bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross Border Dispute Resolution
Authors: Khan Bilal , Iqbal Javed
Published: November 2024

Since the inception of technology which propelled globalization, further catalyzed by COVID pandemic, the reliance on electronic means for communication, transactions, and interactions has become paramount. Recent findings from a Euro barometer survey reveal that a substantial 41% of individuals who initiated formal complaints regarding cross-border purchases expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution process. Notably, a mere 6% pursued arbitration, mediation, or conciliation mechanisms, prompting a critical examination of the reasons behind the limited recourse to these dispute settlement avenues. This research paper investigates the underlying factors influencing the low utilization of such mechanisms, probing into the experiences of dis-satisfied consumers and the barriers they encounter. Efficient resolution of disputes is recognized as a method to boost consumer trust in online purchases across international borders. This study investigates the practicalities of redress mechanisms available to consumers, the enforcement of consumer rights, and the utilization of online alternative dispute resolution, particularly within the context of cross-border e-commerce.
Desarrollo de una tecnología para la elaboración de pigmentos laca a partir de residuos orgánicos
Authors: Vargas-Mendieta Teresa Guadalupe , Gutiérrez-Macías Paulina , Barragán Huerta Blanca Estela
Published: November 2024

Los pigmentos y colorantes sintéticos son económicos y ofrecen una gran variedad de tonalidades. Sin embargo, son difíciles de eliminar en los procesos de tratamiento de aguas generando problemas ambientales y de salud pública. Frente al punto anterior, en el presente trabajo, se aprovecharon extractos naturales obtenidos de residuos de hojas de Teca (Tectona grandis) secas E-TECS y verdes E-TECV; y madera del Campincerán (Dalbergia congestiflora, E-DAL) para la elaboración de pigmentos lacas con utilidad en la producción de acuarelas. Los pigmentos laca se obtuvieron por reacción con sales (alumbre, bórax, Na2 CO3 , CaCO3 , AlCl3 , FeSO4 , Na2 SO4 ), y por adsorción de soportes (montmorillonita, bentonita, talco, caolín, óxido de zinc, estearato de zinc). Para cada laca se midieron los parámetros cromáticos L*, a*, b* y se determinaron los valores del tono (H) y croma (C). Se aplicaron las lacas obtenidas en la elaboración de pastillas de acuarelas las cuales fueron sometidas a estudios de estabilidad de luz y temperatura (luz a 25°C, sin luz a 25°C, sin luz a 30°C), obteniendo una comparación de variación del color por medio del cálculo de Delta E (ΔE). Dentro de los colores obtenidos se determinaron tonalidades púrpurarojizo (H= 339.5; 5.36‒29.9) para las lacas de E-DAL, así como para las lacas de E-TECV (H=19.8‒38.9), mientras que las lacas de E-TECS fueron púrpuras (H=326.8‒359.1). Se completó la paleta de colores con pigmentos obtenidos del añíl para tonalidades azules (H=83.48-85.06-84.51), y cúrcuma para las amarillas (H=71.84-54.26-56.42). Se propone un prototipo de producto sostenible elaborado a partir de residuos orgánicos, con un impacto menor en la contaminación de aguas residuales y con capacidad de competir en el mercado del área artística.
Where are we going with nutraceuticals of marine origin? Importance and uses in emerging diseases
Authors: Oviedo-León Julián Fernando , Yáñez-Fernández Jorge , Hernández-Sánchez Humberto , Castro-Rodríguez Diana C
Published: November 2024

Dietary supplements play a crucial role globally in reducing the incidence of emerging diseases. Over the last decade, there has been substantial exponential growth in their industrial production, ensuring greater accessibility to a more significant number of individuals. Marine-derived nutraceuticals represent around 50% of the market, encompassing numerous bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites obtained from marine organisms, especially seaweeds, fish, and marine bacteria. They are characterized by their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities through different mechanisms of action, such as the activation of enzymatic factors and transcription factors that modulate various physiological pathways. This review highlights the importance of the main bioactive compounds from marine organisms and describes recent advances in their beneficial role in health.
Respirometric estimation of the oxygen consumption in nitrifying and sulfide oxidation bioprocesses
Authors: Keb-Fonseca Gabriel Alejandro , Guerrero-Barajas Claudia , Gómez-Acata Rigel V , Ordaz Alberto
Published: November 2024

The design and optimization of wastewater treatment require information about its characteristics and biokinetic parameters. Specifically, determining the maximum respiration rate (rO2max) and the dissolved oxygen affinity constant (KO2) would enhance the plant’s aeration efficiency. Aeration is crucial in biological processes to ensure the biodegradation of NH4 + and H2 S. The estimation of rO2max and KO2 has commonly been performed by measuring and interpreting the dissolved oxygen concentration under well-defined conditions, known as respirometry. In this study, these parameters were measured using the static respirometry technique (absence of external aeration) for nitrification and sulfide oxidation processes. Additionally, a discussion was presented regarding the error in estimation if an oxygen transfer process (OTR) were present during the experiment.
Caracterización del Sitio de Unión entre los Fulerenos TAPC-4 y TCPC-4 con las proteínas MYH9, Hsp90-β y Vimentina mediante AutoDock 4.2
Authors: Frausto-de Alba Andrés , Rodríguez-Zavala Jaime Gustavo , Cisneros-García Zuriel Natanael
Published: November 2024

Una de las propuestas para la inhibición del crecimiento tumoral y metástasis es el uso de los fulerenos, partículas de forma esferoidal constituidas por átomos de carbono. Éstos pueden estar unidos a distintas moléculas las cuales pueden modificar completamente sus propiedades con relación al fulereno prístino, a ello se le conoce como fulerenos funcionalizados. En específico, en recientes investigaciones los fulerenos tetra[4- (amino)piperidina-1-il] epóxido C60 (TAPC-4) y tetra[4-(carboxil)piperidina-1-il] epóxido C60 (TCPC-4) han mostrado actividad inhibitoria en oncoproteínas. En el presente trabajo se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva del acoplamiento entre TAPC-4 y TCPC-4 con algunas de las proteínas relevantes en el crecimiento tumoral MYH9, Hsp90-β y Vimentina, mediante el paquete computacional AutoDock 4.2. Los resultados mostraron que el TAPC- 4 presenta las mejores energías de unión en comparación con TCPC-4. Así mismo, el principal diferenciador de su capacidad inhibitoria está relacionada con las interacciones electrostáticas.
Evaluación del efecto de la exposición prenatal crónica a flúor sobre la integridad dental y el crecimiento en ratas Wistar
Authors: Enríquez-Sánchez Fernanda Marlen , Valdez-Jiménez Liliana , López-Vázquez Miguel Angel , Olvera-Cortés María Esther , Villalobos-Gutiérrez Paola Trinidad , Pérez-Vega María Isabel
Published: November 2024

Se evaluó el efecto de la exposición crónica a flúor prenatalmente a distintas concentraciones (10, 100 y 150 ppm F-) sobre el consumo de alimento y agua, ganancia de peso e integridad dental de ratas macho Wistar. En las camadas de los grupos tratados con flúor se observó una disminución en el número de nacidos vivos además de un menor peso al destete. Las crías del grupo expuesto a 150 ppm F- presentaron una disminución significativa tanto del consumo de agua como de alimento, mientras que la ganancia de peso corporal fue menor en los tres grupos tratados en comparación con el grupo control. Así mismo, los grupos expuestos a flúor mostraron lesiones de moderadas a severas en los incisivos de forma dependiente de la concentración de exposición.
Using amino acids to enhance the solubility of Glibenclamide in pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment and prevention of gestational diabetes
Authors: Sánchez Edith , García-Alvarado América , Cruz-Angeles Jorge , Pérez-Carreón Karen , Videa Marcelo , Martínez Luz María
Published: November 2024

During gestational periods, conditions like gestational diabetes (15%) and fetal malformations (12%) occur with global incidences. For their treatment, antidiabetic drugs such as Glibenclamide (GLI) are utilized, leading to challenges due to their low solubility and oral bioavailability. A strategy reported in the literature suggests that an increase in the solubility of such drugs can be achieved using amino acids (AAs) as co-formers in co-crystalline or co-amorphous systems, enhancing solubility through acid-base intermolecular interactions. These interactions are weaker than those in the crystalline material, facilitating an improvement in solubility. This study aims to improve Glibenclamide’s solubility using Arginine (ARG) as a co-former, employing dry (DMM) and solvent-assisted manual milling (SAMM) for coamorphous system preparation and using XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) to analyze their structure. The results showed significant improvements in solubility, with an increase of 19 and 16 times in solubility when compared to pure Glibenclamide with the formulations (SAMM and DMM).
Diseño y obtención de una proteína multiepítopo optimizada para el diagnóstico de la tuberculosis
Authors: Domínguez-Hernández Ana C , Gutiérrez-Ortega Abel , Hernánez-Gutiérrez Rodolfo , Alvarez Angel H
Published: November 2024

La tuberculosis es una infección crónica del humano y el ganado. Los nuevos métodos de detección se basan en el diseño y uso de nuevas mezclas de proteínas o sus fragmentos para un diagnóstico cada vez más sensible. La inmunoinformática permite analizar y seleccionar las secuencias peptídicas más importantes para el diagnóstico molecular. Las biofábricas de bajo costo para la producción sostenible de nuevos reactivos biológicos, permiten mejorar los rendimientos de producción por una optimización de la secuencia de codones de la transcripción. Así, obtuvimos satisfactoriamente en E. coli BL21 dos versiones de una proteína artificial multiepítopo (16merTB) con 16 epítopos lineales seleccionados a partir de 4 antígenos bacterianos más importantes para el diagnóstico inmunológico de micobacterias del complejo M. tuberculosis, mediante un solo molde de ADN sintético subclonado en dos vectores diferentes de expresión inducible. La proteína soluble purificada, con pesos de 33 o 50 kDa, se obtuvo satisfactoriamente de las fracciones subcelulares a partir de cada cultivo de E. coli utilizado por tipo de vector de expresión y se confirmó mediante electroforesis de proteínas y Western blot con un anticuerpo monoclonal anti-His6x.
Parametric adjustment of two different kinetic models with constant and variable yield coefficients. Butanol production from glycerol fermentation by Clostridium pasteurianum
Authors: Ortiz-Garcia Bruno Alberto , Figueroa-Estrada Juan Carlos , Aguilar-López Ricardo , Neria-González María Isabel
Published: November 2024

The study of bioreactors, for their design and operation, is crucial for optimizing fermentation processes. This can be achieved through computational simulations based on unstructured kinetic models. Generally, unstructured kinetic models are established with yields associated with the concentrations of biomass, substrate, and product of constant type. It has been reported that variable polynomial yields can better describe these processes. Therefore, this work proposes the study of a glycerol fermentation system to produce butanol in the presence of Clostridium pasteurianum. Parametric identification of two unstructured kinetic models (Moser-Boulton and Moser-Levespiel) was performed. Three mass balances were proposed for a batch-operated reactor (biomass, glycerol, and butanol). Constant and variable yields of first, second, and third order were considered. Finally, the simulated data were validated using correlation coefficients with the corresponding experimental data.
Transferencia de la producción académica y científica de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción: clave para la implementación del Repositorio Digital Institucional
Authors: González Castro Adriana Ysabel , Cáceres Ruiz Díaz Mariana , Sena Correa Emilce
Published: November 2024

El objetivo del presente artículo consiste en caracterizar la transferencia de la producción académica y científica de las unidades académicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA) a la Biblioteca Central (BC) en el periodo 2018-2020, como parte del proceso de la implementación del Repositorio Digital de la UNA. Para ello se planteó un estudio con enfoque mixto y alcance descriptivo. Los datos se obtuvieron de las planillas de registros de recepción de documentos de la BC. Se constató que fueron transferidos un total de 3420 documentos desde las unidades académicas de la UNA a la BC. Los resultados evidenciaron que: la proporción más elevada de recepción de documentos, con el 58%, se registró en el año 2019; la mayor parte de las remisiones correspondieron a Trabajo Final de Grado, con un 93%; la periodicidad de transferencia de la producción académica y científica por año se dio con disparidad, no obstante, la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y, la Facultad de Enfermería y Obstetricia, realizaron transferencias de documentos de forma regular en el periodo analizado. Conforme a los hallazgos de la investigación se considera crucial propiciar la transferencia regular de los documentos por parte de las unidades académicas a la BC, como depositaria de toda la producción de la UNA, así como lo establece la Resolución 330-00-2018.
Hyperstimulation Syndrome of the Ovary: A review on clinical feature, pathophysiology, risk factors, and prevention.
Authors: Abbas Ali Rihab , Abbood Mukheef Maher , Hadi Majeed Hind
Published: November 2024

Hyperstimulation syndrome of the ovary is a dangerous complication of ovulation induction during infertility treatment by gonadotropins stimulation and human chorionic gonadotropin injection. Increased capillary permeability, causing fluid leakage from the intravascular compartment, with the accumulation of fluid in the third-space and consequent intravascular dehydration, is the main change in the pathophysiology of Hyperstimulation syndrome of the ovary. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the main mediator in the development of Hyperstimulation syndrome of the ovary. The recent application of new modalities: GnRH antagonist protocol, GnRH agonist (GnRHa) triggering of ovulation and embryo/oocyte vitrification, facilitates the elimination of Hyperstimulation syndrome of the ovary associated with controlled control ovarian hyperstimulation(COH) for IVF program. In this manuscript, we reviewed the pathophysiology, clinical features, predisposing factors, and both primary and secondary arrangement for preventing Hyperstimulation syndrome of the ovary as there is no single measure to prevent OHSS totally. Therefore, categorizing the women based on their risk potentiality seems to be beneficial to direct the line of management as early as possible to avoid the emergence of Hyperstimulation syndrome of the ovary.
Retrospective Study of Early Use of Remdesivir in Patients with Severe COVID-19 (Single Center Experience)
Authors: Hassan Aymen , Alnaffi Karim
Published: November 2024

Background:
Remdesivir is the first treatment for COVID-19 to receive FDA approval. On October 22. 2020, the antiviral drug Remdesivir was approved to treat COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization.
Objectives of the study:
  To compare the effect of timing of Remdesivir administration on the duration of hospitalization and clinical outcome of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 in Imam Al-Hussain medical city, those who received Remdesivir early; in the first week, with others who received it in the second week of the onset of the symptoms.
Patients and methods:
  A retrospective study was done in Imam al-Hussain medical city in Karbala province. The data was collected from 139 patients' registry (84 male&54 female) with severe COVID-19 infection who admitted to the isolation wards, 68(48.6%) received Remdesivir in the first week, and 71(51.1%) received it in the second week from the onset of symptoms. A comparison was made between the two groups regarding the clinical outcome and duration of hospitalization.
Result:
During the first week from the onset of the symptoms, about 48.9% of patients with severe infection received Remdesivir, 95.6% of them improved, and 4.4% died. The median time of recovery was six days. About 51.1% received Remdesivir during the second week, 84.5% improved, and 15.5% died. The median time of recovery was 8.5 days.
Conclusions:
The case fatality rate was lower in patients who received Remdesivir during the first week from the onset of symptoms than patients who received treatment in the second week. Patients in the first group recovered substantially faster than those in the second one.
Key words: COVID-19, Remdesivir
The hegemony of the English language and the plight of African languages: towards linguistic revolution
Authors: Ntombela Berrington Xolani Siphosakhe
Published: November 2024

The elevation of African languages into official status with English and Afrikaans in South Africa was meant to redress linguistic imbalances of the past. The past linguistic imbalances negatively affected mother tongue speakers of African languages. This article highlights the gravity of this imbalance from a general linguistic perspective, demonstrating how the hegemony of English continues to downplay the efforts of developing African languages for African children’s epistemic access and educational success. Among the challenges in developing African languages into the same status as English are the globalisation imperatives that are set to counter the project of decolonisation. Although there has been linguistic resistance, it has not contributed to the elevation and development of African languages. The theoretical underpinnings of the arguments in this paper are located in the critical approach. The critique is mounted not only on the hegemonic presence of the English language but on the failure of resistance to depose that hegemony and to elevate the position of African languages as viable languages of intellectual pursuit. This article therefore proposes linguistic revolution as a solution to the plight of African languages.
The summarisation of the Introduction to Linguistics (ZULL1514) module of the University of the Free State (UFS) for better understanding: a contribution to students’ learning
Authors: Busane Mthobisi
Published: November 2024

Siddharthan's (2014) theory of text simplification posits that a complex language can be reduced to a simpler form through the process known as summarisation. This study explores the application of summarisation theory in the Introduction to Linguistics module of ZULL1514 at the University of the Free State (UFS). Many students perceive this ZULL1514 module as more challenging than the module called Introduction to Oral Literature (ZULT1524) with many learners attributing this difficulty to the module's scientific focus on language structure as compared to the cultural and historical perspective of oral literature. This research study uses a qualitative approach with aims of analysing the role of morphology, orthography, and semantics in the content of ZULL1514. Data is extracted from the module's course pack because the module is designed for isiZulu speakers. However, it should be stated that the ZULL1514 is also also attended by students whose mother tongue is in other languages. This study seeks to address the challenges faced by students due to the module's scientific orientation.
Strengthening Parents and Alternative Care in Shaping Empathy and Preventing Bullying among Adolescents in Boarding School
Authors: Rahmaniah Bona Intan , Alfiasari  , Sulastri Sri
Published: November 2024

This study analyzed the influence of parenting and schools’ non-physical environment on empathy and bullying behavior among adolescents in boarding schools. The study was conducted at the Nurul Fikri Boarding School and Cendekia Baznas Boarding School, Bogor Regency, involving adolescents aged 12-15. The study population was the eighth and ninth-grade students of the Nurul Fikri Boarding School and Cendekia Baznas Boarding School. A total of 134 male and female adolescents participated in this study. Primary data collection was carried out using an online self-administered questionnaire whereas secondary data were collected from the boarding school. Primary data consisted of adolescent characteristics, parental characteristics, foster teacher characteristics, parenting styles of the father, mother, and foster teacher, non-physical environment of the boarding school, empathy skills, and bullying behavior (as offenders and victims). Female adolescents had better empathy skills and a lower tendency of bullying (as offenders and victims) than male adolescents. The PLS-SEM test showed that the mother’s parenting style had a significant negative effect on adolescent bullying behavior as offenders. Cognitive empathy was also found to have a direct influence on adolescent bullying behavior as offenders. Recommendations for related parties based on the results are also discussed.
Traditional Game “Kaulinan Barudak” to Develop Interpersonal Skills
Authors: Mulyadi Sima
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the interpersonal skills of students who implemented the traditional game "Kaulinan Barudak" and the control class that used conventional learning models. This research is motivated by interpersonal skills are an important part that must be embedded in every individual. Inculcating intelligent interpersonal behavior must be familiarized with children from an early age, but in reality students' interpersonal skills are still low. The research instruments used in the form of structured observations, field notes, and documentation have been judged by experts in their fields. The results of the research can be obtained that the average post test in the experimental class is higher than the control class. Based on the results of hypothesis testing using the Independent sample t-test formula, it can be concluded that there are differences in the interpersonal skills of students in the experimental class that implements the traditional game "kaulinan barudak" and the control class that uses conventional learning models.
Ecology-Based Outdoor Activity As an Early Childhood Learning Strategy In the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ramdhania Ammy , Djoehaeni Heny
Published: November 2024

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world of education has been extraordinary. Learning at school is not running optimally. As a result, there is a decrease in the ability of knowledge and skills (learning loss) in students. Early childhood loses the opportunity to stimulate all the senses in their learning environment. In the period after the COVID-19 pandemic, early childhood needs activities that are able to increase their ability to build knowledge and skills from their learning experience. This study was conducted to analyze the ecology-based outdoor activity learning strategy in PAUD in the period after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped that cognitive, motor, language and social-emotional development can be further honed and there will be improvements. This research was conducted at an early childhood education institution in the city of Cimahi. Using descriptive qualitative research methods, based on the constructivism paradigm, the researchers collected data through interviews and observations of relevant sources. Data analysis was obtained by induction to facilitate researchers in compiling more accurate research results. The triangulation technique was carried out to check the validity of the data by comparing the results of interviews and observations. Through FGD researchers get final conclusions that are relevant to the conditions in the field. The results of this study show that most of the cognitive, motor, language and socio-emotional development of early childhood after the pandemic experienced significant development through ecological-based outdoor activity learning strategies. The results of this study can be used as reference material in determining various learning strategies adapted to the situation and conditions of each institution.
Early Childhood Science Development Through Experiments on Mixing Colors with Water Media at Al Irsyad Banyuwangi Kindergarten Age Group 5-6 Years
Authors: Salim Bakrisuk Fidya , Fitri Ruqoyyah
Published: November 2024

Early childhood is crucial for fostering curiosity and interest in science. This research aims to examine the development of early childhood science through experiments mixing colors with water as a medium at the Al Irsyad Banyuwangi Kindergarten in the 5–6-year age group. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out using qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. The research results show that the experiment of mixing colors with water as a medium is effective in developing early childhood science, including aspects of knowledge, scientific processes, and scientific attitudes. In the knowledge aspect, children can recognize primary, secondary, and tertiary colors well. In the scientific process aspect, they are skilled in carrying out observations, experiments, and communication. In the scientific attitude aspect, children show increased curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. An interesting finding is the child's ability to discover new colors from primary colors and apply them in everyday life, such as when painting and drawing. This shows that this experiment can foster creativity and problem solving in children. In conclusion, the experiment of mixing colors with water as a medium is an appropriate strategy for developing science in early childhood, especially in the aspects of knowledge, scientific processes and scientific attitudes.
Potency of surface layer protein from Lactobacillus sp. as drug nanocarriers
Authors: Yuliawati Yuliawati , Wulandari Diah Anggraini , Agustini Ni Wayan Sri , Fuad Asrul Muhamad , Anindyawati Trisanti , Warsito Mega Ferdina , Pratiwi Riyona Desvy
Published: November 2024

Surface layer protein (SLP) is the outboard structure of bacteria which controls their adaptability and adherence to other bacteria and biological surfaces. SLP could maintain its 3D structure and has a self-assembly mechanism, even after being isolated from the host microorganism. This protein is potential to be integrated into drug nanocarriers because it has size in nanometer, protective features, self-assembly capacity, and high compatibility either with biological systems or chemical substances. It has been used as a surface coating for liposomes, emulsomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), metal NPs/nanocomposites, or as a direct nanocarrier of small molecules. Moreover, SLP significantly improved the physicochemical properties of the drug delivery system (higher stability and longer half-life) and synergic bioactivities (increasing intestinal absorption; protecting against the acidic gastric environment; enhancing immune response, antibiofilm, and antibacterial activity). Additionally, the integration of SLP into a drug delivery system is simple and sustainable. In this review, references were searched in Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar engines by using the terms “surface layer protein,” “SLP,”,“drug carrier,” “drug delivery,” “Lactobacillus,” and “nanomedicine.” To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first review of the applications of the SLP as drug nanocarriers.
A conserved code for anatomy: Neurons throughout the brain embed robust signatures of their anatomical location into spike trains
Authors: Tolossa Gemechu B , Schneider Aidan M , Dyer Eva L , Hengen Keith B
Published: November 2024

Neurons in the brain are known to encode diverse information through their spiking activity, primarily reflecting external stimuli and internal states. However, whether individual neurons also embed information about their own anatomical location within their spike patterns remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that machine learning models can predict a neuron’s anatomical location across multiple brain regions and structures based solely on its spiking activity. Analyzing high-density recordings from thousands of neurons in awake, behaving mice, we demonstrate that anatomical location can be reliably decoded from neuronal activity across various stimulus conditions, including drifting gratings, naturalistic movies, and spontaneous activity. Crucially, anatomical signatures generalize across animals and even across different research laboratories, suggesting a fundamental principle of neural organization. Examination of trained classifiers reveals that anatomical information is enriched in specific interspike intervals as well as responses to stimuli. Within the visual isocortex, anatomical embedding is robust at the level of layers and primary versus secondary but does not robustly separate individual secondary structures. In contrast, structures within the hippocampus and thalamus are robustly separable based on their spike patterns. Our findings reveal a generalizable dimension of the neural code, where anatomical information is multiplexed with the encoding of external stimuli and internal states. This discovery provides new insights into the relationship between brain structure and function, with broad implications for neurodevelopment, multimodal integration, and the interpretation of large-scale neuronal recordings. Immediately, it has potential as a strategy for in-vivo electrode localization.
Unravelling the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying counterconditioning in humans
Authors: Wirz Lisa , Houtekamer Maxime C , de Vos Jette , Dunsmoor Joseph E , Homberg Judith R , Henckens Marloes JAG , Hermans Erno J
Published: November 2024

Counterconditioning (CC) aims to enhance extinction of threat memories by establishing new associations of opposite valence. While its underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain largely unexplored, previous studies suggest qualitatively different mechanisms from regular extinction. In this functional MRI study, participants underwent categorical threat conditioning (CS+/CS-: images of animals/tools), followed by either CC (CS+ images reinforced with monetary rewards, n=24) or regular extinction (n=24). The following day, we assessed spontaneous recovery of threat responses and episodic memory for CS+ and CS- category exemplars. While the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) was activated during regular extinction, participants undergoing CC showed persistent CS+- specific deactivation of the vmPFC and hippocampus, and CS+-specific activation of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). The following day, physiological threat responses returned in the regular extinction group, but not in the CC group. Counterconditioning furthermore strengthened episodic memory for CS+ exemplars presented during CC, and retroactively also for CS+ exemplars presented during the threat conditioning phase. Our findings confirm that CC leads to more persistent extinction of threat memories, as well as altered consolidation of the threat conditioning episode. Crucially, we show a qualitatively different activation pattern during CC versus regular extinction, with a shift away from the vmPFC and towards the NAcc.
Interneuron FGF13 regulates seizure susceptibility via a sodium channel-independent mechanism
Authors: Lin Susan , Gade Aravind R , Wang Hong-Gang , Niemeyer James E , Galante Allison , DiStefano Isabella , Towers Patrick , Nunez Jorge , Matsui Maiko , Schwartz Theodore H , Rajadhyaksha Anjali M , Pitt Geoffrey S
Published: November 2024

Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs), a class of devastating neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures and exacerbated by disruptions to excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain, are commonly caused by mutations in ion channels. Disruption of, or variants in,
FGF13
were implicated as causal for a set of DEEs, but the underlying mechanisms were clouded because
FGF13
is expressed in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons,
FGF13
undergoes extensive alternative splicing producing multiple isoforms with distinct functions, and the overall roles of FGF13 in neurons are incompletely cataloged. To overcome these challenges, we generated a set of novel cell type-specific conditional knockout mice. Interneuron-targeted deletion of
Fgf13
led to perinatal mortality associated with extensive seizures and impaired the hippocampal inhibitory/excitatory balance while excitatory neuron-targeted deletion of
Fgf13
caused no detectable seizures and no survival deficits. While best studied as a voltage-gated sodium channel (Na
v
) regulator, we observed no effect of
Fgf13
ablation in interneurons on Na
v
s but rather a marked reduction in K
+
channel currents. Re-expressing different
Fgf13
splice isoforms could partially rescue deficits in interneuron excitability and restore K
+
channel current amplitude. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of
Fgf13-
related seizures and expand our understanding of FGF13 functions in different neuron subsets.
Biochemical and neurophysiological effects of deficiency of the mitochondrial import protein TIMM50
Authors: Paz Eyal , Jain Sahil , Gottfried Irit , Staretz-Chacham Orna , Mahajnah Muhammad , Bagchi Pritha , Seyfried Nicholas T , Ashery Uri , Azem Abdussalam
Published: November 2024

TIMM50, an essential TIM23 complex subunit, is suggested to facilitate the import of ∼60% of the mitochondrial proteome. In this study, we characterized a
TIMM50
disease causing mutation in human fibroblasts and noted significant decreases in TIM23 core protein levels (TIMM50, TIMM17A/B, and TIMM23). Strikingly, TIMM50 deficiency had no impact on the steady state levels of most of its putative substrates, suggesting that even low levels of a functional TIM23 complex are sufficient to maintain the majority of TIM23 complex-dependent mitochondrial proteome. As TIMM50 mutations have been linked to severe neurological phenotypes, we aimed to characterize TIMM50 defects in manipulated mammalian neurons. TIMM50 knockdown in mouse neurons had a minor effect on the steady state level of most of the mitochondrial proteome, supporting the results observed in patient fibroblasts. Amongst the few affected TIM23 substrates, a decrease in the steady state level of components of the intricate oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial ribosome complexes was evident. This led to declined respiration rates in fibroblasts and neurons, reduced cellular ATP levels and defective mitochondrial trafficking in neuronal processes, possibly contributing to the developmental defects observed in patients with TIMM50 disease. Finally, increased electrical activity was observed in TIMM50 deficient mice neuronal cells, which correlated with reduced levels of KCNJ10 and KCNA2 plasma membrane potassium channels, likely underlying the patients’ epileptic phenotype.
Development of cretivity along with school instruction
Authors:   , Guentulle Saavedra Victoria Alejandra
Published: November 2024

The term "21st century skills" refers to the abilities that students need to have today, especially considering the advancements in new technologies. Among these skills is creativity, which is essential for posing new questions and gaining new perspectives to address current challenges. Creativity is understood from a cognitive perspective in terms of problem-solving. It is widely accepted that creativity involves the ability to generate appropriate and novel solutions. Despite the importance of creativity, even where government policies have been implemented to benefit this skill, they have not yet been able to be implemented effectively either in classrooms or in teacher training programs. Key factors for fostering creativity in the classroom include divergent thinking and the use of metaphors and analogies. Analogical transfer is a methodology aimed at fostering creativity, suggesting that by comparing objects, ideas, or concepts from one domain of knowledge to another, creativity can be developed. This study contributes to the development of creativity at the school level, designing a methodology based on analogical transfer. From this, three studies were developed. First, this methodology was taught to pre-service teachers to understand their perspective and how to improve the model. In the second study, the analogical transfer methodology was used with multiple representations to teach physics to Chilean secondary students. Finally, by observing different levels of creativity in the students, we analyzed how linguistic maturity impacted creativity. Based on the studies carried out, this thesis offers a series of findings. In the first study, there is evidence that pre-service teachers recognize that there are benefits to the analogical transfer methodology, but they need to model it during their teacher training to use it in the future. In the second study, by utilizing the methodology of analogical transfer and multiple representations with the assistance of a cyber-physical system, there is evidence that this approach had benefits both for students' creativity and their academic performance. Finally, the final study suggests that there is a relationship between linguistic skills and creativity, specifically with linguistic maturity measured from text production.
Evaluation of Blood Lactate Level as a Predictor of In-hospital Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Bowel Perforation: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Singh Anish Kumar , Kumar Sandeep , . Nityasha , Jain Mamta , Bansal Teena , Singh Amanpreet
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Perforation peritonitis is associated with significant Morbidity and Mortality (M&M). The predictive performance of blood lactate levels and their clearance varies depending on the timing of measurement, and the optimal time for measurement remains unclear. Aim: To evaluate perioperative lactate levels and their clearance as predictors of in-hospital M&M in bowel perforation surgery. Materials and Methods: The present prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Pt. BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India, from March 2023 to December 2023. Study was conducted on 40 adult patients undergoing surgery for bowel perforation, and clinical and various laboratory parameters were observed from admission until discharge. Baseline and perioperative lactate levels were recorded up to 24 hours postoperatively. The association of M&M with different scores such as the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), as well as, lactate levels and lactate clearance, was assessed. The diagnostic accuracy of lactate levels and lactate clearance at different time points in the perioperative period to predict M&M was calculated, and finally, the ‘Bidirectional Stepwise Selection’ (BSS) was used to select the most useful predictor of M&M. Results: Total 40 participants were included in the study, of which 34 were males and 6 were females. The overall M&M rates were 50% and 30%, respectively. On univariate analysis, there was a significant difference between non survivors and survivors in terms of age (50.92 vs 38.07 years, p-value=0.004), APACHE II score (10.00 vs 6.46, p-value=0.028), preoperative serum creatinine (1.41 vs 1.13 mg/dL, p-value=0.043), 24-hour postoperative lactate (4.75 vs 1.54 mmol/L, p-value=0.005), and lactate clearance (-28.97 vs 24.83%, p-value=0.03). Patients with or without morbidity showed a significant difference in age (47.7 vs 36.15 years, p-value=0.005), MPI score (22.45 vs 18.6, p-value=0.048), preoperative serum creatinine (1.40 vs 1.03 mg/dL, p-value=0.028), and 24-hour postoperative lactate (3.65 vs 1.35, p-value=0.002). In BSS analysis, age and 24-hour postoperative lactate were identified as good predictors of M&M, with the latter being the best predictor. Conclusion: The incidence of M&M is quite high in perforation peritonitis. Among all predictors, 24-hour postoperative lactate is the strongest predictor of M&M and may be useful in risk stratification and optimising treatment accordingly
Economic Growth and Income Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Environmental Policy Matter?
Authors: COULIBALY Pilanyomon Richard , DJEZOU Wadjamsse Beaudelaire
Published: November 2024

The counter-intuitive correlation between economic growth and income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years and the lack of consensus in the literature on this relationship call for its re-examination, particularly in the context of sustainable development. This article analyses the effect of environmental policies on the relationship between economic growth and income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa. With its suitability for analyzing non-linear relationships, the panel smooth transition regression model (PSTR) of Gonzalès (2005) was applied to data covering the period 1999 to 2021 from the World Bank, the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy (YCELP), the World Governance Indicator (WGI) and the World Income Inequality Database WIID.In the presence of a strict application of environmental policies, the results show a U-inverted relationship between economic growth and income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa. The more a relatively wealthy country adopts a rigorous environmental policy, the more economic growth contributes to reduce income inequalities. Thus, the socially virtuous effect of a rigorous environmental policy only occurs in economically dynamic countries. In other words, environmental policies in sub-Saharan African countries can only be promoted in relation to their economic performance. Any standardisation of environmental policies on a continental or sub-regional scale for economically different countries should be reconsidered.
Policies and Practice: A Review of Legislation Affecting Transition Services for Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Poppen Marcus , Alverson Charlotte Y.
Published: December 2018

This chapter examines legislative actions throughout the past century that have influenced education and employment for individuals with disabilities while discussing ways that these actions reflect the broader social, political and economic goals of the American education system, and implications for individuals with disabilities who participate in adult education programs.
Negotiating and Changing Systems
Authors: Kochhar‐Bryant Carol A.
Published: December 2018

Working with adult students with special needs always means working within larger systems that are created to serve populations that may not be identified as disabled. This chapter discusses the elements of the postsecondary service “system” and lessons learned by successful practitioners who help young adults negotiate it.
Transitions Out: Young Adults with Disabilities Along Career Pathways
Authors: Patterson Margaret Becker
Published: December 2018

This chapter considers next steps of young adults with disabilities after initial education—for those who complete high school and those leaving high school early.
Slippery Lubricant‐Infused Surfaces: Properties and Emerging Applications
Authors: Li Junsheng , Ueda Erica , Paulssen Dorothea , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: December 2018

Bioinspired lubricant‐infused surfaces exhibit various unique properties attributed to their liquid‐like and molecularly smooth nature. Excellent liquid repellency and “slippery” properties, self‐healing, antiicing, anticorrosion characteristics, enhanced heat transfer, antibiofouling, and cell‐repellent properties have been already demonstrated. This progress report highlights some of the recent developments in this rapidly growing area, focusing on properties of lubricant‐infused surfaces, and their emerging applications as well as some future challenges.
Architected Origami Materials: How Folding Creates Sophisticated Mechanical Properties
Authors: Li Suyi , Fang Hongbin , Sadeghi Sahand , Bhovad Priyanka , Wang Kon‐Well
Published: December 2018

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, is not only an inspiring technique to create sophisticated shapes, but also a surprisingly powerful method to induce nonlinear mechanical properties. Over the last decade, advances in crease design, mechanics modeling, and scalable fabrication have fostered the rapid emergence of architected origami materials. These materials typically consist of folded origami sheets or modules with intricate 3D geometries, and feature many unique and desirable material properties like auxetics, tunable nonlinear stiffness, multistability, and impact absorption. Rich designs in origami offer great freedom to design the performance of such origami materials, and folding offers a unique opportunity to efficiently fabricate these materials at vastly different sizes. Here, recent studies on the different aspects of origami materials—geometric design, mechanics analysis, achieved properties, and fabrication techniques—are highlighted and the challenges ahead discussed. The synergies between these different aspects will continue to mature and flourish this promising field.
A Nanosized CoNi Hydroxide@Hydroxysulfide Core–Shell Heterostructure for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Wang Bin , Tang Cheng , Wang Hao‐Fan , Chen Xiao , Cao Rui , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2018

A cost‐effective and highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst will be significant for the future energy scenario. The emergence of the core–shell heterostructure has invoked new feasibilities to inspire the full potential of non‐precious‐metal candidates. The shells always have a large thickness, affording robust mechanical properties under harsh reaction conditions, which limits the full exposure of active sites with highly intrinsic reactivity and extrinsic physicochemical characters for optimal performance. Herein, a nanosized CoNi hydroxide@hydroxysulfide core–shell heterostructure is fabricated via an ethanol‐modified surface sulfurization method. Such a synthetic strategy is demonstrated to be effective in controllably fabricating a core–shell heterostructure with an ultrathin shell (4 nm) and favorable exposure of active sites, resulting in a moderately regulated electronic structure, remarkably facilitated charge transfer, fully exposed active sites, and a strongly coupled heterointerface for energy electrocatalysis. Consequently, the as‐obtained hydroxide@hydroxysulfide core–shell is revealed as a superior OER catalyst, with a small overpotential of 274.0 mV required for 10.0 mA cm−2, a low Tafel slope of 45.0 mV dec−1, and a favorable long‐term stability in 0.10 M KOH. This work affords fresh concepts and strategies for the design and fabrication of advanced core–shell heterostructures, and thus opens up new avenues for the targeted development of high‐performance energy materials.