bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate, Desire, and Shame: Janda in Indonesian Pop Culture
Authors: Winarnita Monika Swasti , Mahy Petra , Herriman Nicholas
Published: February 2024

Research on images of femininityin Indonesia has largely focused on either the image of femininity produced by the state or, relatively, high-brow cultural forms of femininity. However, popular culture produces images of females that often stand in contrast to such symbolism. This article contends that thejanda, the divorcee or widow, one of the foremost images of femininity in popular music, drama, and literature, has been, for the most part, overlooked. Seen as sexually available and lascivious, thejandarepresents the “fallen woman”; an object of both fascination and pity. This article analyses thejandaimage as one of the foremost symbols in Indonesian popular culture. It is argued that thejandaimage must be analysed in relation to maiden and mother images. Furthermore, culturally specific ideas of desire, fate, and shame contextualise thejandaimage. As will become apparent, Indonesian popular culture is patriarchal, and a heterosexual male perspective frames much of the symbolism. This means that actual women live with the very real stigma of being a divorcee or a widowin Indonesia. In this study, we focus on thejandaimage and include discussion of how its representation has evolved to include a cosmopolitan ideal.
Sexuality, Shame and Subversions in Indonesian Migrant Women’s Fiction
Authors: Piocos III Carlos M.
Published: February 2024

This contribution examines malu (shame) as an effect of Indonesian women’s migration, illustrating how gendered moral discourses shape the problematic politics of labour migration in the country. It argues that shame not only reinforces several problematic gender and moral discourses imposed on Indonesian migrant women but also heightens their precarious role and place in their home and host countries.

This essay probes into the possibilities opened by Indonesian migrant domestic workers themselves as they write, publish and circulate their own stories in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan as part of the emerging cultural production of Sastra Buruh Migran Indonesia, Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Literature. It makes an innovative contribution to this collection by analysing how, in five short fiction anthologies of Indonesian migrant domestic workersin Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, instances of shame and shaming matter in the representation of their daily lives and how they narrate their encounters and practices of queer sexual identities and interracial intimacies in transnational spaces. Through migrant women’s understanding of what counts as malu, I argue that their stories present a more complex negotiation of their precariousness, as they exhibit instances of agencyand mobility that go beyond traditional gender discourses upheld back home.
Conformal boundaries of Minkowski superspace and their super cuts
Authors: Boulanger Nicolas , Herfray Yannick , Parrini Noémie
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this article we carry out a detailed investigation of the geometric nature of the points at infinity of Minkowski superspace. It turns out that there are several sets of points forming the superconformal boundary of Minkowski superspace: on top of a well-behaved super $$ \mathcal{I} $$
I
, we find other sets that we exhibit and study. We also study the intersection of these boundaries with super null cones and explicitly construct the corresponding space of super cuts.
Tilted Dirac superconductor at quantum criticality: restoration of Lorentz symmetry
Authors: Reiser Pablo , Juričić Vladimir
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Lorentz symmetry appears as a quite robust feature of the strongly interacting Dirac materials even though the lattice interactions break such a symmetry. We here demonstrate that the Lorentz symmetry is restored at the quantum-critical point (QCP) separating the tilted Dirac semimetal, breaking this symmetry already at the noninteracting level, from a gapped s-wave superconducting instability. To this end, we employ a one-loop ϵ = (3 − D)-expansion close to the D = 3 upper critical dimension of the corresponding Gross-Neveu-Yukawa field theory. In particular, we show that the tilt parameter is irrelevant and ultimately vanishes at the QCP separating the two phases. In fact, as we argue here, such a Lorentz symmetry restoration may be generic for the strongly interacting tilted Dirac semimetals, irrespective of whether they feature mirror-symmetric or mirror-asymmetric tilting, and is also insensitive to whether the instability represents an insulator or a gapped superconductor. The proposed scenario can be tested in the quantum Monte Carlo simulations of the interacting tilted Dirac fermion lattice models.
Fermions at finite density in the path integral approach
Authors: Podo Alessandro , Santoni Luca
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We study relativistic fermionic systems in 3 + 1 spacetime dimensions at finite chemical potential and zero temperature, from a path-integral point of view. We show how to properly account for the iε term that projects on the finite density ground state, and compute the path integral analytically for free fermions in homogeneous external backgrounds, using complex analysis techniques. As an application, we show that the U(1) symmetry is always linearly realized for free fermions at finite charge density, differently from scalars. We study various aspects of finite density QED in a homogeneous magnetic background. We compute the free energy density, non-perturbatively in the electromagnetic coupling and the external magnetic field, obtaining the finite density generalization of classic results of Euler-Heisenberg and Schwinger. We also obtain analytically the magnetic susceptibility of a relativistic Fermi gas at finite density, reproducing the de Haas-van Alphen effect. Finally, we consider a (generalized) Gross-Neveu model for N interacting fermions at finite density. We compute its non-perturbative effective potential in the large-N limit, and discuss the fate of the U(1) vector and $$ {\mathbb{Z}}_2^A $$

ℤ
2
A

axial symmetries.
Scalar quasi-normal modes of accelerating Kerr-Newman-AdS black holes
Authors: Amado Julián Barragán , Gwak Bogeun
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We study linear scalar perturbations of slowly accelerating Kerr-Newman-anti-de Sitter black holes using the method of isomonodromic deformations. The conformally coupled Klein-Gordon equation separates into two second-order ordinary differential equations with five singularities. Nevertheless, the angular equation can be transformed into a Heun equation, for which we provide an asymptotic expansion for the angular eigenvalues in the small acceleration and rotation limit. In the radial case, we recast the boundary value problem in terms of a set of initial conditions for the isomonodromic tau function of Fuchsian systems with five regular singular points. For the sake of illustration, we compute the quasi-normal modes frequencies.
Spontaneous collapse models lead to the emergence of classicality of the Universe
Authors: Gaona-Reyes José Luis , Menéndez-Pidal Lucía , Faizal Mir , Carlesso Matteo
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Assuming that Quantum Mechanics is universal and that it can be applied over all scales, then the Universe is allowed to be in a quantum superposition of states, where each of them can correspond to a different space-time geometry. How can one then describe the emergence of the classical, well-defined geometry that we observe? Considering that the decoherence-driven quantum-to-classical transition relies on external physical entities, this process cannot account for the emergence of the classical behaviour of the Universe. Here, we show how models of spontaneous collapse of the wavefunction can offer a viable mechanism for explaining such an emergence. We apply it to a simple General Relativity dynamical model for gravity and a perfect fluid. We show that, by starting from a general quantum superposition of different geometries, the collapse dynamics leads to a single geometry, thus providing a possible mechanism for the quantum-to-classical transition of the Universe. Similarly, when applying our dynamics to the physically-equivalent Parametrised Unimodular gravity model, we obtain a collapse on the basis of the cosmological constant, where eventually one precise value is selected, thus providing also a viable explanation for the cosmological constant problem. Our formalism can be easily applied to other quantum cosmological models where we can choose a well-defined clock variable.
Non-linear electrodynamics from massive gravity
Authors: Flöss Thomas , Roest Diederik , Westerdijk Tom
Published: February 2024

Abstract

As a counterpart to the four-fermion interaction, which describes massive vector exchange at low energies, we investigate the low energy effective action of photons under exchange of a massive graviton. We show how integrating out a massive graviton leads to the most general duality-invariant vector interactions in 4D or, vice versa, how any such interactions have a natural interpretation within massive gravity. Moreover, we demonstrate how the special case of Born-Infeld theory arises from arguably the simplest graviton potential within ghost-free dRGT massive gravity.
Connection Between Weighted Tail, Orlicz, Grand Lorentz And Grand Lebesgue Norms
Authors: Formica Maria Rosaria , Ostrovsky Eugeny , Sirota Leonid
Published: February 2024

We prove that the norm of functions in a suitable Grand Lorentz space built on a measure space, equipped with sigma finite diffuse measure, coincides with the norm in a suitable exponential Grand Lebesgue Space space as well as coincides with the so-called exponential tail norm, which may be quite described as norm in a suitable Banach rearrangement invariant space. We also exhibit comparisons with exponential Orlicz norms.
On Distribution of Rice–Middleton Model
Authors: Górska Katarzyna , Horzela Andrzej , Maširević Dragana Jankov , Pogány Tibor K.
Published: February 2024

The probability density function in Rice–Middleton model, which describes the behavior of the single sinusoidal random signal combined with Gaussian noise is expressed in three mutually independent ways: firstly, with the aid of an integral representation of the modified Bessel function of the first kind of integer order; secondly, by a hyperbolic cosine differential operator and thirdly, applying the Grünwald–Letnikov fractional derivative. The cumulative distribution functions are also described in all these cases, and also using the Nuttall Q–function. An associated, seemingly new, probability distribution is introduced which cumulative distribution function and the raw moments of general real order are obtained whilst the characteristic function’s power series form is inferred. The exposition ends with a discussion in which by–product summations are given for the considered Neumann series of the second type built by modified Bessel functions of the second kind having integer order.
2-Styrylchromones as inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Santos Clementina M. M. , Proença Carina , Freitas Marisa , Araújo Alberto N. , Silva Artur M. S. , Fernandes Eduarda
Published: February 2024

α-amylase and α-glucosidase are key enzymes implicated in carbohydrate digestion and their inhibition has been suggested as a powerful approach for regulating blood glucose levels. The present work describes for the first time their inhibition by a group of twelve hydroxylated 2-styrylchromones (2-SC). Our findings revealed that 2-SC display strong systematic inhibition of α-glucosidase rather than α-amylase activity. The number and position of the hydroxy groups in the chromone moiety further modulate the inhibitory profile of the studied compounds, and the derivatives bearing one catechol unit are efficient inhibitors of both enzymes. Enzyme kinetic studies indicate that all active compounds act as competitive inhibitors of α-amylase while most of them behave as non-competitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase. The results are promising and pave the way to further deciphering the potential of this class of compounds as a suitable alternative for the management of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Dorsal hippocampal astrocytes mediate the development of heroin withdrawal-enhanced fear learning
Authors: Parekh Shveta V. , Adams Lydia O. , Barkell Gillian A. , Paniccia Jacqueline E. , Reissner Kathryn J. , Lysle Donald T.
Published: February 2024

There is a significant co-occurrence of opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in clinical populations. However, the neurobiological mechanisms linking chronic opioid use, withdrawal, and the development of PTSD are poorly understood. Our previous research has shown that proinflammatory cytokines, expressed primarily by astrocytes in the dorsal hippocampus (DH), play a role in the development of heroin withdrawal-enhanced fear learning (HW-EFL), an animal model of PTSD-OUD comorbidity. Given the role of astrocytes in memory, fear learning, and opioid use, our experiments aimed to investigate their involvement in HW-EFL. Experiment 1 examined the effect of withdrawal from chronic heroin administration on GFAP surface area and volume, and identified increased surface area and volume of GFAP immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus (DG) following 24-hour heroin withdrawal. Experiment 2 examined astrocyte morphology and synaptic interactions at the 24-hour withdrawal timepoint using an astroglial membrane-bound GFP (AAV5-GfaABC1D-lck-GFP). Although we did not detect significant changes in surface area and volume of GfaABC1D-Lck-GFP labelled astrocytes, we did observe a significant increase in the colocalization of astrocyte membranes with PSD-95 (postsynaptic density protein 95) in the DG. Experiment 3 tested if stimulating astroglial Gi signaling in the DH alters HW-EFL, and our results demonstrate this manipulation attenuates HW-EFL. Collectively, these findings contribute to our current understanding of the effects of heroin withdrawal on astrocytes and support the involvement of astrocytes in the comorbid relationship between opioid use and anxiety disorders.
Event-related potential evidence for tactile orientation processing in the human brain
Authors: Yang Jiajia , Ren Rongxia , Yu Yinghua , Wang Wu , Tang Xiaoyu , Ejima Yoshimichi , Wu Jinglong
Published: February 2024

It is well known that information on stimulus orientation plays an important role in sensory processing. However, the neural mechanisms underlying somatosensory orientation perception are poorly understood. Adaptation has been widely used as a tool for examining sensitivity to specific features of sensory stimuli. Using the adaptation paradigm, we measured event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to tactile orientation stimuli presented pseudo-randomly to the right-hand palm in trials with all the same or different orientations. Twenty participants were asked to count the tactile orientation stimuli. The results showed that the adaptation-related N60 component was observed around contralateral central-parietal areas, possibly indicating orientation processing in the somatosensory regions. Conversely, the adaptation-related N120 component was identified bilaterally across hemispheres, suggesting the involvement of the frontoparietal circuitry in further tactile orientation processing. P300 component was found across the whole brain in all conditions and was associated with task demands, such as attention and stimulus counting. These findings help provide an understanding of the mechanisms of tactile orientation processing in the human brain.
Experimental quantification of genetic and ontogenetic effects on fighting behavior in the broad-horned flour beetle
Authors: Nishitani Toshiki , Matsumura Kentarou , Postma Erik , Sharma Manmohan Dev , Hosken David J , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: February 2024

Most animal behaviors show large within- and among-individual variation, and this includes competitive male behaviors. With male fighting for example, aggressiveness often correlates with dominance, and contest duration varies with age. However, few studies have directly quantified how mean aggressiveness and contest duration, the variation among individuals in both traits, and the relationship among them, vary with age. Here we address these gaps and examine the effect of male age and genotype on two key aspects of male fighting behavior - aggressiveness (here measured as latency to fight) and contest duration - and the relationship between them. We do this using isogenic lines of the broad-horned flour beetle Gnatocerus cornutus. We observed fighting behavior of paired males of similar body size and age. Using uni- and multivariate mixed models, we show that although there was a significant difference between younger and older males in contest duration, mean aggressiveness was not affected by male age. However, the variation in aggression and fight duration varied with age, being greater in younger and older males respectively. Additionally, although there was a positive correlation between aggressiveness and contest duration in younger males, this relationship was not found in older males. Finally, the only significant genetic effect was for aggression in younger males. Our study shows that age differentially shapes key components of male fighting behavior as well as the relationship among them, highlighting the dynamic nature and context-dependence of fighting.
One-line hybrid rice with high-efficiency synthetic apomixis and near-normal fertility
Authors: Dan Junhao , Xia Yumei , Wang Yao , Zhan Yijie , Tian Junyou , Tang Ning , Deng Huafeng , Cao Mengliang
Published: February 2024

Key message

High-frequency clonal seeds and near-normal fertility were obtained by engineering synthetic apomixis in hybrid rice.

The one-line strategy, with the advantage of unnecessary seed production, is the final stage for the hybrid rice development and can be achieved through the fixation of heterosis via artificially inducing apomixis. Recently, synthetic apomixis has been generated in rice by combining MiMe (Mitosis instead of Meiosis) with either the ectopic expression of BABY BOOM (BBM1 or BBM4) or mutation of MATRILINEAL (MTL), resulting in over 95.00% of clonal seeds. However, the frequency of clonal seeds was only 29.20% when AtDD45 promoter was used to drive BBM1. In addition, achieving both a high frequency of clonal seeds and near-normal fertility simultaneously had been elusive in earlier strategies. In this study, using AtDD45 promoter to drive BBM1 expression in combination with the MiMe mutant resulted in the apomixis frequency as high as 98.70%. Even more, employing fusion promoters (AtMYB98_AtDD1_OsECA1-like1) to drive WUS expression in combination with pAtDD45:BBM1 and MiMe could produce clonal seeds at rates of up to 98.21%, the highest seed setting rate reached to 83.67%. Multiple-embryos were observed in clonal lines at a frequency ranging from 3.37% to 60.99%. Transmission of the high frequency of apomixis through skipped generations (atavism) was identified in two clonal lines, even though it remained stable in the majority of clonal lines. These findings significantly advance the pursuit of fixed heterosis in rice through synthetic apomixis, edging closer to its agricultural application.
Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential
Authors: Bellwood David R. , Brandl Simon J. , McWilliam Mike , Streit Robert P. , Yan Helen F. , Tebbett Sterling B.
Published: February 2024

Function-based studies have opened a new chapter in our understanding of coral reefs. Unfortunately, we are opening this chapter as the world’s reefs rapidly transform. In this context, one of the most important roles of function-based studies is to inform coral reef conservation. At this critical juncture, we have a chance to reflect on where we have come from, and where we are going, in coral reef functional ecology, with specific consideration of what this means for our approaches to conserving reefs. As focal examples, we examine the role of corals on reefs, and the practice of culling crown-of-thorns starfish, from a functional perspective. We also consider how the papers in this special issue build on our current understanding. Ultimately, we highlight how robust scientific investigation, based on an understanding of ecosystem functions, will be key in helping us navigate reefs through the current coral reef crisis.
The Impact of Sentiment Scores Extracted from Product Descriptions on Customer Purchase Intention
Authors: Sun Yi , Sekiguchi Kaira , Ohsawa Yukio
Published: February 2024

This study investigates whether and how the textual content of product descriptions, especially the sentiment element, influences buyers’ purchase intentions. Using year-round digital transaction data from Mercari, a leading e-Commerce platform in Japan, we examine the interplay of hard and soft information signals exchanged between sellers and buyers. The study addresses two crucial questions: (1) Do the descriptions that sellers provide on product sales pages impact the buyer’s intent to purchase? and (2) In what way does the description influence the buyer’s purchase intention? Quantitative analysis is used to understand the relationship between product descriptions, sentiment elements, and purchase intentions. The results show that sentiment factors in product descriptions can serve as high-quality “signals” that can help buyers make informed purchasing decisions and reduce information asymmetry between buyers and sellers. This research contributes to understanding decision-making in online markets, particularly the role of soft information and sentiment analysis.
Lysimeter-based full fertilizer 15N balances corroborate direct dinitrogen emission measurements using the 15N gas flow method
Authors: Yankelzon Irina , Schilling Lexie , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus , Gasche Rainer , Han Jincheng , Hartl Lorenz , Kepp Julia , Matson Amanda , Ostler Ulrike , Scheer Clemens , Schneider Katrin , Tenspolde Arne , Well Reinhard , Wolf Benjamin , Wrage-Moennig Nicole , Dannenmann Michael
Published: February 2024

The15N gas flux (15NGF) method allows for direct in situ quantification of dinitrogen (N2) emissions from soils, but a successful cross-comparison with another method is missing. The objectives of this study were to quantify N2emissions of a wheat rotation using the15NGF method, to compare these N2emissions with those obtained from a lysimeter-based15N fertilizer mass balance approach, and to contextualize N2emissions with15N enrichment of N2in soil air. For four sampling periods, fertilizer-derived N2losses (15NGF method) were similar to unaccounted fertilizer N fates as obtained from the15N mass balance approach. Total N2emissions (15NGF method) amounted to 21 ± 3 kg N ha− 1, with 13 ± 2 kg N ha− 1(7.5% of applied fertilizer N) originating from fertilizer. In comparison, the15N mass balance approach overall indicated fertilizer-derived N2emissions of 11%, equivalent to 18 ± 13 kg N ha− 1. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were small (0.15 ± 0.01 kg N ha− 1or 0.1% of fertilizer N), resulting in a large mean N2:(N2O + N2) ratio of 0.94 ± 0.06. Due to the applied drip fertigation, ammonia emissions accounted for < 1% of fertilizer-N, while N leaching was negligible. The temporal variability of N2emissions was well explained by the δ15N2in soil air down to 50 cm depth. We conclude the15NGF method provides realistic estimates of field N2emissions and should be more widely used to better understand soil N2losses. Moreover, combining soil air δ15N2measurements with diffusion modeling might be an alternative approach for constraining soil N2emissions.
Analysis of complications in 97 periprosthetic Vancouver B2 fractures treated either by internal fixation or revision arthroplasty
Authors: Eckardt H. , Windischbauer D. , Morgenstern M. , Stoffel K. , Clauss M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The treatment of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic fractures after hip arthroplasty is still a matter of debate. Revision Arthroplasty (RA) was long thought to be the treatment of choice, however several recent papers suggested that Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is a viable option for selected B2 fractures. Complication rates of 14–26% have been reported following surgical treatment of B2 fractures. No significant difference between RA and ORIF in the complication rates nor in the functional outcome was observed.

Method

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 97 consecutive Vancouver B2 fractures treated according to the algorithm at our institution from 2007 to 2020 and recorded complications and patient specific data.

Result

From the 97 patient, 45 fractures were treated with RA while 52 fractures were treated with ORIF. Thirteen patients in the RA group had a complication that needed revision (28%) and 11 patients in the ORIF group needed revision (21%). There was no significant difference between complication rates. The reason for failure in the 13 RA patients were infection (n = 4), stem subsidence (n = 1), refracture after a new fall (n = 3), secondary dislocation of the greater trochanter (n = 1) and dislocation (n = 4). The reason for failure in the 11 ORIF patients that were revised were infection (n = 5), persistent symptomatic stem loosening (n = 3) and refracture (n = 3) after a new fall.

Conclusion

ORIF can be used to revise cemented and non-cemented shafts in more than half of Vancouver B2 fractures with no difference in complication rates when compared to RA. A periprosthetic fracture around the hip has a 21–28% risk of a re-operation after revision surgery with infection and re-fracture after a new fall being the most frequent cause of re-operation.
Use of a fluoroscopy-based robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty system produced greater improvements in patient-reported outcomes at one year compared to manual, fluoroscopic-assisted technique
Authors: Buchan Graham B.J. , Ong Christian B. , Hecht II Christian J. , DeCook Charles A. , Spencer-Gardner Luke S. , Kamath Atul F.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The adoption of new technology should be supported by improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). The purpose of this study was to assess the one-year PROMs of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a novel, fluoroscopy-based, robotic-assisted (RA-THA) system when compared to a manual, fluoroscopic-assisted technique (mTHA).

Materials and methods

A review of 91 consecutive mTHA and 85 consecutive RA-THA via a direct anterior approach was conducted. All cases were performed by the same surgeon at the same institution, for a pre-operative diagnosis of osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Outcomes included one-year Veterans RAND-12 (VR-12) Physical/Mental, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome (HOOS) Pain/Physical Function/Joint Replacement, and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity scores, as well as the difference between pre-operative and one-year post-operative PROMs.

Results

Patients in the RA-THA cohort had lower pre-operative HOOS-JR scores compared to patients in the mTHA cohort (37.0 vs. 43.1; p = 0.031). Cohorts experienced similar one-year post-operative VR-12, HOOS, and UCLA Activity scores. Patients in the RA-THA cohort experienced greater improvements across all pre- and post-operative HOOS scores compared to patients in the mTHA cohort: Pain (+ 54.7 vs. +42.1; p = 0.009), Physical Function (-41.6 vs. -28.7; p = 0.007), and Joint Replacement (+ 46.6 vs. +33.0; p = 0.002). These differences exceeded minimum clinically important difference (MCID).

Conclusions

Both manual and robotic cohorts experienced benefit from THA at one-year post-operative. Importantly, the use of a novel, fluoroscopy-based robotic assistance system for primary THA resulted in greater improvements in PROMs at one-year relative to manual technique.
Improvement of fatigue in generalised myasthenia gravis with zilucoplan
Authors: Weiss Michael D. , Freimer Miriam , Leite M. Isabel , Maniaol Angelina , Utsugisawa Kimiaki , Bloemers Jos , Boroojerdi Babak , Howard Emily , Savic Natasa , Howard James F.
Published: February 2024

Background

Fatigue is a debilitating symptom of myasthenia gravis (MG). The impact of fatigue on MG can be assessed by Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) Short Form Fatigue scale. Transformation of raw Neuro-QoL fatigue scores to T-scores is a known approach for facilitating clinical interpretation of clinically meaningful and fatigue severity thresholds.

Methods

In the Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled RAISE study (NCT04115293), adults with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive generalised MG (MG Foundation of America Disease Class II–IV) were randomised 1:1 to daily subcutaneous zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients completing RAISE could opt to receive zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg in an ongoing, open-label extension study, RAISE-XT (NCT04225871). In this post-hoc analysis, we evaluated the long-term effect of zilucoplan on fatigue in RAISE patients who entered RAISE-XT. We report change in Neuro-QoL Short Form Fatigue T-scores and fatigue severity levels from RAISE baseline to Week 60.

Results

Mean Neuro-QoL Short Form Fatigue T-scores improved from baseline to Week 12 in the zilucoplan group (n = 86) with a clinically meaningful difference versus placebo (n = 88; least squares mean difference: − 3.61 (nominal p-value = 0.0060]), and these improvements continued further to Week 60. At Week 12, more patients on zilucoplan (n = 34, 47.2%) experienced improvements in ≥ 1 fatigue severity level from baseline versus placebo (n = 23, 28.4%; p = 0.017). At Week 60, most (n = 55, 65.5%) patients had mild fatigue or none.

Conclusion

Treatment with zilucoplan demonstrated statistical and clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue scores and severity versus placebo during RAISE, which were sustained to Week 60 in RAISE-XT.
The secretome from human-derived mesenchymal stem cells augments the activity of antitumor plant extracts in vitro
Authors: Ramirez J. A. , Jiménez M. C. , Ospina V. , Rivera B. S. , Fiorentino S. , Barreto A. , Restrepo L. M.
Published: February 2024

Cancer is understood as a multifactorial disease that involve multiple cell types and phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The components of the TME can interact directly or via soluble factors (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, extracellular vesicles, etc.). Among the cells composing the TME, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appear as a population with debated properties since it has been seen that they can both promote or attenuate tumor progression. For various authors, the main mechanism of interaction of MSCs is through their secretome, the set of molecules secreted into the extracellular milieu, recruiting, and influencing the behavior of other cells in inflammatory environments where they normally reside, such as wounds and tumors. Natural products have been studied as possible cancer treatments, appealing to synergisms between the molecules in their composition; thus, extracts obtained from Petiveria alliacea (Anamu-SC) and Caesalpinia spinosa (P2Et) have been produced and studied previously on different models, showing promising results. The effect of plant extracts on the MSC secretome has been poorly studied, especially in the context of the TME. Here, we studied the effect of Anamu-SC and P2Et extracts in the human adipose-derived MSC (hAMSC)–tumor cell interaction as a TME model. We also investigated the influence of the hAMSC secretome, in combination with these natural products, on tumor cell hallmarks such as viability, clonogenicity, and migration. In addition, hAMSC gene expression and protein synthesis were evaluated for some key factors in tumor progression in the presence of the extracts by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Multiplex, respectively. It was found that the presence of the hAMSC secretome did not affect the cytotoxic or clonogenicity-reducing activities of the natural extracts on cancer cells, and even this secretome can inhibit the migration of these tumor cells, in addition to the fact that the profile of molecules can be modified by natural products. Overall, our findings demonstrate that hAMSC secretome participation in TME interactions can favor the antitumor activities of natural products.
Methodological considerations on near-infrared spectroscopy derived muscle oxidative capacity
Authors: Rasica Letizia , Inglis Erin Calaine , Mazzolari Raffaele , Iannetta Danilo , Murias Juan M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Different strategies for near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived muscle oxidative capacity assessment have been reported. This study compared and evaluated (I) approaches for averaging trials; (II) NIRS signals and blood volume correction equations; (III) the assessment of vastus lateralis (VL) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles in two fitness levels groups.

Methods

Thirty-six participants [18 chronically trained (CT: 14 males, 4 females) and 18 untrained (UT: 10 males, 8 females)] participated in this study. Two trials of twenty transient arterial occlusions were performed for NIRS-derived muscle oxidative capacity assessment. Muscle oxygen consumption ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2m) was estimated from deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), corrected for blood volume changes following Ryan (HHbR) and Beever (HHbB) equations, and from oxygen saturation (StO2) in VL and TA.

Results

Superimposing or averaging $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2m or averaging the rate constants (k) from the two trials resulted in equivalent k values [two one-sided tests (TOST) procedure with 5% equivalence margin—P < 0.001]. Whereas HHbR (2.35 ± 0.61 min−1) and HHbB (2.34 ± 0.58 min−1) derived k were equivalent (P < 0.001), StO2 derived k (2.81 ± 0.92 min−1) was greater (P < 0.001) than both. k values were greater in CT vs UT in both muscles (VL: + 0.68 min−1, P = 0.002; TA: + 0.43 min−1, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Different approaches for averaging trials lead to similar k. HHb and StO2 signals provided different k, although different blood volume corrections did not impact k. Group differences in k were detected in both muscles.
A novel EIF3C-related CD8+ T-cell signature in predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Rui , Wang Yikai , Wen Xin , Cheng Binglin , Lv Ruxue , Chen Ruzhen , Hu Wen , Wang Yinglei , Liu Jingwen , Lin Bingyi , Zhang Haixiang , Zhang Enting , Tang XinRan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

At present, dysfunctional CD8+ T-cells in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have caused unsatisfactory immunotherapeutic effects, such as a low response rate of anti-PD-L1 therapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify reliable markers capable of accurately predicting immunotherapy efficacy.

Methods

Utilizing various algorithms for immune-infiltration evaluation, we explored the role of EIF3C in the TIME. We next found the influence of EIF3C expression on NPC based on functional analyses and RNA sequencing. By performing correlation and univariate Cox analyses of CD8+ Tcell markers from scRNA-seq data, we identified four signatures, which were then used in conjunction with the lasso algorithm to determine corresponding coefficients in the resulting EIF3C-related CD8+ T-cell signature (ETS). We subsequently evaluated the prognostic value of ETS using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, Kaplan–Meier curves, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

Our results demonstrate a significant relationship between low expression of EIF3C and high levels of CD8+ T-cell infiltration in the TIME, as well as a correlation between EIF3C expression and progression of NPC. Based on the expression levels of four EIF3C-related CD8+ T-cell marker genes, we constructed the ETS predictive model for NPC prognosis, which demonstrated success in validation. Notably, our model can also serve as an accurate indicator for detecting immunotherapy response.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that EIF3C plays a significant role in NPC progression and immune modulation, particularly in CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Furthermore, the ETS model holds promise as both a prognostic predictor for NPC patients and a tool for adjusting individualized immunotherapy strategies.
A maximum-entropy length-orientation closure for short-fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Mehta Alok , Schneider Matti
Published: February 2024

We describe an algorithm for generating fiber-filled volume elements for use in computational homogenization schemes which accounts for a coupling of the fiber-length and the fiber-orientation. For prescribed fiber-length distribution and fiber-orientation tensor of second order, a maximum-entropy estimate is used to produce a fiber-length-orientation distribution which mimics real injection molded specimens, where longer fibers show a stronger alignment than shorter fibers. We derive the length-orientation closure from scratch, discuss its integration into the sequential addition and migration algorithm for generating fiber-filled microstructures for industrial volume fractions and investigate the resulting effective elastic properties. We demonstrate that accounting for the length-orientation coupling permits to match the measured Young’s moduli in principal fiber direction and transverse to it more accurately than for closure approximations ignoring the length-orientation coupling.
Robustness of design flood estimates under nonstationary conditions: parameter sensitivity perspective
Authors: Xiong Bin , Zheng Shuchen , Ma Qiumei , Fu Chun , Wen Tianfu , He Zhongzheng , Li Lingqi , Xu Chong-Yu
Published: February 2024

The changing frequency of flooding in global watersheds, driven by various human and natural factors like land use/cover changes and global warming, necessitates innovative approaches in flood frequency analysis and risk assessment. Nonetheless, the reliability of nonstationary frequency analysis models remains a concern given challenges in accurately measuring the uncertainty introduced by these methods and the impact on design flood values. In this study, deviation-based differential sensitivity indices, including single-parameter (SDDSI) and entire-parameter (EDDSI) measures were developed to assess the influence of parameter uncertainty in nonstationary models using Bayesian statistics and "equivalent reliability" nonstationary design. The Weihe River, the largest tributary of the Yellow River which is experiencing both climate change and heavy impact of human activities, is chosen to be the study area to investigate the impact of precipitation change and land use change on nonstationary flood frequency. Results show that in the One-At-A-Time (OAT) sensitivity analysis under a small uncertainty scenario (SUS) for parameter inputs, the shape parameter stands out as the most influential factor (SDDSI_SUS = 0.347) affecting the 100-year design flood in the Stationary Generalized Extreme Value (SGEV) model. For the Non-Stationary GEV (NGEV) models, the influence of this parameter is less pronounced, with SDDSI_SUS values of 0.095 and 0.093 for the SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios, respectively. Instead, attention turns to the regression coefficient of the grassland area, associated with the GEV scale parameter. In global sensitivity analysis under the posterior uncertainty scenario (PUS) for parameter inputs, the EDDSI_PUS values for SGEV, NGEV_SSP126, and NGEV_SSP585 models were 0.52, 1.41, and 1.30, respectively, inferring heightened sensitivity of NGEV models to perturbations from entire parameters. It is anticipated that incorporating additional evidence, such as historical flood data, is essential for accurate nonstationary hydrological design to mitigating the influence of parameter uncertainty. The sensitivity indices in this study provide significant insights for assessing the robustness of nonstationary hydrological design in flood risk management and applications.
It is not just about transcription: involvement of brain RNA splicing in substance use disorders
Authors: Carvalho Luana , Lasek Amy W.
Published: February 2024

Alternative splicing is a co-transcriptional process that significantly contributes to the molecular landscape of the cell. It plays a multifaceted role in shaping gene transcription, protein diversity, and functional adaptability in response to environmental cues. Recent studies demonstrate that drugs of abuse have a profound impact on alternative splicing patterns within different brain regions. Drugs like alcohol and cocaine modify the expression of genes responsible for encoding splicing factors, thereby influencing alternative splicing of crucial genes involved in neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation. Notable examples of these alterations include alcohol-induced changes in splicing factors such as HSPA6 and PCBP1, as well as cocaine's impact on PTBP1 and SRSF11. Beyond the immediate effects of drug exposure, recent research has shed light on the role of alternative splicing in contributing to the risk of substance use disorders (SUDs). This is exemplified by exon skipping events in key genes like ELOVL7, which can elevate the risk of alcohol use disorder. Lastly, drugs of abuse can induce splicing alterations through epigenetic modifications. For example, cocaine exposure leads to alterations in levels of trimethylated lysine 36 of histone H3, which exhibits a robust association with alternative splicing and serves as a reliable predictor for exon exclusion. In summary, alternative splicing has emerged as a critical player in the complex interplay between drugs of abuse and the brain, offering insights into the molecular underpinnings of SUDs.
Rainfall-induced landslide prediction models, part ii: deterministic physical and phenomenologically models
Authors: Ebrahim Kyrillos M. P. , Gomaa Sherif M. M. H. , Zayed Tarek , Alfalah Ghasan
Published: February 2024

Landslides are frequent hillslope events that may present significant risks to humans and infrastructure. Researchers have made ongoing efforts to assess the potential danger associated with landslides, intending to ascertain the location, frequency, and magnitude of these events in a given area. This study is meant to supplement the previous study (Part I), which explored empirical and physically based causative thresholds. In this paper (Part II), a systematic review is used to conduct an in-depth study of existing research on prediction models. Deterministic physical approaches were investigated for local-scale landslides. Next, national-scale landslide susceptibility models are discussed, including qualitative and quantitative models. Consequently, key findings about rainfall-induced landslides are reviewed. The strategy selection is generally governed by data and input factors from a macroscopic perspective, while the better prediction model is defined by dataset quality and analysis model performance from a microscopic perspective. Physically based causative thresholds can be used with limited geotechnical or hydrological data; otherwise, numerical analysis provides optimal accuracy. Among all statistical models, the hybrid artificial intelligence model achieved the best accuracy. Finally, current challenges have concentrated on integrating AI and physical models to obtain high accuracy with little data, prompting research suggestions. Advanced constitutive models for real-time situations are lacking. Dynamic and spatiotemporal susceptibility maps are also used, although their subjectivity needs further research. This study analyses how to choose the best model and determine its key traits. This research provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners seeking innovative approaches to lessen the severity of landslides.
Enhanced oxidative stress resistance in Ustilago maydis and its implications on the virulence
Authors: Cuamatzi-Flores Jorge , Colón-González Maritrini , Requena-Romo Fernanda , Quiñones-Galeana Samuel , Cervantes-Chávez José Antonio , Morales Lucia
Published: February 2024

The phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis causes corn smut by suppressing host plant defenses, including the oxidative burst response. While many studies have investigated how U. maydis responds to oxidative stress during infection, the consequences of heightened resistance to oxidative stress on virulence remain understudied. This study aimed to identify the effects on virulence in U. maydis strains exhibiting enhanced resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

To achieve this, we exposed U. maydis SG200 to 20 escalating H2O2 shocks, resulting in an adapted strain resistant to concentrations as high as 60 mM of H2O2, a lethal dose for the initial strain. Genetic analysis of the adapted strain revealed five nucleotide substitutions, two minor copy number variants, and a large amplification event on chromosome nine (1–149 kb) encompassing the sole catalase gene. Overexpressing catalase increased resistance to H2O2; however, this resistance was lower than that observed in the adapted strain. Additionally, virulence was reduced in both strains with enhanced H2O2 resistance.

In summary, enhanced H2O2 resistance, achieved through either continuous exposure to the oxidative agent or through catalase overexpression, decreased virulence. This suggests that the response to the oxidative stress burst in U. maydis is optimal and that increasing the resistance to H2O2 does not translate into increased virulence. These findings illuminate the intricate relationship between oxidative stress resistance and virulence in U. maydis, offering insights into its infection mechanisms.
Financial toxicity and patient experience associated with financial burden of molecular-targeted and immune therapies for cancer: an observational study under public health insurance
Authors: Yamamoto Sena , Kondoh Chiharu , Nakagoshi Hideko , Kakumen Mayuko , Yasuhara Kana , Nakai Mayumi , Kodani Naoko , Sunda Kazumi , Higashide Chizuru , Katayama Megumi , Arao Harue
Published: February 2024

Background

Financial burden of cancer treatment can negatively affect patients and their families. This study aimed to evaluate the financial toxicity of patients treated with molecular-targeted and immune therapies and explore the relationship between financial toxicity and patient experiences associated with the financial burden of cancer treatment.

Methods

This anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey conducted across nine hospitals in Japan included patients aged 20–60 years who were receiving molecular-targeted agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors for any type of cancer for ≥ 2 months. Financial toxicity was evaluated using the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST). Patient experience was examined using 11 items based on previous studies. Independent factors related to financial toxicity were explored using multiple regression analyses.

Results

The mean COST score was 17.0 ± 8.4, and 68 (49.3%) participants reported COST scores at or below the cutoff point. The factors contributing to financial toxicity were “hesitation regarding continuing treatment based on finances” (sβ = − 0.410, p < 0.001), “cutting through my deposits and savings” (sβ = − 0.253, p = 0.003), and “reducing spending on basics like food or clothing” (sβ = − 0.205, p = 0.046) along with comorbidities (sβ = − 0.156, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Patients receiving molecular-targeted and immune therapies are at risk of experiencing profound financial toxicity and a reduced quality of life. The independently related factors that we identified have the potential to serve as indicators of profound financial toxicity and the need for specialized intervention.