bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El derecho “a la muerte digna” como fundamento al contenido de la dignidad humana en la República Dominicana
Authors: Germán Valdez Toribio Eutacio
Published: November 2024

decidir sobre su muerte en un lecho de gravedad prolongada y dolorosa. En una etapa de gravedad crónica y/o enfermedad terminal, alcanzar la muerte con dignidad es a través de la eutanasia, la cual ha sido palpada por 2 corrientes de la filosofía, integradas por personas de ciencia y religión fundadas en creencias y conocimientos motivados en el derecho a la dignidad humana, tanto para defenderla como para rechazarla. Para sus defensores, la dignidad humana del enfermo consiste en el derecho a la autodeterminación y libertad de decidir el momento de la muerte. En cambio, para sus detractores, la dignidad humana es oponerse a este derecho por considerarlo una arbitrariedad humana frente a un asunto de exclusividad respectivamente divina para algunos y científico-legal para otras posturas.
 
     Cabe resaltar que las ciencias sociales y la salud en las últimas décadas han logrado significativos avances para las sociedades y sus súbditos, lo que ha llevado a la realización de estudios exhaustivos sobre su alcance y la reinterpretación de su objeto de estudio. En coherencia con lo anterior la ciencia del derecho no puede estar ajeno a estos cambios, más bien se debe preocupar por entender las nuevas necesidades sociales, las cuales repercuten de manera directa en el fenómeno jurídico de los Estados, por lo que se hace necesario realizar un aporte a la investigación científica dominicana sobre este dilema social.
 
     En el caso de República Dominicana, el tema en cuestión no forma parte de las agendas ni debates sociales-jurídicos de la actualidad. Sin embargo, un Estado moderno, democrático de derecho y garante de los Derechos Humanos constantemente debe estar actualizado sobre los debates planteado por las sociedades que le afecta a la humanidad.
La neutralidad tecnológica y el principio de responsabilidad
Authors: Alcántara Tejeda Roossevelt
Published: November 2024

Este artículo explora el concepto de neutralidad tecnológica y su relación con la responsabilidad ética. Se analiza si la tecnología es inherentemente neutral o si está influenciada por las intenciones y valores de sus creadores. Se presentan distintas posturas, destacando que la tecnología puede tener un impacto significativo en la libertad humana y en la ética. Además, se discute la relación entre tecnología y libertad, sugiriendo que, aunque la tecnología puede ser utilizada de diversas maneras, su diseño y desarrollo suelen estar en manos de unos pocos, afectando a una mayoría que no participa en su creación. El artículo también examina el "principio de responsabilidad" de Hans Jonas, que enfatiza la necesidad de considerar las consecuencias a largo plazo de nuestras acciones tecnológicas. Finalmente, se concluye destacando la falta de consciencia respecto de las consecuencias de nuestras acciones mediadas por la tecnología, y se deja abierta la pregunta de si somos los usuarios quienes "usamos" la tecnología o si es ella (vale decir, sus creadores) quien nos "usa".
Diálogos entre Tecnología, Ética y Sociedad: reflexiones críticas para el siglo XXI. Editorial
Authors: Santana-Soriano Edwin
Published: November 2024

Esta edición se distingue por reunir cinco contribuciones académicas que, desde diferentes ángulos, configuran un mosaico de reflexiones que pueden resultar fundamentales para comprender y enfrentar desafíos de esta actualidad, de este nuestro contexto. Esta diversidad temática en los artículos que presentamos constituye un entramado que abre las puertas y da los pasos iniciales para abordar grandes interrogantes desde múltiples perspectivas.
Salivary Gland Tumours in Children and Adolescents-A Study in Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College & Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Atiur
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are rare neoplasms in adults, but are exceedingly infrequent in children, with a reported annual incidence of 0.8–1.4 per million populations under 20 years old. Like other pediatric very rare tumors, SGCs in children and adolescents often present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for pathologists, surgeons, and pediatric oncologists. Objective: To assess the salivary gland tumours in children and adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out at Dept. of ENT, Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College & Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to June 2023. Total 60 patients included in our study. Our pre-operative clinical diagnoses were based on size, shape, mobility, fixity of the tumour to the underlying structures, ulceration of overlying skin, involvement of facial nerve by its malignant transformation and fine needle aspiration cytology. All patients, or their guardians, gave their informed consent for data collection within the national rare tumour group and analysis. Results: Total sixty (60) cases of salivary gland tumours were available for our study. Out of 55% were male and 45% were female patients. Incidence of tumours is highest in the age group of 41-50 with 13 cases (21.6% of the total). The least affected age group was the 0-10 group with only one patient (3.3%). Women accounted for 16 cases of the total 33 benign neoplasias (55% of the total). Of the 33 benign tumour, 18 were in males (54.5% of all benign tumours) and 15 were in females (45.5%). Total 60 operated cases). Of these, 32 were pleomorphic adenomas (53.3%) and 1 was an adenolymphoma (1.6%). the total number of malignant tumours confirmed by HPE were 27 (45%). Of these, most numerous was adenoid cystic carcinoma in 8 cases (13.3%). squamous cell carcinoma and muco epidermoid carcinoma were found in 6 cases each (10%). There were 4 and 3 cases of adenocarcinoma (6.6%) and acinic cell carcinoma (5%) respectively. The parotid glands were also the sole location for the 3 acinic cell carcinomas. No tumours were found in the sublingual gland. The majority of the tumours found in the parotid gland were benign tumours, mainly pleomorphic adenomas with 24 cases (75% of the total parotid tumours). Conclusions: The tumours were equally distributed between males and females. The tumours were most commonly found in the third to fifth decades of life. The most common benign tumour and the most common tumour overall was pleomorphic adenoma making up 54.5% of all tumours. Surgical excision was the most commonly done treatment. The most commonly done surgical procedure was superficial parotidectomy.
Strategi dan Model Inovasi Pembelajaran: Meningkatkan Kualitas Pendidikan di Era Global
Authors: Styana Qoniatu , Nurhidayati Titin
Published: November 2024

Dalam menghadapi perubahan kehidupan di berbagai aspek yang semakin cepat dan semakin rumit serta sulit diprediksi, inovasi pembelajaran harus menjadi prioritas penting dan genting karena pendidikan masih dijadikan penopang utama peningkatan kualitas sumber daya manusia. Model inovasi pembelajaran di Kementrian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Indonesia masih cenderung lebih dominan menggunakan strategi “top-down model” yaitu inovasi pembelajaran yang dikembangkan dari atas oleh pihak penentu kebijakan dari tingkat pusat, untuk dilaksanakan secara imperatip hingga ke tingkat insitusi pendidikan yang paling bawah, hal ini akan membuat tenaga pendidik dan tenaga kependidikan kreatifitasnya menjadi tumpul. Dengan demikian inovasi pembelajaran harus diimbangi dengan strategi “bottom-up model” yaitu model inovasi pembelajaran yang dikembangkan dari bawah, yang bersumber dari hasil kreatifitas tenaga pendidikan dan tenaga kependidikan di setiap institusi pendidikan yang dilaksanakan sebagai upaya untuk meningkatkan kualitas penyelenggaraan pendidikan. Agar pembelajaran inovasi dapat berjalan lebih cepat dari berbagai perubahan lainnya, perlu dicari berbagai model dan strategi yang lebih ampuh melalui berbagai pendekatan ilmiah.
Level of Satisfaction with the Library Resources and Services of Education Faculty and Students in Lone Agricultural State College in Bulacan
Authors:   Bulacan Agricultural State College, Manguil Carlo Jaime , Mendoza Maria Krisvie Abigale ,   Bulacan Agricultural State College, Del Rosario Jan ,   Bulacan Agricultural State College
Published: November 2024

Academic libraries are an integral part of learning institutions, serving as crucial hubs for meeting the information and research needs of students and faculty. The study aimed to determine the level of satisfaction of users with library resources and services at a lone agricultural state higher education institution (HEI) in Bulacan, Philippines. A survey research design was employed to quantify the responses from education faculty and students, who were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The findings reveal that respondents are generally satisfied with the library’s resources, including the availability of printed materials, accessibility of online resources, provision of ICT equipment, and overall conduciveness of the learning environment. Both faculty and students expressed satisfaction with the quantity and quality of the library’s online and print materials in supporting their respective fields of study. Regarding library services, majority of respondents were satisfied with the institution’s library orientation, instruction, guidelines for borrowing books, service hours, reference support, reader’s advisory, information and referral, current awareness, indexing, and internet access. These services enable college librarians and staff to facilitate effective utilization of the library’s resources, allowing students to engage with books, journals, and other vital educational materials, as well as conduct individual and group studies. The degree to which the college community utilizes the library’s services and resources can serve as an indicator of the library's function and value in supporting the academic and research needs of the institution. Generally, this study provides valuable insights to guide the library in enhancing its offerings and ensuring sustained user satisfaction.
Exploring the Role of Knowledge on Adoptability of Islamic Banking and Financing Options for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: The Mediating Role of Trialability
Authors: Ali Jazbeen , Kumar Shalendra S. , Prasad Vishwa H.
Published: November 2024

Knowledge is the act of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or education. Prior studies have discovered that knowledge has a significant relationship with the adoption of Islamic Banking and Financing Options (IBFOs) amongst Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs). However, this study explores the role of knowledge on adoptability of Islamic Banking and Financing Options (IBFOs) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with the mediating role of trialability.  While trialability has been suggested as an adoption factor, it has not been considered important in adoption studies and has thus received debates. A structured questionnaire survey consisting of a Likert scale from 1 to 5 was conducted with 300 MSME owners or managers. The findings revealed that trialability has a partial mediation between knowledge and adoptability of IBFOs. This implies that when IBFOs are offered on a trial basis, it will have an impact on the level of knowledge MSMEs will have about IBFOs with the adoptability of IBFOs. As a result, the banking and financing sector should consider offering IBFOs on a trial basis to enhance the knowledge of MSMEs and lead to its adoptability. This research contributes to literature by offering trialability as a mediating variable in the adoptability of IBFOs. The authors recommend testing trialability as a mediating variable in determining the adoptability of any other product or service or even testing it as a moderating variable.
Al-Mutanabbi, the Renowned 10th-Century Arab Poet: Insights from Eastern and Western Scholars' Research
Authors: Aliyev Ceyhun
Published: November 2024

This study offers a comparative analysis of Eastern and Western scholarship on Al-Mutanabbi, the renowned 10th-century Arab poet, whose work has profoundly impacted Arabic literature and beyond. By examining key themes such as linguistic style, cultural identity, heroism, and individualism, the research highlights differences in how Eastern and Western scholars interpret his legacy. Eastern scholarship emphasizes Al-Mutanabbi’s mastery of the Arabic language, his deep cultural significance, and his philosophical exploration of Arab ideals, celebrating him as a symbol of Arab identity. Western scholars, on the other hand, often frame his work within the global literary tradition, focusing on universal themes of self-reflection and existential struggle, which position him as a bridge between Eastern and Western literature. This cross-cultural dialogue underscores the poet's dual role as both a representative of Arab heritage and a timeless voice for universal human concerns. The study concludes with suggestions for future research, including exploring Al-Mutanabbi's themes of fate and mortality, cross-cultural influences, and the effects of translation on his work's interpretation. Such research would further establish Al-Mutanabbi’s relevance in world literature and deepen the appreciation of Arabic poetry’s contributions to global literary heritage.
A UTILIZAÇÃO DA MEDIAÇÃO FAMILIAR PARA IDOSOS EM SITUAÇÃO DE RISCO NO MUNICÍPIO DE PORTO VELHO/RO
Authors: Galvão Jaquilene de Oliveira de Araújo , Lopes Ingrid Rayani Texeira , Gomes Jennifer Alves Rates
Published: November 2024

O presente estudo objetiva analisar a eficácia da mediação familiar no município de Porto Velho/ RO como estratégia de intervenção para proteger os idosos em situação de risco. Diante do crescente número de idosos vulneráveis, a mediação se apresenta como um meio eficaz para promover o diálogo entre familiares e garantir a proteção dos direitos e necessidades dos idosos. Dessa forma, buscou-se discutir o conteúdo a estrutura familiar, os desafios enfrentados pelos idosos em situações de fragilidade e a relevância de envolver a família na busca por soluções adequadas. A mediação familiar é abordada como um espaço de comunicação e negociação, onde os envolvidos podem discutir questões relacionadas aos cuidados, à saúde e à convivência, sempre visando o melhor interesse do idoso. O estudo destaca a importância da participação familiar e comunitária na promoção de um envelhecimento saudável e ativo. A metodologia adotada é de caráter bibliográfico, qualitativa e descritiva, permitindo uma análise profunda das teorias e práticas existentes sobre mediação familiar e sua aplicação no contexto dos idosos em Porto Velho. Foram examinados artigos, livros e documentos relevantes que discutem tanto a mediação quanto a situação dos idosos, oferecendo uma base sólida para a compreensão do tema. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a mediação familiar não apenas facilita a resolução de conflitos, mas também promove um ambiente mais colaborativo entre os familiares, contribuindo para a proteção e dignidade dos idosos.
The Palestine-Israel Conflict: A Legacy of Power, Identity, and Unyielding Struggle
Authors:   Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Naaz Dr Siddiqui Sana
Published: November 2024

The Prolonged conflict between Palestine and Israel has carved a significant chapter in global history, permeating international politics, human rights discourse, and geopolitical strategy. What began as a territorial dispute has evolved into a Complex conflict encompassing identity, religion, historical grievances, and ideological divides. This article delves into the intricate fabric of the Palestine-Israel conflict, examining its historical roots, the impact of Colonial influence, the Religious factors, and the complex interplay of power dynamics. By analyzing key events, agreements, and international responses, this research explores the enduring nature of the conflict and its global ramifications. It aims to shed light on the intractable issues at the heart of the dispute while offering critical reflections on possible paths toward peace.
Fragmented Encounter
Authors: Vest Matthew
Published: November 2024

This article traces the biography of Ernst Bachrich, a student of Arnold Schönberg. One focus is on the stories told by his self-published scores. Who printed them? How were the paper and printing materials sourced? Under what conditions were they dispersed? How did they end up where they are at present?
Personality Viewed from the Psychology of Religion
Authors: K Munawir , Maswar Rezi , Rasela Rasela , Aisyi Nabila Rahadatul , Adila Nesria , Ramdhan Rizki M.
Published: November 2024

Humans have various personalities that are different from each other. However, Allah SWT has gifted every human being with the same nature, where nature is in the form of spirit, body, and nafs. In the Islamic view, nature tends towards morals, but a person's habits, circumstances, and environment will later influence the formation of his personality. This research aims to explain the concept of personality from the perspective of religious psychology. This research uses a qualitative method with a content analysis approach, all data is taken from various sources originating from psychology books, religious psychology books, theories, and expert opinions. All data that has been collected is then analyzed thematically, in other words, the themes that have been obtained are described comprehensively and in-depth. To make it more interesting, all themes from the results of this research will be discussed with the results of studies by previous researchers and current psychological issues. This research found that personality psychology and religion are related to each other. Religious psychology plays a role in providing in-depth insight into religious values ​​that influence personality. The implications of this research are to provide reading material that helps readers understand it.
Research on the Design of Communication Space in Youth Apartments from the Perspective of Interpersonal Communication Theory
Authors: Xie Zhenlin , Xie Ming , Qiu Xuejun , Xie Ke
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the intersection of interpersonal communication theory and the living requirements of youth groups, guided by theories of interpersonal communication, communication and space, and resource sharing. By examining relevant case studies, it delves into the design of communication spaces in youth-oriented apartments. The study offers innovative concepts for public activity areas tailored to the needs of contemporary youth, aiming to address the problem of social isolation among young individuals.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTROLLING THE BEHAVIOR OF COMPUTERIZED PRODUCTION SYSTEM EMPLOYEES
Authors:   Lecturer, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan  E-mail: msubhonov3@gmail.com  ORCID ID: 0009-0009-5925-0913, Subhonov Muhammad Rashid ugli , Yarashov Inomjon Kahramon ugli ,   Senior Lecturer, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan E-mail: yarashovkafedra507@gmail.com  ORCID ID: 0000-0002-0855-3318, Jurakulov Nodirbek ,   Lecturer, Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Tashkent, Uzbekistan E-mail: nodirjuraqulov783@gmail.com  ORCID ID: 0009-0006-8063-3319, Karimov Rajabmurod ,   Doctoral Candidate, National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, Tashkent, Uzbekistan E-mail: r.karimov1994@gmail.com  ORCID ID: 0009-0004-9186-1048
Published: November 2024

When creating a mathematical model of controlling the behavior of employees in computerized production systems, the issues of building effective software systems for protection against internal attacks, which have features such as flexibility, were considered. In computerized production systems, the management and consolidation of initial data from the registration logs and operating system protocols, data presentation and storage methods are analyzed separately. The architecture of the consolidation system of computerized production is proposed. It is proposed to use digital technology to analyze and synthesize the collected data about the subject's activity in the computerized production system and to build a mathematical model of subjects' behavior based on associative rules. The constructed mathematical model can be visually presented to the administrator of the computerized production system as a network of dependencies, and can also be used to analyze anomalies in the behavior of system participants and to assess the level of potential threat arising from each subject.
Direct and indirect salt effects on homotypic phase separation
Authors: MacAinsh Matt , Dey Souvik , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: November 2024

The low-complexity domain of hnRNPA1 (A1-LCD) phase separates in a salt-dependent manner. Unlike many intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) whose phase separation is suppressed by increasing salt concentrations, the phase separation of A1-LCD is promoted by >100 mM NaCl. To investigate the atypical salt effect on A1-LCD phase separation, we carried out all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of systems comprising multiple A1-LCD chains at NaCl concentrations from 50 to 1000 mM NaCl. The ions occupy first shell as well as more distant sites around the IDP chains, with Arg sidechains and backbone carbonyls the favored partners of Cl– and Na+, respectively. They play two direct roles in driving A1-LCD condensation. The first is to neutralize the high net charge of the protein (+9) by an excess of bound Cl– over Na+; the second is to bridge between A1-LCD chains, thereby fortifying the intermolecular interaction networks in the dense phase. At high concentrations, NaCl also indirectly strengthens π–π, cation–π, and amino–π interactions, by drawing water away from the interaction partners. Therefore, at low salt, A1-LCD is prevented from phase separation by net charge repulsion; at intermediate concentrations, NaCl neutralizes enough of the net charge while also bridging IDP chains to drive phase separation. This drive becomes even stronger at high salt due to strengthened π-type interactions. Based on this understanding, four classes of salt dependence of IDP phase separation can be predicted from amino-acid composition.
The promise and peril of comparing fluorescence lifetime in biology revealed by simulations
Authors: Ma Pingchuan , Sternson Scott , Chen Yao
Published: November 2024

Signaling dynamics are crucial in biological systems, and biosensor-based real-time imaging has revolutionized their analysis. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) excels over the widely used fluorescence intensity imaging by allowing the measurement of absolute signal levels, independent of sensor concentration. This capability enables the comparison of signaling dynamics across different animals, body regions, and timeframes. However, FLIM’s advantage can be compromised by factors like autofluorescence in biological experiments. To address this, we introduce FLiSimBA, a flexible computational framework for realistic
F
luorescence
Li
fetime
Sim
ulation for
B
iological
A
pplications. Through simulations, we analyze the signal-to-noise ratios of fluorescence lifetime data, determining measurement uncertainty and providing necessary error bars for lifetime measurements. Furthermore, we challenge the belief that fluorescence lifetime is unaffected by sensor expression and establish quantitative limits to this insensitivity in biological applications. Additionally, we propose innovations, notably multiplexed dynamic imaging that combines fluorescence intensity and lifetime measurements. This innovation can transform the number of signals that can be simultaneously monitored, thereby enabling a systems approach in studying signaling dynamics. Thus, by incorporating diverse factors into our simulation framework, we uncover surprises, identify limitations, and propose advancements for fluorescence lifetime imaging in biology. This quantitative framework supports rigorous experimental design, facilitates accurate data interpretation, and paves the way for technological advancements in fluorescence lifetime imaging.
TRPV3 channel activity helps cortical neurons stay active during fever
Authors: Shen Yiming , Fiáth Richárd , Ulbert István , Antoine Michelle W
Published: November 2024

Fever raises body temperature (T
b
) from ∼37°C to beyond 38°C to combat pathogens. While generally well tolerated below 40°C, fevers can induce seizures in 2-5-year-old neurotypical children. This study investigates how neuronal activity is maintained during fever-range temperatures. Recordings of layer (L) 4-evoked spiking in L2/3 mouse somatosensory cortex show that excitatory pyramidal neurons (PNs) may remain inactive, stay active, cease activity, or initiate activity as temperature rises from 30°C (standard in electrophysiology studies) to 36°C (normal T
b
) and then to 39°C (fever-range). Similar proportions of neurons cease or initiate spiking. Thus, “STAY” PNs, which remain active across temperatures changes, are crucial for maintaining stable spiking activity. STAY PNs are more prevalent at younger postnatal ages. To sustain spiking during temperature increases, STAY PNs adjust their depolarization levels to match the spike threshold while remaining temperature-insensitive in input resistance. In the striatum, STAY medium-spiny neurons are likely dopamine (D)2-type receptor-expressing and share similar characteristics with STAY PNs. Intracellular blockade of the thermosensitive channel
TRPV3
, but not
TRPV4
, significantly decreased the population of STAY PNs and reduced spiking at 39°C. Therefore,
TRPV3
function may be critical for maintaining cortical activity during fever.
Endophilin A1 facilitates organization of the GABAergic postsynaptic machinery to maintain excitation-inhibition balance
Authors: Chen Xue , Pan Deng , Liu Jia-Jia , Yang Yanrui
Published: November 2024

The assembly and operation of neural circuits in the brain rely on the coordination and balance of excitatory and inhibitory activities. Inhibitory synapses are key regulators of the functional balance of neural circuits. However, due to the diversity of inhibitory presynaptic neurons, the complex composition of postsynaptic receptor subunits and the lack of typical postsynaptic dense structure, there are relatively few studies on the regulatory mechanisms for inhibitory synaptic structure and function, and insufficient understanding of the cellular and molecular abnormalities of inhibitory synapses in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we report a crucial role for endophilin A1 in inhibitory synapses. We show that endophilin A1 directly interacts with the inhibitory postsynaptic scaffold protein gephyrin in excitatory neurons, and promotes organization of the inhibitory postsynaptic density and synaptic recruitment/stabilization of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors via its plasma membrane association and actin polymerization promoting activities. Loss of endophilin A1 by gene knockout in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells weakens inhibitory synaptic transmission and causes imbalance in the excitatory/inhibitory function of neural circuits, leading to increased susceptibility to epilepsy. Our findings identify endophilin A1 as an iPSD component and provide new insights into the organization and stabilization of inhibitory postsynapses to maintain E/I balance as well as the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
Complete suspension culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells supplemented with suppressors of spontaneous differentiation
Authors: Matsuo-Takasaki Mami , Kambayashi Sho , Hemmi Yasuko , Wakabayashi Tamami , Shimizu Tomoya , An Yuri , Ito Hidenori , Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Ibuki Masato , Kawashima Terasu , Masayasu Rio , Suzuki Manami , Kawai Yoshikazu , Umekage Masafumi , Kato Tomoaki M , Noguchi Michiya , Nakade Koji , Nakamura Yukio , Nakaishi Tomoyuki , Nishishita Naoki , Tsukahara Masayoshi , Hayashi Yohei
Published: November 2024

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are promising resources for producing various types of tissues in regenerative medicine; however, the improvement in a scalable culture system that can precisely control the cellular status of hiPSCs is needed. Utilizing suspension culture without microcarriers or special materials allows for massive production, automation, cost-effectiveness, and safety assurance in industrialized regenerative medicine. Here, we found that hiPSCs cultured in suspension conditions with continuous agitation without microcarriers or extracellular matrix components were more prone to spontaneous differentiation than those cultured in conventional adherent conditions. Adding PKCβ and Wnt signaling pathway inhibitors in the suspension conditions suppressed the spontaneous differentiation of hiPSCs into ectoderm and mesendoderm, respectively. In these conditions, we successfully completed the culture processes of hiPSCs, including the generation of hiPSCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells with the expansion of bulk population and single-cell sorted clones, long-term culture with robust self-renewal characteristics, single-cell cloning, direct cryopreservation from suspension culture and their successful recovery, and efficient mass production of a clinical-grade hiPSC line. Our results demonstrate that precise control of the cellular status in suspension culture conditions paves the way for their stable and automated clinical application.
A non-conducting role of the Cav1.4 Ca2+ channel drives homeostatic plasticity at the cone photoreceptor synapse
Authors: Maddox J Wesley , Ordemann Gregory J , de la Rosa Vázquez Juan AM , Huang Angie , Gault Christof , Wisner Serena R , Randall Kate , Futagi Daiki , Salem Nihal A , Mayfield Dayne , Zemelman Boris V , DeVries Steven , Hoon Mrinalini , Lee Amy
Published: November 2024

In congenital stationary night blindness, type 2 (CSNB2)—a disorder involving the Cav1.4 (L-type) Ca2+ channel—visual impairment is mild considering that Cav1.4 mediates synaptic release from rod and cone photoreceptors. Here, we addressed this conundrum using a Cav1.4 knockout (KO) mouse and a knock-in (G369i KI) mouse expressing a non-conducting Cav1.4. Surprisingly, Cav3 (T-type) Ca2+ currents were detected in cones of G369i KI mice and Cav1.4 KO mice but not in cones of wild-type mouse, ground squirrels, and macaque retina. Whereas Cav1.4 KO mice are blind, G369i KI mice exhibit normal photopic (i.e. cone-mediated) visual behavior. Cone synapses, which fail to form in Cav1.4 KO mice, are present, albeit enlarged, and with some errors in postsynaptic wiring in G369i KI mice. While Cav1.4 KO mice lack evidence of cone synaptic responses, electrophysiological recordings in G369i KI mice revealed nominal transmission from cones to horizontal cells and bipolar cells. In CSNB2, we propose that Cav3 channels maintain cone synaptic output provided that the nonconducting role of Cav1.4 in cone synaptogenesis remains intact. Our findings reveal an unexpected form of homeostatic plasticity that relies on a non-canonical role of an ion channel.
Automated programming approaches to enhance computer-aided translation accuracy
Authors: Zhao Tao , Alias Mazni Binti
Published: November 2024

With the continued development of information technology and increased global cultural exchanges, translation has gained significant attention. Traditional manual translation relies heavily on dictionaries or personal experience, translating word by word. While this method ensures high translation quality, it is often too slow to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced environment. Computer-assisted translation (CAT) addresses the issue of slow translation speed; however, the quality of CAT translations still requires rigorous evaluation. This study aims to answer the following questions: How do CAT systems that use automated programming fare compared to more conventional methods of human translation when translating English vocabulary? (2) How can CAT systems be improved to handle difficult English words, specialised terminology, and semantic subtleties? The working premise is that CAT systems that use automated programming techniques will outperform traditional methods in terms of translation accuracy. English vocabulary plays a crucial role in translation, as words can have different meanings depending on the context. CAT systems improve their translation accuracy by utilising specific automated programs and building a translation corpus through translation memory technology. This study compares the accuracy of English vocabulary translations produced by CAT based on automatic programming with those produced by traditional manual translation. Experimental results demonstrate that CAT based on automatic programming is 8% more accurate than traditional manual translation when dealing with complex English vocabulary sentences, professional jargon, English acronyms, and semantic nuances. Consequently, compared to conventional human translation, CAT can enhance the accuracy of English vocabulary translation, making it a valuable tool in the translation industry.
Coral recruits demonstrate thermal resilience
Authors: Lamb Annika M. , Peplow Lesa M. , Harrison Peter L. , Humphrey Craig A. , Latini Lorenzo , McCutchan Guy A. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: November 2024

Marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent during summer and pose a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems. Restoration efforts have the potential to support native coral populations and guard them against some degree of environmental change, while global action against climate change takes place. Interspecific hybridization is one approach through which resilient coral stock could be generated for restoration. Here we compared the performance of Acropora kenti and A. loripes hybrid and purebred coral recruits under a simulated thermal stress event. A. kenti eggs were successfully fertilized by A. loripes sperm to produce ‘KL’ hybrids, but no ‘LK’ hybrids could be produced from A. loripes eggs and A. kenti sperm. Despite corals in the elevated treatment accruing thermal stress (>12 degree heating weeks over 2 months) known to result in mass bleaching, both purebred and hybrid recruits showed no signs of stress under the simulated temperature regime, based on the performance indicators survivorship, size, color (a proxy of bleaching), and photochemical efficiency of photosystem II. Comparisons between the hybrids and purebreds studied here must be interpreted with caution because hybrid sample sizes were small. The hybrids did not outperform both of their purebred counterparts for any metrics studied here, demonstrating that there are limitations to the extent to which interspecific hybridization may boost the performance of coral stock. In general, the purebred A. loripes recruits performed best under both ambient and elevated conditions. The performance of the KL hybrid corals was similar to the maternal parental species, A. kenti, or not significantly different to either parental purebred species. The Symbiodiniaceae communities of the KL hybrids were characteristic of their maternal counterparts and may have underpinned the performance differences between the A. kenti/KL hybrid and A. loripes recruits.
Interaction network of the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Mcp3
Authors: Sinzel Monika , Zeitler Andreas , Dimmer Kai S.
Published: September 2018

Mitochondria are organelles containing two membranes that are distinct in composition and function. A role of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) is to mediate contact of the organelle with the rest of the cell. In yeast, the MOM contains about 40 different integral proteins. Recently, we described the MOM protein Mcp3, which can serve as a multicopy suppressor of loss of ERMES complex that mediates mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum contacts. To shed further light on the role of Mcp3 in the MOM, we analyzed its physical interaction with other proteins. We show that Mcp3 interacts with the MOM protein Om45 and the inner membrane protein Aim19. Our observations hint toward a potential involvement of Mcp3 in a structural and/or functional link between both mitochondrial membranes.
4,5‐Diazafluorene‐Based Donor–Acceptor Small Molecules as Charge Trapping Elements for Tunable Nonvolatile Organic Transistor Memory
Authors: Yu Yang , Bian Lin‐Yi , Chen Jian‐Guo , Ma Qi‐Hao , Li Yin‐Xiang , Ling Hai‐Feng , Feng Quan‐You , Xie Ling‐Hai , Yi Ming‐Dong , Huang Wei
Published: September 2018

Three diazafluorene derivatives triphenylamine (TPA)(PDAF)n (n = 1, 2, 3) serving as small molecular elements are designed and synthesized via concentrated sulfuric acid mediated Friedel–Crafts reaction. With highly nonplanar topological configuration, TPA(PDAF)3 shows weaker intermolecular interaction in the solid states and thus exhibits single nanomolecular behavior, which is crucial for charge stored and retained in an organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) memory device. Furthermore, diazafluorene derivatives possess a completely separate highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, which offers ideal hole and electron trapping sites. As charge storage elements, triphenylamine groups provide the hole trapping sites, while diazafluorene units provide the electron trapping sites and act as a hole blocking group to restrain the leakage of stored holes trapped in triphenylamine. The pentacene‐based OFET memory device with solution‐processing TPA(PDAF)3 shows a good hole‐trapping ability, high hole trapping density (4.55 × 1012 cm−2), fast trapping speed (<20 ms), a large memory window (89 V), and a tunable ambipolar memory behavior. The optimized device shows a large ON/OFF current ratio (2.85 × 107), good charge retention (>104 s), and reliable endurance properties. This study suggests that diazafluorene based donor–acceptor small molecular elements have great promise for high‐performance OFET memory.
A Modular Approach to Sensitized Two‐Photon Patterning of Photodegradable Hydrogels
Authors: Lunzer Markus , Shi Liyang , Andriotis Orestis G. , Gruber Peter , Markovic Marica , Thurner Philipp J. , Ossipov Dmitri , Liska Robert , Ovsianikov Aleksandr
Published: September 2018

Photodegradable hydrogels have emerged as useful platforms for research on cell function, tissue engineering, and cell delivery as their physical and chemical properties can be dynamically controlled by the use of light. The photo‐induced degradation of such hydrogel systems is commonly based on the integration of photolabile o‐nitrobenzyl derivatives to the hydrogel backbone, because such linkers can be cleaved by means of one‐ and two‐photon absorption. Herein we describe a cytocompatible click‐based hydrogel containing o‐nitrobenzyl ester linkages between a hyaluronic acid backbone, which is photodegradable in the presence of cells. It is demonstrated for the first time that by using a cyclic benzylidene ketone‐based small molecule as photosensitizer the efficiency of the two‐photon degradation process can be improved significantly. Biocompatibility of both the improved two‐photon micropatterning process as well as the hydrogel itself is confirmed by cell culture studies.
Electrocatalytic properties of diiron ethanedithiolate complexes containing benzoate ester
Authors: Chen Fei‐Yan , He Jiao , Yu Xiao‐Yong , Wang Zheng , Mu Chao , Liu Xu‐Feng , Li Yu‐Long , Jiang Zhong‐Qing , Wu Hong‐Ke
Published: September 2018

Six diiron ethanedithiolate complexes containing benzoate ester have been synthesized and characterized. Treatment of the starting material [{μ‐SCH2CH(CH2OH)S}Fe2(CO)6] (1) with benzoic acid in the presence of N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine afforded the benzoate ester‐containing complex [{μ‐SCH2CH(CH2O2CPh)S}Fe2(CO)6] (2) in 97% yield. Carbonyl substitution of complex 2 with a monophosphine ligand, such as triphenylphosphine, tris(2‐methoxyphenyl)phosphine, tris(4‐fluorophenyl)phosphine, isopropyldiphenylphosphine or cyclohexyldiphenylphosphine, in the presence of Me3NO⋅2H2O gave the derivatives [{μ‐SCH2CH(CH2O2CPh)S}Fe2(CO)5L] (L = PPh3, 3; P(C6H4OCH3‐2)3, 4; P(C6H4F‐4)3, 5; Ph2PCH(CH3)2, 6; Ph2PC6H11, 7) in 66–95% yields. Complexes 2–7 were characterized using elemental analysis, spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. In addition, these complexes can catalyze the reduction of protons to H2 in the presence of weak acid HOAc under electrochemical conditions.
Bivalve sanctuaries to enhance stocks along the Algarve coast of southern Portugal: A spatio‐temporal approach
Authors: Rufino Marta M. , Vasconcelos Paulo , Pereira Fábio , Moura Paula , Gaspar Miguel B.
Published: September 2018

Populations of marine bivalves are subject to large interannual fluctuations as a result of their sensitivity to unfavourable environmental conditions. These populations have a strong dependence on recruitment, which constitutes a risk to stock conservation and the sustainability of the commercially exploited species. Bivalve sanctuaries comprising no‐take areas can promote the restocking of large coastal areas as a result of the high fecundity and the potentially long‐distance larval dispersal of bivalves.

The present study explores a novel spatio‐temporal approach to investigate suitable locations for bivalve sanctuaries, aimed at protecting and enhancing stocks along the Algarve coast in southern Portugal. In the context of small‐scale fisheries, bivalve dredging constitutes an important socio‐economic activity. Three bivalve species are targeted: the striped venus (Chamelea gallina), the donax clam (Donax trunculus), and the surf clam (Spisula solida).

Data gathered from 36 bivalve fishing surveys conducted over three decades (1986–2015) were analysed using geostatistical methods, accounting for temporal and spatial autocorrelation to produce continuous prediction maps of species distribution for each survey. The approach taken permitted the use of all scattered historical data collected by different methods. The predictions were then used to summarize and illustrate the spatial distribution of species across time, in terms of average biomass, variability, and maximum potential biomass, and to delimit the areas as a function of the species persistence (recurrent, occasional, or rare). The temporal patterns through space were further investigated using empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. The areas accounting for 80% of the species biomass were also estimated.

Results of this set of analyses led to the proposal of locations for establishing bivalve sanctuaries, aimed at enhancing the stocks of commercial bivalve species in the long term. Such an innovative spatio‐temporal approach and management strategy is replicable in other fishing resources and geographic areas.
miR‐330‐3p promotes lung cancer cells invasion, migration, and metastasis by directly targeting hSOD2b
Authors: Shen Lianghua , Yi Shanze , Huang Luyuan , Li Shuaiguang , Bai Fang , Lei Sijia , Breitzig Mason , Czachor Alexander , Sun Hanxiao , Zheng Qing , Wang Feng
Published: September 2018

Lung cancer is a serious threat to human health. Studies have revealed that human manganese superoxide dismutase (hSOD2) and miRNAs play an essential role in the metastasis process of lung cancer. However, the miRNAs that associated with hSOD2 and involved in metastasis, remain elusive. After databases analysis and dual luciferase reporter validation, we demonstrated that miR‐330‐3p expression inversely correlated with hSOD2b expression level, and that miR‐330‐3p directly targeted the 3′untranslated region (3′UTR) of hSOD2b. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐330‐3p promoted whereas knockdown of miR‐330‐3p inhibited invasion/migration and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of lung cancer cells in vitro. Knockdown of miR‐330‐3p inhibited metastasis of lung cancer cells in vivo. Moreover, miR‐330‐3p‐mediated enhancement of invasion/migration in 95‐D cells could be rescued by over‐expression of hSOD2. In conclusion, we demonstrated that miR‐330‐3p promoted metastasis of lung cancer cells by suppressing hSOD2b expression and unveiled a new clinical application of miR‐330‐3p in the therapy of lung cancer.
C3−C3′ and C6−C6′ Oxidative Couplings of Carbazoles
Authors: Li Mao
Published: September 2018

9‐Substituted carbazoles are widely used units in materials science, and their oxidative reactions have been utilized for the synthesis and characterization of polymers. Though the oxidative mechanism of carbazoles has been known for a few decades, structural definition has remained difficult, because their polymers are generally insoluble with incomplete characterization and unknown dependence of the electrochemical potentials. The oxidative reactions of 9‐substituted carbazoles should be carefully considered under specific oxidative conditions; otherwise, structure definitions could be wrong, because the IR and NMR spectra used previously cannot quantitatively analyze 3,3′‐coupling and 6,6′‐coupling of carbazoles. In this review, the best understanding of the C3−C3′ and C6−C6′ oxidative couplings of 9‐substituted carbazoles is presented, and the benefit of these oxidative reactions from the viewpoints of electrochemical synthesis, film engineering, and the synthesis and processing of polymers is highlighted.
Quadratic and Cubic Optical Nonlinearities of Y‐Shaped and Distorted‐H‐Shaped Arylalkynylruthenium Complexes
Authors: Morshedi Mahbod , Kodikara Mahesh S. , Corkery T. Christopher , Hurst Stephanie K. , Chavan Sanjay S. , Kulasekera Erandi , Stranger Rob , Samoc Marek , Van Cleuvenbergen Stijn , Asselberghs Inge , Clays Koen , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G.
Published: September 2018

Straightforward syntheses of bis[bis{1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane}ruthenium]‐functionalized 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene‐cored complexes via a methodology employing “steric control” permit facile formation of Y‐shaped Sonogashira coupling products and distorted‐H‐shaped homo‐coupled quadrupolar products. Cyclic voltammetric data from these products reveal two reversible metal alkynyl‐localized oxidation processes for all complexes. The wavelengths of the linear optical absorption maxima are dominated by the nature of the peripheral alkynyl ligand rather than the substituent at the unique arm of the “Y” or at the quadrupolar complex “core”. The quadratic optical nonlinearities of the Y‐shaped complexes were assessed by the hyper‐Rayleigh scattering technique at 800 nm and employing 100 fs light pulses; introduction of donor NEt2 and/or acceptor NO2 to the wedge periphery resulted in non‐zero nonlinearities, with the largest βHRS,800 values being observed for the complexes containing the 4‐nitrophenylalkynyl ligands. Depolarization ratios are consistent with substantial off‐diagonal first hyperpolarizability tensor components and 2D nonlinear character. Computational studies employing time‐dependent density functional theory have been employed to assign the key low‐energy transitions in the linear optical spectra and to compute the quadratic nonlinear optical tensorial components. Cubic optical nonlinearities of the quadrupolar complexes were assessed by the Z‐scan technique over the range 500–1600 nm and employing 130 fs light pulses; two‐photon absorption cross‐sections for these distorted‐H‐shaped complexes are moderate to large in value (up to 5500 GM at 880 nm), while one example displays significant three‐photon absorption (1300×10−80 cm6 s2 at 1200 nm).