheng and W. Nick Street served as senior editors for this article.

Data Ethics & Reproducibility Note: The code capsule is available on Code Ocean at https://doi.org/10.24433/CO.4390192.v1 and in the e-Companion to this article (available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijds.2023.0013 ).
Liquid Welfare Guarantees for No-Regret Learning in Sequential Budgeted Auctions
Authors: Fikioris Giannis , Tardos Éva
Published: May 2024

We study the liquid welfare in sequential first-price auctions with budgeted buyers. We use a behavioral model for the buyers, assuming a learning style guarantee: the utility of each buyer is within a [Formula: see text] factor ([Formula: see text]) of the utility achievable by shading their value with the same factor at each iteration. We show a [Formula: see text] price of anarchy for liquid welfare when valuations are additive. This is in stark contrast to sequential second-price auctions, where the resulting liquid welfare can be arbitrarily smaller than the maximum liquid welfare, even when [Formula: see text]. We prove a lower bound of [Formula: see text] on the liquid welfare loss under the given assumption in first-price auctions. Our liquid welfare results extend when buyers have submodular valuations over the set of items they win across iterations with a slightly worse price of anarchy bound of [Formula: see text] compared with the guarantee for the additive case.

Funding: G. Fikioris is supported in part by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research [Grants FA9550-19-1-0183 and FA9550-23-1-0068], the Department of Defense (DoD) through the National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship Program, and the Onassis Foundation [Scholarship ID F ZS 068-1/2022-2023]. É. Tardos is supported in part by the NSF [Grant CCF-1408673] and AFOSR [Grants FA9550-19-1-0183, FA9550-23-1-0410, and FA9550-23-1-0068].
Simulation-Based Robust and Adaptive Optimization Method for Heteroscedastic Transportation Problems
Authors: Gu Ziyuan , Li Yifan , Saberi Meead , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: May 2024

Simulation-based optimization is an effective solution to complex transportation problems relying on stochastic simulations. However, existing studies generally perform a fixed number of evaluations for each decision vector across the design space, overlooking simulation heteroscedasticity and its effects on solution efficiency and robustness. In this paper, we treat the number of evaluations as an adaptive variable depending upon the simulation heteroscedasticity and the potential optimality of each decision vector. A statistical method, which automatically determines the variable number of evaluations, is presented for a range of derivative-free optimization methods. By fusing Bayesian inference with the probability of correct selection, it permits adaptive allocation of budgeted computational resources to achieve improved solution efficiency and robustness. The method is integrated with the deterministic global optimizer DIviding RECTangles (DIRECT) to yield NoisyDIRECT as a continuous simulation-based robust optimization method (which is open sourced). The key properties of the method are proved and discussed. Numerical experiments on difficult test functions are first conducted to verify the improvement of NoisyDIRECT compared with DIRECT and Bayesian optimization. Given the same computational budget, NoisyDIRECT can better locate the global optimum than the other two alternatives. Applications to representative simulation-based transportation problems, including an M/M/1 queueing problem and a parking pricing problem, are then presented. The results demonstrate the ability of NoisyDIRECT to pinpoint the optimal solution via adaptive computational resources allocation, achieving the desired level of robustness.

Funding: This work was supported by the Youth Program [Grant 52102375] and the Key Project [Grant 52131203] of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Youth Program [Grant BK20210247] of the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, and the High-Level Personnel Project of Jiangsu Province [Grant JSSCBS20220099].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2023.0485 .
Fetichismo e adultério em "Alma", de Oswald de Andrade
Authors: Araújo Bárbara Del Rio
Published: May 2024

O presente artigo busca investigar a novela Alma, primeira parte de Os condenados, no que concerne à configuração temática do adultério representada através do fetichismo pelo processo de uma modernização conservadora. Nesse aspecto, é possível compreender a crítica de Oswald de Andrade ao progresso nacional bem como verificar a desconstrução do moralismo típico associado ao patriarcalismo e ao viés religioso para lançar uma reflexão mais complexa sobre o funcionamento da sociedade. Esse aspecto revelará a importância da escritora Patrícia Galvão, a Pagu, na mudança ideológica do autor, agora associado ao comunismo e à recusa pelo desenvolvimento do capital. Deste modo, a narrativa consegue representar perspectivas diferentes sobre o tema e destaca o mérito dessa figura feminina na variação da percepção.
"Morning Song": um dos labirintos poético-biográficos, de Sylvia Plath
Authors: Marinho José Ignacio Ribeiro , Rocha Mathias Vinícius Santos
Published: May 2024

Morning Song é um dos poemas escritos pela norte-americana Sylvia Plath (1932–1963), enquadrado no livro Ariel, tendo sido publicado postumamente em 1965 – trata-se do primeiro poema contido no livro citado. Sylvia fez parte do modernismo nas letras americanas, circunscrevendo-se, sobremaneira, no movimento confessionalista. Assim sendo, o presente artigo, a princípio, fornece algumas considerações a respeito do panorama literário das décadas de 1950 e 1960 do século XX – momento em que se encontra o confessionalismo; em seguida, procura-se atestar a ligação entre a vida e a obra de Plath; por fim, analisa-se temático-estruturalmente Morning Song, localizando-se neste marcas que arquitetam e constituem o labirinto poético-biográfico plathiano. Como arcabouço teórico, recorremo-nos aos escritos de Plath (1965, 2017 e 2023) e às pesquisas de Rosenthal (1960), Perloff (1990), Teixeira (2017), dentre outros.
A melancolia do futuro e a circularidade nas narradoras-personagens de “Gosma Rosa”, de Fernanda Trías e “Anos Intoxicados”, de Mariana Enriquez
Authors: Porto Mariana
Published: May 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma análise literária comparativa entre o romance Gosma Rosa (2022), de Fernanda Trías, e o conto Anos Intoxicados, de Mariana Enriquez (2017), a partir do realismo performático reflexivo de Graciela Ravetti (2019) e do Catálogo dos Mortos, de Gustavo Ribeiro (2016). Esses autores serão utilizados teoricamente com o intuito de evidenciar de que forma a melancolia do futuro (Ravetti, 2019) e a circularidade/repetição (Ribeiro, 2016) estão presentes nas obras latino-americanas. A mais, este trabalho também visa verificar como a ausência do Estado se relaciona com a carência familiar das narradoras-personagens. Por fim, pretende-se averiguar se as narrativas de autoria feminina podem ser entendidas como uma memória arquival de sentimentos, experiências e acontecimentos da história da América Latina.
As monstras: mulheres que falam e as que se calam. Uma breve análise sobre a subalternização de personagens femininas na literatura ocidental
Authors: Caetano Morgana Silva Larotonda
Published: May 2024

Este artigo dispõe-se a tecer uma breve análise comparativa entre as posições de fala, combativas ou omissas, assumidas por personagens femininas em obras nas quais elas são protagonistas. A partir de uma análise contrastiva entre as protagonistas das narrativas literárias aqui abordadas, apoiando-se nas teorias dos sujeitos e alteridades, o presente texto visa investigar sobre as semelhanças entre personagens femininas, que desde a antiguidade, vêm assumindo figurações subalternizadas na literatura ocidental. Tais figurações originam uma bipartição dos estereótipos femininos, que permeiam a literatura ocidental de diversas sociedades e períodos históricos, ora representando, nessas obras, a mulher que fala, ora representando a mulher que se cala.
Não-ficção e pós-colonialismo: George Orwell e E.M. Forster
Authors: Conceição da Cunha Vinícius , Bars Closel Régis Augustus
Published: May 2024

Edward Morgan Forster e George Orwell foram exímios escritores do início do século XX, um século marcado por duas guerras mundiais e também pelo imperialismo. Os dois autores vivenciaram a guerra de perto, pois ambos trabalharam a favor da Coroa Britânica, em contextos diferentes. Ao investigar, sob a luz dos conceitos de pós-colonialismo, como ambos autores representaram suas realidades em relação ao imperialismo e também suas experiências em um país-colônia, como a, então, Índia-britânica, é possível realizar um levantamento de suas possíveis relações Eu/Outro e seus posicionamentos.
A escrita performática em "O peso do pássaro morto" (2017), de Aline Bei
Authors: França Lara Faria Jansen
Published: May 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar como a escrita performática articula efeitos de sentidos no romance premiado O peso do pássaro morto (2017), da escritora Aline Bei. Dessa maneira, será abordado a presença dos diferentes recursos expressivos presentes na construção narrativa, uma vez que o texto é marcado por uma hibridez que incorpora características de outros gêneros artísticos, como o teatro e a poesia. Para isso, a pesquisa se fundamenta em estudos de Cohen (2002), Silva (2010), Perrone-Moisés (2016), Alfeld (2021), entre outros que contribuem para a discussão da experimentação da linguagem na literatura e como ela se alicerça aos tratamentos de temas apresentados ao longo da obra, como o luto, a violência e a maternidade.
A arte de narrar no mundo moderno: uma leitura do conto “Natal na barca”, de Lygia Fagundes Telles
Authors: Carneiro Bárbara Maria Nunes Pereira , Borges Gomes Fernandes Alessandra Leila
Published: May 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma leitura do conto “Natal na barca”, de Lygia Fagundes Telles (2009), à luz do ensaio “O narrador”, de Walter Benjamin (1994). Visamos estabelecer uma relação metafórica entre as duas personagens interlocutoras presentes no conto em análise e a questão do desaparecimento da arte de narrar levantada por Benjamin, que coloca em contraste dois tipos de narrador, o tradicional e o moderno. Aproveitando o ensejo do texto teórico, traremos à baila o conto “A alexandrita”, de Leskov (2012), autor russo, apresentado por Benjamin, como exemplo de narrador legítimo, para endossar nossa leitura.
Spa Product Containing Plumeria acuminataand and Pandanus amaryllifolius Absolute for Antioxidant and Anti-wrinkle Activity: In vitro and In vivo Testing
Authors:   Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Taisakun Kunthida , Chansakaow Sunee ,   Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Poomanee Worrapan ,   Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Leelapornpisid Pimporn ,   Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the biological activities of Plumeria acuminata absolute (PLA), Pandan amaryllifolius absolute (PDA), and the essential oil blends (EOB2, EOB5) combining PLA, PDA, and other essential oils. It also aimed to identify the selected EOB for GC-MS analysis, develop this EOB into a cream, and determine its stability. Additionally, clinical evaluations were conducted to evaluate the cream’s efficacy on skin moisture, wrinkles, and irritation. PLA, PDA, and EOB2 exhibited potent anti-oxidants and anti-aging effects. They effectively showed free radicals scavenging (DPPH, ABTS), inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and suppressing hyaluronidase and collagenase activities. Due to its superior stability, EOB2 was selected for subsequent analysis. It demonstrated a potent inhibitory activity against MMP-2 enzymes. From GC-MS analysis, limonene was identified as the main component in EOB2. The 1.5%EOB cream maintained excellent stability under accelerated conditions. From the clinical study tested in 20 healthy volunteers after 8 weeks of twice diary application, it was found that the cream containing 1.5%EOB2 did not cause any skin irritation and significantly improved skin hydration. It also showed statistically significant decreases in wrinkle area, wrinkle depth, and skin roughness compared to the baseline. In conclusion, cream containing EOB could be a promising cosmeceutical or spa product for anti-aging purposes.
Endovascular treatment of ruptured lobulated anterior communicating artery aneurysms: A retrospective study of 24 patients
Authors: Huang Sheng-Xuan , Ai Xun-Ping , Kang Ze-Hui , Chen Zhi-Yong , Li Ren-Man , Wu Zu-Chao , Zhu Feng
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Lobulated intracranial aneurysm is a special type of aneurysm with at least one additional cyst in the neck or body of the aneurysm. Lobulated intracranial aneurysm is a complex aneurysm with complex morphology and structure and weak tumor wall, which is an independent risk factor for rupture and hemorrhage. Lobular aneurysms located in the anterior communicating artery complex account for 36.9% of all intracranial lobular aneurysms. Due to its special anatomical structure, both craniotomy and endovascular treatment are more difficult. Compared with single-capsule aneurysms, craniotomy for lobular intracranial aneurysms has a higher risk and complication rate.

AIM

To investigate the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment for ruptured lobulated anterior communicating artery aneurysm (ACoAA).

METHODS

Patients with ruptured lobulated ACoAA received endovascular treatment in Sanming First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University from June 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively included. Their demographic, clinical and imaging characteristics, endovascular treatment methods and follow-up results were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 24 patients with ruptured lobulated ACoAA were included, including 9 males (37.5%) and 15 females (62.5%). Their age was 56.2 ± 8.9 years old (range 39-74). The time from rupture to endovascular treatment was 10.9 ± 12.5 h. The maximum diameter of the aneurysms was 5.1 ± 1.0 mm and neck width were 3.0 ± 0.7 mm. Nineteen patients (79.2%) were double-lobed and 5 (20.8%) were multilobed. Fisher's grade: Grade 2 in 16 cases (66.7%), grade 3 in 6 cases (25%), and grade 4 in 2 cases (8.3%). Hunt-Hess grade: Grade 0-2 in 5 cases (20.8%), grade 3-5 in 19 cases (79.2%). Glasgow Coma Scale score: 9-12 in 14 cases (58.3%), 13-15 in 10 cases (41.7%). Immediately postprocedural Raymond-Roy grade: grade 1 in 23 cases (95. 8%), grade 2 in 1 case (4.2%). Raymond-Roy grade in imaging follow-up for 2 wk to 3 months: grade 1 in 23 cases (95.8%), grade 2 in 1 case (4.2%). Follow-up for 2 to 12 months showed that 21 patients (87.5%) had good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2), and there were no deaths.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment is a safe and effective treatment for ruptured lobulated AcoAA.
Impact of uterine artery embolization on ovarian function and pregnancy outcome after uterine-fibroids treatment: A prospective study
Authors: Liu Jing-Lei , Liang Zhi-Hui , Cui Bao , Liu Jian-Yu , Sun Li
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate from smooth muscle cells of the uterus. It is the most common gynecological disorder, affecting up to 80% of women of reproductive age. Uterine fibroids can cause various symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, and pregnancy complications. The treatment options for uterine fibroids include medical therapy, surgical intervention, and minimally invasive techniques.

AIM

To compare ovarian function of women with uterine fibroids who did or did not undergo uterine artery embolization (UAE).

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 87 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent UAE, and 87 women with the same symptoms who did not undergo UAE but received conservative management or other treatments. The two groups were matched for age, body mass index, parity, and baseline characteristics of uterine fibroids. The primary outcome was ovarian function that was evaluated by serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), as well as ovarian reserve tests, such as antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian volume (OV). The secondary outcome was fertility that was evaluated based on the menstrual cycle, ovulation, conception, pregnancy, and delivery. The participants were followed-up for 36 months and assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The study found that the most common minor complication of UAE was postembolization syndrome in 73.6% of women, resolving within a week. No significant differences were observed between the UAE group and the control group in serum levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, E2, AMH) and ovarian reserve indicators (AFC, OV) at any point up to 36 months post-treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences in conception, pregnancy, or delivery rates, with the average time to conception and gestational age at delivery being similar between the two groups. Birth weights were also comparable. Finally, there was no significant correlation between ovarian function, fertility indicators, and the type or amount of embolic agent used or the change in fibroids post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

UAE resulted in significantly positive pregnancy outcomes, no adverse events post-treatment, and is a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves ovarian function and fertility.
Role of savolitinib in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma with meningeal carcinomatosis and cerebellar metastasis: A case report
Authors: Weng Zhi-Yun , Huang Wen-Ye , Shi Bin-Kan , Pan Jian-Jia
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases (BM) are very rare in gastric adenocarcinoma (GaC), and patients with BMs have a higher mortality rate due to stronger tumor aggressiveness. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Genetic testing revealed cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor receptor (MET) amplification. Therefore, treatment with savolitinib, a small molecule inhibitor of c-Met, was selected.

CASE SUMMARY

A 66-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced GaC 6 months prior to presentation due to back pain. Cerebellar and meningeal metastases were observed during candonilimab combined with oxaliplatin and capecitabine therapy. The patient experienced frequent generalized seizures and persistent drowsiness in the emergency department. Genetic testing of cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood revealed increased MET amplification. After discussing treatment options with the patient, savolitinib tablets were administered. After a month of treatment, the intracranial lesions shrank considerably.

CONCLUSION

BM is very rare in advanced GaC, especially in meningeal cancer, that is characterized by rapid disease deterioration. There are very few effective treatment options available; however, technological breakthroughs in genomics have provided a basis for personalized treatment. Furthermore, MET amplification may be a key driver of BM in gastric cancer; however, this conclusion requires further investigation.
Tuberous sclerosis complex combined with primary lymphedema: A case report
Authors: Li Xing-Peng , Sun Xiao-Li , Liu Xin , Wen Zhe , Jiang Li-Hua , Fu Yan , Yue Yun-Long , Wang Ren-Gui
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and primary lymphedema (PLE) are both rare diseases, and it is even rarer for both to occur in the same patient. In this work, we have provided a detailed description of a patient's clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatment. And a retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 published relevant case reports.

CASE SUMMARY

A 16-year-old male came to our hospital for treatment due to right lower limb swelling. This swelling is already present from birth. The patient’s memory had been progressively declining. Seizures had occurred 1 year prior at an unknown frequency. The patient was diagnosed with TSC combined with PLE through multimodal imaging examination: Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and lymphoscintigraphy. The patient underwent liposuction. The swelling of the patient's right lower limb significantly improved after surgery. Epilepsy did not occur.after taking antiepileptic drugs and sirolimus.

CONCLUSION

TSC with PLE is a rare and systemic disease. Imaging can detect lesions of this disease, which are important for diagnosis and treatment.
Imaging features of malignant vs stone-induced biliary obstruction: Aspects to consider
Authors: Lindner Cristian
Published: May 2024

Radiological studies play a crucial role in the evaluation of patients with biliary duct obstruction, allowing for the guidance of clinical diagnosis towards a malignant or stone-induced etiology through the recognition of relevant imaging features, which must be continuously revisited given their prognostic significance. This article aims to emphasize the importance of recognizing crucial imaging aspects of malignant and stone-induced biliary obstruction.
Stately Metaphors: Aimé Césaire at the First World Festival of Negro Arts
Authors: Dean Julian Breandán
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Placing Aimé Césaire’s The Tragedy of King Christophe into its performance history at the First World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, Senegal, this article explores the use of tragic form in assessing the nation-state as a viable political structure in the wake of decolonization.
Therapy and the Curated Childhood: The Use and Abuse of Trauma Narratives in Parental Estrangement
Authors: Coleman Joshua
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Joshua Coleman explores the evolution of psychotherapy and the changing definition of trauma and its consequences for the rising incidence of parental estrangement. His study focuses on the pervasive use of trauma narratives, especially those describing parental neglect and abuse, in contemporary psychological therapy. Coleman questions the transformation of therapists into modern-day high priests. The increased influence of psychologists coupled with a proliferation of new psychiatric diagnoses and trauma-related concepts has led to the heightened emphasis on self-discovery and its dominance over cultural influences and other factors as responsible for unhappiness. Among the consequence of this therapeutic vision is an American society that offers less community vision and exaggerates individualistic explanations. Coleman also criticizes the reduced threshold for defining what is traumatic, thus providing the potential for false memories cultivated in therapeutic settings. Therapists have encouraged an escalating blame culture when examining familiar relationships, which contributes to rising incidences of parental estrangement. In conclusion, Coleman questions the evolution of society's preoccupation with childhood trauma as a means of explaining adult shortcomings and failures.
Photon-enhanced thermionic emission solar cells based on boron-doped graphene/carbon nanosphere composite aerogel photocathode material
Authors: Luo Shenghao , Liao Songchi , Wang Chengfeng , Fu Yuechun , He Huan , Shen Xiaoming
Published: May 2024

This study employed a two-step hydrothermal reduction process and freeze-drying technique. Initially, carbon nanosphere composite aerogels (CNSs) were synthesized through the hydrothermal reduction of glucose. Subsequently, boron-doped graphene/carbon nanosphere composite aerogel (BGA/CNS) was prepared by utilizing graphene oxide (GO) and boric acid as carbon (C) and boron (B) sources, respectively, in conjunction with CNS. The photo-enhanced thermionic electron emission (PETE) performance of the samples was assessed using a custom-made device. Boron atom doping was found to modulate the bandgap of graphene aerogel and induce P-type semiconductor characteristics, while the addition of CNSs increased its specific surface area, thereby enhancing its photoelectric properties. The results indicated that BGA/CNS-8h exhibited superior PETE effects, with a short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and maximum power of 5.81 µA, −2.10V, and −1.57µW.
DSP-based inter-channel interference monitoring in flexible wavelength-routed networks
Authors: Minelli Leonardo , Bosco Gabriella , Straullu Stefano , Nespola Antonino , Piciaccia Stefano , Pilori Dario
Published: May 2024

The efficiency of optical networks employing flexible wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) can be increased by maximizing the throughput of each individual channel, provided that the position of its neighboring channel is known with sufficient accuracy in order to avoid inter-channel interference. In this paper, we propose a digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm, leveraging the use of an artificial neural network (ANN), to estimate the neighboring channels’ distance by processing raw digital samples from a standard coherent receiver. We present an efficient dataset design approach, based on Latin hypercube sampling (LHS), in order to effectively optimize and validate the algorithm under different assumptions on the optical WDM channels. We investigate the accuracy of the ANN-based DSP scheme through simulation analysis, highlighting its potential in relation to the characteristics of the optical network. Finally, we validate our approach in an experimental setup using standard commercial coherent transceivers. The experimental results show that the distance from the neighboring WDM channels can be estimated with a root mean square error of less than 1.5 GHz for a channel under test with a symbol rate of 52 GBaud.