bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing safer sex in a new era: Risk perception and decision-making process among highly sexually active men who have sex with men
Authors: Dennermalm Nicklas , Persson Kristina Ingemarsdotter , Thomsen Sarah , Forsberg Birger C. , Alvesson Helle Mølsted
Published: May 2022

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at the epicenter of the HIV epidemic. Efforts to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV transmission have traditionally focused on condoms and abstinence from high risk sexual practices. Recently, additional methods such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and viral load sorting have been introduced. The aim of this study was to gain understanding about risk management and risk perception strategies for HIV among highly sexually active Swedish MSM with men in Berlin.

Methods

Eighteen sexually active Swedish MSM who travelled to or lived in Berlin were recruited and interviewed in this study. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results and discussion

These men represent a group of knowledgeable MSM in terms of HIV. They acknowledged that having sex with men in Berlin was linked to high sexual risk taking due to the higher prevalence of HIV/STIs than in Sweden, but reported that they nevertheless did not alter their risk management strategies. The analysis resulted in a conceptual model of risk assessment that allows for a deeper understanding of the complexity of the risk reduction decision-making process. Three ontological perceptions of risk were identified: accepting, minimizing and rejecting risk. Seven practiced risk reduction methods were described. Some informants applied their preferred method or set of methods to all settings and partners, while others faced complex decision-making processes.

Conclusion

HIV is integrated into the core of MSM’s sexuality, independently of how they ontologically related to the idea of risk. A constant navigation between pleasure, risk and safety, alongside having to relate to risk created a complex process. Efforts were made to remove HIV from their lives by rejecting the idea of risk, and thereby reject the idea of the homosexual body being a possible vessel for a virus and an epidemic.
Intrinsic features of Zika Virus non-structural proteins NS2A and NS4A in the regulation of viral replication
Authors: Yu Yufeng , Gao Chengfeng , Wen Chunxia , Zou Peng , Qi Xian , Cardona Carol J. , Xing Zheng
Published: May 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and can cause neurodevelopmental disorders in fetus. As a neurotropic virus, ZIKV persistently infects neural tissues during pregnancy but the viral pathogenesis remains largely unknown. ZIKV has a positive-sense and single-stranded RNA genome, which encodes 7 non-structural (NS) proteins, participating in viral replication and dysregulation of host immunity. Like those in many other viruses, NS proteins are considered to be products evolutionarily beneficiary to viruses and some are virulence factors. However, we found that some NS proteins encoded by ZIKV genome appeared to function against the viral replication. In this report we showed that exogenously expressed ZIKV NS2A and NS4A inhibited ZIKV infection by inhibiting viral RNA replication in microglial cells and astrocytes. To understand how viral NS proteins suppressed viral replication, we analyzed the transcriptome of the microglial cells and astrocytes and found that expression of NS4A induced the upregulation of ISGs, including MX1/2, OAS1/2/3, IFITM1, IFIT1, IFI6, IFI27, ISG15 or BST2 through activating the ISGF3 signaling pathway. Upregulation of these ISGs seemed to be related to the inhibition of ZIKV replication, since the anti-ZIKV function of NS4A was partially attenuated when the cells were treated with Abrocitinib, an inhibitor of the ISGF3 signaling pathway, or were knocked down with STAT2. Aborting the protein expression of NS4A, but not its nucleic acid, eliminated the antiviral activity of NS4A effectively. Dynamic expression of viral NS proteins was examined in ZIKV-infected microglial cells and astrocytes, which showed comparatively NS4A occurred later than other NS proteins during the infection. We hypothesize that NS4A may possess intrinsic features to serve as a unique type of pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP), detectable by the cells to induce an innate immune response, or function with other mechanisms, to restrict the viral replication to a certain level as a negative feedback, which may help ZIKV maintain its persistent infection in fetal neural tissues.
An optogenetics device with smartphone video capture to introduce neurotechnology and systems neuroscience to high school students
Authors: Luo Liudi , Hina Bryce W. , McFarland Brennan W. , Saunders Jillian C. , Smolin Natalie , von Reyn Catherine R.
Published: May 2022

Although neurotechnology careers are on the rise, and neuroscience curriculums have significantly grown at the undergraduate and graduate levels, increasing neuroscience and neurotechnology exposure in high school curricula has been an ongoing challenge. This is due, in part, to difficulties in converting cutting-edge neuroscience research into hands-on activities that are accessible for high school students and affordable for high school educators. Here, we describe and characterize a low-cost, easy-to-construct device to enable students to record rapid Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) behaviors during optogenetics experiments. The device is generated from inexpensive Arduino kits and utilizes a smartphone for video capture, making it easy to adopt in a standard biology laboratory. We validate this device is capable of replicating optogenetics experiments performed with more sophisticated setups at leading universities and institutes. We incorporate the device into a high school neuroengineering summer workshop. We find student participation in the workshop significantly enhances their understanding of key neuroscience and neurotechnology concepts, demonstrating how this device can be utilized in high school settings and undergraduate research laboratories seeking low-cost alternatives.
An interventional study with the Maldives generalist teachers in primary school physical education: An application of self-determination theory
Authors: Abdulla Azeema , Whipp Peter R. , McSporran Genevieve , Teo Timothy
Published: May 2022

In Maldives’ primary schools, physical education (PE) is mainly taught by generalist classroom teachers who often lack knowledge and confidence to teach PE. Also, PE programs in primary schools are affected by a perceived lack of infrastructure, resources and equipment. Children in primary schools are allocated one 35 minute period of PE per week. Researchers have previously investigated interventions implemented by specialist PE teachers to enhance the motivation of secondary school students in PE classes. However, limited research has been conducted with generalist teachers’ implementing PE intervention with primary school children. In this study we applied self-determination theory to investigate the effects of a professional learning program and an associated resource support package, that was then delivered by the Maldives generalist teachers’ delivering PE. The participants were 30 primary school teachers (control group, n = 15; intervention group, n = 15), and their 725 primary school students aged 9–12 years (mean age of 10.5 years). The teachers in the group undertook eight hours of professional learning that focused on strategies and behaviours to support student satisfaction for the three main elements of self-determination theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. A repeated measure ANCOVA was carried out for each of the dependent variables. Overall results when compared to pre-intervention measures, the students of teachers in the intervention group significantly increased their post-intervention perceptions for autonomy, competence, and relatedness; and, increased their psychological need satisfaction. Moreover, intervention-students in the post-intervention phase reported reduced need frustration for autonomy, competence, and relatedness; and, experienced higher levels of self-efficacy, enjoyment and engagement. We contend that these results accentuate the usefulness of professional learning programs for generalist teachers delivering PE to promote students’ psychological need satisfaction, whilst reducing thwarting behaviours to enhance students’ self-determined motivation toward PE classes. The intervention program significantly enhanced the students’ perceived need support, and autonomous motivation, it also reduced teachers’ need frustrating behaviours within PE classes. Facilitating teachers to provide more moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and psychological need support could reduce the rate of non-communicable diseases that are currently prevalent in the Maldives.
Between forest and croplands: Nocturnal behavior in wild chimpanzees of Sebitoli, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Lacroux Camille , Robira Benjamin , Kane-Maguire Nicole , Guma Nelson , Krief Sabrina
Published: May 2022

Some animal species have been presumed to be purely diurnal. Yet, they show flexibility in their activity rhythm, and can occasionally be active at night. Recently, it has been suggested that chimpanzees may rarely engage in nocturnal activities in savannah forests, in contrast to the frequent nocturnal feeding of crops observed at Sebitoli, Kibale National Park, Uganda. Here we thus aimed to explore the factors that might trigger such intense nocturnal activity (e.g. harsher weather conditions during daytime, low wild food availability or higher diurnal foraging risk) in this area. We used camera-traps set over 18 km2operating for 15 months. We report activities and group composition from records obtained either within the forest or at the forest interface with maize fields, the unique crop consumed. Maize is an attractive and accessible food source, although actively guarded by farmers, particularly during daytime. Out of the 19 156 clips collected, 1808 recorded chimpanzees. Of these, night recordings accounted for 3.3% of forest location clips, compared to 41.8% in the maize fields. Most nocturnal clips were obtained after hot days, and most often during maize season for field clips. At night within the forest, chimpanzees were travelling around twilight hours, while when at the border of the fields they were foraging on crops mostly after twilight and in smaller parties. These results suggest that chimpanzees change their activity rhythm to access cultivated resources when human presence and surveillance is lower. This survey provides evidence of behavioral plasticity in chimpanzees in response to neighboring human farming activities, and emphasizes the urgent need to work with local communities to mitigate human-wildlife conflict related to crop-feeding.
Concerning the spiritual in voice
Authors: Nini Odeya
Published: May 2022

In October of 2021, I had the honour of being invited into the sacred space of days to hours before death, as I sang for a woman dying of breast cancer. I had never met Regine Verougstreate before, but in the almost two hours of singing for her while she gazed into my eyes and took her last breaths, I had felt a timeless connection and a surrender that is hard to describe. I wrote these words as a stream-of-consciousness response to this experience and many experiences that I have had as a vocalist, from concert halls to marriage ceremonies, sharing sound from a place of the highest intention to align and attune and become a vessel. How can we describe the spirit that becomes our voice? More so, how can we allow for spirit to become us? How do we release the mental grip that hijacks a preconceived idea of what it is to sing? Radical presence. Poetry. Love. These are words that propose an opportunity to choose transcendence.
State formation and the social structure of the Türk Qaganate
Authors: Kahraman Mutlu
Published: May 2022

The Türk Qaganate belongs to the great Eurasian Steppe empires which had a basic influence on the medieval world. From the middle of the sixth century for about 200 years (552-744 AD) it was the major power of Eurasia connecting China, Persia, India, and Byzantium. The history of the Türk Qaganate is essential basically from three aspects.First of all, it was the first nomadic empire whose borders reached from Manchuria to the Black Sea, almost the whole Eurasian steppes. Secondly, they were the first Turkic speaking people to leave behind documents written in the Turkic language. Orkhon runic inscriptions were the first Turkic language monuments in Turkic language history.Thirdly, the history and civilization of the Türks can be studied through a variety of written sources, including Chinese, Persian, Armenian, Greek, Latin texts, and Sogdian inscriptions, in addition to the indigenous Türk sources. the Türks established a systematic nomadic state in all aspects like economical system, well-organized military, education system, hierarchical order, social strata, transboundary relations etc. and formed an important political power for nearly two centuries against the mighty settled empires of their time.
A holokauszt túlélőinek kárpótlása és jóvátétele Pest megyében, 1945–1989
Authors: Klacsmann Borbála
Published: May 2022

The Hungarian Jewish population suffered from a gradual deprivation of rights from the end of the 1930s, during which first their jobs and careers, then their real estates were “Aryanized”. After the German occupation of Hungary in March 1944, the persecution escalated. Within only a couple of months, the bulk of the Jewish population was locked up in ghettos and deported, mainly to Auschwitz-Birkenau. More than half a million Hungarian Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. Those who survived, faced a great variety of difficulties: they lost most of their relatives, they returned from the camps with illnesses, their houses had been robbed or non-Jews had moved into them and when the survivors tried to re-establish their lives, they faced the hostility of those non-Jews who had profited from their persecution. These issues affected the lives of the survivors on the long term – especially since the Hungarian state did not initiate a restitution operation. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the post-war situation of the Jewish survivors in Pest County in light of the restitution and compensation: which institutions were responsible for handling Jewish property, what kind of efforts were made by the survivors to get back their property/inheritance or to get compensation, how did the interactions of Jews, non-Jews, authorities influence the fate of valuables? What kind of damages inflicted on the Jews were compensated for? Through microhistorical case studies, this dissertation explores two historical periods (the post-war years of 1945–1948 and 1948–1989, the time of state socialism) and four major stages of restitution and compensation (the first attempts made by survivors to get back their property; the functioning of the Government Commission for Abandoned Property and that of the National Jewish Restitution Fund, as well as compensation coming from West Germany).
Pericardiocentesis Procedure: Anatomical Structures and Approaches
Authors: A Divia Paul. , K Subramanyam , Jacob Meera , Avadhani Ramakrishna
Published: May 2022

Knowledge of accurate surface anatomy is essential for safe clinical practice. Different views and opinions for clinically important surface markings exist between clinicians. Pericardiocentesis is performed as an emergency procedure in conditions aggravating cardiac tamponade. The approach of pericardiocentesis should be held by the hands of an experienced operator because of the surrounding relations. Nowadays, the introduction of imaging-guided procedures, especially echo-guided procedures, has significantly improved the safety and feasibility of pericardiocentesis and has provided the possibility of choosing the best anatomical approach among the apical, subcostal and parasternal approaches. This case report also emphasizes the importance of instillation of agitated saline as a supplementary technique while performing echo-guided pericardiocentesis in order to reduce the likelihood of cardiac chamber perforations.
Improvement of spectrum sensing performance in cognitive radio using modified hybrid sensing method
Authors: Abed Hadeel S. , Abdullah Hikmat N.
Published: May 2022

Cognitive radio (CR) is a wireless technology for increasing the bandwidth usage. Spectrum sensing (SS) is the first step in CR. There are three basic techniques in SS, energy detection (ED), matched filter (MF), and cyclostationary detection (CFD). These techniques have many challenges in performance detection (Pd) and computational complexity (CC). In this paper, we propose a hybrid sensing method that consists of MF and CFD to exploit their merits and overcome their challenges. The proposed method aims to improve Pd and reduce CC. When MF hasn’t had enough information about PU, it switches to CFD with a reduction of CC in both MF and CFD. The proposed method is simulated under fading with cooperative and non-cooperative scenarios, measured using Pd and CC ratio Cratio, and evaluated by comparing it with traditional and hybrid methods in the literature. The simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms other methods in Pd and Cratio. For example, at Eb/No equal to 0 dB under the Rayleigh fading channel, the Pd in the proposed method increased by 38 %, 28 %, 28 %, and 18 % as compared with the modified hybrid method, traditional hybrid method, traditional CFD method, and traditional MF method in the literature, respectively.
CFD modelling of a secondary settling tanks: generalization based on database relations
Authors: Švanda Ondřej , Pollert Jaroslav
Published: May 2022

The modelling of a secondary settling tank area using numerical methods has been quite extensively explored and researched by numerous authors and papers. These developed models utilize different approaches, from efforts to create a solely deterministic models to attempts to generalize calibrated empirical models. Nevertheless, the processes are not easy to simulate due to the high complexity of the physics involving multiple phases, bio-chemical reactions and non-Newtonian fluids. Therefore, an additional research effort should be focused on improving these models and to validate and verify them against experimental measurements. This article is focused on creating a numerical model for settling tank optimization, which builds on the previous works and is then extended with newly obtained relations from vast experimental measuring using the database approach. The objective is to create a model, which is based on an obtained relation and could easily be adjusted to different flow scenarios and sludge types at different wastewater treatment plants.
On the Average Run Lengths of Quality Control Schemes Using a Numerical Integral Equation Approach
Authors: Saesuntia Piyatida , Areepong Yupaporn , Sukparungsee Saowanit
Published: May 2022

This research presents the approach of estimating the average run length (ARL) by using the numerical integral equation (NIE) approach, such as the Gaussian, Midpoint, Trapezoidal, and Simpson’s rules for the extended exponentially weighted moving average (EEWMA) control chart, when observations are continuous distributions namely exponential, Weibull and Gamma distributions. In addition, the performance of the extended exponentially weighted moving average (EEWMA) control chart is compared with the modified exponentially weighted moving average (modified EWMA) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts. The performance metric is the out-of-control average run length (ARL1). The results show that the EEWMA control chart performs the best among the modified EWMA and EWMA control charts. Furthermore, the efficacies of the control charts using the approximated ARL solutions were also applied to real-world applications.
“Vailando” el pueblo de Corozal hace el Juramento de fidelidad al Rey
Authors: Daza Villar Vladimir
Published: May 2022

Transcripción de archivos documentales del Archivo General de la Nación
Strach být nezadaný v kontextu české populace
Authors: Niederlová Markéta , Štěrbová Iveta
Published: May 2022

In 2013 Spielmann and colleagues defined fear of being single as “an entailing concern, anxiety or distress regarding the current, or prospective experience of being without a romantic partner” (Spielmann et al., 2013, p. 1050). Previous research proves it a meaningful construct when it comes to assessing romantic relationships as it predicts the tendency to prioritize relationship status over relationship quality and settle for less. The present study examines the connection between fear of being single and demographic characteristics, personality traits (the Big Five model), and feelings of loneliness using the Fear of Being Single Scale (Spielmann et al., 2013), whose first Czech version was prepared, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (Hřebíčková & Urbánek, 2001) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Kumstátová, 2014; Russel, 1996). 247 Czech adults joined the research. Results have shown that women and involuntary singles reported a significantly higher level of the fear of being single in comparison to men and voluntary singles. Moreover, the fear of being single proved to be significantly negatively correlated with Openness to Experience, Consciousness, and Extraversion and significantly positively related to Neuroticism.
Genetics or Environment: Tracing the Root Cause of Increasing Homosexual Population
Authors: Pimentel Jonald
Published: May 2022

The number of homosexuals at present is enormously increasing in the Philippines. These homosexuals established themselves in the academe, government, services, industry and in the private sectors. They contributed a lot in the society shaping government policies where they were given attention especially in their demands of acceptance and equality. However, some homosexuals are also contributing the spread of disease particularly HIV-AIDS due to their sexual practices and activities. The increase of this group of individuals causes a distortion on the growth of human population since they do not produce offspring due to same sex partnership. This study investigated the root cause of homosexuality and the link of these homosexual’s sexual orientation and behavior with its family influences, environment, exposure to violence and childhood experiences. It has been a long debate known as nature-nurture debate whether homosexuality is caused by genetics or environment. Using a constructed validated questionnaire, four hundred fifty-five persons that have tendencies to be homosexuals were selected and their responses were gathered.  Describing their sexual orientations, out of the total 455 individuals, 56 (12.3%) were straight males and 88 (19.34%) were straight females, 96 (21.09%) admitted to be bisexual, 123 (27.03%) were gays and 91 (20%) were lesbians. The results of data analysis using Chi-square test, showed that there was a significant association between the sexual orientation and the birth order as well as an individual having a homosexual sibling and history of childhood abuse.
Korean immigrant teenagers’ literacy practices and identity negotiation through smartphone use
Authors: Cho Aram
Published: May 2022

The computer and online technology world continues to evolve rapidly, with vast improvements in new devices such as smartphones. With these changes, scholarly attention to the impact of mobile technology on literacy development, especially self-based language learning and practice, has also increased. This “virtual space” can create a meaningful motivation for learning and may offer a small yet pertinent support to literacy practices in transnational migrant contexts. The research questions that guided this study were (1) what are the unique mobile literacy practices that Korean teenagers in the US engage in? And (2) how do Korean teenagers in the US reflect upon their local integration and identities through mobile devices? This study draws from new literacies and Norton’s theory of investment and identity. The primary data are semi-structured interviews collected over a three-month period and were analyzed using constant comparison. Findings show that immigrant teenagers’ continued language practices involve their preferable transnational affiliation on social media. Furthermore, findings suggest that participants’ intention to use mobile phones sometimes masks their insecure personality to help them assimilate into a community to which they wish to belong. A better understanding of mobile literacy practices in transnational migrant contexts offers insights for language teachers and educators in the US.
On the geometry of the multiplier space of ℓp
A
Authors: Felder Christopher , Cheng Raymond
Published: May 2022

For p ∈ (1, ∞) \ {2}, some properties of the space ℳ
p
of multipliers on ℓp
A
are derived. In particular, the failure of the weak parallelogram laws and the Pythagorean inequalities is demonstrated for ℳ
p
. It is also shown that the extremal multipliers on the ℓp
A
spaces are exactly the monomials, in stark contrast to the p = 2 case.
Dynamic changes of VN resource requests research on dynamic VN mapping algorithms for increasing demand for resources
Authors: Huo Yuanyuan , Chen Guangxuan , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2022

The research of optical network virtualization technology is gradually deepening among optical network virtualization for network cloud service is one of the main research directions of optical network in the future. The dynamic VN mapping algorithm, the most critical part of the virtual network layer, was not studied. As mentioned earlier, optical networks for cloud-oriented services face the challenge of how to respond to the dynamic changes in VN resource requests during virtualization.
Twenty years of newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and congenital primary hypothyroidism – experiences from the DGKED/AQUAPE study group for quality improvement in Germany
Authors: Hammersen Johanna , Bettendorf Markus , Bonfig Walter , Schönau Eckhard , Warncke Katharina , Eckert Alexander J. , Fricke-Otto Susanne , Palm Katja , Holl Reinhard W. , Woelfle Joachim
Published: May 2022

Congenital primary hypothyroidism (CH) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are targeted by the German and Austrian newborn screening. For both diseases, there are registries for quality improvement, based on standardized observational data from long-term patient follow-up, under the auspices of the DGKED study group. By September 2021, the CH registry HypoDOK includes datasets from 23,348 visits of 1,840 patients, and the CAH registry contains datasets from 36,237 visits of 1,976 patients. Here, we report on the recruitment process, patient characteristics, and research contributions from the registries, and underline that the registries are an important tool to improve patient care and outcomes. Registries for rare conditions should thus be considered as an important public health measure and they should be adequately institutionalized and funded.
Full-color generation enabled by refractory plasmonic crystals
Authors: Chiao Zong-Yi , Chen Yu-Chia , Chen Jia-Wern , Chu Yu-Cheng , Yang Jing-Wei , Peng Tzu-Yu , Syong Wei-Ren , Lee Ho Wai Howard , Chu Shi-Wei , Lu Yu-Jung
Published: May 2022

Plasmonic structural color, in which vivid colors are generated via resonant nanostructures made of common plasmonic materials, such as noble metals have fueled worldwide interest in backlight-free displays. However, plasmonic colors that were withstanding ultrahigh temperatures without damage remain an unmet challenge due to the low melting point of noble metals. Here, we report the refractory hafnium nitride (HfN) plasmonic crystals that can generate full-visible color with a high image resolution of ∼63,500 dpi while withstanding a high temperature (900 °C). Plasmonic colors that reflect visible light could be attributed to the unique features in plasmonic HfN, a high bulk plasmon frequency of 3.1 eV, whichcould support localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the visible range. By tuning the wavelength of the LSPR, the reflective optical response can be controlled to generate the colors from blue to red across a wide gamut. The novel refractory plasmonic colors pave the way for emerging applications ranging from reflective displays to solar energy harvesting systems.
One-equation turbulence models applied to practical scramjet inlet
Authors: Pasha Amjad A. , Juhany Khalid A. , Pillai Subramania N.
Published: May 2022

Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations are used to simulate a practical scramjet inlet geometry using the shock-unsteadiness modified Spalart–Allmaras (SA) turbulence model. The geometry consists of fore-body ramps, expansion corners, and inlet ducts. The focus is to study the impingement of the cowl shock on the opposite wall boundary-layer. The resulting separation bubble can lead to blockage and inlet unstarts. The shock-unsteadiness correction is employed and is found to improve the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) prediction of flow separation in shock/boundary-layer interactions. The shock-unsteadiness parameter is calibrated against available experimental data of canonical flows, and the predicted flow-field is analyzed in detail. A large separation bubble size normalized to the upstream boundary-layer thickness of 4.6 is observed in the interaction region. Across the reattachment region in the interaction region, a peak value of wall pressure is observed. The inlet performance parameters are also calculated. The total pressure losses of 62% are observed across different shock waves, with an additional loss of 15% due to viscous boundary-layer effects.
Lernen unter Vorzeichen der Ambiguität: Biblische Perspektiven
Authors: Nicklas Tobias
Published: May 2022

Der Beitrag geht davon aus, dass die grundlegende Ambiguität, d. h. die Vielstimmigkeit, Widersprüchlichkeit und Mehrdeutigkeit der Bibel von entscheidender Bedeutung für die Funktion des Texts ist, Lernprozesse anzustoßen, Weltbilder herauszufordern und Konstruktionen von Identität zu begleiten. Er setzt auf zwei Ebenen an, einerseits der Ambiguität wichtiger Charaktere der Bibel, hier des Nikodemus, einer Figur des Johannesevangeliums, aber auch des „erzählten Gottes“ im Markusevangelium, andererseits der Ambiguität der Apokalypse des Johannes in Bezug auf die alles entscheidende Frage: Wer kommt in die Heilige Stadt, das himmlische Jerusalem? Das Zueinander der verschiedenen, Leser*innen verstrickenden Perspektiven im vielstimmigen Text wirft Fragen auf, die letztlich unbeantwortbar bleiben, gerade dadurch aber zur lebenslangen Aufgabe der Leser*innen werden.
Developmental Differences in Neuromagnetic Cortical Activation and Phase Synchrony Elicited by Scenes with Faces during Movie Watching
Authors: Kozhemiako Nataliia , Nunes Adonay S. , Moiseev Alexander , Márquez-García Amparo V. , Cheung Teresa P.L. , Ribary Urs , Doesburg Sam M.
Published: May 2022

The neural underpinnings of humans’ ability to process faces and how it changes over typical development have been extensively studied using paradigms where face stimuli are oversimplified, isolated, and decontextualized. The prevalence of this approach, however, has resulted in limited knowledge of face processing in ecologically valid situations, in which faces are accompanied by contextual information at multiple time scales. In the present study, we use a naturalistic movie paradigm to investigate how neuromagnetic activation and phase synchronization elicited by faces from movie scenes in humans differ between children and adults. We used MEG data from 22 adults (6 females, 3 left handed; mean age, 27.7 ± 5.28 years) and 20 children (7 females, 1 left handed; mean age, 9.5 ± 1.52 years) collected during movie viewing. We investigated neuromagnetic time-locked activation and phase synchronization elicited by movie scenes containing faces in contrast to other movie scenes. Statistical differences between groups were tested using a multivariate data-driven approach. Our results revealed lower face-elicited activation and theta/alpha phase synchrony between 120 and 330 ms in children compared with adults. Reduced connectivity in children was observed between the primary visual areas as well as their connections with higher-order frontal and parietal cortical areas. This is the first study to map neuromagnetic developmental changes in face processing in a time-locked manner using a naturalistic movie paradigm. It supports and extends the existing evidence of core face-processing network maturation accompanied by the development of an extended system of higher-order cortical areas engaged in face processing.
Identification of predictive criteria for pathogenic variants of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) gene ARMC5 in 352 unselected patients
Authors: Bouys Lucas , Vaczlavik Anna , Jouinot Anne , Vaduva Patricia , Espiard Stéphanie , Assié Guillaume , Libé Rossella , Perlemoine Karine , Ragazzon Bruno , Guignat Laurence , Groussin Lionel , Bricaire Léopoldine , Cavalcante Isadora Pontes , Bonnet-Serrano Fidéline , Lefebvre Hervé , Raffin-Sanson Marie-Laure , Chevalier Nicolas , Touraine Philippe , Jublanc Christel , Vatier Camille , Raverot Gérald , Haissaguerre Magalie , Maione Luigi , Kroiss Matthias , Fassnacht Martin , Christin-Maitre Sophie , Pasmant Eric , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Tabarin Antoine , Vantyghem Marie-Christine , Reincke Martin , Kamenicky Peter , North Marie-Odile , Bertherat Jérôme
Published: May 2022

Objective

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by adrenal macronodules and variable levels of cortisol excess, with not clearly established clinical diagnostic criteria. It can be caused by ARMC5 germline pathogenic variants. In this study, we aimed to identify predictive criteria for ARMC5 variants.

Methods

We included 352 consecutive index patients from 12 European centers, sequenced for germline ARMC5 alteration. Clinical, biological and imaging data were collected retrospectively.

Results

52 patients (14.8%) carried ARMC5 germline pathogenic variants and showed a more distinct phenotype than non-mutated patients for cortisol excess (24-h urinary free cortisol 2.32 vs 1.11-fold ULN, respectively, P  < 0.001) and adrenal morphology (maximal adrenal diameter 104 vs 83 mm, respectively, P  < 0.001) and were more often surgically or medically treated (67.9 vs 36.8%, respectively, P  < 0.001). ARMC5-mutated patients showed a constant, bilateral adrenal involvement and at least a possible autonomous cortisol secretion (defined by a plasma cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression above 50 nmol/L), while these criteria were not systematic in WT patients (78.3%). The association of these two criteria holds a 100% sensitivity and a 100% negative predictive value for ARMC5 pathogenic variant.

Conclusion

We report the largest series of index patients investigated for ARMC5 and confirm that ARMC5 pathogenic variants are associated with a more severe phenotype in most cases. To minimize negative ARMC5 screening, genotyping should be limited to clear bilateral adrenal involvement and autonomous cortisol secretion, with an optimum sensitivity for routine clinical practice. These findings will also help to better define PBMAH diagnostic criteria.
Fertility preservation for transgender individuals
Authors: Barrett James
Published: May 2022

Lay summary

Transgender people are just as able to be good parents as anyone else. The treatment involved in addressing their gender dysphoria usually removes their natural fertility and if they want to preserve their fertility, they will need gamete storage. The technology needed to provide gamete storage for transfolk is not any different from anyone else but the clinic setup, human interactions and the approach used need to be sensitive and require everyone in the clinic to understand the issues and behave accordingly if high-quality service is to be provided.
The future of diagnostic laparoscopy – Cons
Authors: Simko Sarah , Wright Kelly N
Published: May 2022

Endometriosis has a large impact on the lives of patients, affecting nearly 90% of women with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Unfortunately, diagnosis for this condition is often delayed by an average of 7 years, with adolescent patients experiencing disproportionate delays. This is in part due to the use of an invasive procedure for primary diagnosis and limited access to subspecialty care. While laparoscopy serves an important purpose in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis, it has been found to be less cost-effective than empiric medical therapy and puts an emphasis on the lesion as opposed to the patient and the disease process as a whole. As studies emerge, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex nature of this disease. Laparoscopy has been shown to have variable results, with high recurrence rates and varying improvement in symptoms over time. Additionally, studies have shown a poor correlation between patients’ pain and the stage and location of lesions, with laparoscopy showing greater benefit for later-stage disease and deep infiltrating endometriosis. This article seeks to evaluate the current standards for the management of endometriosis, discuss the place for diagnostic laparoscopy, and review future directions and alternatives.

Lay summary

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disorder that occurs when uterine tissue is found outside the uterus. This condition affects women of reproductive age and can have serious impacts on their lives, causing pain and difficulty getting pregnant. The primary method of diagnosis is surgical, which has associated risks and can delay care to patients. As further studies emerge, our understanding of this condition improves, and it is important to evaluate current practices. This article focuses on the pros and cons of using surgical methods to diagnose endometriosis and alternative options that may be safer and provide more timely care to patients.
Factors of the Development of Ukraine’s Digital Economy: Identification and Evaluation
Authors: Vasyltsiv T. , Mulska O. , Levytska O. , Lupak R. , Semak B. , Shtets T.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Digital transformation (hereinafter referred to as digitalization) and the widespread introduction of digital technologies in all spheres of public life and economic relations are key milestones in the development of the world economy.Problem Statement. The economy digitalization requires effective government regulation and support, the mechanisms and tools of which shall be developed in accordance with the current conditions of the digitalization environment through identifying appropriate incentives.Purpose. The purpose of this research is the identification of factors and the assessment of the development of Ukraine’s digital economy based on the methodological approach proposed by the authors.Materials and Methods. The methodology for assessing the factors of the development of the digital economy (based on the calculation of the integrated index and the results of the expert survey) involves the use of the main components method and the multiplicative approach. The evaluation methodology comprises the six components: (1) strategy, (2) design, (3) expertise, (4) qualitative evaluation, (5) quantitative evaluation, and (6) conclusion. The factors of digital economy development are grouped based on the following elements: (1) selfsufficiency, (2) efficiency, (3) involvement, (4) infrastructure, (5) readiness, and (6) cooperation.Results. The spheres to which the government policy in the sphere of digital economy development of Ukraine is directed have been defined. The integrated index is equal to 0.603 that which is an evidence of the medium level of development (favorable status) of the digital technology environment. The highest values of the index have reported for self-sufficiency (0.884), efficiency (0.717), and readiness (0.753). The lowest index has been obtained for the involvement component (0.224).
Conclusions. Favorable environment for the economy digitalization can be achieved through the implementation of measures to develop appropriate infrastructure and organizational and institutional support for pursuing policies of digitalization of the economic system and society, as well as projects and programs for digital cooperation.
Satellite Imagery Application for Searching Buried Intrusive Structures
Authors: Filipovych V. , Shevchuk R. , Mychak А.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. At the current stage of information technology development, methods for remote sensing have been increasingly used for mineral exploration.Problem Statement. Significant capital intensity of geological works for intrusive bodies search when the crystalline basement is overlapped by a thin sedimentary cover requires the implementation of advanced methods that, on the one hand, allow reducing the costs of exploration and, on the other hand, enable increasing theaccuracy of objects identification.Purpose. The development of methodological framework for the application of remote sensing data to identify prospective areas in search of buried intrusive bodies.Materials and Methods. Medium (Landsat, Sentinel) and high (WorldView) resolution optical satellite imagery data in the thermal infrared and visible ranges of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum; radar satellite data (SRTM), multispectral aerial survey data obtained by unmanned aerial vehicles; methods for structuralinterpretation, digital terrain model analysis, results of field thermometry have been used in this research.Results. A few prospective sites for the search for buried intrusions within the Hubkivska and AnastasivskoBolyarska squares of the Novohrad-Volynskyi block of the Ukrainian Shield, regardless of the geophysical data, have been identified. These objects were later confirmed by detailed geomagnetic surveying and drilling. Withinthe detected thermal anomalies, several small (60—120 m long and 30—50 m wide) dikes have been detected. Four of the 5 wells drilled have confirmed the presence of dike bodies, and 1 well enters the fracture zone. In other areas, where detailed geophysical survey was carried out within the detected thermal anomalies, new dike bodieshave been discovered.Conclusions. The developed technique may be used as an additional tool in geological prospecting.
Simultaneous determination of eight antiepileptic drugs and two metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yu Hengyi , Ren Xiuhua , Liu Lu , Xiang Dong , Li Xiping , Li Juan , Liu Dong , Gong Xuepeng
Published: May 2022

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological conditions and antiepileptic drugs are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment. High variation in pharmacokinetic profiles of several antiepileptic drugs highlights the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring to estimate pharmacokinetic properties and consequently individualize drug posology. In this work, a simple, rapid and robust liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for simultaneous quantification of carbamazepine and its metabolite carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, gabapentin, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine and its metabolite mono-hydroxy-derivative metabolite, phenytoin, topiramate, and valproic acid in human plasma for therapeutic drug monitoring. d6-Levetiracetam, d4-gabapentin and d6-valproic acid were used as internal standards. After addition of internal standards along with two-step protein precipitation and dilution sample preparation, plasma samples were analyzed on a C18 column using a gradient elution in 5 min without interference. The calibration curves were linear over a 100-fold concentration range, with determination coefficients (r2) greater than 0.99 for all analytes. The limit of quantification was 0.5 μg mL−1 (0.1 μg mL−1 for oxcarbazepine, 2 μg mL−1 for levetiracetam, and 10 μg mL−1 for valproic acid) with precision and accuracy ranging from 3% to 9% and from 94% to 112%, respectively. Intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy values were within 15% at low, medium and high quality control levels. No significant matrix effect was observed in the normal, hemolyzed, lipemic, and hyperbilirubin blood samples. This method was successfully used in the identification and quantitation of antiepileptic drugs in patients undergoing mono- or polytherapy for epilepsy.
Structural Parametric Identiﬁcation of Linear Dynamic Objects
Authors: Filimonov A. B. , Filimonov N. B.
Published: May 2022

The problem of structural-parametric identification of linear stationary dynamic objects under conditions of active experiments is considered. The question of the adequacy of dynamic models based on the analysis of the object’s response to a typical test impact is investigated. These studies allow us to formulate an important methodological aspect that is recommended to be taken into account in new developments of active identification algorithms. In this paper it is shown that in real conditions of interference, the classical methodology of constructing the transfer function of an object by means of the analysis of data single experiment, i.e. the response to a test effect can give incorrect results. In this regard, another approach is proposed — to form the base of the experimental data starting from a series of identification experiments, and because of its to investigate the dynamic structure of free and forced movements of the object. The ideological basis of this approach consists of the following solutions: the principle of " probing" the space of states of an object in order to determine its dynamic order; the mechanism of excitation of free movements in the object by means of finite control actions; the integral-operator form of representation of the dynamics of the object, which avoids the need for differentiation of input and output signals; the apparatus of linear regression for parametric identification of the transfer function of the object. One the base the given approach a new method of structural-parametric identification of linear stationary dynamic objects is developed and investigated. The presented results and computer approbation in the MATLAB environment have shown the operability and effectiveness of this identification method.