bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
August 2024 Image of the Month: Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis
Authors: Herber Steven ,   Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ USA, Swenson Gabriel , Jokerst Clinton
Published: August 2024

No abstract available. Article truncated after 50 words. A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and diabetes and a remote smoking history (10 pack-years) presented to our institution with approximately 1 year of poor appetite, night sweats, and progressive weakness as well as ~ 70 lb. weight loss over the past 6 months. He had also developed multiple intramuscular tumors within his extremities, with rapid growth of a right forearm tumor requiring fasciotomy and debridement. He denied recent foreign travel and his family history was significant for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in his father. Extensive prior clinical and laboratory investigation yielded a negative rheumatological workup, hypercalcemia and an elevated CRP, but was otherwise unremarkable. Outside imaging studies had shown abdominal adenopathy with numerous intramuscular masses as well as several visceral masses involving the liver, pancreas, spleen and kidneys. Histopathology from several sources including his right forearm debridement surgical specimen and biopsy specimens from lesions in his lung, liver, and …
Distribution of Variant rs10974944 of the JAK2 Gene in Mestizos and Native Americans from Mexico and from Worldwide Association Studies of Myeloproliferative Diseases
Authors: Avalos-Navarro G. , Nuño-Trujillo A. D. , González-Becerra K. , Martínez-Cortés G. , Favela-Mendoza A. F. , Rangel-Villalobos H.
Published: August 2024

The genetic variant rs10974944 (C>G) in the JAK2 gene is associated with a higher risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) by increasing the probability of the somatic mutation V617F in the JAK2 protein. For this reason, we evaluated the distribution of rs10974944 in Mexican populations, including published data from association studies in worldwide populations. We analyzed five Mestizo (admixed; n = 200) and four Native American (n = 200) population samples from Mexico, representing the northern, central, western, and southern regions of the country, genotyping rs10974944 by quantitative PCR using Taqman probes. Allele and genotype frequencies were estimated in each population sample. The wild-type allele C, the homozygous C/C, and the heterozygous C/G variants were the most frequent in all Mexican populations, and the genotype distribution in all samples was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Interestingly, genetic distances clustered most of the worldwide patient samples, including Tarahumaras and Mayas, which differed from Mexican and control samples. Although higher genetic susceptibility to MPNs could be predicted in these Native American populations, the homogeneous allele distribution among Mexican and worldwide control populations warrants analysis of further genetic and nongenetic factors. In sum, although worldwide population samples displayed homogeneous distribution for rs10974944 , genetic clustering of worldwide patients supports the claimed association with MPNs.
Miniaturized spectrometer based on MLP neural networks and a frosted glass encoder
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Zhang Fuyang , Zhou Xinhui , Shen Xiao , Niu Qiaoli , Yang Tao
Published: August 2024

Computational spectrometers are explored to overcome the disadvantages of large size, narrow bandwidth and low spectral resolution suffered by conventional spectrometers. However, expensive spectral encoders and unstable algorithms impede widespread applications of the computational spectrometers. In this paper, we propose a neural network (NN)-based miniaturized spectrometer with a frosted glass as its spectral encoder. The frosted glass has the merits of easy fabrication, low loss, and high throughput. In order to evaluate the reconstruction ability, several frequently used algorithms such as the multilayer perceptron (MLP), convolutional neural network (CNN), residual convolutional neural network (ResCNN), and Tikhonov regularization are adopted to reconstruct different types of spectra in sequence. Experimental results show that the reconstruction performance of the MLP is better than other algorithms. By using the MLP network, the average mean squared error is 1.38 × 10−3 and the reconstruction time is 16 µs. At the same time, a spectral resolution of 1.4 nm and a wavelength detection range of 420 nm–700 nm are realized. The effectiveness of this approach is also demonstrated by implementing a reconstruction for an unseen multi-peak spectrum. Equipped with the size, low cost, real time, broad-band, and high-resolution spectrometer, one may envision many portable wavelength analysis applications.
Multi-kilometer visible light communication utilizing nonlinearity-adaptive hybrid probabilistic-geometric shaping
Authors: Dong Fang , Luo Zhiteng , Xu Zengyi , Lin Xianhao , Zhou Yuning , Lu Zhilan , Li Ziwei , Shi Jianyang , Zhang Junwen , Shen Chao , Zhou Yingjun , Sun JianFeng , Cai Haiwen , Chi Nan
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a high rate-distance product visible light communication (VLC) system based on nonlinearity-adaptive hybrid probabilistic-geometric constellation shaping (NA-HCS) for multi-kilometer free space transmission. A pairwise optimization algorithm is employed within the probabilistic shaping (PS) to achieve NA-HCS for constellation according to the pre-estimated signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the long-distance nonlinear channel, which proves its efficacy in channel capacity optimization. Using a modified physical free space optical communication equivalent link, the QAM based on NA-HCS technology can flexibly control the net data rate (NDR) to accommodate different intensities of nonlinear impairment within 1 km transmission channel, consistently outperforming PS-APSK and PS-QAM. Additionally, we also investigate the performance of the NA-HCS technology over longer distances. A maximum rate-distance product of 61.12 Gbit/skm with NDR of 7.64 Gbit/s over 8 km distance has been successfully demonstrated using the NA-HCS-64QAM system with a 530 nm laser diode. The perspective of this scheme is directed toward future long-haul free space optical communication networks.
Terahertz magneto-optical sampling in quartz glass
Authors: Kovalev Sergey , Ilyakov Igor , Reinold Anneke , Pilch Patrick , Zhu Changqing , Ghalgaoui Ahmed , Salikhov Ruslan , Lindner Jürgen , Wang Zhe
Published: August 2024

In this Letter, we demonstrate terahertz (THz) magnetic field detection in fused silica with sensitivity that can be easily controlled by sample tilting (for both amplitude and polarization). The proposed technique remains in the linear regime at magnetic fields exceeding 0.3 T (0.9 MV/cm of equivalent electric field) and allows the use of low-cost amorphous materials. Furthermore, the demonstrated effects should be present in a wide variety of materials used as substrates in different THz-pump laser–probe experiments and need to be considered in order to disentangle different contributions to the measured signals.
Dispersion-managed mode-locked Tm:ZBLAN fiber lasers
Authors: Kawase Hiroki , Takano Junya , Noguchi Riko , Fuji Takao
Published: August 2024

We demonstrated a dispersion-managed 2 μm ultrafast laser based on Tm:ZBLAN fiber. By controlling intracavity net dispersion using passive fibers, we observed soliton, stretched-pulse, and dissipative-soliton mode-locked operations. In particular, the broadest output spectrum with a bandwidth at 30 dB below peak of 320 nm and a pulse duration of 61 fs were obtained at a net dispersion of −0.010 ps². These results revealed the relationship between net dispersion and spectral bandwidth in Tm:ZBLAN mode-locked lasers. To accurately estimate the net dispersion of the cavity, the dispersion of each fiber in the cavity was experimentally determined using a cross-correlation method with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
A general model unifying the adaptive, transient and sustained properties of ON and OFF auditory neural responses
Authors: Rançon Ulysse , Masquelier Timothée , Cottereau Benoit R.
Published: August 2024

Sounds are temporal stimuli decomposed into numerous elementary components by the auditory nervous system. For instance, a temporal to spectro-temporal transformation modelling the frequency decomposition performed by the cochlea is a widely adopted first processing step in today’s computational models of auditory neural responses. Similarly, increments and decrements in sound intensity (i.e., of the raw waveform itself or of its spectral bands) constitute critical features of the neural code, with high behavioural significance. However, despite the growing attention of the scientific community on auditory OFF responses, their relationship with transient ON, sustained responses and adaptation remains unclear. In this context, we propose a new general model, based on a pair of linear filters, named AdapTrans, that captures both sustained and transient ON and OFF responses into a unifying and easy to expand framework. We demonstrate that filtering audio cochleagrams with AdapTrans permits to accurately render known properties of neural responses measured in different mammal species such as the dependence of OFF responses on the stimulus fall time and on the preceding sound duration. Furthermore, by integrating our framework into gold standard and state-of-the-art machine learning models that predict neural responses from audio stimuli, following a supervised training on a large compilation of electrophysiology datasets (ready-to-deploy PyTorch models and pre-processed datasets shared publicly), we show that AdapTrans systematically improves the prediction accuracy of estimated responses within different cortical areas of the rat and ferret auditory brain. Together, these results motivate the use of our framework for computational and systems neuroscientists willing to increase the plausibility and performances of their models of audition.
Decoding dynamic visual scenes across the brain hierarchy
Authors: Chen Ye , Beech Peter , Yin Ziwei , Jia Shanshan , Zhang Jiayi , Yu Zhaofei , Liu Jian K.
Published: August 2024

Understanding the computational mechanisms that underlie the encoding and decoding of environmental stimuli is a crucial investigation in neuroscience. Central to this pursuit is the exploration of how the brain represents visual information across its hierarchical architecture. A prominent challenge resides in discerning the neural underpinnings of the processing of dynamic natural visual scenes. Although considerable research efforts have been made to characterize individual components of the visual pathway, a systematic understanding of the distinctive neural coding associated with visual stimuli, as they traverse this hierarchical landscape, remains elusive. In this study, we leverage the comprehensive Allen Visual Coding—Neuropixels dataset and utilize the capabilities of deep learning neural network models to study neural coding in response to dynamic natural visual scenes across an expansive array of brain regions. Our study reveals that our decoding model adeptly deciphers visual scenes from neural spiking patterns exhibited within each distinct brain area. A compelling observation arises from the comparative analysis of decoding performances, which manifests as a notable encoding proficiency within the visual cortex and subcortical nuclei, in contrast to a relatively reduced encoding activity within hippocampal neurons. Strikingly, our results unveil a robust correlation between our decoding metrics and well-established anatomical and functional hierarchy indexes. These findings corroborate existing knowledge in visual coding related to artificial visual stimuli and illuminate the functional role of these deeper brain regions using dynamic stimuli. Consequently, our results suggest a novel perspective on the utility of decoding neural network models as a metric for quantifying the encoding quality of dynamic natural visual scenes represented by neural responses, thereby advancing our comprehension of visual coding within the complex hierarchy of the brain.
Evaluating the modulation of peripheral immune profile in people living with HIV and (Neuro)cysticercosis
Authors: Lema Yakobo Leonard , Prodjinotho Ulrich Fabien , Makasi Charles , Nanyaro Mary-Winnie A. , Kilale Andrew Martin , Mfinanga Sayoki , Stelzle Dominik , Schmidt Veronika , Carabin Hélène , Winkler Andrea Sylvia , Lyamuya Eligius F. , Ngowi Bernard J. , Chachage Mkunde , Prazeres da Costa Clarissa
Published: August 2024

Background

The parasitic infection caused by Taenia solium represents a significant public health concern in developing countries. Larval invasion of body tissues leads to cysticercosis (CC), while central nervous system (CNS) involvement results in neurocysticercosis (NCC). Both conditions exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, and the potential impact of concomitant HIV infection especially prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa on peripheral and CNS immune responses remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the potential impact of HIV coinfection in CC and NCC patients.

Methodology

A nested study within a cross-sectional analysis in two Tanzanian regions was performed and 234 participants (110 HIV+ and 124 HIV-) were tested for cysticercosis antibodies, antigens, CD4 counts and serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines via multiplex bead-based immunoassay. 127 cysticercosis seropositive individuals underwent cranial computed tomography (CCT) and clinical symptoms were assessed. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with cytokine modulation due to HIV in CC and NCC patients.

Results

Serologically, 18.8% tested positive for cysticercosis antibodies, with no significant difference HIV+ and HIV+. A significantly higher rate of cysticercosis antigen positivity was found in HIV+ individuals (43.6%) compared to HIV- (28.2%) (p = 0.016). CCT scans revealed that overall 10.3% had active brain cysts (NCC+). Our study found no significant changes in the overall cytokine profiles between HIV+ and HIV- participants coinfected CC and NCC, except for IL-5 which was elevated in HIV+ individuals with cysticercosis. Furthermore, HIV infection in general was associated with increased levels of pro-and some anti-inflammatory cytokines e.g. TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-γ. However, based on the interaction analyses, no cytokine changes were observed due to HIV in CC or NCC patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, while HIV infection itself significantly modulates levels of key cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-γ, it does not modulate any cytokine changes due to CC or NCC. This underscores the dominant influence of HIV on the immune system and highlights the importance of effective antiretroviral therapy in managing immune responses in individuals coinfected with HIV and CC/NCC.
Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis—A systematic review and analysis of the literature
Authors: Gygax Larissa , Schudel Sophie , Kositz Christian , Kuenzli Esther , Neumayr Andreas
Published: August 2024

Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME) is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Most available data come from case reports, case series and retrospective studies, while prospective studies and clinical trials are largely lacking. To obtain a clearer picture of the currently known epidemiologic distribution, clinical and paraclinical presentation, diagnostic aspects, complications, therapeutic aspects, and outcomes of HME, we systematically reviewed the literature and analyzed and summarized the data. Cases of HME are almost exclusively reported from North America. Human infections due to other (non-chaffeensis) Ehrlichia spp. are rare. HME primarily presents as an unspecific febrile illness (95% of the cases), often accompanied by thrombocytopenia (79.1% of the cases), leukopenia (57.8% of the cases), and abnormal liver function tests (68.1% of the cases). Immunocompromized patients are overrepresented among reviewed HME cases (26.7%), which indicates the role of HME as an opportunistic infection. The incidence of complications is higher in immunocompromized compared to immunocompetent cases, with ARDS (34% vs 19.8%), acute renal failure (34% vs 15.8%), multi organ failure (26% vs 14.9%), and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (26% vs 14.9%) being the most frequent reported. The overall case fatality is 11.6%, with a significant difference between immunocompetent (9.9%) and immunocompromized (16.3%) cases, and sequelae are rare (4.2% in immunocompetent cases, 2.5% in immunocompromised cases).
Study on rock fracture mechanism and hydraulic fracturing propagation law of heterogeneous tight sandstone reservoir
Authors: Zhao Huan , Li Wei , Cai Meng , Ma Biao , Xie Xiaorui , Zou Linhao , Liu Yapeng
Published: August 2024

Hydraulic fracturing technology is an effective way to develop tight sandstone reservoirs with low porosity and permeability. The tight sandstone reservoir is heterogeneous and the heterogeneity characteristics has an important influence on fracture propagation. To investigate hydraulic fracture performance in heterogeneous tight reservoir, the X-ray diffraction experiments are carried out, the Weibull distribution method and finite element method are applied to establish the uniaxial compression model and the hydraulic fracture propagation model of heterogeneous tight sandstone. Meanwhile, the sensitivity of different heterogeneity characterization factors and the multi-fracture propagation mechanism during hydraulic fracture propagation is analyzed. The results indicate that the pressure transfer in the heterogeneous reservoir is non-uniform, showing a multi-point initiation fracture mode. For different heterogeneity characterization factors, the heterogeneity characteristics based on elastic modulus are the most sensitive. The multi-fracture propagation of heterogeneous tight sandstone reservoir is different from that of homogeneous reservoir, the fracture propagation morphology is more complex. With the increase of stress difference, the fracture propagation length increases. With the increase of injection rate, the fracture propagation length increases. With the increase of cluster spacing, the propagation length of multiple fractures tends to propagate evenly. This study clarifies the influence of heterogeneity on fracture propagation and provides some guidance for fracturing optimization of tight sandstone reservoirs.
Valproic acid use is associated with diminished risk of contracting COVID-19, and diminished disease severity: Epidemiologic and in vitro analysis reveal mechanistic insights
Authors: Watson Amanda , Shah Pankil , Lee Doug , Liang Sitai , Joshi Geeta , Metitiri Ediri , Chowdhury Wasim H. , Bacich Dean , Dube Peter , Xiang Yan , Hanley Daniel , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Rodriguez Ronald
Published: August 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused unprecedented worldwide infections from persistent mutant variants with various degrees of infectivity and virulence. The elusiveness of a highly penetrant, worldwide vaccination strategy suggests that the complete eradication of SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely. Even with the advent of new antiviral agents, the disease burden worldwide continues to exceed current preventative and therapeutic strategies. Greater interest has been placed towards the development of affordable,broadly effective antiviral therapeutics. Here, we report that the small branched-chain fatty acid Valproic acid (VPA), approved for maintenance of seizure and bipolar disorder, has a novel anti- coronavirus activity that can be augmented with the addition of a long-chain, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). An EMR-based epidemiological study of patients tested for COVID-19 demonstrated a correlation exists between a reduced infection rate in patients treated withVPA of up to 25%, as well as a decreased risk of emergency room visits, hospitalization, ICU admission,and use of mechanical ventilation. In vitro studies have demonstrated that VPA modifies gene expression in MRC5 cells. Interestingly, VPA correlates with the inhibition of several SARS-CoV2 interacting genes and the greater inhibition of alpha-coronavirus HCoV-229E (a “common cold” virus) and SARS-CoV2. The VPA-DHA combination activates pre-existing intracellular antiviral mechanisms normally repressed by coronaviruses. Gene expression profiles demonstrate subtle differences in overall gene expression between VPA-treated and VPA-DHA-treated cells. HCoV-229E infection caused an intensely different response with a marked induction of multiple intracellular inflammatory genes. Changes in gene expression took at least 24 hours to manifest and most likely why prior drug screens failed to identify any antiviral VPA activity despite in silico predictions. This report demonstrates an interaction between HDAC inhibition and the potent activation of cellular antiviral responses. A foundation now exists for a low-cost, highly effective antiviral strategy when supplemented with DHA.
Association of bradykinin receptor 2 (BDKRB2) variants with physical performance and muscle mass: Findings from the LACE sarcopenia trial
Authors: Shrestha Alvin , Bashir Tufail , Achison Marcus , Adamson Simon , Akpan Asangaedem , Aspray Terry , Avenell Alison , Band Margaret M. , Burton Louise A. , Cvoro Vera , Donnan Peter T. , Duncan Gordon W. , George Jacob , Gordon Adam L. , Gregson Celia L. , Hapca Adrian , Hume Cheryl , Jackson Thomas A. , Kerr Simon , Kilgour Alixe , Masud Tahir , McKenzie Andrew , McKenzie Emma , Patel Harnish , Pilvinyte Kristina , Roberts Helen C. , Sayer Avan A. , Rossios Christos , Smith Karen T. , Soiza Roy L. , Steves Claire J. , Struthers Allan D. , Tiwari Divya , Whitney Julie , Witham Miles D. , Kemp Paul R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Understanding genetic contributors to sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle strength and mass) is key to finding effective therapies. Variants of the bradykinin receptor 2 (BDKRB2) have been linked to athletic and muscle performance. The rs1799722–9 and rs5810761 T alleles have been shown to be overrepresented in endurance athletes, possibly due to increased transcriptional rates of the receptor. These variants have been rarely studied in older people or people with sarcopenia.

Methods

We performed a post hoc sub-study of the Leucine and ACE (LACE) inhibitor trial, which enrolled 145 participants aged ≥70 years with low grip strength and low gait speed. Participants’ blood samples were genotyped for rs179972 using TaqMan and rs5810761 by amplification through Hotstar Taq. Genotypes were compared with outcomes of physical performance and body composition measures.

Results

Data from 136 individuals were included in the analysis. For rs1799722 the genotype frequency (TT: 17, CC: 48, CT: 71) remained in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE p = 0.248). There was no difference between the genotypes for six-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) or Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Men with the TT genotype had a significantly greater 6MWD than other genotypes (TT 400m vs CT 310m vs CC 314m, p = 0.027), and greater leg muscle mass (TT 17.59kg vs CT 15.04kg vs CC 15.65kg, p = 0.007). For rs5810761, the genotype frequency (-9-9: 31, +9+9: 43, -9+9: 60) remained in HWE (p = 0.269). The +9+9 genotype was associated with a significant change in SPPB score at 12 months (-9-9 0 vs -9+9 0 vs +9+9–1, p<0.001), suggesting an improvement. In men, the -9-9 genotype was associated with lower arm fat (-9-9 2.39kg vs -9+9 2.72kg vs +9+9 2.76kg, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

In men, the rs1799722 TT genotype was associated with longer 6MWD and greater leg muscle mass, while the rs5810761 -9-9 genotype was associated with lower arm fat mass.
Development of an in vivo syngeneic mouse transplant model of invasive intestinal adenocarcinoma driven by endogenous expression of Pik3caH1047R and Apc loss
Authors: de las Heras Francesc , Mitchell Camilla B. , Murray William K. , Clemons Nicholas J. , Phillips Wayne A.
Published: August 2024

Preclinical models that replicate patient tumours as closely as possible are crucial for translational cancer research. While in vitro cancer models have many advantages in assessing tumour response therapy, in vivo systems are essential to enable evaluation of the role of the tumour cell extrinsic factors, such as the tumour microenvironment and host immune system. The requirement for a functional immune system is particularly important given the current focus on immunotherapies. Therefore, we set out to generate an immunocompetent, transplantable model of colorectal cancer suitable for in vivo assessment of immune-based therapeutic approaches. Intestinal tumours from a genetically engineered mouse model, driven by expression of a Pik3ca mutation and loss of Apc, were transplanted into wild type C57BL/6 host mice and subsequently passaged to form a novel syngeneic transplant model of colorectal cancer. Our work confirms the potential to develop a panel of mouse syngeneic grafts, akin to human PDX panels, from different genetically engineered, or carcinogen-induced, mouse models. Such panels would allow the in vivo testing of new pharmaceutical and immunotherapeutic treatment approaches across a range of tumours with a variety of genetic driver mutations.
The S2 subunit of spike encodes diverse targets for functional antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Guenthoer Jamie , Garrett Meghan E. , Lilly Michelle , Depierreux Delphine M. , Ruiz Felicitas , Chi Margaret , Stoddard Caitlin I. , Chohan Vrasha , Yaffe Zak A. , Sung Kevin , Ralph Duncan , Chu Helen Y. , Matsen Frederick A. , Overbaugh Julie
Published: August 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 global pandemic has exhibited a striking capacity for viral evolution that drives continued evasion from vaccine and infection-induced immune responses. Mutations in the receptor binding domain of the S1 subunit of the spike glycoprotein have led to considerable escape from antibody responses, reducing the efficacy of vaccines and monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies. Therefore, there is a need to interrogate more constrained regions of spike, such as the S2 subdomain. Here, we present a collection of S2 mAbs from two SARS-CoV-2 convalescent individuals that target multiple regions in S2, including regions outside of those commonly reported. One of the S2 mAbs, C20.119, which bound to a highly conserved epitope in the fusion peptide, was able to broadly neutralize across SARS-CoV-2 variants, SARS-CoV-1, and closely related zoonotic sarbecoviruses. The majority of the mAbs were non-neutralizing; however, many of them could mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) at levels similar to the S1-targeting mAb S309 that was previously authorized for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Several of the mAbs with ADCC function also bound to spike trimers from other human coronaviruses (HCoVs), such as MERS-CoV and HCoV-HKU1. Our findings suggest S2 mAbs can target diverse epitopes in S2, including functional mAbs with HCoV and sarbecovirus breadth that likely target functionally constrained regions of spike. These mAbs could be developed for potential future pandemics, while also providing insight into ideal epitopes for eliciting a broad HCoV response.
Genes required for phosphosphingolipid formation in Caulobacter crescentus contribute to bacterial virulence
Authors: Olea-Ozuna Roberto Jhonatan , Poggio Sebastian , Bergström Ed , Osorio Aurora , Elufisan Temidayo Oluyomi , Padilla-Gómez Jonathan , Martínez-Aguilar Lourdes , López-Lara Isabel M. , Thomas-Oates Jane , Geiger Otto
Published: August 2024

Sphingolipids are ubiquitous in membranes of eukaryotes and are associated with important cellular functions. Although sphingolipids occur scarcely in bacteria, for some of them they are essential and, in other bacteria, they contribute to fitness and stability of the outer membrane, such as in the well-studied α-proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus. We previously defined five structural genes for ceramide synthesis in C. crescentus, among them the gene for serine palmitoyltransferase, the enzyme that catalyzes the committed step of sphingolipid biosynthesis. Other mutants affected in genes of this same genomic region show cofitness with a mutant deficient in serine palmitoyltransferase. Here we show that at least two phosphosphingolipids are produced in C. crescentus and that at least another six gene products are needed for the decoration of ceramide upon phosphosphingolipid formation. All eleven genes participating in phosphosphingolipid formation are also required in C. crescentus for membrane stability and for displaying sensitivity towards the antibiotic polymyxin B. The genes for the formation of complex phosphosphingolipids are also required for C. crescentus virulence on Galleria mellonella insect larvae.
What could existential sustainability be? A conceptual study of existential dimensions of sustainability
Authors: Persson Johannes
Published: August 2024

The term “existential” is nowadays used in connection with different kinds of threat, risk and hazard–sustainability discourse included. Loss of certain forms of existence, potential, conditions and values have all been claimed to be incompatible with existential dimensions of sustainability (or “existential sustainability”, for short). In order to clarify the notion(s) of existential sustainability, two recently more discussed concepts–‘existential threat’ and ‘existential risk’–are used for comparison and contrast. With increased popularity comes the risk of conflating uses of “existential” in the sense of the meaning (fulness) of human existence and “existential” in the sense of the very existence (or annihilation) of something. It is suggested that the concept of existential might usefully be pushed in the direction of managing (the risk of) permanent or irreparable consequences related to different levels of aggregation.
Richard Green in South African Film: Forging Creative New Directions, Keyan G. Tomaselli and Richard Green (2023)
Authors: Sakota Tanja
Published: August 2024

Review of: Richard Green in South African Film: Forging Creative New Directions, Keyan G. Tomaselli and Richard Green (2023)

Cape Town: BestRed and Lynne Reinner, 276 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-92824-660-2, p/bk, GBP 29.50
The Highs, Lows, and Resurgence of Antibody-drug Conjugates
Authors:   Jackson Consulting Group, Jackson Dowdy
Published: August 2024

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) offer a way to deliver a cytotoxic or an immuno-stimulatory payload directly to tumors to maximize the anti-tumor efficacy of the payload with reduced systemic toxicities. Over several decades, the development of ADCs has cycled through highs and lows in which substantial excitement over the promise of ADCs was followed by disinterest when disappointing clinical results were announced. This has resulted in several companies abandoning their internal ADC development efforts. To date, 13 ADCs have been approved to treat hematologic or solid tumors, with 11 granted FDA approvals. Several ADC deals have been announced, which has reinvigorated interest and investments in ADCs. The renewed interest in ADCs is due, in part, to the recent clinical success of Daiichi Sankyo’s HER2-targeting ADC, trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®; Daiichi Sankyo/AstraZeneca), which uses their proprietary topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, DXd. Enhertu is the first ADCs to gain US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval as a tissue-agnostic ADC, which provides optimism that more ADCs will be able to follow the success of trastuzumab deruxtecan.
ACE-ing Protein Detection in Single Cells
Authors:   The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boettner Benjamin
Published: August 2024

A group of researchers from the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, including researchers from MIT and the University of Toronto have developed a method to significantly enhance the sensitivity of mass cytometry and IMC using DNA nanotechnology. Applying a new signal amplification technology called Amplification by Cyclic Extension (ACE) to DNA barcodes linked to antibodies, they were able to amplify protein signals produced by antibody-bound metal isotopes more than 500-fold, and simultaneously and with high sensitivity detect more than 30 different proteins. The new method enabled them to quantitively detect rare proteins, investigate complex biological tissue changes, and study how entire networks of interconnected proteins that regulate immune cell functions respond to stimulation and pathological conditions.
Deep Learning AI and Precision Oncology: Predicting Homologous Recombination Deficiency
Authors:   Sunvalley Communication, LLC / Onco'Zine, Hofland Peter
Published: August 2024

Deep-learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reshaped cancer research as well as the development of personalized clinical care. Advances in high-performance computing and the development of novel and innovative deep-learning architectures have led to a paradigm shift – dramatically affecting all aspects of oncology research, including the detection and classification of cancer, the molecular characterization of tumors, and their microenvironment, drug discovery (and in some cases and repurposing of old drugs or drugs used in different therapeutic areas), to the prediction of treatment outcomes.
Dominek-féle Tanulási Flow Kérdőív
Authors: Dominek Dalma Lilla
Published: August 2024

Flow or flow theory (Csíkszentmihályi 1975, 1990, 1993), describes an enjoyable experience during which a person fully concentrates on the task at hand. In order to achieve the Flow state, it is necessary to make it very clear what the task to be completed is, and to present clear goals related to the task. During the flow, the person is able to place themselves in a completely changed environment, exclude the outside world and concentrate only on the given task, which is why it can be said that flow is a combination of positive influence and increased concentration. According to Dewey (1913), flow is achieved by providing emotionally and cognitively engaging experiences, with the presence of playfulness and spontaneity, as well as corresponding seriousness and focus. Based on the theory of Dewey and Csíkszentmihályi, I examined whether the students experience the flow in the university class. This is based on the Flow-based pedagogical model (Dominek 2022) and the Dominek Learning Flow Questionnaire (Dominek 2023), with the help of which the learning flow can be measured. In the study, I present Dominek’s Learning Flow Questionnaire and its valid results.
Derült égből villámcsapás
Authors: Krizsán Bálint
Published: August 2024

The Hungarian conservatives were struck by the promulgation of the Imperial Constitution of 4th March 1849 out of the blue. Although it ensured constitutionalism, individual political rights and the equality of nations, the highly centralised nature of the constitution’s proclamation meant that Hungary’s privileges within the empire were largely abolished and the country was reduced to the level of a province. The constitution was never introduced in Hungary, and its provisions were only intended to be put into effect after the revolution had been crushed as soon as possible. The state of siege, which had been planned as a temporary measure after the imperial victory over the War of Independence, was ended by the imperial patent of 31th December 1851, which abolished constitutionalism and introduced open imperial absolutism in the empire. However, by March 1849, the new imperial constitution appeared to be a very serious and lasting act. The aim of this paper is to examine how Hungarian conservatives interacted with the imperial side during the War of Independence, why the provisions of the new imperial constitution concerning Hungary took them by surprise, and how they received the Olmütz (Olomouc) constitution.
The case of the ‘Slovak bourgeois nationalists’ and its Hungarian ties
Authors: Bessenyei Vanda
Published: August 2024

The interest of the Czechoslovak state security services (Státní bezpečnost, StB) in the Slovak politicians and diplomats accused with ‘bourgeois nationalism’ can be considered the first step towards the Slánský-trial, since it was the first stage of the hunt after the ‘Czechoslovak Rajk’. The investigation after these men quickly interweaved with the forthcoming case of the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vladimír Clementis. It was promising to the StB to create Czechoslovakia’s own Rajk-trial with these people, however, due to the regional nature of the case, they soon abandoned this concept, because as it seemed, they caught a bigger fish. Thus, the concept of the ‘Slovak bourgeois nationalists’ were prepared only after the Slánský-trial, and the case was tried only as a follow-up trial in 1954. In this study, whilst showcasing this case, I also point out the Hungarian aspects of it, which prove well that the Hungarian Rajk-trial played an enormous role – although, mostly as pressure on the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (Kommunistická strana Československa, KSČ) and ont he StB – in the ‘unmasking the enemies within the party apparatus’. In order to do so, this research is based on both Czechoslovak and Hungarian sources, although, in different degrees as one will see, since the Hungarian sources are way less than the Czechoslovak ones. Still, it is important to note that one can not summarize the case of the ‘Slovak bourgeois nationalists’ without discussing the threads leading to Hungary.
Egy keleti specialista első útja
Authors: Tímár Csenge
Published: August 2024

In my study, I delve into the diplomatic journey of Antonio Rincón, the French envoy, within the Kingdom of Hungary and the Kingdom of Poland, relying on his diplomatic report. Spanning the transition from the 15th to the 16th century, the Italian wars between the Habsburg and Valois families, coupled with the constant threat posed by the Ottoman Empire, shaped the geopolitical landscape. During this period, the Jagiellon dynasty wielded influence over several Central and Eastern European countries. Rincón’s diplomatic mission aimed to solidify an alliance with the Jagiellon dynasty on behalf of the Kingdom of France. Throughout his journey, he engaged with significant Hungarian and Polish political figures, excluding King Louis II. While his diplomatic report reflects positive evaluations of his negotiations, my study uncovers the nuanced reality of Rincón’s first diplomatic mission. On April 4, 1523, Antonio Rincón issued a diplomatic report from Venice, providing detailed accounts of his encounters and discussions during the journey. Consequently, his diplomatic report holds paramount importance and is virtually indispensable for researchers of the period. However, the Hungarian scholarly literature has not thoroughly scrutinized this document to date. This oversight can be attributed to the limited availability of the original manuscript, penned in Italian, with only a French translation from 1900 at researchers’ disposal. Therefore, my study introduces a Hungarian translation of the text, facilitating an in-depth analysis of Rincón’s diplomatic mission.
Külkapcsolati figyelem változása az Ullein-Reviczky Antal-féle főszerkesztői értekezleteken
Authors: Kázmér László
Published: August 2024

I will try to reconstruct the changes in the interest in foreign relations on the basis of the records of the editorial meetings held by Antal Ullein-Reviczky between 22 September 1942 and 25 August 1943. This essay helps to shed light on how the Kállay government sought to support the country’s diplomatic manoeuvres through the media, which was also highly valued by the Kállay government. I will first describe the context in which the historical document was created and then assess its usability. I will then turn to a description of the study method. In the first section of the analysis, I divide the themes of the meeting into main topics. In the quantitative type of study, I focus on the quantitative and temporal distribution of each theme. Then, in my content analysis of the historical document, I break down the period under study into subsections, depending on the proportion of each topic discussed and the terms used. Finally, I will present some countries by time period, how many times and in what context they appeared at the meetings.
A hallgatói sport néhány fő jellegzetessége a Szegedi Tudományegyetemen
Authors: Győri Ferenc , Kocsis-Nagy Zsolt , Fekete György , Berki Tamás
Published: August 2024

Our research is aimed to explore the sports motivation and sports consumption of the students of the University of Szeged, using the results of a questionnaire-based survey. We want to find answers to the question about the changes of sports activities done by the students of the University of Szeged in the past decade. In our research it is the recreational sports that are primarily considered, and, in connection with them we want to find out details concerning the level of students, the types of sports, the venues, the services and the organizational background they prefer. Also, we are eager to investigate and quantify gender-related differences in our group of respondents. Based on our research into specialist literature our hypotheses are as follow: (H1) The proportion of athletes who exercise at least 2-3 times a week has increased since the 2011 survey. Gender differences can be observed (H2) in the frequency of playing sports, (H3) in the choice of sports, (H4) in the motivation to start playing sports, (H5) in the current motivation to play sports, (H6) in the participation in sports communities, (H7) in the motivation to compete, (H8) in the organization of sports, (H9) regarding the location of sports, and (H10) in the aspects of the choice of sports services. We have found that the proportion of students who do physical exercises has doubled. The frequency of recreational activities in the group of women surpassed the same proportion identified in the group of men. Those types of sports and fitness in which the cost implications were lower proved to be the most popular with students. Women were less open to competitive sports than men. The aims of the majority of students included stress relief and the preservation of health. Three fourths of students organized their sports activities on their own, but while men tended to do sports in groups and sports communities, women, on the other hand, when doing sports preferred staying at home. When choosing a sports provider it was affordability and accessibility of the sports venue that played the most significant role for our respondents. In summary, it can be stated that our research has proven to provide significant data for the development of university sports in Szeged and, in general, in Hungary; in addition, it was and it is important in the area of health education of university students as well.
A failed "spin-off
Authors: Vágfalvi Zoltán Csaba
Published: August 2024

During the second half of the 19th century in the majority of Europe decreased the social and political influence of the churches. In Hungary the Catholics refused to just stand by and watch the unfavorable developments. An essential part of their struggle was strengthening relations between the clergy and the congregations by establishing religious social organizations. One of such was the Catholic League of Nations. This organization was generally considered to be a success story by Hungarian Catholics. The success was probably what partially inspired the idea that a similar organization should be established among the Catholic Hungarians living in the United States of America. In Hungary they had unreasonably high hopes about the potential of the economic, political, and national renewal of their fellow nationals who emigrated to the New World. Yet, as time went on, they were left to desperately witness their compatriot’s accelerating spiritual detachment from the old country.
A Nemzeti Hadseregtől a Magyar Királyi Honvédségig
Authors: Olasz Lajos
Published: August 2024

In 1920, the National Army was vigorously developed. The Hungarian government considered it important to strengthen national defence against the military superiority of neighbouring states. The Red Army launched an attack on Poland and was already threatening Warsaw. The Hungarian government hoped that if it provided military assistance to the Poles, the Entente powers would ease the strict requirements of the planned peace treaty. The government hoped that during the operation it could reintegration a part of Slovakia, with the approval of the Entente, the Treaty of Trianon contained extremely severe military restrictions. A professional army of only 35,000 men, without heavy artillery, tanks, air force and air defence, could not have defended the country against an external attack. The prescribed downsizing caused a serious social problem. The restriction of production or purchase of weapons made Hungary vulnerable for a long time The Royal Hungarian Army, established in January 1922, tried to provide a small but effective defence force within the restrictions. However, in a hidden form, the government tried to maintain a larger number of personnel and a smaller amount of modern combat equipment.
In the footsteps of Bourdieu towards digital capital
Authors: Vincze Anikó
Published: August 2024

Bourdieu’s sociological concepts and approach are well suited to capture and interpret the new phenomena of the information society. The present paper shows how these concepts and notions have been applied in recent literature, both theoretically and empirically. We focus on the notion of digital capital, which is considered a new factor in the process of Bourdieu’s cultural reproduction concept. Thus our starting point is that status in digital inequalities, and thus digital capital, plays a significant role in determining educational inequalities and school performance. We illustrate this hypothesis by analysing data of PISA 2015 from Hungary, namely the impact of different dimensions of ICT use on test scores in mathematics, reading literacy and science. Our results suggest that digital capital plays a crucial role in shaping educational inequalities, but that the effects vary across dimensions of digital inequalities and ICT use.