bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activated NAD+ biosynthesis pathway induces olaparib resistance in BRCA1 knockout pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Sasaki Yuka , Inouchi Takuma , Nakatsuka Ryusuke , Inoue Amane , Masutani Mitsuko , Nozaki Tadashige
Published: April 2024

PARP inhibitors have been developed as anti-cancer agents based on synthetic lethality in homologous recombination deficient cancer cells. However, resistance to PARP inhibitors such as olaparib remains a problem in clinical use, and the mechanisms of resistance are not fully understood. To investigate mechanisms of PARP inhibitor resistance, we established a BRCA1 knockout clone derived from the pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 cells, which we termed C1 cells, and subsequently isolated an olaparib-resistant C1/OLA cells. We then performed RNA-sequencing and pathway analysis on olaparib-treated C1 and C1/OLA cells. Our results revealed activation of cell signaling pathway related to NAD+ metabolism in the olaparib-resistant C1/OLA cells, with increased expression of genes encoding the NAD+ biosynthetic enzymes NAMPT and NMNAT2. Moreover, intracellular NAD+ levels were significantly higher in C1/OLA cells than in the non-olaparib-resistant C1 cells. Upregulation of intracellular NAD+ levels by the addition of nicotinamide also induced resistance to olaparib and talazoparib in C1 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that upregulation of intracellular NAD+ is one of the factors underlying the acquisition of PARP inhibitor resistance.
Electroosmotic flow in soft clay and measures to promote movement under direct current electric field
Authors: Sun Zhaohua , Zhang Cheng , Demarscho Eugene Beukes , He Xiwen
Published: April 2024

Electroosmosis has been proposed as a technique to reduce moisture and thus increase the stability of soft clay. However, its high energy consumption and uneven reinforcement effect has limited its popularization and application in practical engineering. This paper presents the results of some electrokinetic tests performed on clayey specimens with different electrification time and anode boundary conditions. The results indicate that the timing of the formation of electroosmotic flow (EF) by the water originally contained in different soil cross sections, from the anode to the cathode, varies. The measuring soil cross section nearest the anode first reached the limiting water content of 22%±3% and electroosmosis had to be stopped. Water injection into the anode during electroosmosis enhanced further drainage of other four measuring soil cross sections until the second soil cross section from the anode reached the limiting water content of 30%±2%. Electroosmosis with water injection into the anode technique provides more uniform reinforcement, increasing EF, and environmental protection. The experimental results highlighted the relevant and expected contribution of water injection into the anode on the effectiveness of the electroosmotic treatment as a soft clay improvement technique.
Forskolin-mediated cAMP activation upregulates TNF-α expression despite NF-κB downregulation in LPS-treated Schwann cells
Authors: Henry Caitlyn , Wilcox Mackenzie , Asirvatham Angela L.
Published: April 2024

Although Schwann cells have been found to play a key role in inflammation and repair following nerve injury, the exact pathway is still unknown. To explore the mechanism by which Schwann cells exert their effects in the neuron microenvironment, we investigated two main inflammatory pathways: the NF-κB and cAMP pathways, and their downstream signaling molecules. In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin, was used to activate the NF-κB pathway, and forskolin, a plant extract, was used to activate the cAMP pathway. The rat RT4-D6P2T Schwann cell line was treated with 0.1, 1, or 10 μg/mL of LPS, with or without 2 μM of forskolin, for 1, 3, 12, and 24 hours to determine the effects of elevated cAMP levels on LPS-treated cell viability. To investigate the effects of elevated cAMP levels on the expression of downstream signaling effector proteins, specifically NF-κB, TNF-α, AKAP95, and cyclin D3, as well as TNF-α secretion, RT4-D6P2T cells were incubated in the various treatment combinations for a 3-hour time period. Overall, results from the CellTiter-Glo viability assay revealed that forskolin increased viability in cells treated with smaller doses of LPS for 1 and 24 hours. For all time points, 10 μg/mL of LPS noticeably reduced viability regardless of forskolin treatment. Results from the Western blot analysis revealed that, at 10 μg/mL of LPS, forskolin upregulated the expression of TNF-α despite a downregulation of NF-κB, which was also accompanied by a decrease in TNF-α secretion. These results provide evidence that cAMP might regulate TNF-α expression through alternate pathways. Furthermore, although cAMP activation altered AKAP95 and cyclin D3 expression at different doses of LPS, there does not appear to be an association between the expression of AKAP95 or cyclin D3 and the expression of TNF-α. Exploring the possible interactions between cAMP, NF-κB, and other key inflammatory signaling pathways might reveal a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of nerve injury and inflammation.
A real-time arbitrary-shape text detector
Authors: Lu Manhuai , Li Langlang , Chen Chin-Ling
Published: April 2024

It is challenging to detect arbitrary-shape text accurately and effectively in natural scenes. While many methods have been implemented for arbitrary-shape text detection, most cannot achieve real-time detection or meet practical needs. In this work, we propose a YOLOv6-based detector that can effectively implement arbitrary-shape text detection and achieve real-time detection. We include two additional branches in the neck part of the YOLOv6 network to adapt the network to text detection, and the output side uses the pixel aggregation (PA) algorithm to decouple the PA output to use it as the detection head of the model. Experiments on benchmark Total-Text, CTW1500, ICDAR2015, and MSRA-TD500 showed that the proposed method outperformed competing methods in terms of detection accuracy and running time. Specifically, our method achieved an F-measure of 84.1% at 291.8 FPS for 640 × 640 Total-Text images and an F-measure of 81.5% at 199.6 FPS for 896 × 896 ICDAR2015 incidental text images.
Big data empowerment: Digital transformation and governance of minority shareholders: Evidence from China
Authors: Hou Xinhao , Tang Yao
Published: April 2024

Based on the analysis of data from listed enterprises in China between 2011 and 2022, we investigate the influence of digital transformation on the governance efficiency for minority shareholders. The results show that the extent of digital transformation exert a negative effect on the agency costs incurred from related-party transactions. The mechanism examination elucidates that digital transformation augments the governance efficiency for minority shareholders by boosting attendance at shareholders’ meetings and enhancing the exit threat for minority shareholders. Subsequent analysis reveals that non-state-owned enterprises, compared to state-owned enterprises, exhibit a more pronounced effect in diminishing the second type of agency costs through digital transformation. Furthermore, the impact of digital transformation in curtailing agency costs is more significant in the eastern regions than central and western regions. The better the equity checks and balances in listed enterprises, the more effective digital transformation is in reducing agency costs. This study offers valuable insights for bolstering the governance capacity of minority shareholders in the context of digital transformation.
Palmitoylation of KSHV pORF55 is required for Golgi localization and efficient progeny virion production
Authors: Zhou Yaru , Tian Xuezhang , Wang Shaowei , Gao Ming , Zhang Chuchu , Ma Jiali , Cheng Xi , Bai Lei , Qin Hai-Bin , Luo Min-Hua , Qin Qingsong , Jiang Baishan , Lan Ke , Zhang Junjie
Published: April 2024

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a double-stranded DNA virus etiologically associated with multiple malignancies. Both latency and sporadic lytic reactivation contribute to KSHV-associated malignancies, however, the specific roles of many KSHV lytic gene products in KSHV replication remain elusive. In this study, we report that ablation of ORF55, a late gene encoding a tegument protein, does not impact KSHV lytic reactivation but significantly reduces the production of progeny virions. We found that cysteine 10 and 11 (C10 and C11) of pORF55 are palmitoylated, and the palmytoilation is essential for its Golgi localization and secondary envelope formation. Palmitoylation-defective pORF55 mutants are unstable and undergo proteasomal degradation. Notably, introduction of a putative Golgi localization sequence to these palmitoylation-defective pORF55 mutants restores Golgi localization and fully reinstates KSHV progeny virion production. Together, our study provides new insight into the critical role of pORF55 palmitoylation in KSHV progeny virion production and offers potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of related malignancies.
Disposable diaper consumption in sub-Saharan Africa: Estimating the risks of associated unsafe waste
Authors: Thomas-Possee Mair L. H. , Shaw Peter J. , Bain Robert E. S. , Hill Allan G. , Okotto-Okotto Joseph , Okotto Lorna G. , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli , Wright Jim A.
Published: April 2024

Disposable diaper use is widespread in many low- and middle-income countries whilst waste collection services are scarce. Despite the potential environmental and public health impacts of disposable diaper consumption by households lacking waste services, an international system for monitoring such consumption is lacking. This study therefore aims to develop and evaluate a method for estimating disposable diaper use based on secondary data, specifically nationally representative household expenditure surveys. Disposable diaper expenditure reported via household expenditure surveys for Nigeria (from 2018–19), Kenya (2015–16) and Ghana (2016–17) was used to estimate national disposable diaper consumption among households lacking waste collection services. To assess plausibility of reported expenditure, consumption-smoothing was examined, and Receiver Operating Curve analysis was used to infer mean toilet-training age. In Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, households lacking appropriately managed waste services consumed an estimated 19 million, 210 million and 285 million disposable diapers per year (292 child/year, 433 child/year and 59 child/year among nappy-consuming households), respectively. Mean toilet-training ages were 24 to 30 months. Disposable diaper purchasing patterns showed evidence of consumption-smoothing among poorer households. Where commodity coding allows, household expenditure surveys can be used to construct internationally comparable indicators depicting disposable diaper consumption among households lacking waste services. Such indicators could be used to advocate for accelerated diaper product innovation, and target areas with high disposable diaper consumption but low waste service coverage.
Stage and discharge prediction from documentary time-lapse imagery
Authors: Chapman Kenneth W. , Gilmore Troy E. , Mehrubeoglu Mehrube , Chapman Christian D. , Mittelstet Aaron R. , Stranzl John E.
Published: April 2024

Imagery from fixed, ground-based cameras is rich in qualitative and quantitative information that can improve stream discharge monitoring. For instance, time-lapse imagery may be valuable for filling data gaps when sensors fail and/or during lapses in funding for monitoring programs. In this study, we used a large image archive (>40,000 images from 2012 to 2019) from a fixed, ground-based camera that is part of a documentary watershed imaging project (https://plattebasintimelapse.com/). Scalar image features were extracted from daylight images taken at one-hour intervals. The image features were fused with United States Geological Survey stage and discharge data as response variables from the site. Predictions of stage and discharge for simulated year-long data gaps (2015, 2016, and 2017 water years) were generated from Multi-layer Perceptron, Random Forest Regression, and Support Vector Regression models. A Kalman filter was applied to the predictions to remove noise. Error metrics were calculated, including Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and an alternative threshold-based performance metric that accounted for seasonal runoff. NSE for the year-long gap predictions ranged from 0.63 to 0.90 for discharge and 0.47 to 0.90 for stage, with greater errors in 2016 when stream discharge during the gap period greatly exceeded discharge during the training periods. Importantly, and in contrast to gap-filling methods that do not use imagery, the high discharge conditions in 2016 could be visually (qualitatively) verified from the image data. Half-year test sets were created for 2016 to include higher discharges in the training sets, thus improving model performance. While additional machine learning algorithms and tuning parameters for selected models should be tested further, this study demonstrates the potential value of ground-based time-lapse images for filling large gaps in hydrologic time series data. Cameras dedicated for hydrologic sensing, including nighttime imagery, could further improve results.
Combining impact goal and impact descriptor frameworks to elucidate the societal impacts of research: a pilot study
Authors: Meadow Alison M. , Owen Gigi , Joshi Nupur , Lodge Otto Elise
Published: April 2024

Universities, researchers and funders are increasingly asking how research contributes to positive changes in society and the environment, and seeking ways to document and describe impacts consistently across diverse disciplines and organisational scales. The societal impacts framework presented in this pilot study uses a combination of impact goal and impact descriptor frameworks to elucidate the societal impacts of research. The framework blends elements of assessment-driven and mission-driven reporting frameworks, and was administered online to volunteers from one interdisciplinary environmental research institute. The 12 projects in the pilot study addressed 15 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and all 12 projects reported impacts in two or more of six impact descriptor categories. We also identified an impact subcategory dealing with changes to higher education practice. Combining two types of impacts frameworks – societal goals and descriptors of changes – allowed us to understand how the research projects contributed to broad societal goals, not just that they addressed the goals. Responses from study participants indicated a good fit between the framework and their research efforts. However, we found that the online reporting tool, in its current form, was not effective in eliciting full and accurate reports from all participants. We reflect upon how to improve data collection in the future, as well as on opportunities for additional tests of the framework in new contexts.
Remission of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (arginine vasopressin resistance): description of a rare clinical case
Authors: Guseinova R. M. , Pigarova E. A. , Dzeranova L. K.
Published: April 2024

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a heterogeneous disease in the etiopathogenesis of which are involved acquired and congenital factors. In this case, the kidneys do not respond to vasopressin and continue to produce large concentrated volumes of urine. Distinctive features in the pathology of central genesis are the fact of trauma, brain tumor with involvement of pituitary gland, response to intranasal vasopressin in the form of decreased diuresis.

For diagnosis it is important to perform a series of differential diagnostic tests.

In this article we present a unique clinical case of a patient with a long-term course of diabetes insipidus with the development a spectrum of comorbid conditions, metabolic disorders, required kidney transplantation.
A Rare Case of Co-occurrence of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Bondarenko A. S. , Mamedova E. O. , Belaya Zh. E. , Melnichenko G. A.
Published: April 2024

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are rare monogenic hereditary endocrinopathies with a prevalence of 1–9 cases per 100,000 and 9–15 cases per 100,000, respectively. MEN1 is characterized by the development of multiple endocrine and nonendocrine organ tumors, including parathyroid, pituitary, and duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), which constitute the classical triad of the disease. CAH is associated with genetic defects in enzymes and transport proteins involved in the synthesis of adrenal cortical steroid hormones. Overall, cases of the combination of two hereditary diseases in one patient are extremely rare. In this article, we describe a clinical case of the combination of MEN-1 with all three classical components and CAH, which, taking into account the low prevalence of both diseases, represents scientific interest. To date, only one similar case has been described in the literature. In addition, the paper discusses the pathogenetically determined combination of CAH and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, known as the CAH-X syndrome.
The effect of sweeteners on carbohydrate metabolism, metabolic parameters and intestinal microbiota
Authors: Silina N. V. , Mazurina N. V. , Ershova E. V. , Komshilova K. A.
Published: April 2024

The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes continues to grow, which determines the need to develop new methods of prevention in order to reduce the population risks of developing these diseases. The current direction is to limit the consumption of easily digestible carbohydrates and use low-calorie or non-calorie sweeteners instead. Currently, there is an increase in the use of non-calorie sweeteners in the manufacture of food. In this regard, the study of their possible effects on metabolic processes is of great importance.

This review presents studies that have shown different effects of non-calorie sweeteners on carbohydrate and fat metabolism, body weight, the composition of intestinal microbiota, as well as the regulation of eating behavior. Some studies show that low-calorie sugar substitutes can be used in obese people as part of a comprehensive weight loss program, as well as in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with the aim of reducing postprandial hyperglycemia. Other studies demonstrate the negative effect of a number of low-calorie sweeteners on carbohydrate metabolism.

The main search for materials was carried out in Pubmed databases, eLIBRARY.ru, Google Scholar. Temporary search criteria 2012–2023 The relevant additional literature was included after a manual search in the literature lists of the included articles.
Epicardial fat and left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mazur V. V. , Mazur E. S. , Bazhenov N. D. , Nilova O. V. , Nikolaeva T. O.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Excessive deposition of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) plays a role in the development of a number of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke. As more than half of strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are cardioembolic, and the source of thromboembolic complications is the left atrial appendage (LAA), it can be assumed that excess EAT contributes to the development of LAA thrombus. The literature does not present the results of a study of the relationship between the amount of EAT and LAA thrombus in patients with AF, which makes it relevant to study this issue.

AIM: to study the effect of EAТ on LAA thrombosis and the emptying flow velocity from the LAA in patients with persistent AF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients with persistent AF underwent transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography before the planned cardioversion. The transesophageal echocardiography measured the emptying flow velocity from the LAA, and the thickness of the interatrial septum and the left lateral ridge, the average value of which was used to estimate the amount of left atrial EAT. The thickness of the anterior wall of the right ventricular EAT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography.

RESULTS: The LAA thrombus was detected in 42 (8.6%) patients of 486 patients with persistent AF (age 64.0 [59.0; 70.0] years, men 58.0%). Patients with thrombus had greater thickness of the left atrial EAT (9.30 [9.05; 9.55] vs. 7.70 [7.03; 8.28] mm, p<0.001) and of the right ventricular EAT (8.05 [7, 90; 8.90] versus 7.80 [7.20; 8.40] mm, p = 0.001), but the emptying flow velocity from the LAA is lower (20.0 [14.0; 26.0] versus 32.0 [26.0; 39.0] cm/s, p<0.001). Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for the thickness of the left atrial EAT, as a predictor of the LAA thrombosis, was significantly larger than for the thickness of the right ventricular EAT: 0.947 (0.923–0.965) versus 0.661 (0.617–0.703), p<0.001. The thickness of the left atrial EAT more than 8.6 mm increases the chances of LAA thrombosis by 70.1 (24.1–204.2) times. Analysis of multiple linear regression did not reveal an independent effect of the thickness of the left atrial EAT (b = -0.0951±0.6163, p = 0.877) and of the right ventricular EAT (b = 0.6764±0.4383, p = 0.124) on the emptying flow velocity from the LAA.

CONCLUSION: The increased of the thickness of EAT increases the chances of developing LAA thrombosis in patients with persistent AF, but does not affect on the emptying flow velocity from the LAA.
Risk Factors of Post Dural Puncture Headache in Cesarean Section Patients: A Multivariate Analysis Study
Authors: Nurcahyo Widya Istanto , Arifin Johan , Sutiyono Doso , Cahyadi Bondan Irtani , Paramita Dina , Nugroho Taufik Eko , Manapa Chandra Hermawan , Kusuma Indra
Published: April 2024

Background: The use of spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) is at risk of experiencing post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). This is influenced by several factors.Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of risk factors on the occurrence of PDPH in patients undergoing CS under spinal anesthesia.Methods: The study design is a nested case-control study with independent variables influencing the incidence of PDPH in CS with spinal anesthesia. Samples were taken from CS patients with spinal anesthesia at the Central Surgical Installation of Dr. Kariadi General Hospital, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Result: A total of 74 patients were included in the multivariate analysis, which showed that neurological disorders with p-value = 0.069; OR= 9,306; 95% CI = 0.842-102.828 and the number of punctures with p = 0.060; OR= 4.798; 95% CI = 0.997-23.075 is the most significant risk factor for the incidence of PDPH in CS patients. There was an additive effect which indicated that mobilization of more than 6 hours mutually reinforces the occurrence of PDPH in CS patients.Conclusion: Preoperative risk factors such as a history of neurological disorders increase the incidence of PDPH in CS patients. Intraoperative risk factors in this study were total puncture and needle size, increasing the incidence of PDPH in CS patients. Post-operative risk factors, in this case, immobilization, increase the incidence of PDPH in CS patients. Preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative risk factors, together or separately, increase the incidence of PDPH in patients undergoing CS.
Perubahan Lingkungan Pengendapan Berdasarkan Asosiasi Fosil Moluska di Sungai Cilingga, Cekungan Bentarsari, Salem, Jawa Tengah
Authors: Jayanti Anita Galih Ringga , Djafar Agustina
Published: April 2024

Daerah Bentarsari, Salem memiliki morfologi berupa tinggian dan lembah yang berbentuk seperti kawah/kaldera. Daerah tinggian tersusun oleh breksi vulkanik Formasi Kumbang sedangkan bagian cekungan/lembah tersusun oleh batuan sedimen Tersier–Kuarter.  Formasi batuan yang menyusun daerah cekungan adalah Formasi Kalibiuk dan Formasi Kaliglagah dengan kandungan fosil moluska sangat melimpah. Penelitian fosil moluska di daerah ini masih terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan catatan baru khususnya tentang fosil moluska berukuran makro. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan pengamatan singkapan batuan di Sungai Cilingga. Sampel diambil pada lapisan batuan sedimen yang mengandung fosil moluska. Hasil identifikasi menunjukkan adanya sembilan spesies fosil moluska baik dalam kondisi cangkang yang utuh maupun berupa fragmen. Litologi di lokasi penelitian tersusun oleh perlapisan batupasir dan batulempung yang didominasi batupasir berukuran pasir sedang – halus. Empat asosiasi fosil moluska ditemukan dari lapisan batuan yang paling tua hingga muda, sebagai penentu lingkungan pengendapannya. Keempat asosiasi fosil moluska tersebut yaitu: asosiasi Nassarius, asosiasi Scapharca-Bicorbula, asosiasi Tarebia granifera, dan asosiasi Tarebia granifera. Berdasarkan asosiasi fosil moluskanya, diketahui perubahan lingkungan pengendapan dari lingkungan marin hingga lingkungan airtawar (freshwater). Hal tersebut mengindikasikan terjadinya pendangkalan (regresi) selama proses pengendapan di lokasi penelitian.
Effect of Simvastatin, Coenzyme Q10, Resveratrol, Acetylcysteine and Acetylcarnitine on Mitochondrial Respiration
Authors: Fišar Zdeněk , Hroudová J. , Singh N. , Kopřivová A. , Macečková D.
Published: April 2024

Some therapeutic and/or adverse effects of drugs may be related to their effects on mitochondrial function. The effects of simvastatin, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, acetylcysteine, and acetylcarnitine on Complex I-, Complex II-, or Complex IV-linked respiratory rate were determined in isolated brain mitochondria. The protective effects of these biologically active compounds on the calcium-induced decrease of the respiratory rate were also studied. We observed a significant inhibitory effect of simvastatin on mitochondrial respiration (IC50= 24.0 μM for Complex I-linked respiration, IC50= 31.3 μM for Complex II-linked respiration, and IC50= 42.9 μM for Complex IV-linked respiration); the inhibitory effect of resveratrol was found at very high concentrations (IC50= 162 μM for Complex I-linked respiration, IC50= 564 μM for Complex II-linked respiration, and IC50= 1454 μM for Complex IV-linked respiration). Concentrations required for effective simvastatin- or resveratrol-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiration were found much higher than concentrations achieved under standard dosing of these drugs. Acetylcysteine and acetylcarnitine did not affect the oxygen consumption rate of mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10induced an increase of Complex I-linked respiration. The increase of free calcium ions induced partial inhibition of the Complex I+II-linked mitochondrial respiration, and all tested drugs counteracted this inhibition. None of the tested drugs showed mitochondrial toxicity (characterized by respiratory rate inhibition) at drug concentrations achieved at therapeutic drug intake. Resveratrol, simvastatin, and acetylcarnitine had the greatest neuroprotective potential (characterized by protective effects against calcium-induced reduction of the respiratory rate).
Sharing interview questions in advance: Methodological considerations in applied linguistics research
Authors: Haukås Åsta , Tishakov Therese
Published: April 2024

Interviews serve as a prominent methodological tool in applied linguistics and beyond, allowing researchers to explore participants’ experiences, ideologies and beliefs. Yet, the extent to which interview questions are shared in advance with participants is often unclear, although this methodological decision can substantially shape responses and subsequent reflections. Some advantages of sharing interview questions in advance include enhanced participant engagement and reflexivity, reduced interview anxiety, and more thoughtful responses. Conversely, the practice may engender risks such as participant bias, and predetermined answers. This reflective piece addresses this underexplored aspect by first discussing methodological considerations of such a practice, including a brief review of existing practices in research on language teacher ideologies and beliefs. Second, it considers ethical dimensions entailed in such a practice. Additionally, this paper explores how six English teachers in Norway experienced having access to all interview questions in advance to prepare for interviews centred around their individual teaching beliefs about multilingualism and multilingual practices. The paper concludes by suggesting that sharing interview questions in advance can benefit both participants and enhance the quality of research.
JN.1 variant in enduring COVID-19 pandemic: is it a variety of interest (VoI) or variety of concern (VoC)?
Authors: Kamble Prafull , Daulatabad Vandana , Singhal Anish , Ahmed Zaki Syed , Choubey Abhishek , Bhargava Shruti , John Nitin Ashok
Published: April 2024

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, classified as a Variant of Concern (VoC) in November 2021, marked a significant shift in the COVID-19 landscape. This study investigates the subsequent development of a novel Omicron sublineage, JN.1, which displays distinctive mutations in the spike protein. The study delves into the phylogenetic differences between these variants and their potential implications. A comprehensive analysis of the genomic profiles and mutation patterns of JN.1 and BA.2.86 was conducted, utilizing SARS-CoV-2 database. The study explores the unique mutations, such as S:L455S in JN.1, associated with increased transmissibility and immune escape. Furthermore, a comparison with prevalent strains like XBB.1.5 and HV.1 highlights the substantial genetic divergence of JN.1. JN.1, first detected in August 2023, exhibits a notable spike protein mutation profile, including the reappearance of earlier variants’ mutations (E484K and P681R). The variant’s increased transmissibility and immune evasion potential are attributed to specific spike protein mutations like R21T, S50L, V127F, R158G, and others. The study also explores the distribution and prevalence of JN.1 globally, with a focus on the rising cases in India. JN.1 poses a unique challenge as one of the most immune-evading variants, with potential implications for COVID-19 transmission. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring and understanding emerging variants, especially those with distinct spike protein mutations. The observed cases in India highlight the need for vigilance and prompt public health responses. As JN.1 continues to evolve, ongoing surveillance, vaccination strategies, and adherence to preventive measures are crucial to mitigating its potential impact on global public health.
Translanguaging and emotionality of English as a second language (ESL) teachers
Authors: Hopkyns Sarah , Dovchin Sender
Published: April 2024

Teaching is by no means ‘an emotion-free zone’, and teachers are often emotionally challenged in front of their students. When teaching and learning takes place via a second language, the emotional landscape of the classroom becomes especially charged. Often there is a notable gap between expected emotions or ‘emotional rules’ in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms and genuine emotions which results in ‘emotional labour’ for ESL teachers. Especially, ‘English only’ language policies and monolingual ideologies can lead ESL teachers and students to experience a range of emotions around authentic language use in the form of translanguaging. While research on students’ attitudes toward translanguaging has mushroomed in recent years, fewer studies have concentrated on the emotions of teachers in relation to translanguaging in the ESL classroom. To bridge this research gap, this study investigates six university teachers’ emotions related to translanguaging via semi-structured interviews in ESL classroom settings across three Asian countries (Mongolia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates). The study revealed complex and conflicting teacher emotions around translanguaging including pride, comfort (related to feelings of safety), shame (related to linguistic inferiority complexes), guilt, and frustration. Based on the findings, practical recommendations are provided on the need for greater awareness and open dialogue on emotions in ESL classrooms for improved teacher and student wellness.
Error analysis of inertial navigation based on quaternion approach
Authors: Cavacece Massimo
Published: April 2024

This research aims to establish the properties of the directional cosines and quaternion parameters to examine the proper scale, inclination, and numerical drift errors in a four-dimensional space. The research uses transformation matrices in the four-dimensional space whose elements are the directional cosines or quaternions. The kinematic equations are derived in terms of both directional cosines and quaternions. Applying the Kalman filter allows us to minimize the measurement error and refine the numerical calculation. The observation of the Euler angle covariance matrix takes on a crucial feature in the design of inertial navigation systems vital for analyzing efficient attitude.
Every Countable Model of Arithmetic or Set Theory has a Pointwise-Definable End Extension
Authors: Hamkins Joel David
Published: April 2024

According to the math tea argument, there must be real numbers that we cannot describe or define, because there are uncountably many real numbers, but only countably many definitions. And yet, the existence of pointwise-definable models of set theory, in which every individual is definable without parameters, challenges this conclusion. In this article, I introduce a flexible new method for constructing pointwise-definable models of arithmetic and set theory, showing furthermore that every countable model of Zermelo-Fraenkel ZF set theory and of Peano arithmetic PA has a pointwise-definable end extension. In the arithmetic case, I use the universal algorithm and its Σ
n
generalizations to build a progressively elementary tower making any desired individual a

n
definable at each stage n, while preserving these definitions through to the limit model, which can thus be arranged to be pointwise definable. A similar method works in set theory, and one can moreover achieve V = L in the extension or indeed any other suitable theory holding in an inner model of the original model, thereby fulfilling the resurrection phenomenon. For example, every countable model of ZF with an inner model with a measurable cardinal has an end extension to a pointwise-definable model of ZFC + V = L[μ].
Legitimacy Revisited: Moral Power and Civil Disobedience
Authors: Applbaum Arthur Isak
Published: April 2024

InLegitimacy: The Right to Rule in a Wanton World, I offer both a conceptual analysis of legitimacy, the power-liability view, and a substantive moral theory, the free group agency view. Here, I defend my account against three challenges brought by Kjarsten Mikalsen. First, though I argue that conceptual analysis should not prematurely close open moral questions, it is not my view that conceptual analysis must have no substantive implications. Second, though I acknowledge that free group agencyordinarilysupports a moral duty to obey, it is a feature, not a bug, that my conceptual analysis is consistent with moral theories that disagree with my preferred moral theory. Third, I argue that Mikalsen’s proposed explanation of justified civil disobedience, which sees law in such cases as creating a moral claim-right that entails a merelypresumptiveduty, is less perspicuous than the explanation given by the power-liability view. Along the way, I emphasize that the distinction between felicitous moral power and justified causal power is as important as the distinction between moral liability and moral duty.
Extracting kinetic information from short-time trajectories: relaxation and disorder of lossy cavity polaritons
Authors: Wu Andrew , Cerrillo Javier , Cao Jianshu
Published: April 2024

The emerging field of molecular cavity polaritons has stimulated a surge of experimental and theoretical activities and presents a unique opportunity to develop the many-body simulation methodology. This paper presents a numerical scheme for the extraction of key kinetic information of lossy cavity polaritons based on the transfer tensor method (TTM). Steady state, relaxation timescales, and oscillatory phenomena can all be deduced directly from a set of transfer tensors without the need for long-time simulation. Moreover, we generalize TTM to disordered systems by sampling dynamical maps and achieve fast convergence to disordered-averaged dynamics using a small set of realizations. Together, these techniques provide a toolbox for characterizing the interplay of cavity loss, disorder, and cooperativity in polariton relaxation and allow us to predict unusual dependences on the initial excitation state, photon decay rate, strength of disorder, and the type of cavity models. Thus, using the example of cavity polaritons, we have demonstrated significant potential in the use of the TTM toward both the efficient computation of long-time polariton dynamics and the extraction of crucial kinetic information about polariton relaxation from a small set of short-time trajectories.
Emission engineering in microdisk lasers via direct integration of meta-micromirrors
Authors: Yu Aran , Kim Moohyuk , Song Da In , Park Byoung Jun , Jeong Hae Rin , You Byeong Uk , Jeon Seung-Woo , Han Sang-Wook , Kim Myung-Ki
Published: April 2024

Despite their excellent performance and versatility, the efficient integration of small lasers with other optical devices has long been hindered by their broad emission divergence. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for emission engineering in microdisk lasers, significantly enhancing their vertical emission output by directly integrating specially designed reflective metalenses, referred to as “meta-micromirrors”. A 5 μm-diameter microdisk laser is precisely positioned at an 8 μm focal distance on a 30 × 30 μm2meta-micromirror featuring a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.95, accomplished through micro-transfer printing techniques. Our experiments demonstrated a notable increase in the emission efficiency within an NA of 0.65. Specifically, we observed a 2.68-fold increase in the average emission from ten microdisk lasers. This integration not only enhances the emission efficiency of small lasers but also holds considerable implications for micro- and nano-photonic integrations. The results of this integration open up new possibilities in various fields, including photonic integrated circuits, bio-sensing technologies, and the development of quantum light sources.
Carbon composites as an Avante garde material in mitigating dyes and heavy metal pollution
Authors: Palanisamy Suresh Babu
Published: April 2024

Depletion of potable water availability is threatening the whole biota, owing to the presence of anthropogenic compounds and hazardous chemicals above the permissible levels. Although many conventional methods exist, the development of innovative technologies is critical for wastewater treatment and recycling. Carbon composites have recently seen widespread use across a variety of industries due to their distinctive and superior properties. These carbon composites are easily integrated into many stages of the treatment process, making them efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. This chapter discusses the importance and effectiveness of carbon-based composite materials in removing toxic dyes and heavy metal contaminants from the environment. Carbon composites are classified according to their sources, preparation methods, and applications. This chapter also discusses various research perspectives on carbon composites, particularly from an environmental and financial standpoint.
Healthcare experiences of fibromyalgia patients and their associations with satisfaction and pain relief. A patient survey
Authors: Wigers Sigrid Hørven , Veierød Marit B. , Mengshoel Anne Marit , Forseth Karin Øien , Dahli Mina Piiksi , Juel Niels Gunnar , Natvig Bård
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The etiology of fibromyalgia (FM) is disputed, and there is no established cure. Quantitative data on how this may affect patients’ healthcare experiences are scarce. The present study aims to investigate FM patients’ pain-related healthcare experiences and explore factors associated with high satisfaction and pain relief.

Methods

An anonymous, online, and patient-administered survey was developed and distributed to members of the Norwegian Fibromyalgia Association. It addressed their pain-related healthcare experiences from both primary and specialist care. Odds ratios for healthcare satisfaction and pain relief were estimated by binary logistic regression. Directed acyclic graphs guided the multivariable analyses.

Results

The patients (n = 1,626, mean age: 51 years) were primarily women (95%) with a 21.8-year mean pain duration and 12.7 years in pain before diagnosis. One-third did not understand why they had pain, and 56.6% did not know how to get better. More than half had not received satisfactory information on their pain cause from a physician, and guidance on how to improve was reported below medium. Patients regretted a lack of medical specialized competence on muscle pain and reported many unmet needs, including regular follow-up and pain assessment. Physician-mediated pain relief was low, and guideline adherence was deficient. Only 14.8% were satisfied with non-physician health providers evaluating and treating their pain, and 21.5% were satisfied (46.9% dissatisfied) with their global pain-related healthcare. Patients’ knowledge of their condition, physicians’ pain competence and provision of information and guidance, agreement in explanations and advice, and the absence of unmet needs significantly increased the odds of both healthcare satisfaction and pain relief.

Conclusions

Our survey describes deficiencies in FM patients’ pain-related healthcare and suggests areas for improvement to increase healthcare satisfaction and pain relief. (REC# 2019/845, 09.05.19).
Distinct Hippocampal Oscillation Dynamics in Trace Eyeblink Conditioning Task for Retrieval and Consolidation of Associations
Authors: Kim Kayeon , Nokia Miriam S. , Palva Satu
Published: April 2024

Trace eyeblink conditioning (TEBC) has been widely used to study associative learning in both animals and humans. In this paradigm, conditioned responses (CRs) to conditioned stimuli (CS) serve as a measure for retrieving learned associations between the CS and the unconditioned stimuli (US) within a trial. Memory consolidation, that is, learning over time, can be quantified as an increase in the proportion of CRs across training sessions. However, how hippocampal oscillations differentiate between successful memory retrieval within a session and consolidation across TEBC training sessions remains unknown. To address this question, we recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from the rat dorsal hippocampus during TEBC and investigated hippocampal oscillation dynamics associated with these two functions. We show that transient broadband responses to the CS were correlated with memory consolidation, as indexed by an increase in CRs across TEBC sessions. In contrast, induced alpha (8–10 Hz) and beta (16–20 Hz) band responses were correlated with the successful retrieval of the CS–US association within a session, as indexed by the difference in trials with and without CR.
Electrophysiological Properties of Proprioception-Related Neurons in the Intermediate Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord
Authors: Espinosa Felipe , Pop Iliodora V. , Lai Helen C.
Published: April 2024

Proprioception, the sense of limb and body position, is required to produce accurate and precise movements. Proprioceptive sensory neurons transmit muscle length and tension information to the spinal cord. The function of excitatory neurons in the intermediate spinal cord, which receive this proprioceptive information, remains poorly understood. Using genetic labeling strategies and patch-clamp techniques in acute spinal cord preparations in mice, we set out to uncover how two sets of spinal neurons, Clarke's column (CC) andAtoh1-lineage neurons, respond to electrical activity and how their inputs are organized. Both sets of neurons are located in close proximity in laminae V–VII of the thoracolumbar spinal cord and have been described to receive proprioceptive signals. We find that a majority of CC neurons have a tonic-firing type and express a distinctive hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih).Atoh1-lineage neurons, which cluster into two spatially distinct populations, are mostly a fading-firing type and display similar electrophysiological properties to each other, possibly due to their common developmental lineage. Finally, we find that CC neurons respond to stimulation of lumbar dorsal roots, consistent with prior knowledge that CC neurons receive hindlimb proprioceptive information. In contrast, using a combination of electrical stimulation, optogenetic stimulation, and transsynaptic rabies virus tracing, we find thatAtoh1-lineage neurons receive heterogeneous, predominantly local thoracic inputs that include parvalbumin-lineage sensory afferents and local interneuron presynaptic inputs. Altogether, we find that CC andAtoh1-lineage neurons have distinct membrane properties and sensory input organization, representing different subcircuit modes of proprioceptive information processing.
Modulatory Effects on Laminar Neural Activity Induced by Near-Infrared Light Stimulation with a Continuous Waveform to the Mouse Inferior Colliculus In Vivo
Authors: Sato Hiromu , Sugimoto Futoshi , Furukawa Ryo , Tateno Takashi
Published: April 2024

Infrared neural stimulation (INS) is a promising area of interest for the clinical application of a neuromodulation method. This is in part because of its low invasiveness, whereby INS modulates the activity of the neural tissue mainly through temperature changes. Additionally, INS may provide localized brain stimulation with less tissue damage. The inferior colliculus (IC) is a crucial auditory relay nucleus and a potential target for clinical application of INS to treat auditory diseases and develop artificial hearing devices. Here, using continuous INS with low to high-power density, we demonstrate the laminar modulation of neural activity in the mouse IC in the presence and absence of sound. We investigated stimulation parameters of INS to effectively modulate the neural activity in a facilitatory or inhibitory manner. A mathematical model of INS-driven brain tissue was first simulated, temperature distributions were numerically estimated, and stimulus parameters were selected from the simulation results. Subsequently, INS was administered to the IC of anesthetized mice, and the modulation effect on the neural activity was measured using an electrophysiological approach. We found that the modulatory effect of INS on the spontaneous neural activity was bidirectional between facilitatory and inhibitory effects. The modulatory effect on sound-evoked responses produced only an inhibitory effect to all examined stimulus intensities. Thus, this study provides important physiological evidence on the response properties of IC neurons to INS. Overall, INS can be used for the development of new therapies for neurological disorders and functional support devices for auditory central processing.