bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The first and second phases of the muscle compound action potential in the thumb are differently affected by electrical stimulation trains
Authors: Lanfranchi Clément , Rodriguez-Falces Javier , Place Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Our understanding of how the first and second phases of the compound muscle action potential (M wave) behave during fatigue remains incomplete. Using electrically evoked repeated tetanic contractions of the adductor pollicis , we showed that the first and second phases of the M wave followed distinct kinetics only during the early stages of fatigue development. This suggests that the factors affecting the M-wave first and second phases may change as fatigue develops.
Associations between Zinc Deficiency, Taste Changes, and Salivary Flow Rates following Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgeries
Authors: Mozaffar Boshra , Mozaffar Hayat , Alkharaiji Mohammed , Elbahrawy Aly , Idris Iskandar
Published: March 2024

Background. The prevalence of taste change (hypogeusia) and its association with zinc deficiency is unclear due to differences in methods of assessment. We investigate the prevalence of hypogeusia using mixed methods and link it with changes in zinc levels following mini gastric bypass (MGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Methods. This was a prospective observational study of MGB (N = 18) and SG (N = 25). Hypogeusia was evaluated by using a validated questionnaire and by taste strips procedure along with serum zinc levels and salivary flow rate measurements. Results. The mean age was 40.0 ± 9.7 years; 60.5% were female. By using a questionnaire, MGB patients experienced greater hypogeusia than SG at 3 months (72.0% vs 36.0%; (p=0.03)), but not at 6 months (56.0% vs 45.0%; (p=0.74)), respectively. Using taste strips, at 6 months, more MGB patients experienced hypogeusia compared with SG (44.0% vs 11.0%; p=0.03). Zinc level was reduced following MGB at 6 months (85.6 ± 16.9 μgm/dl vs 67.5 ± 9.2 μgm/dl; (P=0.004)) but was increased at 6 months following SG (76.9 ± 11.4 vs 84.9 ± 21.7 μgm/dl). Reduction in the rate of salivary flow was observed in 66.0% and 72.0% of MGB and SG patients, respectively, at 3 months and in 53.0% and 70.0% at 6 months. Conclusion. Taste change is more prevalent following MGB compared with SG, especially at 6 months postoperation which parallel with changes in zinc levels. More than half of all patients who had undergone bariatric surgery (BS) had low to very low salivary flow rates during the follow-up. This study suggests an association between low zinc levels and reduced salivary flow with hypogeusia following BS.
Risk Factors for Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Patients on Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Stojadinovic Milorad , Lausevic Mirjana , Milosevic Iman Assi , Zaric Radica Zivkovic , Jemcov Tamara Kosta , Komadina Ljiljana , Petrovic Dejan Slavko , Djuric Petar , Bulatovic Ana , Jakovljevic Stefan , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) is becoming a major safety concern, as it has been previously linked to a significant number of adverse drug events and could have serious consequences for patients, including death. This is especially relevant for patients with chronic renal failure, as they are particularly vulnerable to drug-drug interactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of pDDIs in patients receiving chronic peritoneal dialysis. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on consecutive peritoneal dialysis patients attending four tertiary care hospitals for regular monthly examination. The primary outcome was the number of pDDIs identified using Lexicomp. Potential predictors were determined using multiple linear regression. Results: Total number of patients included in the study was 140. The results showed that pDDIs were highly prevalent, especially in patients who use antiarrhythmics (p = 0.001), have diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001), recently started peritoneal dialysis (p = 0.003), or have higher number of prescribed drugs (p < 0.001). Number of prescribed drugs (p < 0.001) remained a significant predictor of high-risk pDDIs in addition to the female gender (p = 0.043). Conclusion: Clinicians should be particularly cautious when prescribing multiple medications to high-risk patients, such as peritoneal dialysis patients, to mitigate the risk of drug-drug interactions and associated adverse health outcomes.
Purified Free Mannan Promotes Tolerogenic Responses in Peanut-Stimulated Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Sánchez-Herrero Silvia , Benito-Villalvilla Cristina , Palomares Oscar
Published: March 2024

Introduction: IgE-mediated peanut allergy is an important public health problem of increasing prevalence leading to anaphylactic reactions both in children and adults. Allergen-specific oral immunotherapy (OIT) is the single treatment with the potential capacity to modify the course of the disease, but it still faces some drawbacks in terms of efficacy, safety, patients’ adherence, and cost. Alternative strategies, including the use of novel adjuvants, to overcome such limitations are highly demanded. The main aim of this study was to search for potential novel adjuvants for peanut OIT by assessing the capacity of free purified mannan and different toll-like receptor ligands (TLR-Ls) to immunomodulate the responses of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (hmoDCs) to peanut allergens. Methods: Monocytes were isolated from PBMCs of healthy donors and differentiated into hmoDCs. Flow cytometry, ELISA, coculture, and suppression assay were performed to assess the effects of TLR-Ls, mannan, and crude peanut extract (CPE) in hmoDCs. Results: Purified free mannan increased the expression levels of HLA-DR, CD86, CD83, and PD-L1 and induced a higher IL-10/IL-6 cytokine ratio in hmoDCs compared to the stimulation with different TLR-Ls. Mannan significantly increased the expression of HLA-DR, the maturation marker CD83, the tolerogenic marker PD-L1, as well as the production of IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α in CPE-stimulated hmoDCs. Supporting these tolerogenic properties, mannan also significantly increased the frequency of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells generated by CPE-treated hmoDCs with functional suppressive capacity. Conclusions: We uncover that purified free mannan induces tolerogenic responses in human DCs stimulated with peanut allergens, suggesting mannan as a suitable potential novel adjuvant to be exploited in the context of OIT for peanut allergy.
Moral knowing, moral feeling, and moral action in reflecting moral development of students in junior high school
Authors: Purwati Purwati , Japar Muhammad , Qomariyah Laili , Tentama Fatwa
Published: March 2024

This research objective is to test the validity and reliability of moral development instruments on junior high school students. The moral development instrument for junior high school students was developed based on three aspects of moral development: moral knowing, moral feeling, and moral action. This research sample involves 172 students at Junior High School “X” in Magelang City, Indonesia ranging from 12 to 15 years of age. The total items developed from the three aspects are 152 items consisting of 60 items of moral knowing, 62 items of moral feeling, and 30 items of moral action. The items analysis was calculated using the product moment correlation technique and corrected item-total correlation technique. This research result indicates that the moral development instrument is valid with the score of rcount>rtable and stated reliable with Cronbach alpha score of moral knowing is 0.876, moral feeling is 0.886, and moral action is 0.830. The validity and reliability test result shows that the moral development instrument for students is feasible to use. Moral knowing, moral feeling, and moral action can reflect students' moral development.
School counselors as agents of peace in the school: a systematic literature review
Authors: Saputra Wahyu Nanda Eka , Rohmadheny Prima Suci , Suryanto Farid
Published: March 2024

Adolescence is a critical phase that can raise a problem, one of which is violence. This condition harms the dynamics of academic activities at school if they do not immediately find a solution. One party that has a central role in character development to suppress student violence is school counselors. This research is a systematic literature review that describes the counselor’s role as an agent of peace whose primary focus is to build a culture of peace in the school environment. The results showed that counselors used two pillars of service to create a culture of peace in schools, namely peace guidance and peace counseling. This paper discusses operational descriptions for each of the posts to build a culture of peace in the school environment. This results should serve as a reference for school counselors in supporting their programs to reduce violence in schools. Besides, this study also recommends conducting further research to create a guidance and counseling program to reduce violence among adolescents in schools.
English as a foreign language lecturers’ language power bases in the high context culture of Toraja
Authors: Girik Allo Markus Deli , Taula’bi’ Nilma , Sudarsi Elim Trika
Published: March 2024

This study overviews the English as a foreign language (EFL) lecturers’ language power bases in the high-context culture of Toraja. The writer applied a qualitative study method with a case study design. The writer applied purposive sampling and the subjects of this study are three EFL lecturers. The writer got the data through video observation and interviews. The data analysis technique used is using transcription and coding. It is revealed that the characteristics of lecturers’ behaviors and communication strategies associated with the five bases of power-referent power, coercive power, reward power, legitimate power, and expert power-were observed in the high context culture of Toraja, a common cultural practice among the Toraja learners. Referent power was evident when the lecturer was able to establish a connection with the learners based on shared cultural norms. Coercive power was demonstrated when the lecturer used guilt to pressure learners who were unwilling to do a class presentation. Reward power was characterized by the lecturer providing incentives to learners who complied with requests. Legitimate power was observed when the lecturer maintained strict control over the classroom. Additionally, expert power was identified when the lecturer shared their knowledge and expertise in addressing gaps in the study area.
The effectiveness of integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics project-based learning module
Authors: Sulaiman Fauziah , Rosales JR. Jeffry Juan , Kyung Lee Jae
Published: March 2024

Physics is a tricky subject to learn, especially when it comes to students applying physics knowledge to the real world and its application. This paper aims to study the effectiveness of the integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics project-based learning (iSTEM-PjBL) module in physics on students’ belief-specific categories, i.e., real-world connection, conceptual connection and applied conceptual understanding. This research used the quasi-experimental model, employing a two-group pre-survey-post-survey design. Quantitative data were collected using the Colorado Learning Attitude about Science Survey (CLASS) instrument at two selected schools in Sabah, Malaysia, and Seoul, Korea. The sample size was 88 from Malaysia and 66 from Korea who learned classical mechanics. The students were divided into two groups, respectively, i.e., the experimental group (Malaysia=44, Korea=33) and the control group (Malaysia=44, Korea=33). Participants in the experimental group were intervened with the integrated STEM-PBL physics module, whilst participants in the control group learned physics through a conventional approach for eight weeks. Participants in both groups were then administered a pre-survey before and post-survey after the intervention. This research showed that the integrated STEM-PjBL physics module significantly improved students’ real-world connections, conceptual connections, and applied connections after the intervention. The implications and suggestions were also discussed to extend the research further.
Beware of cyberbullying! Evidence from high school students in Indonesia
Authors: Kollo Fredik Lambertus , Zulkarnain Zulkarnain , Mahfud Tuatul , Matang Matang
Published: March 2024

Cases of cyberbullying among high school students have become the center of attention of educational institutions as a new form of bullying using information technology. Many studies examine cyberbullying as a new form of bullying. However, studies on school climate, social support, and social self-efficacy in reducing cyberbullying behavior among high school students are still limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of school climate, social support, and social self-efficacy on cyberbullying behavior. This study involved 290 high school students in three schools in Kupang City, Indonesia. We used a simple random sampling technique to determine which respondents were involved. SPSS version 20 and Amos 18 software were used to analyze the data for this study. Data analysis in this study used structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. The study’s results revealed that school climate and social self-efficacy significantly negatively affected high school students’ cyberbullying behavior. Meanwhile, social support has no direct influence on students’ cyberbullying behavior. Social self-efficacy has also been shown to mediate the effect of school climate on high school students’ cyberbullying behavior. An in-depth discussion is presented in this paper to provide an overview of the critical implications for educational practitioners.
Development of the noise questionnaire in the online learning process and implications for counseling
Authors: Ardimen Ardimen , Tas'adi Rafsel , Murisal Murisal , Kenedi Gusril , Hardivizon Hardivizon , Tanjung Romi Fajar
Published: March 2024

Starting with online learning requires a lot of attention such as focus, comfortable sitting, and avoiding distractions such as noise. A noise questionnaire instrument is an evaluation tool designed to identify the experience of students in the online learning process. This instrument was developed based on a literature review on noise and online learning. The instrument first stage was given to 110 students and the instrument second stage was given to 460 students in seven universities in Indonesia, 99 male and 361 female respondents aged 18-30 years. The instrument was designed based on DeVito’s noise theory: physical noise, physiological noise, psychological noise, and semantic noise. The statistical test of the instrument used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to find the goodness of fit index model. The results of the noise instrument factor analysis show a fit model, acceptable validity, and high internal consistency (α=0.86). The findings of this study produce valid and reliable instruments for identifying noise indicators that are dominant in online learning activities. The results of identifying noise in online learning can be used to design guidance and counseling programs or plan actions to deal with noise in online learning according to the data obtained.
The cognitive alignment of mathematics teachers’ assessments and its curriculum
Authors: Zana Firdha Mahrifatul , Sa'dijah Cholis , Susiswo Susiswo
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explore how the cognitive level alignment between the teachers’ assessments and Mathematics curriculum in Indonesia related to students’ higher order thinking skills (HOTS) development. The study adopted a descriptive exploratory design with a qualitative approach. The participants of this study were 15 high school mathematics teachers from Malang City and the Nganjuk district. Data were collected from the results of the assessments and indicators of the mathematics curriculum used by teachers. The data collected were analyzed using Anderson & Krathwohl’s Taxonomy to determine the alignment of the cognitive level from assessments and curriculum. In the semi-structured interview session, we recorded teachers’ responses who were able to construct HOTS-based assessments. Our findings showed: i) mathematics indicators primarily targeted students’ thinking skills at the low cognitive level, namely applying; ii) teachers’ assessments were more dominant at the low cognitive level, and there was no assessment at create level; and iii) the alignment of the cognitive level was relatively low for the HOTS category. The study findings can be used to improve curriculum and assessment in education. They can also be used as reflections for Mathematics teachers on the importance of aligning the cognitive level, especially that develop students’ HOTS.
Problem-solving skills of high school students in chemistry
Authors: Sa-ngiemjit Maneerat , Vázquez-Alonso Ángel , Manassero Mas María Antonia
Published: March 2024

People are continuously confronted with difficulties, which are situations that they do not understand yet strive to solve anyway. Researchers employed root cause analysis (RCA) in this study to analyze students’ problem-solving in chemistry and the students’ flaws and challenges in answering the subject. This research included 89 pupils from the secondary school’s science-mathematics department. Students determined strategies to calculate pH and the color of the blended solution after each indicator was dropped. This study’s qualitative method incorporates focus groups and content analysis. The majority of students properly identified the difficulty, and more than half correctly understood the problem. 100% of the pupils fared well in all processes since they were able to recognize and write all of the data. Using the RCA problem-solving technique, they were successful in identifying all of the data as potential causation aspects and the root causes of the problem. However, 37% of the pupils were unable to complete the problem. Investigating problem-solving flaws, it was determined that the students' defects in this problem-solving were application, analysis, practice, remembering, and time. Furthermore, researchers want to investigate the implementation of addressing the flaws in students’ problem-solving to better prepare them for efficient problem-solving.
The relationship between leisure activities and mental health disorders among higher education students in Malaysia
Authors: Ping Lim Lee , Choon Hee Ong , Owee Kowang Tan , Wu Chi-Hua
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the association between leisure activities (recreation, sports, social contact, artistic, cultural, religious, and rest) and mental health disorders among Malaysian university students. There were 332 respondents enrolled in the public and private universities, polytechnics and other higher academic institutions in Malaysia were surveyed using a quantitative questionnaire. The study performed multiple regression and correlation analyses on the data using the statistical package for social science (SPSS). The findings indicated that six out of seven categories of leisure activities were significantly linked to mental health issues. The six types of leisure time activities were recreation, sports, social interaction, cultural, religious, and rest. Cultural activities have the highest impact on mental health, with the highest beta value. The universities and polytechnics should consider launching several types of leisure activities and tailor specific activities that may reduce mental health issues.
Developing psychologist attributes in higher educational institutions: case of Kazakhstan
Authors: Chsherbakova Yelena , Burdina Elena , Alimova Sholpan , Zhumadirova Kainysh
Published: March 2024

This study’s purpose is to identify the most necessary attributes of a modern psychologist through a survey of practical psychologists, teachers, and students from the Faculty of Psychology, Toraigyrov University. The survey allowed us to develop an effective training program for psychologists. The study involved 115 respondents from Kazakhstan, 60 of them were future psychologists. The respondents took the survey to determine the key attributes of a modern psychologist. The research was also based on literature analysis and generalization, questionaries, and ranking. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was utilized to assess the reliability of the authors’ questionnaire items. SPSS Statistics program was applied for statistical data processing. According to the results, 80% of practical psychologists wanted to improve the curriculum for their students. At the same time, 72% of students believe that the program should primarily be practice-oriented. The students unanimously noted the key quality of the psychologist–empathy. The vast majority (94.1%) mentioned moral principles, and 85.7% indicated authenticity. However, teachers and psychologists did not emphasize the above criteria. The current study aims to develop a basis for an effective training program for future psychologists studying at the universities of Kazakhstan according to their modern needs.
Cartografia de síntese e as escalas horizontais e verticais da paisagem: estudo sobre suscetibilidade às inundações e alagamentos em Lavras - MG
Authors: Santos Thiago Gonçalves , Ventorini Sílvia Elena , Zacharias Andréa Aparecida
Published: March 2024

Floods are the most recurrent disasters in Brazil in recent years; thus, knowledge of the natural dynamics of watercourses during the rainy season is extremely important, because it helps to reduce the damage caused by floods. The occupation of these areas corresponds to one of the main actions that will cause impacts during the rainy season, causing damage to the population through the occurrence of inundation that occupy the entire floodplain area. This article aims to present the synthesis cartography in detailing the susceptibility to inundation from cartographic and secondary data on a microscale, so that the results contribute to systematize methodological proposals in accordance with the Environmental Cartography assumptions. The studied area comprises a stretch of the Ribeirão Vermelho floodplain, located in Esplanada neighborhood, urban area of Lavras/MG, Brazil. The theoretical-methodological foundation was based on the General Theory of Systems applied in Physical Geography. The materials are made up of microscale cartographic and secondary data, which were organized and carried on ArcGis® 10.7. From the analytical mapping of topographic and anthropic conditions in the area, it was possible to carry out the analysis of the landscape vertical and horizontal structure. The results indicate the degree of susceptibility to floods and inundations from the organization of the classes from Very Low (1) to Very High (5), subdivided into sectors according to the relevance of systemic interactions.
Homofobia e docência: as dificuldades que docentes homossexuais encontram na prática profissional
Authors: Lima Kevin Kriger Gomes de , Santos Adelaine Ellis Carbonar dos
Published: March 2024

This article aims to understand how homophobia impacts the professional experience of homosexual teachers in Ponta Grossa, Paraná. To this end, 5 (five) interviews guided by a semi-structured script aimed at gay teachers from that city, with a view to identifying how homophobia is (re) produced in the school space and which factors make it an institutional phenomenon, as it impacts the professional and private life of these professionals. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed, analyzed and systematized in a database from the free and open-source software LibreOffice, using content analysis of discourse. From the results, it is evident that teachers suffered homophobia in all school levels, even when they were just students. And, it was possible to identify that all spheres that make up the school space propagate discrimination and prejudice contributing to a continuum of the homophobic phenomenon. Thus, teachers are coerced not to express their sexuality; are censored by the coordination and direction regarding discussions on this subject; are exposed to continuous confrontation with students and other pedagogical staff; there is a greater charge in relation to their practice, as well as the difficulty in relating with other professional colleagues.
Evaporação em reservatórios hídricos: uma revisão de métodos/técnicas empíricas
Authors: Sanches Fabio de Oliveira , Frauches Matheus da Silva , Ferreira Cássia de Castro Martins , Vianna Yan Carlos Gomes , Oliveira Thiago Alves
Published: March 2024

No Brasil, pesquisas sobre a influência dos reservatórios hídricos no microclima local (temperatura, chuvas, ventos etc.) foram desenvolvidas a partir dos anos 1980 e nesse contexto, as pesquisas sobre processos de evaporação desses reservatórios, a partir do final dos anos 1990. Diante de um planeta inegavelmente mais quente, a capacidade de perda de água desses reservatórios por processos de evaporação reforça as preocupações com relação à segurança hídrica (abastecimento e geração de energia, por exemplo). Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho consiste em resgatar as principais metodologias/técnicas de estimativas de evaporação aplicadas a reservatórios hídricos, com o intuito de analisar as mais eficazes e as mais utilizadas em função da disponibilidade de dados e de sua acurácia para aplicação. A pesquisa revelou diversas metodologias e técnicas adotadas para estimativas de evaporação em reservatórios (Algoritmo SEBAL, Balanço-Razão de Bowen, Penman-Monteith (adaptado/simplificado), Priestley-Taylor/De Bruin & Keijman, Dalton, Linacre, Tanque Classe “A”, METRIC, Kohler, Complementary Relationship Areal Evapotranspiration/Complementary Relationship Lake Evaporation – CRAE/CRLE e Thornthwaite/ Thornthwaite e Mather e Thorthwaite modificado por Camargo). Porém, em função da facilidade de acesso a séries de dados meteorológicos, aplicação dessas técnicas e representatividade dos valores evaporados - exequibilidade, simplicidade e confiabilidade – os métodos/técnicas de Penman-Monteith, Linacre, Thornthwaite, CRLE, Kohler e Tanque Classe “A”, foram as mais recomendadas. Por fim, a pesquisa ainda revelou que, considerando as condições climáticas típicas da tropicalidade (sazonalidade pluviométrica/elevadas temperaturas), e a facilidade de aplicação a partir de variáveis meteorológicas comuns de serem obtidas (temperatura, por exemplo), os métodos/técnicas de Linacre; Thorntwaite, Thorntwaite modificado por Camargo e Tanque Classe “A” foram mais recomendados para locais com baixa disponibilidade de dados.
Congonhas an example of connection between built and natural heritage in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Neves Monica Pessoa , Costa Antonio Gilberto , Ruchkys Ursula Azevedo
Published: March 2024

A utilização dos materiais pétreos pelo homem sempre foi influenciada, nem tanto pelos tipos, mas pela presença desses materiais, que compõem parte da geodiversidade do planeta e que são condicionados pelas ações de fatores relacionados às dinâmicas de subsuperfície e superfície. Ao longo do tempo, os humanos desenvolveram a capacidade de explorar esses materiais de acordo com suas necessidades, disponibilidades e facilidades de transporte e manufatura. A cidade de Congonhas, objeto desse estudo, pode ser considerada um bom exemplo dessa utilização da pedra na construção de seu patrimônio cultural com o uso de materiais da geodiversidade da região a sul do Quadrilátero Ferrífero e seu entorno. Assim, esses materiais foram amplamente utilizados na construção desse patrimônio e estão presentes em suas ruas, igrejas e outras construções, localizadas em seu centro histórico e arredores da cidade. Entretanto, é notório que grande parte desse patrimônio não foi preservada e o que restou está representado por algumas poucas construções civis e edificações religiosas. A partir do exposto, esse artigo pretende destacar a importância desse patrimônio remanescente e demonstrar possíveis conexões entre as pedras utilizadas nas diferentes formas do patrimônio cultural de Congonhas e o meio de onde foram extraídas (patrimônio natural). Diante desse cenário apresentado, conclui-se pela necessária adoção de estratégias que busquem e possibilitem não só a preservação desses bens, bem como uma ampliação do interesse turístico nessa região, onde os visitantes poderiam tomar conhecimento dessas conexões entre os patrimônios cultural e natural para a região de Congonhas.
Virus-Associated CD8
+
T-Cells Are Not Activated Through Antigen-Mediated Interaction Inside Atherosclerotic Lesions
Authors: de Jong Maaike J.M. , Schaftenaar Frank H. , Depuydt Marie A.C. , Lozano Vigario Fernando , Janssen George M.C. , Peeters Judith A.H.M. , Goncalves Lauren , Wezel Anouk , Smeets Harm J. , Kuiper Johan , Bot Ilze , van Veelen Peter , Slütter Bram
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Viral infections have been associated with the progression of atherosclerosis and CD8
+
T-cells directed against common viruses, such as influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus, have been detected inside human atherosclerotic lesions. These virus-specific CD8
+
T-cells have been hypothesized to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis; however, whether they affect disease progression directly remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to characterize the activation status of virus-specific CD8
+
T-cells in the atherosclerotic lesion.

METHODS:

The presence, clonality, tissue enrichment, and phenotype of virus-associated CD8
+
T-cells in atherosclerotic lesions were assessed by exploiting bulk T-cell receptor-β sequencing and single-cell T-cell receptor (α and β) sequencing datasets on human endarterectomy samples and patient-matched blood samples. To investigate if virus-specific CD8
+
T-cells can be activated through T-cell receptor stimulation in the atherosclerotic lesion, the immunopeptidome of human plaques was determined.

RESULTS:

Virus-associated CD8
+
T-cells accumulated more in the atherosclerotic lesion (mean=2.0%), compared with patient-matched blood samples (mean=1.4%;
P
=0.05), and were more clonally expanded and tissue enriched in the atherosclerotic lesion in comparison with nonassociated CD8
+
T-cells from the lesion. Single-cell T-cell receptor sequencing and flow cytometry revealed that these virus-associated CD8
+
T-cells were phenotypically highly similar to other CD8
+
T-cells in the lesion and that both exhibited a more activated phenotype compared with circulating T-cells. Interestingly, virus-associated CD8
+
T-cells are unlikely to be activated through antigen-specific interactions in the atherosclerotic lesion, as no virus-derived peptides were detected on HLA-I in the lesion.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study suggests that virus-specific CD8
+
T-cells are tissue enriched in atherosclerotic lesions; however, their potential contribution to inflammation may involve antigen-independent mechanisms.
Dorso-medial prefrontal cortex responses to social smiles predict sociability in early human development
Authors: Grossmann Tobias , Allison Olivia
Published: March 2024

Dorso-medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) plays a vital role in social cognition and behavior among humans. Enhanced responses in dmPFC when viewing social scenes predict increased levels of sociability in adults. The current longitudinal study examined the association between dmPFC response and sociability in early development. Brain responses were measured in response to social smiles and frowns using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) at 11 months. Individual differences in sociability were measured using the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ) at 18 months. Our longitudinal results show that greater engagement of the dmPFC when processing social smiles, but not frowns, at 11 months predicts higher levels of sociability at 18 months. This demonstrates that early variability in dmPFC response during positive social interactions is linked to individual differences in overtly displayed social behavior. This supports the view that dmPFC plays an important role in social cognition and behavior from early in human ontogeny.
The Musical Devil Revisited
Authors: Heckman Christina M.
Published: March 2024

This article argues that modern examples of the Devil as a player of plucked and bowed stringed instruments extend early medieval representations of the Devil’s music as a powerfully persuasive force that can be used to draw souls toward Satan and, conversely, to defend against his musical machinations. By examining Homily X of the Vercelli Book (c. tenth century) in relation to early medieval music theory, the legend of St. Dunstan, and modern examples of the fiddle-playing Devil, this article demonstrates that the musical Devil and his opponents show every sign of sustaining the motif’s power into the future.
No Mode of Being, No Mode of Signifying
Authors: Crimi Milo
Published: March 2024

The Destructions of the Modes of Signifying (henceforth: dms) is an anonymous fourteenth-century polemic against modist speculative grammar (grammatica speculativa). Wielding Ockhamist logic and metaphysics, the dms repeatedly attacks the very root of modism: the claim that the grammatical features of language are grounded in the metaphysical properties of the world. I call this the Modist Correspondence Thesis (henceforth: mct). In its most general form, mct says that every mode of signifying exhibited by an utterance corresponds to a mode of being exhibited by a thing. The Emptiness Argument of the dms tries to show that mct fails to accommodate certain special cases, such as privative, fictitious, and divine utterances, like ‘blindness’ (caecitas), ‘chimera’ (chimaera), and ‘deity’ (deitas). The modist Thomas of Erfurt directly addresses the Emptiness Argument, anticipating the anti-modist criticisms present in the dms. In doing so, he points the way to alternative formulations of mct that are immune to those criticisms.
Ernst Toller’s Eine Jugend in Deutschland and the German Avant-Garde
Authors: Anderson Lisa Marie
Published: March 2024

Ernst Toller’s Eine Jugend in Deutschland (1933) provides a critical introspection on the German avant-garde. How did Toller and his contemporaries define themselves against artistic and political traditions? What aesthetic and societal innovations did they envision—and how did those visions go wrong? Most importantly, how did previous generations continue to determine the contours of the Expressionist art and leftist activism that made Toller so emblematic of the German avant-garde? Even as he distanced himself from the previous generation, Toller was also fundamentally shaped by its writers and political theorists. Rather than the generational conflict often used to characterize this period, Toller’s book bespeaks a complex mediation. The disillusionment and criticality of his generation, with respect to the previous one, resides in a relationship of enmeshment rather than rupture.
Another New Species of the Cyrtodactylus annulatus Complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Maratua an Adjacent Island to Borneo, Indonesia
Authors: WIRADARMA HUDA , PRATAMA DHIKA RINO , FITRIANA YULI SULISTYA , HAMIDY AMIR , SMITH ERIC N , WAWANGNINGRUM HARY , RIYANTO AWAL
Published: March 2024

The region of Borneo is very interesting in its diversity of gekkonid lizards of the genus Cyrtodactylus. Until now, it is known to harbor 14 described species. Herein, we described a new member of this genus from the adjacent island of Maratua. Cyrtodactylus tehetehe sp. nov. is named after the specialty of the traditional cuisine of the Derawan Islands (sticky rice with coconut milk and a little salt wrapped in sea urchin skin, Echinoidea spp.). The new species forms a tight phylogenetic clade with Philippine taxa allied to C. annulatus and is sister to the Palawan species C. tautbatorum, a biogeographic surprise, given that C. jambangan and C. annulatus occur closer geographically, in the Sulu Archipelago. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners by a combination of characters including maximum SVL, number of supralabials, infralabials, longitudinal dorsal tubercle rows, paravertebral tubercles, ventral scale rows, subdigital lamellae on fourth toe, by having tubercles on ventrolateral body folds, a single precloacal pore and enlarged precloacal scales, lacking tubercles on upper arm, enlarged femoral scales and respective pores, precloacal depression, and transversely enlarged median subcaudals.
First record of the genus Pygoluciola Wittmer (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) from Sri Lanka with two new species, P. rammale and P. ruhuna
Authors: WIJEKOON W. M. C. D , BALLANTYNE L. A , SILVA D. R DE , WEGIRIYA H. C. E , MADUSHANKA A. D. T. I
Published: March 2024

We present the first record of the Southeast Asian firefly genus, Pygoluciola Wittmer, 1939 from Sri Lanka with descriptions of two new distinctive yellow species, P. rammale Wijekoon & De Silva sp. nov. and P. ruhuna Wijekoon & De Silva sp. nov. Both species are from a low-land forest in Southern Province, Sri Lanka, and females were associated with males when captured together in copula. An updated list of species, and key to males and known females of Pygoluciola is presented.
5. Byron, Stephens and the Future of Ruins
Authors: Poole Adrian
Published: March 2024

In ‘Byron, Stephens and the Future of Ruins’ (2024), Adrian Poole discusses Lord Byron’s contemplation of ruins, both recent, from war in Europe, and ancient, in places like Rome, Athens and Egypt. The chapter explores Byron’s reflection on past, present and future through the lens of ruins. Byron’s poem Childe Harold dwells on the contrast between the former glory and present degradation of Athens, emphasising the ongoing process of ruin inflicted by modern conflicts. Poole discusses Byron’s critical stance on historical figures like Lord Elgin and Lord Aberdeen, who were involved in transporting artefacts. The chapter also introduces John Lloyd Stephens, an American writer and traveller, credited with uncovering the Maya ruins in Central America. Heavily influenced by Byron, Stephens embarked on perilous journeys into an archaeological past with strong contemporary political resonances. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the enduring significance of ruins and their representation of a past that once had a future.
Studies of Genetic Variability in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Collections for Morpho-Agronomic Traits at Werer, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Mesay , Geleta Negash , Nepir Gudeta
Published: March 2024

Knowledge of genetic variability is necessary to develop a suitable breeding method for crop improvement. Thus, further information on the existence of variability in sesame accessions is needed to set appropriate breeding strategies and improve sesame in terms of yield and desired quality traits. Based on this concern, this research was conducted to estimate the phenotypic and genotypic variability, heritability, and genetic advance among sesame accessions. A total of sixty-four sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Accessions were evaluated in an 8*8 lattice design with two replications in 2021 at the Werer Agricultural Research Center. The results of the analysis of variance showed that, except for the 50% days to emergence and the number of seeds per pod, there were statistically significant differences between the accessions for all traits. A relatively high (>20%) phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was estimated for the number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, seed yield, and biomass yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) was recorded for thousand seed weight, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, biomass yield, and seed yield. The information and genetic variability obtained in the present study could be used to plant appropriate breeding procedures and develop genotypes with high productivity in future sesame improvement programs.
Effects of 8 Weeks Conditioning Exercises on Muscular Endurance: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female Cadets of Ghana Immigration Service Academy, Assin Fosu, Ghana
Authors: Opoku-Antwi Eric , Kwakye Josephine Adjubi , Akator Gilbert Confidence , Anim Stephen
Published: March 2024

Physical conditioning enables athletes to meet all the physical requirements of their sport, perform well, and minimize their risk of injury. This study aims to determine the effects of eight (8) weeks conditioning training on the muscular endurance of Female Cadets of the Ghana Immigration Service Academy. The Army Physical Training Fitness Test (APFT) was used to evaluate muscular endurance levels of the Female Cadets. The quasi-experimental pre-test post-test study design was used to conduct the study. A total of 60 female cadets were randomly stratified into two groups based on APFT age categories (22-26) and (27-31) years. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Higher upper body muscular endurance performance as measured by the APFT was observed in the age group (27-31) years compared to age group (22-26) years. Significant difference was found in muscular endurance in the females age groups (22-26) and (27-31) years (P<0.05). Significant positive effect on muscular endurance after conditioning exercises for female Cadets in both age categories, (22-26) and (27-31) years (P<0.05) was observed. Conditioning exercises had a significant impact on APFT upper body muscular endurance performance in the age categories of (22-26) and (27-31) years.
The U. S. Commercial and Investment Banks, the Eurocurrency Markets, and the International Economy: from the Late 1970s Through the Start of the 1980s
Authors: Selva Simone
Published: March 2024

This article, through the case study of Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers, investigates the role of U. S. commercial and investment banks in the development of the Eurocurrency markets from the 1970s to the start of the new decade, as well as the investment activities of U. S. financial institutions in the new financial environment of the 1980s based on the appearance of new financial actors and instruments. The first purpose is to frame the investment activities of American banking in the Eurodollar and other non resident markets against the backdrop of changing market pressures on the dollar from the first oil shock through to the monetary and financial consequences of combined second oil crisis and the historic decision by the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Paul A. Volcker to raise interest rates at unprecedented highs since 1980. Therefore, this article links the investment behaviour of American banks to the trajectory of U. S. dollar in the foreign exchange markets between the two oil crises of the 1970s. Secondly, this contribution pinpoints the variety of financial activities of American bankers during this period, which went way beyond the Eurodollar markets and involved, at least by the mid-1970s, a wide array of financial instruments both overseas and on domestic markets, from government securities to commercial paper assets. In the third instance, the aim is, as much as possible, to shed some preliminary lights on how the process of securitising, typical of the 1980s, was on the investment portfolios of American investors by the start of this decade. At the outset of this three-fold research target, the final objective is to make sense of the limited role of Eurodollar dealings and offerings in the context of trading and investment activities of U. S. financial institutions during the time frame considered, and particularly since the start of the new decade. In turn, this article suggests the multi-fold scope of financial activities of American banks in the context of macroeconomic and monetary transformations following the end of fixed exchange rates, the tottering of the dollar in the foreign exchange markets, and the meteoric rise of unregulated money markets since the 1970s, as well as the rise of securitisation since circa the year 1980.
Tumor Size Combined With CA-19 Level Improves Prediction of Survival of Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Perioperative Chemotherapy and Resection
Authors: Said Sayf A. , Perlmutter Breanna C. , Wehrle Chase J. , Chang Jenny , Hossain Mir Shanaz , Naffouje Samer , Joyce Daniel , Simon Robert , Walsh R. Matthew , Augustin Toms
Published: March 2024

Background and Objective

Five-year survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is less than 20%. While previous studies have postulated that a carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) threshold could predict outcome of resection, the role for CA19-9 in decision-making remains unclear. This study aims to assess whether CA19-9 levels combined with tumor size improve prediction of post-resection survival.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 109 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent perioperative chemotherapy followed by resection. The primary outcome of mortality was, divided into short (<1 year) or prolonged (>2 years). Univariate and multivariable analyses compared the tumor size-adjusted CA19-9 between the outcome groups.

Results

Twenty-seven (24.78%) and eighty-two (75.23%) patients were in the short survival and prolonged-survival groups, respectively. The mean CA19-9 was significantly greater in the short vs prolonged group ( P < .001). Analyzing CA19-9 level by tumor size, the association of high CA19-9 and short survival was significant for small (≤2 cm) and large tumor (>4 cm), but not for intermediate-size tumors (2-4 cm). Adjusting for preoperative variable did not change this association.

Conclusion

CA 19-9 in combination with tumor size better identifies patients with prolonged post-resection survival. This prediction is most accurate in patients with either small (≤2 cms) or large (>4 cms) tumors compared to intermediate-size tumors.
Practice Patterns of Pancreatic Surgery Within the Military
Authors: Liang Joy N. , Anklowitz Andrew J. , Livezey Jonathan B. , O’Hara Thomas A. , Aranda Marcos C. , Bandera Bradley
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Pancreatic surgery is technically challenging, with mortality rates at high-volume centers ranging from 0% to 5%. An inverse relationship between surgeon volume and perioperative mortality has been reported suggesting that patients benefit from experienced surgeons at high-volume centers. There is little published on the volume of pancreatic surgeries performed in military treatment facilities (MTF) and there is no centralization policy regarding pancreatic surgery. This study evaluates pancreatic procedures at MTFs. We hypothesize that a small group of MTFs perform most pancreatic procedures, including more complex pancreatic surgeries.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of de-identified data from MHS Mart (M2) from 2014 to 2020. The database contains patient data from all Defense Health Agency treatment facilities. Variables collected include number and types of pancreatic procedures performed and patient demographics. The primary endpoint was the number and type of surgery for each MTF.

Results

Twenty-six MTFs performed pancreatic surgeries from 2014 to 2020. There was a significant decrease in the number of cases from 2014 to 2020. Nine hospitals performed one surgery over eight years. The most common surgery was a distal pancreatectomy, followed by a pancreaticoduodenectomy. There was a decrease in the number of pancreaticoduodenectomies and distal pancreatectomies performed over this period.

Conclusions

Pancreatic surgery is being performed at few MTFs with a downward trajectory over time. Further studies would be needed to assess the impact on patient care regarding postoperative complications, barriers to timely patient care, and impact on readiness of military surgeons.