bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sexual Objectification of Women in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry
Authors: Floribert Patrick C. Endong  , Eumole Princess Emike
Published: August 2023

The growing prevalence of pornography coupled with the influence of patriarchy on the Nigerian entertainment industry has made the objectification of womanhood a perceptible feature of films and musical videos produced by Nigerians. Using secondary sources and critical observations, this paper, attempts to illustrate the phenomenon of women’s sexual objectification in the Nollywood and Nigerian music industry. The paper defines the concept of women sexual objectification in the context of media production arguing that objectification is revealed by the types of camera angles and positions used in depicting women in filmic and pop video productions. The use of close-ups or medium range shots emphasizing the sexuality and sumptuousness of female characters in films or pop-videos are some of the techniques used by apologists of women’s sexual objectification. Sexual objectification thus entails making women characters in a filmic or musical production the object to be looked at or the spectacle to enjoy. The paper also shows how the sexual objectification of womanhood is manifested in selected Nollywood films and musical videos by Nigerian popular artistes. In the light of the selected pop videos and films, the paper argues that the types of camera movements and angles deployed in most Nigerian pop videos and Nollywood films are in line with the male gaze theory. These camera movements and angles systemically help depict the woman as a spectacle in itself as well as a sexual object. They also project the man as the reader of the meaning while “relegating” the woman to the status of the bearer of the meaning.
Cálculo numérico de integrales dobles con regiones no rectangulares
Authors: Insuasti Castelo Rómel Manolo , Mendoza Castillo Javier Roberto
Published: August 2023

Introducción: En análisis matemático en ocasiones las integrales resultan complicadas resolverlas por métodos de integración, por esta razón es necesario pensar en métodos numéricos para resolverlas, siempre que estas sean integrales definidas, más aún cuando se trata de integrales dobles. El objetivo: La habilidad para resolver estas integrales depende mucho del conocimiento de solución y de la experiencia, por esta razón el presente estudio presenta una alternativa de solución por métodos numéricos. Metodología: Una integral doble conceptualmente calcula el volumen limitado por una superficie sobre una región, la región puede ser rectangular o no rectangular. El presente estudio resuelve indiferentemente el tipo de región, para lo cual se realiza particiones a lo largo de  e  de la región, generando de esta manera una malla de puntos  dentro de la región, los cuales se evalúan en la función , que representa la superficie, Resultados: con estos valores se resuelve en forma horizontal la integral mediante el método de Simpson. Con el resultado de estos se resuelve en sentido vertical con el mismo método, obteniéndose el resultado de la integral doble con excelente precisión. Conclusiones: se propone entonces un método de cálculo de integrales dobles con cálculo numérico para regiones de rectangulares o no rectangulares.
Development of sub or super specialties in Anesthesiology- Bangladesh perspective
Authors: Banik Debabrata
Published: August 2023

Abstract not available
JBSA 2022; 35 (2) : 1-2
Maternal and Foetal Outcome in Routine versus Selective Use of Episiotomy
Authors: Khan Farida , Rehena Zenat , Ahmed Sabrina , Begum Nurjahan , Sayeed Farhana
Published: August 2023

Introduction: An episiotomy is a surgical incision of the perineum made to increase the diameter ofthe vulval outlet during child birth.
Aim of the study: To evaluate the maternal and foetal outcome in routine versus selective use ofepisiotomy.
Material & Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted at the Department ofObstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital during January 08to June 08. A total of 160 patients were included for the study. The patient of group I were givenepisiotomy with all aseptic precaution after infiltration of 10 ml of 1% solution of lignocaine. For groupII patients episiotomy was restricted and w. only given for specific indications. Statistical analysis wereperformed using computer- based software, statistical package for social science (SPSS).
Results: In the study, 65(40.6%) cases received episiotomy, 86(53.8%) not received episiotomy and only9(5.6%) needed episiotomy. Maximum number was found in the age group of 20-25 years in both groups.Most of the study patients were primi. Regarding the duration of second stage of labour of maximumnumber belongs to 30 - 90 minutes in all groups. In group I there was 2° tear in 61(93.8%), 3rd degreetear 4(6.2%) and none had 1° perineal tear, whereas in group II it was observed that 45(52.3%) had notear. In group I, 24(36.9%) patients complained difficulty in defecation and 30(46.2%) felt difficulty insitting. But in patients needing episiotomy in group II 4(44.4%). There was no still birth found in anygroup. The mean± (SD) head circumference of the baby was 36.4±6.05 cm and 34.7±1.26 cm in group Iand group II respectively.
Conclusion: In a poor country like ours, where pregnancy rate is very high, reducing episiotomy ratecan eliminate morbidity associated with episiotomy and can ensure early resumption of women to theirnormal life.
JBSA 2022; 35 (2) : 51-57
The Sagittal Balance of Cervical Spine : Comprehensive Review of Recent Update
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Kim Tae Hwan , Kim Seok Woo , Rim Hyun Take , Lee Heui Seung , Kim Ji Hee , Chang In Bok , Song Joon Ho , Hong Yong Kil , Oh Jae Keun
Published: August 2023

The cervical spine plays a critical role in supporting the skull, maintaining horizontal gaze, and facilitating walking. Its unique characteristics, including the widest range of motion among spinal segments, have led to extensive research on cervical sagittal alignment. Various parameters have been proposed to evaluate cervical alignment, with studies investigating their clinical significance, correlation with symptoms, and implications for surgical interventions. Recent findings suggest that cervical sagittal alignment not only impacts the cervical spine but also influences global spine-pelvic alignment through compensatory mechanisms. This comprehensive review examines classical and new parameters of cervical sagittal alignment and considers the dynamic and muscular factors associated with it.
Survey of Surgical Management in Intermittent Exotropia
Authors: Cho Sung Do , Hwang Jeong-Min , Yang Hee Kyung
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To obtain an overview of the surgical practices for the management of intermittent exotropia among experienced surgeons.Methods: We conducted a survey of members of the Korean Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, who had experience of > 15 years in strabismus surgery, via e-mail. Surgical methods for basic-type intermittent exotropia, angle of deviation for determining the surgical dose, reasons for surgical dose adjustment, and the postoperative target angle of deviation were analyzed.Results: Bilateral lateral rectus recession was preferred over unilateral recession and resection for basic-type intermittent exotropia with or without a dominant eye. The preoperative maximum angle of deviation was preferred for determining the surgical dose by 56% of the participants. Two-thirds of the participants preferred to reduce the surgical dose in specific circumstances, lateral incomitancy being the most common reason. In case of true divergence excess-type intermittent exotropia, 47.7% of the participants reduced the surgical dose. The most preferred target angle of deviation at 1 day postoperatively was 11-15 prism diopter esodeviation, as reported by 40% of the participants.Conclusions: Although experienced surgeons had different surgical preferences for intermittent exotropia, a general trend was found. This survey may be a useful reference for beginners in strabismus surgery.
A Fuller Picture: The Additional Impact of Perceptions on Gender Pay Equity Beliefs
Authors: Crawley Daria , Kurp Jill , Potter Jodi
Published: August 2023

Our research provides a fuller picture by building on factors explaining perceptions of gender pay equity. Similar to previous human capital research, our study further validates the relationship between human capital factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, educational attainment, and beliefs about gender pay equity. We go one step further, developing two scales, employee and employer perceptions, answering the call to investigate the impact of psychological variables on gender pay equity. Findings suggest that the full model, which includes human capital and perception variables, explains 33% of the variance in beliefs about gender pay equity, whereas the model consisting of just human capital factors explains only 8%. Employer perceptions of pay equity were significantly associated with beliefs that women do not receive equal pay for equal work, confirming the need to explore psychological factors. Implications emphasizing the importance of perceptions as an integral component offering a fuller picture when considering actions to decrease the pay gap between women and men are discussed.
A Comparison of Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes in Women with the Hyperandrogenic Disorders Polycystic Ovary syndrome and Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Roper Mary , Badeghiesh Ahmad , Baghlaf Haitham , Dahan Michael H
Published: August 2023

Research Question: How does the risk for adverse obstetric outcomes differ among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and women with Cushing’s syndrome (CUS)?

Design: A retrospective population-based study utilizing data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project—Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS), 2004-2014. 14, 881 deliveries to women with PCOS and 134 deliveries to women with CUS were identified. Associations between PCOS, CUS, pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: At baseline, CUS was associated with a higher risk of chronic hypertension (P<0.001), pregestational diabetes mellitus (P=0.01), thyroid disease (P=0.004), and higher rates of smoking during pregnancy (P=0.02) whereas PCOS was associated with higher rates of obesity (P=0.01). In terms of obstetric outcomes, PCOS increased the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (P=0.002, adjusted[a] OR 2.73; 95% CI 1.46 to 5.12), and cesarean section (P<0.001, aOR 2.63; 95% CI 1.81-3.83) in comparison to CUS. CUS increased the prevalence of operative vaginal delivery (P<0.001, aOR 0.10; 95% CI 0.06-0.14), and transfusion (P=0.002, aOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11-0.59) in comparison to deliveries to women with PCOS. No significant differences were found in terms of pregnancy-induced hypertension (P=0.78), gestational hypertension (P=0.86), preeclampsia (P=0.25), preeclampsia or eclampsia superimposed on pre-existing hypertension (P=0.13).

Conclusion: PCOS increases the risk of gestational diabetes and cesarean section relative to CUS, whereas CUS increases the prevalence of operative vaginal delivery and blood transfusions.
Unilateral Ptosis Secondary to Pansinusitis in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
Authors: DSa Vanora
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Ptosis or the dropping of an eyelid can affect both the adult and pediatric populations and can be caused by various factors. Ptosis is not very common and in children, the common causes include orbital cellulitis, congenital ptosis, Cranial Nerve III palsy, and Horner’s syndrome. However, unilateral acute ptosis from an infectious disease process is rare and there are only a few documented cases of such occurrences. Acute ptosis is a medical emergency and prompt diagnosis, and management is critical for the resolution of symptoms and prevention of serious complications.

Case: We present an interesting case of a 14-year-old female with pansinusitis who experienced unilateral left-sided ptosis. Initially prescribed oral antibiotics for sinusitis, the patient developed ptosis, requiring inpatient hospital admission and intravenous antibiotics. On admission, the patient had leukocytosis, elevated CRP, and ESR levels. CT facial bones showed pansinusitis and ruled out orbital cellulitis, acute intracranial abnormalities, and venous sinus thrombosis.

After aggressive treatment with intravenous antibiotics and systemic steroids, the sinusitis resolved, as did her unilateral ptosis and facial swelling.

Discussion: This is a unique presentation of ptosis that was treated successfully allowing for prompt and complete resolution. We want to highlight the establishment of a varying diagnosis and treatment courses which led to the final resolution of the acute ptosis. The patient was treated with meropenem and dexamethasone. The adjunctive use of corticosteroids, in this case, was beneficial.
PESAN DAKWAH KH. AMIR JAMILUDDIN DALAM PENGAJIAN KITAB AKHLAQUL FARDLIYAH DI PONDOK PESANTREN WALISONGO PUTRA CUKIR JOMBANG
Authors: Hidyatullah Khafidz , Anwari
Published: August 2023

Dakwah adalah mengajak atau menyeru untuk tidak melakukan segala hal yang dilarang oleh Allah SWT dan menjalankan apa yang diperintahkan oleh Allah SWT sesuai dengan al-Qurâ€™an dan al-Hadits. Dalam dakwah, tentu ada yang namanya pesan dakwah dan timbal balik dari pesan yang disampaikan. Dalam hal ini, peneliti melakukan penelitian terhadap pengajian kitab Akhlaqul Fardliyah oleh KH. Amir Jamiluddin di Pondok Pesantren Wali Songo Cukir Diwek Jombang. Kitab Akhlaqul Fardliyah merupakan kitab yang dikutip oleh KH Amir Jamiluddin dari kitab karangan Muhammad Abdullah Darazi. Pengajian kitab tersebut hanya untuk kalangan sendiri atau tidak untuk umum. Dalam hal ini peneliti menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif deskriptif. Dengan melakukan wawancara dan mengumpulkan data berdasarkan fakta-fakta yang ada. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat pesan dan efek dakwah terhadap pengajian kitab Akhlaqul Fardliyah yang dilakukan oleh  KH. Amir Jamiluddin di Pondok Pesantren Wali Songo. Pesan dan efek dakwah tersebut dapat diterapkan untuk diri sendiri dan untuk kehidupan bersosialisasi dengan masyarakat secara luas. Sehingga santri yang posisinya sebagai madâ€™u dapat memahami dan menerapkan apa yang telah disampaikan oleh KH. Amir Jamiluddin dalam kitab Akhlaaqul Fadliyah
PESAN DAKWAH HABIB HUSEIN JAâ€™FAR â€œADA KEBOHONGAN BESAR DIBALUT AGAMAâ€ DI CHANNEL YOUTUBE PUELLA ID
Authors: Arisma Lusi Yuliana , Malayati Robi`ah Machtumah
Published: August 2023

Abstrak: Dakwah merupakan salah satu bagian terpenting dalam kehidupan seorang muslim. Seiring dengan perkembangan zaman, kegiatan dakwah dengan menggunakan platform media sosial tentunya bukan hanya menjadi gaya bagi para da'i tetapi menjadi hal yang wajib dilakukan. Begitu pula Habib Husein Ja'far yang melalui channel Youtube PUELLA ID menyampaikan dakwahnya yang lembut dan mudah dipahami oleh mad'u sehingga banyak disukai dan diminati, yang selanjutnya menjadi bahan penelitian dalam artikel ini. Maka dalam penelitian ini peneliti merumuskan fokus penelitian ini menjadi dua, yaitu: (1) Apa isi pesan dakwah Habib Husein Ja'far pada acara Bicara Cinta PUELLA ID. (2) Apa yang dimaksud dengan â€œAda Kebohongan Besar di Balut Agamaâ€ yang disampaikan Habib Husein Ja'far pada konten channel PUELLA ID. Untuk menjawab dan mengetahui kedua permasalahan tersebut, peneliti menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif jenis penelitian deskriptif dengan metode analisis isi teori Holsti. Sumber data primer diperoleh dari unggahan video channel YouTube PUELLA ID edisi 1 Agustus 2021 dan data sekunder berupa dokumen, buku-buku yang berkaitan dengan objek yang diteliti beserta penelitian terdahulu yang relevan sebagai pembanding penelitian ini. Penelitian ini dilakukan melalui beberapa tahapan dan teknik pengumpulan data berupa observasi dan dokumentasi. Dari hasil analisis yang dilakukan, kesimpulannya berupa isi pesan dakwah yang terdiri dari tiga pokok utama yang meliputi pesan aqidah yang memuat persoalan substansi Allah SWT dan keyakinan, pesan moral yang meliputi hubungan antara manusia dan hubungan antara manusia dengan hewan dan pesan syariah berupa masalah bentuk-bentuk ibadah yang fokus pada kajian. Adapun maksud dari kebohongan besar yang berbalut agama dalam konten tersebut mengandung kesalahpahaman tentang adanya budaya patriarki yang menempatkan perempuan di bawah laki-laki.
POLA KOMUNIKASI PENGASUH DALAM PEMBINAAN KEDISIPLINAN SANTRI DI PONDOK PESANTREN TAHFIDHIL QURâ€™AN AL-MAâ€™ARIJ
Authors: Erwin Erwin , Slamet Moh.
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini mendeskripsikan pola komunikasi pengasuh dalam membina kedisiplinan serta faktor pendukung dan penghambatnya di PP Tahfidhil Qurâ€™an Al-Maâ€™arij Jombang. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian lapangan deskriptif kualitatif yang mengumpulkan data dengan teknik observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasilnya terdapat dua pola komunikasi yang dilakukan oleh pengasuh yaitu antar pribadi dan kelompok. Yang menjadi faktor pendukung dalam membina kedisiplinan yaitu perancangan pesan dan penyampaian dengan sedemikian rupa, pesan yang disampaikan dapat dimengerti dan dipahami. Dengan adanya pesan yang disampaikan maka akan membangkitkan kebutuhan kedua belah pihak dan memberikan saran yang sesuai kebutuhan. Adapun yang menjadi penghambat yaitu faktor gangguan dari lingkungan, adanya perbedaan kepentingan antara pengasuh dan santri, dan motivasi yang terpendam.
The effects of Eastern-Western mobility in EU on the economic development
Authors: Pirvu Ramona , Tudor Sorin , Jianu Elena , Giorgiana Holt Alina , Badircea Roxana , Murtaza Flavia Andreea
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this research is to analyse the effects of the emigrants on the economies of the EU developed countries focusing on the effects on the economic growth, the employment rate, and the workforce but also on the productivity of the factors. The results obtained from this analysis indicate a positive and significant influence from a statistical point of view of the immigrants coming from the EU countries in 2004 on the economic growth, workforce, and productivity for the countries from EU 15. In case of the immigrants coming from Romania and Bulgaria we identified a positive and significant impact on the economic growth of the states from EU15 while for the other variables included in the analysis, we obtained contradictory results.
La neutropenia
Authors: Pulla Cadmilema Efraín , Arguello Santacruz Mario Andrés
Published: August 2023

Introducción: La Neutropenia constituye una de las complicaciones más comunes en pacientes que reciben tratamiento sistémico con quimioterapia, siendo esta una población heterogénea; por lo tanto su presentación clínica es inespecífica, pudiendo presentarse de manera asintomática o inclusive evidenciar cuadros muy severos con signos de sepsis grave. Ante lo referido, en la actualidad los grupos de trabajo requieren determinar de manera consistente los diferentes factores de riesgo que contribuyen a la presentación de neutropenia, con el objetivo de estratificar de manera óptima al paciente y así disminuir complicaciones.

Puntos importantes: Este trabajo se enfatiza en analizar los factores de riesgo; tanto del paciente, la enfermedad y el tratamiento; de acuerdo a los sistemas de estratificación como MASCC, CISNE. Además se evaluaron los fundamentos clínicos y microbiológicos para categorizar al paciente e incluir medidas de soporte profiláctico a los grupos con mayor fragilidad, disminuyendo el alto riesgo de complicaciones severas.

Conclusión: La neutropenia es un evento adverso indeseable en el manejo del tratamiento oncohematológico. Los sistemas de estratificación de riesgos MASCC y CISNE son herramientas útiles para seleccionar pacientes de bajo riesgo. Sin embargo, otros factores, como el tipo de tumor y el tipo de infección, pueden influir en la estratificación. Por lo tanto, es importante manejar a cada paciente de forma individualizada.El inicio de la profilaxis antimicrobiana y el uso de FECG pueden ayudar a reducir la morbimortalidad.
Stiffness pulsation of the human brain detected by non-invasive time-harmonic elastography
Authors: Meyer Tom , Kreft Bernhard , Bergs Judith , Antes Erik , Anders Matthias S. , Wellge Brunhilde , Braun Jürgen , Doyley Marvin , Tzschätzsch Heiko , Sack Ingolf
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Cerebral pulsation is a vital aspect of cerebral hemodynamics. Changes in arterial pressure in response to cardiac pulsation cause cerebral pulsation, which is related to cerebrovascular compliance and cerebral blood perfusion. Cerebrovascular compliance and blood perfusion influence the mechanical properties of the brain, causing pulsation-induced changes in cerebral stiffness. However, there is currently no imaging technique available that can directly quantify the pulsation of brain stiffness in real time.

Methods: Therefore, we developed non-invasive ultrasound time-harmonic elastography (THE) technique for the real-time detection of brain stiffness pulsation. We used state-of-the-art plane-wave imaging for interleaved acquisitions of shear waves at a frequency of 60 Hz to measure stiffness and color flow imaging to measure cerebral blood flow within the middle cerebral artery. In the second experiment, we used cost-effective lineby-line B-mode imaging to measure the same mechanical parameters without flow imaging to facilitate future translation to the clinic.

Results: In 10 healthy volunteers, stiffness increased during the passage of the arterial pulse wave from 4.8% ± 1.8% in the temporal parenchyma to 11% ± 5% in the basal cisterns and 13% ± 9% in the brain stem. Brain stiffness peaked in synchrony with cerebral blood flow at approximately 180 ± 30 ms after the cardiac R-wave. Line-by-line THE provided the same stiffness values with similar time resolution as high-end plane-wave THE, demonstrating the robustness of brain stiffness pulsation as an imaging marker.

Discussion: Overall, this study sets the background and provides reference values for time-resolved THE in the human brain as a cost-efficient and easy-touse mechanical biomarker associated with cerebrovascular compliance.
Methods for automating the analysis of live-cell single-molecule FRET data
Authors: Meszaros Jozsef , Geggier Peter , Manning Jamie J. , Asher Wesley B. , Javitch Jonathan A.
Published: August 2023

Single-molecule FRET (smFRET) is a powerful imaging platform capable of revealing dynamic changes in the conformation and proximity of biological molecules. The expansion of smFRET imaging into living cells creates both numerous new research opportunities and new challenges. Automating dataset curation processes is critical to providing consistent, repeatable analysis in an efficient manner, freeing experimentalists to advance the technical boundaries and throughput of what is possible in imaging living cells. Here, we devise an automated solution to the problem of multiple particles entering a region of interest, an otherwise labor-intensive and subjective process that had been performed manually in our previous work. The resolution of these two issues increases the quantity of FRET data and improves the accuracy with which FRET distributions are generated, increasing knowledge about the biological functions of the molecules under study. Our automated approach is straightforward, interpretable, and requires only localization and intensity values for donor and acceptor channel signals, which we compute through our previously published smCellFRET pipeline. The development of our automated approach is informed by the insights of expert experimentalists with extensive experience inspecting smFRET trajectories (displacement and intensity traces) from live cells. We test our automated approach against our recently published research on the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) and reveal substantial similarities, as well as potential shortcomings in the manual curation process that are addressable using the algorithms we developed here.
Improving mass change estimation in Panama with the GRACE/GFO gravity field using the variational mode decomposition
Authors: Jian Guangyu , Xu Chuang , Yao Chaolong
Published: August 2023

In this study, we aim to estimate the mass changes in Panama using the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment level-2 products, which are formed as spherical harmonic coefficients and limited by stripe noise. The empirical de-striping method and the temporal filter achieved by empirical mode decomposition can be used to reveal the signals but are still limited in signal reservation and noise reduction. To this end, we put forward a novel efficient strategy that uses the variational mode decomposition algorithm to filter the time series of each SHC separately. Based on the two reliable mascon products and in situ short-term groundwater observations, various comparisons in spatial, spectral, and temporal domains are implemented. In addition, the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) index and the three-cornered hat method are adopted for assessment. The main results and conclusions are as follows: 1) Our filter outperforms the two previous methods with the best SNR (2.14) and the lowest Panama regional uncertainty (70 mm) for all available months. 2) Our estimate of the basin groundwater storage is closest to one of the groundwater observations with the maximum correlation coefficient (0.72, p<0.05). This result suggests that our method seems to detect small-scale mass signals that are undetectable in the two mascon products. Our work provides a reference for studying the mass change of small-scale basins in low latitudes.
Characterization of dissipative regions of a N-doped superconducting radio-frequency cavity
Authors: Lechner Eric M. , Oli Basu Dev , Makita Junki , Ciovati Gianluigi , Gurevich Alex , Iavarone Maria
Published: August 2023

We report radio-frequency measurements of quality factors and temperature mapping of a nitrogen doped Nb superconducting RF cavity. Cavity cutouts of hot and cold spots were studied with low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary electron microscopy. Temperature mapping revealed a substantial reduction of the residual resistance upon cooling the cavity with a greater temperature gradient and hysteretic losses at the quench location, pointing to trapped vortices as the dominant source of residual surface resistance. Analysis of the tunneling spectra in the framework of a proximity effect theory shows that hot spots have a reduced pair potential and a wider distribution of the contact resistance between the Nb and the top Nb oxide. Alone, these degraded superconducting properties account for a much weaker excess dissipation as compared with the vortex contribution. Based on the correlation between the quasiparticle density of states and temperature mapping, we suggest that degraded superconducting properties may facilitate vortex nucleation or settling of trapped flux during cooling the cavity through the critical temperature.
Tumor-associated macrophages mediate resistance of EGFR-TKIs in non-small cell lung cancer: mechanisms and prospects
Authors: Cheng Daoan , Ge Kele , Yao Xue , Wang Banglu , Chen Rui , Zhao Weiqing , Fang Cheng , Ji Mei
Published: August 2023

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are the first-line standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutation. However, resistance to EGFR-TKIs is inevitable. Currently, most studies on the mechanism of EGFR-TKIs resistance mainly focus on the spontaneous resistance phenotype of NSCLC cells. Studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment (TME) also mediates EGFR-TKIs resistance in NSCLC. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), one of the central immune cells in the TME of NSCLC, play an essential role in mediating EGFR-TKIs resistance. This study aims to comprehensively review the current mechanisms underlying TAM-mediated resistance to EGFR-TKIs and discuss the potential efficacy of combining EGFR-TKIs with targeted TAMs therapy. Combining EGFR-TKIs with TAMs targeting may improve the prognosis of NSCLC with EGFR mutation to some extent.
Large-scale template-based structural modeling of T-cell receptors with known antigen specificity reveals complementarity features
Authors: Shcherbinin Dmitrii S. , Karnaukhov Vadim K. , Zvyagin Ivan V. , Chudakov Dmitriy M. , Shugay Mikhail
Published: August 2023

Introduction

T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of foreign peptides presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) initiates the adaptive immune response against pathogens. While a large number of TCR sequences specific to different antigenic peptides are known to date, the structural data describing the conformation and contacting residues for TCR-peptide-MHC complexes is relatively limited. In the present study we aim to extend and analyze the set of available structures by performing highly accurate template-based modeling of these complexes using TCR sequences with known specificity.

Methods

Identification of CDR3 sequences and their further clustering, based on available spatial structures, V- and J-genes of corresponding T-cell receptors, and epitopes, was performed using the VDJdb database. Modeling of the selected CDR3 loops was conducted using a stepwise introduction of single amino acid substitutions to the template PDB structures, followed by optimization of the TCR-peptide-MHC contacting interface using the Rosetta package applications. Statistical analysis and recursive feature elimination procedures were carried out on computed energy values and properties of contacting amino acid residues between CDR3 loops and peptides, using R.

Results

Using the set of 29 complex templates (including a template with SARS-CoV-2 antigen) and 732 specificity records, we built a database of 1585 model structures carrying substitutions in either TCRα or TCRβ chains with some models representing the result of different mutation pathways for the same final structure. This database allowed us to analyze features of amino acid contacts in TCR - peptide interfaces that govern antigen recognition preferences and interpret these interactions in terms of physicochemical properties of interacting residues.

Conclusion

Our results provide a methodology for creating high-quality TCR-peptide-MHC models for antigens of interest that can be utilized to predict TCR specificity.
Sensory processing deficits and related cortical pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Nicole K. , Zhang Selena K. , Zhang Li I. , Tao Huizhong W. , Zhang Guang-Wei
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting cognitive functions. However, sensory deficits in AD start to draw attention due to their high prevalence and early onsets which suggest that they could potentially serve as diagnostic biomarkers and even contribute to the disease progression. This literature review examines the sensory deficits and cortical pathological changes observed in visual, auditory, olfactory, and somatosensory systems in AD patients, as well as in various AD animal models. Sensory deficits may emerge at the early stages of AD, or even precede the cognitive decline, which is accompanied by cortical pathological changes including amyloid-beta deposition, tauopathy, gliosis, and alterations in neuronal excitability, synaptic inputs, and functional plasticity. Notably, these changes are more pronounced in sensory association areas and superficial cortical layers, which may explain the relative preservation of basic sensory functions but early display of deficits of higher sensory functions. We propose that sensory impairment and the progression of AD may establish a cyclical relationship that mutually perpetuates each condition. This review highlights the significance of sensory deficits with or without cortical pathological changes in AD and emphasizes the need for further research to develop reliable early detection and intervention through sensory systems.
Inflammatory biomarkers and delirium: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yu Miao , Li Yuxuan , Li Baohua , Ge Qinggang
Published: August 2023

Background

The association between inflammatory biomarkers and individual delirium symptoms remains controversial in observational studies. We investigated the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and the risk of developing delirium.

Methods

A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed. Genetic instruments associated with peripheral tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor alpha (sIL-6Rα), and soluble gp130 were identified in three different large summary genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted in the European population. Summary-level statistics for delirium not induced by alcohol and other psychoactive substances were obtained from the FinnGen consortium (2,612 cases and 325,306 controls). The estimated causal effects were performed using instruments' variants at the genome-wide significant level (P < 5e-8 and P < 5e-6), applying a linkage disequilibrium clumping approach with a threshold of r2 < 0.001 for each of the exposures. Reverse causation was also performed. The inverse-variance weighted method (IVW), MR-Egger method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum were used for MR analyses.

Results

At the genome-wide significant level (P < 5e-8, r2 < 0.001), genetically predicted sIL-6Rα was significantly associated with a decreased risk of delirium with less than three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all three GWAS data sources (ORWaldratio = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79–0.96, PWaldratio = 0.0016; ORIVW = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79–0.97, PIVW = 0.008; ORIVW = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80–0.96, PIVW = 0.004). The causal relationship between sIL-6Rα and delirium became non-significant when a more liberal threshold of P of < 5e-6 was applied (all PIVW > 0.05). At the two genome-wide significance levels (P < 5e-8 and P < 5e-6), we found no evidence for the causal effects of peripheral TNF-α, CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and soluble gp130 on delirium (all P > 0.05). The MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO results indicated that no SNP had possible pleiotropy (all P > 0.05). Regarding the reverse, no evidence for an effect of delirium on these inflammatory biomarkers could be found (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this MR analysis did not support that peripheral TNF-α, CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, sIL-6Rα, soluble gp130, and IL-8 were causally associated with delirium. More research is needed to explore the role of inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of delirium.
Quantitative analysis of the optogenetic excitability of CA1 neurons
Authors: Schoeters Ruben , Tarnaud Thomas , Weyn Laila , Joseph Wout , Raedt Robrecht , Tanghe Emmeric
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Optogenetics has emerged as a promising technique for modulating neuronal activity and holds potential for the treatment of neurological disorders such as temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, clinical translation still faces many challenges. This in-silico study aims to enhance the understanding of optogenetic excitability in CA1 cells and to identify strategies for improving stimulation protocols.

Methods

Employing state-of-the-art computational models coupled with Monte Carlo simulated light propagation, the optogenetic excitability of four CA1 cells, two pyramidal and two interneurons, expressing ChR2(H134R) is investigated.

Results and discussion

The results demonstrate that confining the opsin to specific neuronal membrane compartments significantly improves excitability. An improvement is also achieved by focusing the light beam on the most excitable cell region. Moreover, the perpendicular orientation of the optical fiber relative to the somato-dendritic axis yields superior results. Inter-cell variability is observed, highlighting the importance of considering neuron degeneracy when designing optogenetic tools. Opsin confinement to the basal dendrites of the pyramidal cells renders the neuron the most excitable. A global sensitivity analysis identified opsin location and expression level as having the greatest impact on simulation outcomes. The error reduction of simulation outcome due to coupling of neuron modeling with light propagation is shown. The results promote spatial confinement and increased opsin expression levels as important improvement strategies. On the other hand, uncertainties in these parameters limit precise determination of the irradiance thresholds. This study provides valuable insights on optogenetic excitability of CA1 cells useful for the development of improved optogenetic stimulation protocols for, for instance, TLE treatment.
A weighted cranial diffusion-weighted imaging scale for Wilson’s disease
Authors: Wang Shi-jing , Geng Hao , Cheng Si-rui , Xu Chen-chen , Zhang Rui-qi , Wang Yu , Wu Tong , Li Bo , Wang Tao , Han Yong-sheng , Ding Zeng-hui , Sun Yi-ning , Wang Xun , Han Yong-zhu , Cheng Nan
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be a crucial tool for the assessment for neurological symptoms in patients with Wilson’s disease (WD). Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensity reflects the acute brain injuries, which mainly occur in specific brain regions. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a weighted cranial DWI scale for patients with WD, with special focus on specific brain regions.

Materials and methods

In total, 123 patients with WD were enrolled, 118 of whom underwent 1.5 T-MRI on admission. The imaging score was calculated as described previously and depended on the following sequences: one point was acquired when abnormal intensity occurred in the T1, T2, and fluid-attenuation inversion recovery sequences, and two points were acquired when DWI hyperintensity were found. Consensus weighting was conducted based on the symptoms and response to treatment.

Results

Intra-rater agreement were good (r = 0.855 [0.798–0.897], p < 0.0001). DWI hyperintensity in the putamen was a high-risk factor for deterioration during de-copper therapy (OR = 8.656, p < 0.05). The high-risk factors for readmission for intravenous de-copper therapies were DWI hyperintensity in the midbrain (OR = 3.818, p < 0.05) and the corpus callosum (OR = 2.654, p < 0.05). Both scoring systems had positive correlation with UWDRS scale (original semi-quantitative scoring system, r = 0.35, p < 0.001; consensus semi-quantitative scoring system, r = 0.351, p < 0.001.). Compared to the original scoring system, the consensus scoring system had higher correlations with the occurrence of deterioration (OR = 1.052, 95%CI [1.003, 1.0103], p < 0.05) and readmission for intravenous de-copper therapy (OR = 1.043, 95%CI [1.001, 1.086], p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The predictive performance of the consensus semi-quantitative scoring system for cranial MRI was improved to guide medication, healthcare management, and prognosis prediction in patients with WD. For every point increase in the neuroimaging score, the risk of exacerbations during treatment increased by 5.2%, and the risk of readmission to the hospital within 6 months increased by 4.3%.
Self-regulation learning as active inference: dynamic causal modeling of an fMRI neurofeedback task
Authors: Vargas Gabriela , Araya David , Sepulveda Pradyumna , Rodriguez-Fernandez Maria , Friston Karl J. , Sitaram Ranganatha , El-Deredy Wael
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Learning to self-regulate brain activity by neurofeedback has been shown to lead to changes in the brain and behavior, with beneficial clinical and non-clinical outcomes. Neurofeedback uses a brain-computer interface to guide participants to change some feature of their brain activity. However, the neural mechanism of self-regulation learning remains unclear, with only 50% of the participants succeeding in achieving it. To bridge this knowledge gap, our study delves into the neural mechanisms of self-regulation learning via neurofeedback and investigates the brain processes associated with successful brain self-regulation.

Methods

We study the neural underpinnings of self-regulation learning by employing dynamical causal modeling (DCM) in conjunction with real-time functional MRI data. The study involved a cohort of 18 participants undergoing neurofeedback training targeting the supplementary motor area. A critical focus was the comparison between top-down hierarchical connectivity models proposed by Active Inference and alternative bottom-up connectivity models like reinforcement learning.

Results

Our analysis revealed a crucial distinction in brain connectivity patterns between successful and non-successful learners. Particularly, successful learners evinced a significantly stronger top-down effective connectivity towards the target area implicated in self-regulation. This heightened top-down network engagement closely resembles the patterns observed in goal-oriented and cognitive control studies, shedding light on the intricate cognitive processes intertwined with self-regulation learning.

Discussion

The findings from our investigation underscore the significance of cognitive mechanisms in the process of self-regulation learning through neurofeedback. The observed stronger top-down effective connectivity in successful learners indicates the involvement of hierarchical cognitive control, which aligns with the tenets of Active Inference. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the neural dynamics behind successful self-regulation learning and provides insights into the potential cognitive architecture underpinning this process.
The nucleus accumbens functional connectivity in patients with insomnia using resting-state fMRI
Authors: Li Fangjie , Liu Chengyong , Qin Shan , Wang Xiaoqiu , Wan Qingyun , Li Zhuoyuan , Wang Luyao , Yang Huayuan , Jiang Jiehui , Wu Wenzhong
Published: August 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the functional abnormalities between the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the whole brain in individuals with Insomnia Disorder (ID) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Additionally, the study aimed to explore the underlying neural mechanisms of ID.

Methods

We enrolled 18 participants with ID and 16 normal controls (NC). Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) between the NAc and the whole brain voxels was calculated and compared between the two groups to identify differential brain region. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess the ability of differential features to distinguish between groups. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between neurocognitive scores and differential features.

Results

The ID group exhibited significantly reduced FC values in several brain regions, including the right supplementary motor area, the bilateral middle frontal gyrus, the bilateral median cingulate and paracingulate gyri and the left precuneus. The area under the curve (AUC) of the classification model based on FC in these brain regions was 83.3%. Additionally, the abnormal functional changes observed in ID patients were positively correlated with the Fatigue Severity Scale (R = 0.650, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the NAc may play a crucial role in the diagnosis of ID and could serve as a potential imaging biomarker, providing insights into the underlying neural mechanisms of the disorder.
A C. elegans neuron both promotes and suppresses motor behavior to fine tune motor output
Authors: Li Zhaoyu , Zhou Jiejun , Wani Khursheed A. , Yu Teng , Ronan Elizabeth A. , Piggott Beverly J. , Liu Jianfeng , Xu X.Z. Shawn
Published: August 2023

How neural circuits drive behavior is a central question in neuroscience. Proper execution of motor behavior requires precise coordination of many neurons. Within a motor circuit, individual neurons tend to play discrete roles by promoting or suppressing motor output. How exactly neurons function in specific roles to fine tune motor output is not well understood. In C. elegans, the interneuron RIM plays important yet complex roles in locomotion behavior. Here, we show that RIM both promotes and suppresses distinct features of locomotion behavior to fine tune motor output. This dual function is achieved via the excitation and inhibition of the same motor circuit by electrical and chemical neurotransmission, respectively. Additionally, this bi-directional regulation contributes to motor adaptation in animals placed in novel environments. Our findings reveal that individual neurons within a neural circuit may act in opposing ways to regulate circuit dynamics to fine tune behavioral output.
Postnatal development of extracellular matrix and vascular function in small arteries of the rat
Authors: Nourian Zahra , Hong Kwangseok , Li Min , Castorena-Gonzalez Jorge A. , Martinez-Lemus Luis A. , Clifford Philip S. , Meininger Gerald A. , Hill Michael A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) is dominated by elastic fibers (elastin with fibrillin-rich microfibrils) and collagens. Current understanding of ECM protein development largely comes from studies of conduit vessels (e.g., aorta) while resistance vessel data are sparse. With an emphasis on elastin, we examined whether changes in postnatal expression of arteriolar wall ECM would correlate with development of local vasoregulatory mechanisms such as the myogenic response and endothelium-dependent dilation.

Methods: Rat cerebral and mesenteric arteries were isolated at ages 3, 7, 11, 14, 19 days, 2 months, and 2 years. Using qPCR mRNA expression patterns were examined for elastin, collagen types I, II, III, IV, fibrillin-1, and -2, lysyl oxidase (LOX), and transglutaminase 2.

Results: Elastin, LOX and fibrillar collagens I and III mRNA peaked at day 11–14 in both vasculatures before declining at later time-points. 3D confocal imaging for elastin showed continuous remodeling in the adventitia and the internal elastic lamina for both cerebral and mesenteric vessels. Myogenic responsiveness in cannulated cerebral arteries was detectable at day 3 with constriction shifted to higher intraluminal pressures by day 19. Myogenic responsiveness of mesenteric vessels appeared fully developed by day 3. Functional studies were performed to investigate developmental changes in endothelial-dependent dilation. Endothelial-dependent dilation to acetylcholine was less at day 3 compared to day 19 and at day 3 lacked an endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor component that was evident at day 19.

Conclusion: Collectively, in the rat small artery structural remodeling and aspects of functional control continue to develop in the immediate postnatal period.