bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Review of Fixed Point Theory: Foundations, Applications, and Emerging Trends in Mathematical Spaces
Authors: Sangita Devi Konthoujam
Published: October 2024

Fixed point theory is a crucial branch of mathematical analysis that investigates the conditions under which a function returns a point to itself, symbolizing stability and equilibrium. This paper delves into various fixed point theorems within the contexts of metric spaces, Banach spaces, and Hilbert spaces, emphasizing their foundational importance and wide-ranging applications. The Banach Fixed Point Theorem guarantees the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for contraction mappings in complete metric spaces, while Brouwer's Fixed Point Theorem states that any continuous function mapping a compact convex set to it will have at least one fixed point. Recent developments have expanded these classical results to encompass new types of contraction mappings and generalized distance functions, enhancing their relevance in dynamic systems, control theory, and optimization challenges. Additionally, the paper discusses the Schauder Fixed Point Theorem in Banach spaces, highlighting its significance in analysing nonlinear operators. In Hilbert spaces, fixed point results are examined in relation to nonlinear integral equations and optimization methods, showcasing their practical implications in engineering and variation techniques. Emerging trends include the study of fixed point results in fuzzy and probabilistic environments, as well as the integration of computational approaches with traditional fixed point methods. This paper illustrates the continuous evolution of fixed point theory, connecting abstract mathematical principles with practical problem-solving across various fields. Finally, it proposes future research directions to further explore the potential of fixed point theory in modern mathematics.
Nursing process for patients with chronic wounds: A series of successful cases
Authors: Pulido Montes Maria Andreina , Castro Leydi , Jaimes Nelly Esperanza , Caceres Diana
Published: October 2024

The care of patients with chronic wounds represents a significant challenge for nursing. Recently, healing protocols have been developed that employ extracellular matrices (ECM), achieving complete wound regeneration. These protocols require an individualized care plan led by nurses, who work in multidisciplinary teams and provide a holistic view of the patient, thus improving care management processes. The nursing process, which includes research, logical analysis and interpersonal techniques, has been shown to improve the quality of care.
In this study, evidence was presented on the successful management of chronic wounds through a comprehensive protocol in a first level hospital in Girón, Colombia. Three patients with venous insufficiency who had received conventional management without success were selected. The assessment was performed using the NANDA domains, with a diagnosis of impaired skin integrity. The protocol included disinfection, application of Regenesis® matrix and appropriate dressings, with daily photographic follow-up.
The first patient, a 74-year-old woman with a 22-year-old venous ulcer, showed complete wound closure in six weeks. The second patient, a 53-year-old woman with a five-year-old venous ulcer, achieved closure in five weeks. The third patient, a 47-year-old man with a three-year-old venous ulcer, experienced complete closure in eight weeks. All patients showed significant improvements in their wound characteristics and had no adverse events.
The study concluded that the healing protocol, which integrates the nursing process, is effective in closing chronic wounds in a short period, even in patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. These results underscore the importance of strict adherence to standardized protocols and nurse-patient interaction for successful treatment
Updating the theoretical aspects and practical background of work stress and its assessment in teachers
Authors: Calderón Landívar Ruth , Carrera Macías María Angeline , Calazacón Aguavil Erika Mariela , Chávez-Arizala Jenrry Fredy
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Work stress is described as a series of physical and psychological reactions that occur when workers must cope with occupational demands.Objective: to update the state of the art of the theoretical aspects and practical background of work stress and its assessment in teachersMethod: a narrative review of the updated bibliography was carried out using recognized databases.Development: Stress is a natural reaction to the body; however, constantly remaining under that pressure can severely affect health. Mental stress is defined as that which is produced by anguish, worries in many cases of an economic or emotional nature, problems at work, among others: work stress, anxiety, depression, maladaptive beliefs, demotivation, work pressure, poor coping, etc.Conclusions: The assessment of work stress in teachers is crucial to identify factors that affect their well-being and performance. The theoretical aspects highlight the importance of adequate measurement methods, the relationship between stress and mental health, and the need to implement intervention strategies. Understanding these elements can improve working conditions and educational quality in the teaching field
Military Practices and Experiences and their Effects on the Environment
Authors: Adow Anass Hamadelneel
Published: October 2024

International humanitarian law provides the guidelines to meet environmental standards during military operations. Thus, we explore the effect of military spending on CO2 emissions in Saudi Arabia by using data from 1971-2022 and the cointegration technique. Moreover, the effect of fossil fuels on CO2 emissions is also tested along with testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in the model. The EKC is corroborated by the effect of economic progress on CO2 emissions in the long and short runs. Moreover, military spending raises CO2 emissions. A 1% increasing military spending raises 0.0414% of CO2 emissions. Thus, military operations and activities are responsible for environmental problems. The effect of fossil fuels is also positive and a 1% increasing fossil fuels raises 1.0984% of CO2 emissions. The short-run results substantiate the long-run conclusions with different elasticity parameters. The study suggests reducing military spending and operations to protect the environment. Moreover, fossil fuel consumption should also be reduced by shifting energy needs toward clean sources.
XÂY DỰNG MỘT SỐ GIẢI PHÁP NHẰM NÂNG CAO ĐẠO ĐỨC CÔNG VỤ CỦA ĐỘI NGŨ VIÊN CHỨC HIỆN NAY
Authors: ThS. BÙI THỊ BÌNH
Published: October 2024

Hệ thống các đơn vị sự nghiệp công lập (ĐVSNCL) trong các cơ quan của Đảng, Nhà nước, tổ chức chính trị - xã hội (CT-XH) từ Trung ương đến địa phương được tổ chức đa dạng, với nhiều nhiệm vụ và loại hình khác nhau. Với đông đảo đội ngũ trí thức, các nhà khoa học, viên chức công tác tại các ĐVSNCL đã có đóng góp to lớn đối với sự nghiệp xây dựng và bảo vệ Tổ quốc. mặc dù có nhiều đóng góp to lớn nhưng vẫn còn tồn tại nhiều khó khăn, hạn chế nhất định đặt ra yêu cầu không ngừng nâng cao chất lượng của đội ngũ viên chức hiện nay, ngoài việc nâng cao kiến thức, trình độ chuyên môn, kỹ năng mà còn phải nâng cao đạo đức công vụ. Bài viết nêu ra một số nguyên nhân dẫn đến tình trạng lệch chuẩn đạo đức công vụ và xây dựng một số giải pháp nhằm nâng cao đạo đức công vụ của đội ngũ viên chức hiện nay.
FRANCHISES DOUANIERES COMME MANQUE A GAGNER POUR LE TRESOR PUBLIC EN REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO
Authors:   Chef de Travaux et Doctorant en Sciences Politiques et Administratives de l’Université Pédagogique Nationale (UPN)/Kinshasa-RDC, BASUBI Emmanuel MUKAMBA
Published: October 2024

Cet article analyse l’impact des politiques publiques fiscales adoptées par l’Etat congolais sur les recettes fiscales douanières. Il en résulte qu’il existe de nombreux facteurs explicatifs de la baisse des recettes fiscales dans le pays, dont la conjonction serait à la base de la régression des recettes publiques constatées au cours des dernières décennies, et qui impacte négativement l’économie congolaise à travers les exonérations, notamment.
“Close-loop Urethral Stricture:" A Variant of Multiple Urethral Stricture Disease - Its Description, Management and Outcome: A Case Report
Authors: Odeyemi Peter Olalekan , Okunade Ibukun Adewumi , Idowu Najeem Adedamola , Abiola Olajide Olusegun , Olanipekun Olaolu Olusegun , Adedokun Stephen Ishola , Ekunnrin Olusola Tunde
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Urethral stricture disease is an abnormal narrowing and loss of distensibility of the urethra due to spongiofibrosis. It is commoner in young adult males. The management of this condition is diverse with various factors influencing the choice of  treatment. However, length of the stricture is a major determinant of the choice of treatment. Two or more stricture sites close together are also treated as long segment stricture. Our aim is to describe a variant of multiple urethral strictures consisting of two short segment complete strictures involving the proximal bulbar urethral and urethral meatus with intervening significant length of normal urethra "close-loop stricture" in a 46-year old man who had traumatic urethral catheterization and was referred to the urology clinic six months following suprapubic tube cystostomy.
 
KeywordsStricture, Meatotomy, Urethroplasty, Catheterization, Bouginage
Can cash and mobile pay co-exist? What the data tell us
Authors: Foster Kevin , Greene Claire , Stavins Joanna
Published: October 2024

As US consumers increasingly turn to multiple financial institutions, multiple FinTech providers and multiple payment apps, getting a full picture of the consumer’s wallet is rare. Drawing on data collected through the Survey and Diary of Consumer Payment Choice — a representative survey of US consumers conducted since 2008 — this paper provides insights into US consumers’ adoption of bank accounts and payment instruments, their recent use of payment instruments, their payment choices for purchases and bills, and the evolution in their practices over the last decade of innovation in payments.
Navigating the data economy : Key considerations for decision makers in banking
Authors: Cortet Mounaim , Lycklama Douwe , Groen Pepijn
Published: October 2024

The European Commission (EC) is advancing the data economy through a series of regulatory reforms aimed at giving customers control of their data and fostering innovation in third-party contexts. While the costs of developing existing banking infrastructures and creating open application programming interfaces have largely fallen on banks, third-party service providers have benefitted from new revenue streams and increased customer relevance. As a result, banks risk disintermediation with some customer segments. The impending Financial Data Access (FiDA) regulation is set to expand these dynamics by extending the range of financial data made accessible for third parties. Simultaneously, the entry into force of the Electronic Identification Authentication and Trust Services 2.0 (eIDAS2) introduces a digital wallet that allows consumers and businesses to share their identity credentials in online customer journeys, offering banks the potential to engage more effectively in the data economy. The key question is whether the new reforms will encourage banks to seek opportunities beyond compliance; more so than with the Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and open banking. This paper analyses the opportunities arising from FiDA, eIDAS2 and the Data Acts, providing strategic considerations for banks navigating the data economy. It emphasises that banks are ideally positioned to become data custodians by offering customers tools for the secure and reliable exchange of data-driven digital transactions across all sectors. Ultimately, this approach will unlock new value and enhance the relevance of banks in the data economy.
Design of Bionic Eye and Artificial Vision System a Unique Project Mobile Bio-Eye-Tronic System.
Authors: ELMAS Emin Taner
Published: October 2024

This article introduces the “Mobile Bio-Eye-Tronic System” which is an artificial vision system for the impaired (blind) people and also low vision (sight loss) people. “Mobile Bio-Eye-Tronic System” is a completely original project and unique to the author of this article. There are 45 million visually impaired (blind) people in the world and 135 million low vision (sight loss) people. 60% of blindness in the world is treatable and 20% is preventable. 25 million people are blind in Europe, 12 million in America, 9 million in India, 6 million in China, and 7 million in Africa. In Turkey, this number is approximately 300 thousand. Based on these statistics, the main aim of this article is to appeal to hundreds of thousands of people, to help them fulfill their daily activities, even partially, to improve the quality of life of these visually impaired people and to restore their health. In addition, the scientific and technical studies to be carried out on this subject will contribute to the enrichment of the literature on the subject and will also be beneficial for scientific and technical progress. When the current studies on bionic eyes are examined, there is no other system in the literature that obtains results using a mobile phone camera and software. The bionic eye stated in this article will be a first in this respect.
Agriculture Water Management is an Important Approach for Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change in Afghanistan
Authors: Rahmani Hizbullah , Abid Mohammad Omar
Published: October 2024

As climate change continues to impact Afghanistan, effective strategies for mitigating its effects are crucial to ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Agriculture's water management plays a vital role in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This article aims to highlight the significance of agriculture water management as an approach to addressing climate change challenges in Afghanistan. The study involved 29 farmers, and the approach included surveys and field observations. The findings found that the primary challenges in Paktika were a lack of irrigation water, old irrigation methods, a lack of modern irrigation systems, and farmers' lack of understanding about crop water requirements. To improve sustainable water management in irrigated agriculture, capacity building, and farmer education, providing knowledge and techniques for water-saving practices, sustainable irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler, rainwater harvesting, integrated water resource management, crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and strong policy frameworks and robust institutional support are necessary to promote agriculture water management.
High School Student’s Views and Perception about Climate Change
Authors: Dilsooz Dildar , Haqyar Hakeem Khan , Bayan Ehsanullah
Published: October 2024

Climate change is a global problem, and it has negative effects on people in different ways. The purpose of this research is to investigate Dur Baba distract high school students’ views and perceptions about climate change and its negative effects, 2023. There are three high schools with a total population of 4000 students in Dur Baba district. Based on the Cochran formula, 351 participants were selected. Data were collected by the researchers, who prepared a questionnaire with a systematic random sampling method. There were 117 students from each high school and 39 participants from each class (10th, 11th and 12th). The participants were between the ages of 15 and 21 years old. The collected data were transferred to the SPSS 24 version and analyzed by the descriptive statistic method, and the reliability of the questionnaire was checked (α = 0.79). The results of this study shows that the majority of high school students know about climate change and its negative effects, as most of them are worried and view climate change as affecting their lives and academic developments. Dur Baba distract high school students have higher knowledge about climate change events, and they know that climate change causes more financial, personal,  social and academic damages in life.
The Climate Change-induced Global Decisions and Destiny of Afghanistan's Coal Resources
Authors: Stanikzai Amin , Hemat Toryalai , Amir Mohammad Sabir
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the implications of global decisions on climate change for Afghanistan and the fate of its coal resources. As a responsible member of the international community, Afghanistan must consider the extent to which these decisions may impact its national interests. The global demand for energy has not only increased but also accelerated the search for energy resources, with coal being a widely used source. Afghanistan possesses vast reserves of coal, which are considered a significant national resource. The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum anticipates that this sector will play a vital role in terms of national income and investment in the future. However, the exact quantity of coal reserves in Afghanistan remains uncertain, ranging from 100 to 400 million tons or approximately three billion cubic meters. Environmental protection, public health, and social security are key concerns at the governmental level, as the combustion of coal and its byproducts contribute to climate change. Failure to address these issues could pose a significant threat to national resources, particularly coal. The findings of this study suggest that Afghanistan's mining sector, specifically the coal industry, may be impacted by international decisions on climate change in the long term. However, with the formulation of appropriate policies, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities.
Analysis of Meteorological Drought Changes in Afghanistan Using SPI Index
Authors: Sultani Aziz Ahmad , Mohammadi Bakhtiyar
Published: October 2024

Meteorological drought, as a natural and significant phenomenon in the field of hydrometeorology, refers to the scarcity of precipitation and moisture in a specific region. This research was conducted with the objectives of understanding the intensity and duration of weather droughts in Afghanistan, categorizing the extent of weather droughts in Afghanistan, and detecting the trend of weather droughts across the country. To investigate the droughts in Afghanistan, daily precipitation data from the Afrodite database version V1101 was utilized, which covered the statistical precipitation records during the period of 1950-2015. Using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) as a measure of drought severity, duration, and frequency, the status of droughts was examined. Based on the analysis, significant trends of droughts were observed in the northern, northeastern, southwestern, and northwestern regions of Afghanistan. Furthermore, the results indicated the occurrence of three periods: wet, normal, and drought, during the study period. The climatic conditions classification during our study period demonstrated that mild moist conditions occurred repeatedly in certain regions of Afghanistan, especially in provinces such as Khost, Paktia, Logar, Kabul, eastern Ghazni, Parwan, Panjshir, Bamyan, Kunduz, southern Takhar, Balkh, Jawzjan, Faryab, Badghis, and northern Herat. On the contrary, severe droughts were more prevalent in the eastern, northeastern, central, and southern regions of Afghanistan. Additionally, mild and moderate droughts were observed in many areas.
Climate Change-Induced Geoenvironmental Challenges in Faizabad City: A Case Study from 2010-2020
Authors: Zakir Zabihullah , Zaryab Mohammad Yatim , Rasikh Khairuddin
Published: October 2024

The issue of environmental change is a pressing concern in the world today, impacting various aspects of human life. This study aims to assess environmental changes in Faizabad City, located in the Badakhshan Province at the northeast of Afghanistan. The study utilizes a combination of comperhinsive reviws, field observations, and laboratory analysis. Specifically, the study focuses on climate change and its environmental impact on Faizabad City, affecting both human and non-human elements of the ecosystem. By analyzing data from 2010 to 2020, including rainfall patterns, population growth, and temperature fluctuations from reputable local and global meteorological sources, the study highlights significant trends in environmental parameters. The findings indicate a population growth rate exceeding 2% and a temperature increase of 0.5°C during the specified timeframe, alongside fluctuating precipitation levels characterized by both decreases and increases. Consequently, the study concludes that Faizabad City experiences significant warming trends and excessive population growth, posing challenges to planned urban development and geomorphic integrity, thereby compromising its aesthetic appeal.
The Useful Role of Hydrogen Energy on Climate Change
Authors: Kochai Khudaidad , Mirzakhil Attaullah , Mukhlis Sifatullah , Ulfat Waliimam , Elmi FazalKarim
Published: October 2024

This study was to review the useful role of hydrogen energy on climate change. After determining the dangers of using fossil fuels, Scientists are working on ways to find other energy sources that are easily accessible and have low pollution, a beneficial way is hydrogen energy, hydrogen is a substance that burns easily, and forms water vapors from combustion in open air, water electrolysis is a common method to obtain hydrogen, but the simplest way for producing water is from methane and steam, hydrogen is used as a liquid, in the form of compressed gas. Many car companies have made cars that are fueled by hydrogen, all the space agency uses it as fuel to launch defense satellites and missiles, so this energy has a bright future.
Dimensionality driven exchange coupling effect in cuprate-manganite superlattices
Authors: Ji Hui-Hui , Gao Xing-Guo , Li Zhi-Lan ,   Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center for Shanxi Advanced Permanent Magnetic Materials and Technology, Research Institute of Materials Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
Published: October 2024

The coupling and competition between various degrees of freedom at the interface of transition metal oxide heterointerfaces greatly enrich their physical properties and expand their relevant application scope. It has been reported that dimensionality is an effective method to regulate the properties of oxide heterostructure. The structure of SCO film exhibits a planar-type-to-chain-type transformation with the change of thickness. In this work, the high-quality SCO/LCMO superlattices are deposited by a pulsed laser deposition system. And the interfacial exchange coupling effect is effectively manipulated by controlling the dimensionality of SCO layer. X-ray absorption spectrum (XAS) measurement shows that the charge transfer occurs at the heterointerface. When the SCO layer is thin, the interfacial superexchange coupling supported by charge transfer generates a weak magnetic moment to pin the ferromagnetic LCMO layer. As the SCO layer thickens, the charge transfer will decrease. Meanwhile, the long-range antiferromagnetic order in thicken SCO layer can interact with LCMO layer, resulting in the exchange bias effect. This experiment confirms the important role of dimensionality in modulating the properties in multifunctional oxide heterostructure.
Development and application of cryogenic optical microscopy in photosynthesis research
Authors: Zhang Xian-Jun ,   Department of Chemistry, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan,   Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Published: October 2024

Efficient photosynthesis reaction is attributed to the flexible energy regulation of two important pigment-protein complexes, i.e. photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI). Cryogenic spectral microscopy provides information about the spatial distribution and physiological functional states of photosynthetic components in photosynthetic organisms. Under low temperatures, the uphill energy transfer between pigments is efficiently suppressed so that the temperature-dependent PSI can be well analyzed. Therefore, a cryogenic spectral microscope allows us to discuss the physiological events surrounding PSII and PSI in the independent microscopic zones. This technique can be used to complement the insufficiencies of cryogenic electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy in analyzing the photophysics and photochemistry of photosynthetic species. Historically, cryogenic optical microscopes originated from the desire for single-molecule spectroscopy detection. So far, the combination of optical microscopies and various spectroscopic techniques has expanded the possibility of studying photosynthesis from multiple perspectives. In this paper, the important and recent progress of cryogenic spectral microscopy in the field of natural photosynthesis research is reviewed from two aspects: single-molecule spectroscopy and single-cell spectroscopy, and the advantages of this technique in clarifying the correlation between structure variability and function of pigment-protein complexes, as well as the physiological responses of photosynthetic organisms to variable environments, are also illustrated.
Low-dimensional olfactory signatures of fruit ripening and fermentation
Authors: Zhou Yuansheng , O’Connell Thomas F , Ghaninia Majid , Smith Brian H , Hong Elizabeth J , Sharpee Tatyana O
Published: October 2024

Odors provide an important communication channel between plants and animals. Fruits, vital nutrient sources for animals, emit a complex array of monomolecular volatiles. Animals can use the structure of these mixtures to assess properties of fruit predictive of their nutritive and reproductive value. We analyzed the statistics of fruit odor mixtures sampled across stages of ripening and fermentation to find that they fall on a low-dimensional hyperbolic map. Hyperbolic maps, with their negative curvature and an exponentially expanding state options, are adept at describing hierarchical relationships in the data such as those arising from metabolic processes within fruits. In the hyperbolic map, samples followed a striking spiral trajectory. The spiral initiated near the map’s core, representing the under-ripe phase with specific profiles of monomolecular volatiles. Progressively mapping along the unfolding spiral trajectory were scent mixtures corresponding to ripening, and then rotting or fermentation. The unfolding process depended on the specific fermentation processes that dominated in the samples, determined largely by the microbes (e.g. bacteria or yeast) present in the sample. These results generalized across fruit types and describe trajectories in the natural odorant space with significant behavioral relevance for insects.
Hierarchical cortical plasticity in congenital sight impairment
Authors: Maimon-Mor Roni O , Farahbakhsh Mahtab , Hedger Nicholas , Rider Andrew T , Anderson Elaine J , Rees Geraint , Knapen Tomas , Michaelides Michel , Dekker Tessa M
Published: October 2024

A robust learning system balances adaptability to new experiences with stability of its foundational architecture. To investigate how the human brain implements this we used a new approach to study plasticity and stability across hierarchical processing stages in visual cortex. We compare the rod system of individuals born with rod-only photoreceptor inputs (achromatopsia) to the typically developed rod system, allowing us to dissociate impacts of life-long versus transient responses to altered input. Cortical input stages (V1) exhibited high stability, with structural hallmarks of deprivation and no retinotopic reorganisation. However, plasticity manifested as reorganised read-out of these inputs by higher-order cortex, in a pattern that could compensate for the lower resolution of a rod-only system and its lack of high-density foveal input. We propose that these hierarchical dynamics robustly optimize processing of available input and could reflect a broader principle of brain organisation with important implications for emerging sight-recue therapies.
A novel bioinformatics pipeline for the identification of immune inhibitory receptors as potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Singh Akashdip , Miranda Bedate Alberto , von Richthofen Helen J , Vijver Saskia V , van der Vlist Michiel , Kuhn Raphael , Yermanos Alexander , Kuball Jürgen J , Kesmir Can , Pascoal Ramos M Ines , Meyaard Linde
Published: October 2024

Despite major successes with inhibitory receptor blockade in cancer, the identification of novel inhibitory receptors as putative drug targets is needed due to lack of durable responses, therapy resistance, and side effects. Most inhibitory receptors signal via immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) and previous studies estimated that our genome contains over 1600 ITIM-bearing transmembrane proteins. However, testing and development of these candidates requires increased understanding of their expression patterns and likelihood to function as inhibitory receptor. Therefore, we designed a novel bioinformatics pipeline integrating machine learning-guided structural predictions and sequence-based likelihood models to identify putative inhibitory receptors. Using transcriptomics data of immune cells, we determined the expression of these novel inhibitory receptors, and classified them into previously proposed functional categories. Known and putative inhibitory receptors were expressed across different immune cell subsets with cell type-specific expression patterns. Furthermore, putative immune inhibitory receptors were differentially expressed in subsets of tumour infiltrating T cells. In conclusion, we present an inhibitory receptor pipeline that identifies 51 known and 390 novel human inhibitory receptors. This pipeline will support future drug target selection across diseases where therapeutic targeting of immune inhibitory receptors is warranted.
DNAH3 deficiency causes flagellar inner dynein arm loss and male infertility in humans and mice
Authors: Wang Xiang , Shen Gan , Yang Yihong , Jiang Chuan , Ruan Tiechao , Yang Xue , Zhuo Liangchai , Zhang Yingteng , Ou Yangdi , Zhao Xinya , Long Shunhua , Tang Xiangrong , Lin Tingting , Shen Ying
Published: October 2024

Axonemal protein complexes, including the outer and inner dynein arms (ODA/IDA), are highly ordered structures of the sperm flagella that drive sperm motility. Deficiencies in several axonemal proteins have been associated with male infertility, which is characterized by asthenozoospermia or asthenoteratozoospermia. Dynein axonemal heavy chain 3 (DNAH3) resides in the IDA and is highly expressed in the testis. However, the relationship between DNAH3 and male infertility is still unclear. Herein, we identified biallelic variants of
DNAH3
in four unrelated Han Chinese infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia through whole-exome sequencing (WES). These variants contributed to deficient DNAH3 expression in the patients’ sperm flagella. Importantly, the patients represented the anomalous sperm flagellar morphology, and the flagellar ultrastructure was severely disrupted. Intriguingly,
Dnah3
knockout (KO) male mice were also infertile, especially showing the severe reduction in sperm movement with the abnormal IDA and mitochondrion structure. Mechanically, nonfunctional DNAH3 expression resulted in decreased expression of IDA-associated proteins in the spermatozoa flagella of patients and KO mice, including DNAH1, DNAH6, and DNALI1, the deletion of which has been involved in disruption of sperm motility. Moreover, the infertility of patients with
DNAH3
variants and
Dnah3
KO mice could be rescued by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. Our findings indicated that
DNAH3
is a novel pathogenic gene for asthenoteratozoospermia and may further contribute to the diagnosis, genetic counseling, and prognosis of male infertility.
DTX3L ubiquitin ligase ubiquitinates single-stranded nucleic acids
Authors: Dearlove Emily L , Chatrin Chatrin , Buetow Lori , Ahmed Syed F , Schmidt Tobias , Bushell Martin , Smith Brian O , Huang Danny T
Published: October 2024

Ubiquitination typically involves covalent linking of ubiquitin (Ub) to a lysine residue on a protein substrate. Recently, new facets of this process have emerged, including Ub modification of non-proteinaceous substrates like ADP-ribose by the DELTEX E3 ligase family. Here, we show that the DELTEX family member DTX3L expands this non-proteinaceous substrate repertoire to include single-stranded DNA and RNA. Although the N-terminal region of DTX3L contains single-stranded nucleic acid binding domains and motifs, the minimal catalytically competent fragment comprises the C-terminal RING and DTC domains (RD). DTX3L-RD catalyses ubiquitination of the 3’-end of single-stranded DNA and RNA, as well as double-stranded DNA with a 3’ overhang of two or more nucleotides. This modification is reversibly cleaved by deubiquitinases. NMR and biochemical analyses reveal that the DTC domain binds single-stranded DNA and facilitates the catalysis of Ub transfer from RING-bound E2-conjugated Ub. Our study unveils the direct ubiquitination of nucleic acids by DTX3L, laying the groundwork for understanding its functional implications.
Wavenumber-dependent transmission of subthreshold waves on electrical synapses network model of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chang Iksoo , Chung Taegon , Kim Sangyeol
Published: October 2024

Recent experimental studies showed that electrically coupled neural networks like in mammalian inferior olive nucleus generate synchronized rhythmic activity by the subthreshold sinusoidal-like oscillations of the membrane voltage. Understanding the basic mechanism and its implication of such phenomena in the nervous system bears fundamental importance and requires preemptively the connectome information of a given nervous system. Inspired by these necessities of developing a theoretical and computational model to this end and, however, in the absence of connectome information for the inferior olive nucleus, here we investigated interference phenomena of the subthreshold oscillations in the reference system
Caenorhabditis elegans
for which the structural anatomical connectome was completely known recently. We evaluated how strongly the sinusoidal wave was transmitted between arbitrary two cells in the model network. The region of cell-pairs that are good at transmitting waves changed according to the wavenumber of the wave, for which we named a wavenumber-dependent transmission map. Also, we unraveled that 1) the transmission of all cell-pairs disappeared beyond a threshold wavenumber, 2) long-distance and regular patterned transmission existed in the body-wall muscles part of the model network, and 3) major hub cell-pairs of the transmission were identified for many wavenumber conditions. A theoretical and computational model presented in this study provided fundamental insight for understanding how the multi-path constructive/destructive interference of the subthreshold oscillations propagating on electrically coupled neural networks could generate wavenumber-dependent synchronized rhythmic activity.
Tripartite organization of brain state dynamics underlying spoken narrative comprehension
Authors: Liu Lanfang , Jiang Jiahao , Li Hehui , Ding Guosheng
Published: October 2024

Speech comprehension involves the dynamic interplay of multiple cognitive processes, from basic sound perception, to linguistic encoding, and finally to complex semantic-conceptual interpretations. How the brain handles the diverse streams of information processing remains poorly understood. Applying Hidden Markov Modeling to fMRI data obtained during spoken narrative comprehension, we reveal that the whole brain networks predominantly oscillate within a tripartite latent state space. These states are, respectively, characterized by high activities in the sensory-motor (State #1), bilateral temporal (State #2), and default mode networks (DMN; State #3) regions, with State #2 acting as a transitional hub. The three states are selectively modulated by the acoustic, word-level semantic, and clause-level semantic properties of the narrative. Moreover, the alignment with both the best performer and the group-mean in brain state expression can predict participants’ narrative comprehension scores measured from the post-scan recall. These results are reproducible with different brain network atlas and generalizable to two datasets consisting of young and older adults. Our study suggests that the brain underlies narrative comprehension by switching through a tripartite state space, with each state probably dedicated to a specific component of language faculty, and effective narrative comprehension relies on engaging those states in a timely manner.
Introduction
Authors: Parker Ben
Published: October 2024

This introductory chapter cites the frequent criticism of Victorian novels. It also highlights how Victorian recognition scenes have been indicted for their complicity in ideological closure. Victorian recognition scenes plot out the constitutive misrecognition of subjectivity through its entanglements and mediations within the capital. The chapter notes how Victorian novels frequently install capital as a site of opacity and misdirection. Moreover, the Victorian novel might critique the misrecognition of capital by locating the constitutive moments of subjectivity within the detours and blind spots of the capital. The chapter explains that reading capital in terms of misrecognized subjectivity allows people to see what is going on in the form of the Victorian novel.
Dismantling the Kurdish Landscape
Authors: Guvenç Muna
Published: October 2024

This chapter analyzes the Turkish state’s unprecedented urban intervention in the wake of the 2015 armed conflict between the Turkish army and the Kurdish guerrillas in Diyarbakır. Drawing on participant observation, interviews, and spatial analysis, the chapter demonstrates how Turkish state officials deployed a pedagogy of urban development and municipal service premised on the idea of Islamic progress to disarticulate the Kurdish bloc in Diyarbakır. The chapter first illustrates the simultaneous “destruction” of the built environment, including Kurdish-themed public parks and memorials, and the strategic reconstruction of the city—including new avenues, mosques, and Islamic cultural centers—as part of a campaign to subjugate Kurdish citizens to state power. It then looks at the adaptive urban strategies developed by the pro-Kurdish party in the face of new forms of state coercion The chapter considers why the state’s spatial interventions may fail to disarticulate the Kurdish bloc in Diyarbakır.
Conclusion
Authors: Guvenç Muna
Published: October 2024

This concluding chapter looks at evidence from the previous chapters to summarize the book’s main claims and suggest directions for future research on architecture and urbanism. The ways that the pro-Kurdish party deployed urban planning demonstrates that there is a possibility of wiggle room—space in which opposition can struggle, mobilize, at times even achieve social justice and equality. Studying wiggle room is a way of deciphering the capacities of urban space and urban networks for mobilization. The chapter then suggests two main analytical frameworks in urban analysis. First is the consideration of the slippery slope of party, state, and society relations in the city, rather than fixed lenses of state or nongovernmental actors. Second is the examination of the creative capacity of urban planning to shape politics—as an innovative resource to mobilize society, articulate political identity, and endure forces of coercion—as opposed to politics merely shaping urban space.
Relating
Authors: Blenkinsop Sean , Kuchta Estella
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines the intricate dialogues and communications within the temperate rainforest, highlighting the constant interaction between flora, fauna, and the elements through various sensory modes. The chapter describes the impact of physical environments on human behavior and worldview, emphasizing how spaces and landscapes can shape interactions, attitudes, and cultural practices. For instance, the cultural perception of learning as an indoor, structured activity can initially hinder outdoor education, which requires educators to challenge and reshape these perceptions. The chapter underscores the interconnectedness and interdependence of life and contrasts it with the Western emphasis on individualism. It argues that ecologizing education, by recognizing and fostering relationality over individuality, has the potential to transform mainstream culture positively.
Introduction
Authors: Cribiore Raffaella
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores Theodor Mommsen's unfinished History of Rome, noting his reluctance to complete it due to his distaste for the scandals and sexual anecdotes of the period. Instead, Mommsen focused on the Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum. The chapter draws parallels between Mommsen's lectures and ancient philosophical teaching, emphasizing the importance of note-taking in both contexts. The chapter underscores how notes taken by students during philosophical lectures provide valuable insights into ancient pedagogy and the transmission of philosophical ideas. It considers the broader implications of note-taking practices in antiquity, suggesting that these practices offer a more nuanced understanding of ancient education and cultural practices.
Introduction
Authors: Worsley Amelia
Published: October 2024

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the tradition of feminized literary loneliness. Loneliness has long been a key word in eighteenth-century poetics, which critics have used to retrospectively define the poetry of the mid-eighteenth century in Britain. However, there is a marked absence of women in discussions of the influence of seventeenth-century solitude on the rise of British literary loneliness. Indeed, missing from genealogies of eighteenth-century poetic loneliness is a narrative of lonely female complaint and its influence. This book contends that “female complaint” is not only a seventeenth-century genre that resists the idea of loneliness being unavailable to women but also one that travels into the eighteenth century. The chapter then considers how Sir Philip Sidney was the first writer to experiment in any sustained way with the new terms “lonely” and “loneliness” in the 1590s. Yet it is Lady Mary Sidney Herbert, Philip Sidney's sister, who first connects loneliness with the genre of tragic lament, or female complaint.
When Food Became Scarce
Authors: Chen Yixin
Published: October 2024

This book is about the Great Leap Famine of 1958–61. The book adopts a grassroots-level analysis to explore an existential question concerning hundreds of millions of Chinese peasants: why did some peasants perish while others from the same villages facing the same collective problems of food scarcity survive? Viewing the famine as a persistent ordeal, the book identifies environment and lineage as two pivotal factors that influenced the rural populace's destiny. When food quotas under the Maoist communal dining system plummeted below subsistence or came to a halt, most individual villagers in the mountainous regions of southern China turned to their environment for alternative sustenance, ensuring their survival. More remarkably, across the nation, more peasants united in self-preservation strategies, concealing grains to elude excessive state requisitions, orchestrating food and crop riots, and collectively combating desperation. Given that the majority of Chinese villages were historically established on the foundation of consanguine relationships, creating an obligation among villagers to support one another due to shared ancestry, lineage emerged as a microlevel social mechanism that activated diverse forms of collective resistance. In villages where peasants effectively upheld their lineage organizations and adopted self-protective measures, their survival rates exceeded those of villages where the enforcement of Maoist Great Leap initiatives disrupted the lineage structure, leaving the communities more vulnerable. The book reorients the famine narrative, unpacking its intricacies from the perspective of the survival side.
Effectiveness of newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE) index for guiding intraoperative fentanyl administration in children under 2 years: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sripadungkul Darunee , Tribuddharat Sirirat , Sathitkarnmanee Thepakorn , Muenpirom Pimprapa , Ratanasuwan Panaratana
Published: October 2024

Background

Assessing pain in infants and neonates is challenging due to their inability to communicate verbally. While validated subjective tools exist, they rely on interpreting the child’s behavior, leading to potential inconsistencies and underestimation of pain. Based on heart rate variability, the newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE) index offers a more objective approach to pain assessment in children under 2 years. Although promising, research on its effectiveness during surgery under general anesthesia remains limited and inconclusive.

Objective

This study compared the effectiveness of NIPE-guided fentanyl administration to traditional vital signs (heart rate and mean arterial pressure) in managing pain during surgery in children under 2 years.

Methods

Seventy children undergoing head, neck, or upper extremity surgery were randomized into group N (NIPE) or group C (Control) with 35 participants in each group. Both groups received standardized anesthesia and monitoring, including NIPE. Group N received fentanyl when NIPE scores fell below 50, while group C received fentanyl upon a 20% increase in heart rate or mean arterial pressure (MAP). Postoperative pain was assessed using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scores, alongside fentanyl consumption, sedation levels, and potential side effects.

Results

Both groups exhibited similar outcomes in terms of postoperative pain scores, fentanyl consumption, sedation levels, and absence of side effects (postoperative respiratory depression or nausea and vomiting). Additionally, intraoperative NIPE scores, heart rate, and MAP were comparable between the groups. There are strong correlations between both groups in terms of NIPE scores (r = 0.735, p < 0.0001), heart rate (r = 0.630, p < 0.0001), and MAP (r = 0.846, p < 0.0001). In both group C and group N, the NIPE scores reveal strong negative correlations with heart rate (r = −0.610, p < 0.0001, and r = −0.674, p < 0.0001) and MAP (r = −0.860, p < 0.0001, and r = −0.756, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

NIPE-guided intraoperative fentanyl administration was not superior to heart rate/MAP-guided administration, as both achieved similar pain management outcomes in this study. However, NIPE may offer a more practical and precise approach, as it is an objective tool with a defined threshold. These findings suggest NIPE’s promise as a valuable tool for managing pain in children under 2 years undergoing surgery. However, confirmation of its widespread effectiveness requires further research with larger, multicenter studies encompassing procedures with a broader spectrum of pain severity.