bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology-dependent resonance induced optical forces in a multiple-sphere system
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Han Zhenyu , Zhang Lei , Chen Jun
Published: February 2023

Optical fields and forces can be greatly enhanced for a microparticle when the whispering gallery modes (WGMs) are excited. In this paper, by solving the scattering problem using the generalized Mie theory, the morphology-dependent resonances (MDRs) and resonant optical forces derived from the coherent coupling of WGMs are investigated in multiple-sphere systems. When the spheres approach each other, the bonding and antibonding modes of MDRs emerge and correspond to the attractive and repulsive forces, respectively. More importantly, the antibonding mode is good at propagating light forward, while the optical fields decay rapidly for the bonding mode. Moreover, the bonding and antibonding modes of MDRs in the PT-symmetric system can persist only when the imaginary part of the refractive index is small enough. Interestingly, it is also shown that for a PT-symmetric structure, only a minor imaginary part of the refractive index is required to generate a significant pulling force at MDRs, making the whole structure move against the light propagation direction. Our work deepens the understanding of the collective resonance behavior of multiple spheres and paves the way for potential applications in particle transportation, non-Hermitian systems, integrated optical devices, etc.
Terahertz wave rectification in a ferroelectric triglycine sulfate single crystal
Authors: Bilyk Vladislav , Grishunin Kirill , Tinnemans Paul , Rasing Theo , Kirilyuk Andrey , Sergeeva Olga , Sherstyuk Natalia , Mishina Elena , Lavrov Sergey , Sigov Alexander
Published: February 2023

The effect of optical rectification (OR) in the terahertz range (THz
rectification, TR) is experimentally demonstrated. The effect consists
of generating a DC voltage on the faces of a ferroelectric triglycine
sulfate (TGS) single crystal under the action of pulsed radiation with
a frequency of 1.57 and 1.96 THz and an electric field strength per
pulse of 1.3 and 1.5 MV/m, respectively.
The FLARE FELIX free-electron laser system (Radboud University, The
Netherlands) was used as a THz radiation source. The TR effect makes
it possible to directly determine the nonlinear susceptibilities of
media (including those under conditions of strong absorption) without
any reference or optical channel calibration and also without the need
of Fourier transform.
High-efficiency thin-film lithium niobate modulator with highly confined optical modes
Authors: Chen Nuo , Yu Yalong , Lou Kangping , Mi Qingjiao , Chu Tao
Published: February 2023

We demonstrate a low-loss, high-efficiency lithium niobate electro-optic (EO) modulator with optical isolation trenches to achieve stronger field confinement and reduced light absorption loss. The proposed modulator realized considerable improvements, including a low half-wave voltage–length product of 1.2 V·cm, an excess loss of ∼2.4 dB, and a broad 3-dB EO bandwidth of over 40 GHz. We developed a lithium niobate modulator with, to the best of our knowledge, the highest reported modulation efficiency of any Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) modulator.
Self-supervised learning for single-pixel imaging via dual-domain constraints
Authors: Chang Xuyang , Wu Ze , Li Daoyu , Zhan Xinrui , Yan Rong , Bian Liheng
Published: February 2023

Deep-learning-augmented single-pixel imaging (SPI) provides an efficient solution for target compressive sensing. However, the conventional supervised strategy suffers from laborious training and poor generalization. In this Letter, we report a self-supervised learning method for SPI reconstruction. It introduces dual-domain constraints to integrate the SPI physics model into a neural network. Specifically, in addition to the traditional measurement constraint, an extra transformation constraint is employed to ensure target plane consistency. The transformation constraint uses the invariance of reversible transformation to impose an implicit prior, which avoids the non-uniqueness of measurement constraint. A series of experiments validate that the reported technique realizes self-supervised reconstruction in various complex scenes without any paired data, ground truth, or pre-trained prior. It can tackle the underdetermined degradation and noise, with ∼3.7-dB improvement on the PSNR index compared with the existing method.
Omnidirectional color shift suppression of full-color micro-LED displays with enhanced light extraction efficiency
Authors: Liu Yongzhen , Xia Tianwen , Du Aochen , Liang Tao , Fan Zhengui , Chen Enguo , Sun Jie , Yan Qun , Guo Tailiang
Published: February 2023

The three-primary-color chip array is the most straightforward to realize full-color micro-LED displays. However, the luminous intensity distribution shows high inconsistency between the AlInP-based red micro-LED and GaN-based blue / green micro-LEDs, resulting in the issue of angular color shift with different viewing angles. This Letter analyzes the angular dependence of color difference of conventional three-primary-color micro-LEDs, and proves that the inclined sidewall with homogeneous Ag coating has a limited angular regulation effect for micro-LEDs. Based on this, a patterned conical microstructure array is designed on the micro-LED’s bottom layer to effectively eliminate the color shift. This design cannot only regulate the emission of full-color micro-LEDs to perfectly meet Lambert’s cosine law without any external beam shaping elements, but also improve the light extraction efficiency of top emission by 16%, 161%, and 228% for red, green, and blue micro-LEDs, respectively. The color shift Δu
′
v
′
of the full-color micro-LED display is also kept below 0.02 with the viewing angle ranging from 10° to 90°.
Efficient continuous-wave Tm,Ho:CaF2 laser at 2.1µm
Authors: Eremeev Kirill , Loiko Pavel , Benayad Abdelmjid , Brasse Gurvan , Camy Patrice , Braud Alain
Published: February 2023

We report on the first, to the best of our knowledge, continuous-wave laser operation of a Tm3+,Ho3+-codoped calcium fluoride crystal at ∼2.1 µm. Tm,Ho:CaF2 crystals were grown by the Bridgman method, and their spectroscopic properties were studied. The stimulated-emission cross section for the 5I7 → 5I8 Ho3+ transition is 0.72 × 10−20 cm2 at 2025 nm, and the thermal equilibrium decay time is 11.0 ms. A 3 at. % Tm, 0.3 at. % Ho:CaF2 laser generated 737 mW at 2062–2088 nm with a slope efficiency of 28.0% and a laser threshold of 133 mW. Continuous wavelength tuning between 1985 and 2114 nm (tuning range: 129 nm) was demonstrated. The Tm,Ho:CaF2 crystals are promising for ultrashort pulse generation at ∼2 µm.
Non-destructive classification of unlabeled cells: Combining an automated benchtop magnetic resonance scanner and artificial intelligence
Authors: Fey Philipp , Weber Daniel Ludwig , Stebani Jannik , Mörchel Philipp , Jakob Peter , Hansmann Jan , Hiller Karl-Heinz , Haddad Daniel
Published: February 2023

In order to treat degenerative diseases, the importance of advanced therapy medicinal products has increased in recent years. The newly developed treatment strategies require a rethinking of the appropriate analytical methods. Current standards are missing the complete and sterile analysis of the product of interest to make the drug manufacturing effort worthwhile. They only consider partial areas of the sample or product while also irreversibly damaging the investigated specimen. Two-dimensional T1 / T2 MR relaxometry meets these requirements and is therefore a promising in-process control during the manufacturing and classification process of cell-based treatments.

In this study a tabletop MR scanner was used to perform two-dimensional MR relaxometry. Throughput was increased by developing an automation platform based on a low-cost robotic arm, resulting in the acquisition of a large dataset of cell-based measurements. Two-dimensional inverse Laplace transformation was used for post-processing, followed by data classification performed with support vector machines (SVM) as well as optimized artificial neural networks (ANN). The trained networks were able to distinguish non-differentiated from differentiated MSCs with a prediction accuracy of 85%. To increase versatility, an ANN was trained on 354 independent, biological replicates distributed across ten different cell lines, resulting in a prediction accuracy of up to 98% depending on data composition.

The present study provides a proof of principle for the application of T1 / T2 relaxometry as a non-destructive cell classification method. It does not require labeling of cells and can perform whole mount analysis of each sample. Since all measurements can be performed under sterile conditions, it can be used as an in-process control for cellular differentiation. This distinguishes it from other characterization techniques, as most are destructive or require some type of cell labeling. These advantages highlight the technique’s potential for preclinical screening of patient-specific cell-based transplants and drugs.
Escape from X-inactivation in twins exhibits intra- and inter-individual variability across tissues and is heritable
Authors: Zito Antonino , Roberts Amy L. , Visconti Alessia , Rossi Niccolo’ , Andres-Ejarque Rosa , Nardone Stefano , El-Sayed Moustafa Julia S. , Falchi Mario , Small Kerrin S.
Published: February 2023

X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) silences one X in female cells to balance sex-differences in X-dosage. A subset of X-linked genes escape XCI, but the extent to which this phenomenon occurs and how it varies across tissues and in a population is as yet unclear. To characterize incidence and variability of escape across individuals and tissues, we conducted a transcriptomic study of escape in adipose, skin, lymphoblastoid cell lines and immune cells in 248 healthy individuals exhibiting skewed XCI. We quantify XCI escape from a linear model of genes’ allelic fold-change and XIST-based degree of XCI skewing. We identify 62 genes, including 19 lncRNAs, with previously unknown patterns of escape. We find a range of tissue-specificity, with 11% of genes escaping XCI constitutively across tissues and 23% demonstrating tissue-restricted escape, including cell type-specific escape across immune cells of the same individual. We also detect substantial inter-individual variability in escape. Monozygotic twins share more similar escape than dizygotic twins, indicating that genetic factors may underlie inter-individual differences in escape. However, discordant escape also occurs within monozygotic co-twins, suggesting environmental factors also influence escape. Altogether, these data indicate that XCI escape is an under-appreciated source of transcriptional differences, and an intricate phenotype impacting variable trait expressivity in females.
ARHGAP15 promotes metastatic colonization in gastric cancer by suppressing RAC1-ROS pathway
Authors: Zhang Fei-fei , Jiang Chen , Jiang Dong-ping , Cui Yu-zhu , Wang Xin-yue , Sun Liang-zhan , Chen Miao , Lam Ka-On , Wu Sha-yi , Verhoeft Krista , Kwong Dora Lai-wan , Guan Xin-Yuan
Published: February 2023

The molecular mechanism of tumor metastasis, especially how metastatic tumor cells colonize in a distant site, remains poorly understood. Here we reported that ARHGAP15, a Rho GTPase activating protein, enhanced gastric cancer (GC) metastatic colonization, which was quite different from its reported role as a tumor suppressor gene in other cancers. It was upregulated in metastatic lymph nodes and significantly associated with a poor prognosis. Ectopic expression of ARHGAP15 promoted metastatic colonization of gastric cancer cells in murine lungs and lymph nodes in vivo or protected cells from oxidative-related death in vitro. However, genetic downregulation of ARHGAP15 had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, ARHGAP15 inactivated RAC1 and then decreased intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus enhancing the antioxidant capacity of colonizing tumor cells under oxidative stress. This phenotype could be phenocopied by inhibition of RAC1 or rescued by the introduction of constitutively active RAC1 into cells. Taken together, these findings suggested a novel role of ARHGAP15 in promoting gastric cancer metastasis by quenching ROS through inhibiting RAC1 and its potential value for prognosis estimation and targeted therapy.
Idealism as an educational philosophy of mathematics teachers in Al Ain City Schools of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Khasawneh Omar M. , Jarrah Adeeb M. , Bani Hani Mohammad S. , Belbase Shashidhar
Published: February 2023

Educational philosophy, in general, is at the heart of the growth of education. It outlines the institution’s goals, subject matters, teaching methods, roles of teachers as well as the role of students, assessment methods, and teaching/learning experiences. The study aimed to identify the educational philosophical implications of idealism in schools in Al Ain city of the United Arab Emirates from the perspectives of mathematics teachers. The researchers used a questionnaire with thirty-two Likert-type items as a quantitative method for data collection. The instrument was administered to a randomly selected sample of 82 (46 male and 36 female) mathematics teachers in Al Ain city. The data were analyzed in IBM SPSS version 28 for one sample t-tests and independent samples t-tests to compare teachers’ perceptions of curriculum, education values, school functions, roles of teachers, and teaching methods with gender and school type. Further analyses included a one-way ANOVA for teaching experiences and teaching cycles, bivariate correlations between the variables, and a generalized linear model to identify the significant predictors of the teaching method. The findings of the study showed that mathematics teachers in Al Ain city embrace an idealistic philosophy of curriculum, educational values, the role of schools and teachers, and teaching methods in general. The teachers’ perceptions of the curriculum and school functions were found to be significant predictors of their teaching methods. These findings have both pedagogical and curricular implications.
What factors matter in the amount of alcohol consumed? An analysis among Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Bianchi Lorenzo L. , da Silva Cristiane , Lazaretti Lauana Rossetto , França Marco Túlio Aniceto
Published: February 2023

Alcohol consumption in the under-18 age group has been growing in recent years, leading to various health risks. Considering the problems this habit brings, the present study contributes to the literature dedicated to categorizing different types of drinkers. The study objective is to verify the factors associated with the intensity of alcohol use among elementary school students in the year 2015. The dataset came from the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE). The applied methodology was a logit model of sequential response (continuation ratio). The main results are as follows. It was found that being female is associated with a lesser chance of having consumed alcohol in the reference period, however, with a greater chance of consuming five or more doses. Economic condition and formal paid employment are positively associated with alcohol consumption, which increases with the progression of the student’s age. The number of friends who drink alcohol and consumption of products originating from tobacco and illicit drugs, are good predictors of alcohol use by students. The time spent practicing physical activities increased the chance of male students consuming alcohol. The results showed that, in general, the characteristics associated with different alcohol consumption profiles remain similar but differ between genders. Intervention strategies aimed at preventing alcohol consumption by minors are suggested in order to reduce the negative effects of substance use and abuse.
Conditional ablation of heparan sulfate expression in stromal fibroblasts promotes tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Niwa Ayumi , Taniguchi Toshiaki , Tomita Hiroyuki , Okada Hideshi , Kinoshita Takamasa , Mizutani Chika , Matsuo Mikiko , Imaizumi Yuko , Kuroda Takahito , Ichihashi Koki , Sugiyama Takaaki , Kanayama Tomohiro , Yamaguchi Yu , Sugie Shigeyuki , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Hara Akira
Published: February 2023

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a glycocalyx component present in the extracellular matrix and cell-surface HS proteoglycans (HSPGs). Although HSPGs are known to play functional roles in multiple aspects of tumor development and progression, the effect of HS expression in the tumor stroma on tumor growth in vivo remains unclear. We conditionally deleted Ext1, which encodes a glycosyltransferase essential for the biosynthesis of HS chains, using S100a4-Cre (S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f) to investigate the role of HS in cancer-associated fibroblasts, which is the main component of the tumor microenvironment. Subcutaneous transplantation experiments with murine MC38 colon cancer and Pan02 pancreatic cancer cells demonstrated substantially larger subcutaneous tumors in S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f mice. Additionally, the number of myofibroblasts observed in MC38 and Pan02 subcutaneous tumors of S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f mice decreased. Furthermore, the number of intratumoral macrophages decreased in MC38 subcutaneous tumors in S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f mice. Finally, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) markedly increased in Pan02 subcutaneous tumors in S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f mice, suggesting that it may contribute to rapid growth. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the tumor microenvironment with HS-reduced fibroblasts provides a favorable environment for tumor growth by affecting the function and properties of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and cancer cells.
Merlin tumor suppressor function is regulated by PIP2-mediated dimerization
Authors: Hennigan Robert F. , Thomson Craig S. , Stachowski Kye , Nassar Nicolas , Ratner Nancy
Published: February 2023

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 is an inherited disease characterized by Schwann cell tumors of cranial and peripheral nerves. TheNF2gene encodes Merlin, a member of the ERM family consisting of an N-terminal FERM domain, a central α-helical region, and a C-terminal domain. Changes in the intermolecular FERM-CTD interaction allow Merlin to transition between an open, FERM accessible conformation and a closed, FERM-inaccessible conformation, modulating Merlin activity. Merlin has been shown to dimerize, but the regulation and function Merlin dimerization is not clear. We used a nanobody based binding assay to show that Merlin dimerizes via a FERM-FERM interaction, orientated with each C-terminus close to each other. Patient derived and structural mutants show that dimerization controls interactions with specific binding partners, including HIPPO pathway components, and correlates with tumor suppressor activity. Gel filtration experiments showed that dimerization occurs after a PIP2mediated transition from closed to open conformation monomers. This process requires the first 18 amino acids of the FERM domain and is inhibited by phosphorylation at serine 518. The discovery that active, open conformation Merlin is a dimer represents a new paradigm for Merlin function with implications for the development of therapies designed to compensate for Merlin loss.
Deep-learning-based prognostic modeling for incident heart failure in patients with diabetes using electronic health records: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gandin Ilaria , Saccani Sebastiano , Coser Andrea , Scagnetto Arjuna , Cappelletto Chiara , Candido Riccardo , Barbati Giulia , Di Lenarda Andrea
Published: February 2023

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have more than twice the risk of developing heart failure (HF) compared to patients without diabetes. The present study is aimed to build an artificial intelligence (AI) prognostic model that takes in account a large and heterogeneous set of clinical factors and investigates the risk of developing HF in diabetic patients. We carried out an electronic health records- (EHR-) based retrospective cohort study that included patients with cardiological clinical evaluation and no previous diagnosis of HF. Information consists of features extracted from clinical and administrative data obtained as part of routine medical care. The primary endpoint was diagnosis of HF (during out-of-hospital clinical examination or hospitalization). We developed two prognostic models using (1) elastic net regularization for Cox proportional hazard model (COX) and (2) a deep neural network survival method (PHNN), in which a neural network was used to represent a non-linear hazard function and explainability strategies are applied to estimate the influence of predictors on the risk function. Over a median follow-up of 65 months, 17.3% of the 10,614 patients developed HF. The PHNN model outperformed COX both in terms of discrimination (c-index 0.768 vs 0.734) and calibration (2-year integrated calibration index 0.008 vs 0.018). The AI approach led to the identification of 20 predictors of different domains (age, body mass index, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic features, laboratory measurements, comorbidities, therapies) whose relationship with the predicted risk correspond to known trends in the clinical practice. Our results suggest that prognostic models for HF in diabetic patients may improve using EHRs in combination with AI techniques for survival analysis, which provide high flexibility and better performance with respect to standard approaches.
Us vehicles sales. Evidence of persistence after COVID-19
Authors: Lopez Gema , Gil-Alana Luis Alberiko
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the sales of vehicles in the US are examined to understand if the shock caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic has had permanent or transitory effects on its subsequent evolution. Using monthly data from January 1976 until April 2021 and fractional integration methods, our results indicate that the series reverts and the shocks tend to disappear in the long run, even when they appear to be long lived. The results also indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has not increased the degree of persistence of the series but, unexpectedly, has slightly reduced its dependence. Thus, shocks are transitory, long lived but, as time goes by, the recovery seems to be faster, which is possibly a sign of the strength of the industry.
Habitats generated by the restoration of coal mining subsidence land differentially alter the content and composition of soil organic carbon
Authors: Zhao Yongkang , Zheng Guodong , Bo Huaizhi , Wang Yijing , Dong Junyu , Li Changchao , Wang Yan , Yan Shuwan , Liu Kang , Wang Zhiliang , Liu Jian
Published: February 2023

The content and composition of soil organic carbon (SOC) can characterize soil carbon storage capacity, which varies significantly between habitats. Ecological restoration in coal mining subsidence land forms a variety of habitats, which are ideal to study the effects of habitats on SOC storage capacity. Based on the analysis of the content and composition of SOC in three habitats (farmland, wetland and lakeside grassland) generated by different restoration time of the farmland which was destroyed by coal mining subsidence, we found that farmland had the highest SOC storage capacity among the three habitats. Both dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and heavy fraction organic carbon (HFOC) exhibited higher concentrations in the farmland (20.29 mg/kg, 6.96 mg/g) than in the wetland (19.62 mg/kg, 2.47 mg/g) or lakeside grassland (5.68 mg/kg, 2.31 mg/g), and the concentrations increased significantly over time, owing to the higher content of nitrogen in the farmland. The wetland and lakeside grassland needed more time than the farmland to recover the SOC storage capacity. The findings illustrate that the SOC storage capacity of farmland destroyed by coal mining subsidence could be restored through ecological restoration and indicate that the recovery rate depends on the reconstructed habitat types, among which farmland shows great advantages mainly due to the nitrogen addition.
Influence of location-dependent sex difference on PD-L1, MMR/MSI, and EGFR in colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: Choi Jina , Kim Nayoung , Nam Ryoung Hee , Kim Jin Won , Song Chin-Hee , Na Hee Young , Kang Gyeong Hoon
Published: February 2023

Background

The incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported to be strongly associated to sex/gender difference. CRC shows sexual dimorphism, and sex hormones have been shown to affect the tumor immune microenvironment. This study aimed to investigate location-dependent sex differences in tumorigenic molecular characteristics in patients with colorectal tumors, including adenoma and CRC.

Methods

A total of 231 participants, including 138 patients with CRC, 55 patients with colorectal adenoma, and 38 healthy controls, were recruited between 2015 and 2021 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. All patients underwent colonoscopy and acquired tumor lesion samples were further analyzed for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, deficient mismatch repair (dMMR), and microsatellite instability (MSI) status. This study was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov, number NCT05638542.

Results

The average of combined positive score (CPS) was higher in serrated lesions and polyps (lesions/polyps) compared to conventional adenomas (5.73 and 1.41, respectively, P < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between sex and PD-L1 expression within the groups, regardless of histopathological diagnosis. In multivariate analysis where each sex was further stratified by tumor location due to their interaction in CRC, PD-L1 expression was inversely correlated with males having proximal CRC with a CPS cutoff of 1 (Odds ratio (OR) 0.28, P = 0.034). Females with proximal CRC showed a significant association with dMMR/MSI-high (OR 14.93, P = 0.032) and high EGFR expression (OR 4.17, P = 0.017).

Conclusion

Sex and tumor location influenced molecular features such as PD-L1, MMR/MSI status and EGFR expression in CRC, suggesting a possible underlying mechanism of sex-specific colorectal carcinogenesis.
Health outcomes and healthcare resource utilization among Veterans with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer treated with second-line chemotherapy versus immunotherapy
Authors: Williams Christina D. , Allo Mina A. , Gu Lin , Vashistha Vishal , Press Ashlyn , Kelley Michael
Published: February 2023

Background

Until recently, multi-agent chemotherapy (CT) was the standard of care for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical trials have confirmed benefits in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival with immunotherapy (IO) compared to CT. This study compares real-world treatment patterns and outcomes between CT and IO administrations in second-line (2L) settings for patients with stage IV NSCLC.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included patients in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC during 2012–2017 and receiving IO or CT in the 2L. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and adverse events (AEs) were compared between treatment groups. Logistic regression was used to examine differences in baseline characteristics between groups, and inverse probability weighting multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze OS.

Results

Among 4,609 Veterans who received first-line (1L) therapy for stage IV NSCLC, 96% received 1L CT alone. A total of 1,630 (35%) were administered 2L systemic therapy, with 695 (43%) receiving IO and 935 (57%) receiving CT. Median age was 67 years (IO group) and 65 years (CT group); most patients were male (97%) and white (76–77%). Patients administered 2L IO had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index than those administered CT (p = 0.0002). 2L IO was associated with significantly longer OS compared with CT (hazard ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.94). IO was more frequently prescribed during the study period (p < 0.0001). No difference in rate of hospitalizations was observed between the two groups.

Conclusions

Overall, the proportion of advanced NSCLC patients receiving 2L systemic therapy is low. Among patients treated with 1L CT and without IO contraindications, 2L IO should be considered, as this supports potential benefit of IO for advanced NSCLC. The increasing availability and indications for IO will likely increase the administration of 2L therapy to NSCLC patients.
Effect of photodynamic therapy on choroid of the medial area from optic disc in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Funatsu Ryoh , Sonoda Shozo , Terasaki Hiroto , Shiihara Hideki , Mihara Naohisa , Horie Juun , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To explore the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the choroid of medial area from optic disc and factors correlated with treatment outcomes, we evaluated choroidal changes using ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography (UWF-OCT) after PDT for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods

In this retrospective case-series, we included CSC patients who received a standard-dose of full-fluence PDT. UWF-OCT were examined at baseline and 3 months after treatment. We measured choroidal thickness (CT), classified into central, middle, and peripheral sectors. We examined CT changes after PDT by sectors and treatment outcome.

Results

Twenty-two eyes of 21 patients (20 males; mean age 58.7 ± 12.3 years) were included. CT reduction after PDT was significant in all sectors, including peripheral areas: supratemporal, 330.5 ± 90.6 μm vs. 237.0 ± 53.2 μm; infratemporal, 240.0 ± 89.4 μm vs. 209.9 ± 55.1 μm; supranasal, 237.7 ± 59.8 vs 209.3 ± 69.3 μm; infranasal, 172.6 ± 47.2 μm vs. 155.1 ± 38.2 μm (P < 0.001, for all). In patients with retinal fluid resolution, despite no apparent difference in baseline CT, there was more significant reduction after PDT in supratemporal and supranasal peripheral sectors, compared with patients without resolution: supratemporal, 41.9 ± 30.3 μm vs. −1.6 ± 22.7 μm; supranasal, 24.7 ± 15.3 μm vs. 8.5 ± 3.6 μm (P < 0.019, for both).

Conclusions

Whole CT decreased after PDT, including in medial areas from optic disc. This may be associated with the treatment response of PDT for CSC.
Constructing the festival tourist attraction from the perspective of Peircean semiotics: The case of Guangzhou, China
Authors: Li Jing , Yu Gouxiong
Published: February 2023

Based on the Peircean semiotic theory, this study aims to explore the semiotic construction of a festival tourist attraction using the Guangfu Temple Fair in China as a case. A qualitative research method of grounded theory was used to analyze the organizers’ planning scheme, conference materials, 7 interviews, and 45 tourists’ interviews. We found that festival organizers produce festivalscape based on social values and tourists’ expectations, including safety assurance, cultural activity, personnel service, facilities, creative interaction, food, a trade show, and the festival atmosphere. Tourists in the festivalscape, through cultural, novel, social, and emotional experience and collateral observations, assign meaning to the festival’s attractiveness in terms of cultural diversity, vibrant activities, distinctive features, and a sense of ceremony. These findings indicate that organizers’ sign production and tourists’ sign interpretation constitute the conceptual model of the semiotic construction of festivals as tourist attractions. Furthermore, the study extends the understanding of tourist attractions and will help organizers to create successful festival attractions.
Analysis of COVID-19 vaccine adverse event using language model and unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Cheon Saeyeon , Methiyothin Thanin , Ahn Insung
Published: February 2023

Background

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has made efforts to recover from the chaotic situation. Vaccination is a way to help control infectious diseases, and many people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 by this point. However, an extremely small number of those who received the vaccine have experienced diverse side effects.

Methods and findings

In this study, we examined people who experienced adverse events with the COVID-19 vaccine by gender, age, vaccine manufacturer, and dose of vaccinations by using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System datasets. Then we used a language model to vectorize symptom words and reduced their dimensionality. We also clustered symptoms by using unsupervised machine learning and analyzed the characteristics of each symptom cluster. Lastly, to discover any association rules among adverse events, we used a data mining approach. The frequency of adverse events was higher for women than men, for Moderna than for Pfizer or Janssen, and for the first dose than for the second dose. However, we found that characteristics of vaccine adverse events, including gender, vaccine manufacturer, age, and underlying diseases were different for each symptom cluster, and that fatal cases were significantly related to a particular cluster (associated with hypoxia). Also, as a result of the association analysis, the {chills ↔ pyrexia} and {vaccination site pruritus ↔ vaccination site erythema} rules had the highest support value of 0.087 and 0.046, respectively.

Conclusions

We aim to contribute accurate information on the adverse events of the COVID-19 vaccine to relieve public anxiety due to unconfirmed statements about vaccines.
Antagonism of ALAS1 by the Measles Virus V protein contributes to degradation of the mitochondrial network and promotes interferon response
Authors: Khalfi Pierre , Suspène Rodolphe , Raymond Kyle A. , Caval Vincent , Caignard Grégory , Berry Noémie , Thiers Valérie , Combredet Chantal , Rufie Claude , Rigaud Stéphane , Ghozlane Amine , Volant Stevenn , Komarova Anastassia V. , Tangy Frédéric , Vartanian Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2023

Viruses have evolved countless mechanisms to subvert and impair the host innate immune response. Measles virus (MeV), an enveloped, non-segmented, negative-strand RNA virus, alters the interferon response through different mechanisms, yet no viral protein has been described as directly targeting mitochondria. Among the crucial mitochondrial enzymes, 5′-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) is an enzyme that catalyzes the first step in heme biosynthesis, generating 5′-aminolevulinate from glycine and succinyl-CoA.

In this work, we demonstrate that MeV impairs the mitochondrial network through the V protein, which antagonizes the mitochondrial enzyme ALAS1 and sequesters it to the cytosol.

This re-localization of ALAS1 leads to a decrease in mitochondrial volume and impairment of its metabolic potential, a phenomenon not observed in MeV deficient for the V gene. This perturbation of the mitochondrial dynamics demonstrated both in culture and in infected IFNAR−/− hCD46 transgenic mice, causes the release of mitochondrial double-stranded DNA (mtDNA) in the cytosol. By performing subcellular fractionation post infection, we demonstrate that the most significant source of DNA in the cytosol is of mitochondrial origin. Released mtDNA is then recognized and transcribed by the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase III. The resulting double-stranded RNA intermediates will be captured by RIG-I, ultimately initiating type I interferon production. Deep sequencing analysis of cytosolic mtDNA editing divulged an APOBEC3A signature, primarily analyzed in the 5’TpCpG context. Finally, in a negative feedback loop, APOBEC3A an interferon inducible enzyme will orchestrate the catabolism of mitochondrial DNA, decrease cellular inflammation, and dampen the innate immune response.
Link in bio: Exploring the emotional and relational labour of Black women rappers in sexual dance economies on OnlyFans
Authors: Evans Jabari
Published: February 2023

Through interviews and participant observation, this article examines the emotional and relational labour of emerging female rap musicians and video models who have significant social media followings and create sexually explicit content for the subscription platform OnlyFans. Findings indicate that respondents felt conflicted in potentially exacerbating stereotypes about women in hip hop music, but also as sexual performers they felt empowered by taking ownership of racial stereotypes, their safety during interactions with men and how their bodies were commodified for pay. Ultimately, this study introduces insights on the digital evolution of hip hop culture’s relationship with sex work and reveals newfound ideological tensions faced by Black women rappers who are using sexual dance economies to adopt new direct-to-consumer business models on the internet (particularly on social media) to self-promote, sustain and develop their careers.
Tiny Desk Concert as an emerging site of hip hop intimacy, authenticity and accessibility
Authors: Henry Jasmine A.
Published: February 2023

From the late Mac Miller’s introspective 2018 session to Megan Thee Stallion’s sexually empowering show in 2019, National Public Radio’s (NPR) Tiny Desk Concert (TDC) series has showcased several unique and memorable hip hop performances over the last few years. Many of these concerts have garnered millions of views and critical acclaim, making the series an important artistic medium and promotional tool for contemporary hip hop artists. TDCs challenge artists to put forth creative and intimate performances which offer unique audio-visual experiences to YouTube users. In addition to being a well-produced, accessible and engaging online concert series, individual TDC performances constitute important areas of contemporary hip hop music inquiry that raise interesting questions about musical authenticity, aesthetic negotiation, technological mediation, online engagement and genre. I suggest that these performances are becoming increasingly relevant sites of online hip hop mediation that should be further investigated and adopted as scholarly and pedagogical resources. More specifically, I demonstrate how TDC compellingly produces and distributes unique, intimate and engaging internet content that offers nuanced performances of contemporary hip hop artistry, self-representation and reception. Through analysis of concert videos and comment sections, I illuminate how the high-quality audio-visual production, unique performance practices and YouTube’s platform features enable crucial elements of live performance – liveness, immersion and interaction – to be fully present in the online context. Overall, TDC provides ways for users to engage with more nuanced representations of hip hop culture as artists challenge the boundaries of what twenty-first-century hip hop performance can be. Accordingly, TDC has the potential to provide great theoretical and pedagogical value to hip hop researchers, educators, students and enthusiasts.
Análise da qualidade da água de poços tubulares na zona urbana de Itaituba, Pará, Brasil
Authors: Baima Suede Fernanda Santos , Aboim Everlana da Cunha , Almeida Andressa Diniz Simões de , Nascimento Wanderson da Silva do , Soares Handrei Matheus de Souza , Lira João Rafael de Sousa
Published: February 2023

A importância da água nos recursos hídricos no planeta constitui um dos elementos mais relevantes e indispensável à sobrevivência do homem. Com o crescimento acelerado da sociedade urbana, industrial e tecnológica, a escassez de água doce ficou comprometida. Dessa forma, a população das cidades buscou alternativas para adquirir esse bem através do uso de poços tubulares. Por este motivo, surgiu a necessidade de analisar a qualidade dessas fontes de água, que podem ser foco de doenças capazes de comprometer o bem-estar dos seus consumidores. O objetivo do estudo foi de analisar a qualidade da água de poços tubulares consumidas pela população da zona urbana do município de Itaituba, estado do Pará, Brasil. Foram selecionados 06 (seis) poços tubulares e coletadas 01 (uma) amostra para análise físico-química e 01 (uma) amostra para análise microbiológica. Em seguida, o total de 12 (doze) amostras foram analisadas no laboratório de análises de água do VIGIÁGUA – Vigilância da Água de Itaituba, mediante o Manual Prático de Análise de Água da FUNASA, avaliando os parâmetros de cloreto, turbidez, coliformes totais e coliformes termotolerantes. Os resultados obtidos apresentaram dentro da normalidade, sendo que: na análise física, o nível de turbidez esteve dentro dos valores aceitáveis; na análise química, houve ausência de cloreto; e, na análise microbiológica, das 06 (seis) amostras, foram identificadas a presença de coliformes totais na amostra de ponto 1 e ponto 2 e, ausência de coliformes termotolerantes em todas as amostras. Concluiu-se que os resultados das análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas dos poços tubulares dispõem de uma água de qualidade e apropriada para o consumo da população itaitubense. Porém, a utilização dos poços como fonte de abastecimento de água na ausência de esgotamento sanitário, colabora como uma problemática grave de saúde pública e saneamento básico na cidade. Sugere-se a solução e investimento no sistema de tratamento e distribuição de água na cidade de Itaituba/PA.
Revitalizing Love and Compassion Values Education at Religious Education Learning in National Curriculum in Indonesia
Authors: Sukiman Sukiman , Suyatno Suyatno , Yap Siti Nursheila Khairuddin
Published: February 2023

Love and compassion values are taught in every religion. But the values have not been practiced in students' daily lives. This research aimed to analyze whether love and compassion values of each religion are included in the content of the religious education curriculum at schools, how the problems faced in instilling love and compassion values of love in students, and how revitalization efforts in the future. The research method used was literature research. The data collection technique was documentation. The data were analyzed using critically performed text analysis. The results showed: First, the curriculum of religious education at schools for all religions in Indonesia contained love and compassion values, although with different sequences. Second, the problem faced was that internalizing love and compassion values in students had not been realized well because of inappropriate methods. Third, the process of instilling love and compassion values in religious learning needs to be revitalized by applying more effective learning methods. Three effective methods for instilling love and compassion values in students were habituation, exemplary, and reflective learning.
The Development of Students’ Learning Autonomy Using Tilawati Method at a Madrasatul Quran in South Kalimantan
Authors: Herlina Silvia , Rahman M Arinal , Nufus Zahratun , Handrianto Ciptro , Masoh Khoyriyah
Published: February 2023

Mastering the ability to read the Qur'an is an obligation for every Muslim. However, many Quranic learning models are not able to make students proficient in reading the Qur'an and able to practice it in everyday life. This study aims to provide an overview of the impact of learning the Qur'an using the Tilawati method accompanied by a strategy of reward and punishment, evaluation, and collaboration between students on the independence of learning the Qur'an at a madrasatul Quran in South Kalimantan. This research is based on a qualitative method with a case study type. The data of this study were obtained from student observation and validation through interviews with teaching teachers. The results of the study stated that the use of the Tilawati method plus several combination strategies was able to increase students' independence. Students also become more confident and work well with other students during the learning process. Thus, the Tilawati method has great potential to be applied in every Madrasatul Quran.
Learning Communication in Tahfidz Quran Through Tarkiz Method
Authors: Rina Nofha
Published: February 2023

This study aims to examine how the learning in Tahfidz Quran through the Tarkiz method. The researcher also analyzed the implementation of the Tarkiz method in learning tahfidz Quran by students, teachers, and Tarkiz’s coordinator. This research is qualitative with a case study approach in revealing Tarkiz's learning communication because social, cultural, and human behavior phenomena are not enough to record things that appear real. Therefore, they must also be examined in the context behind them. The results obtained in this study are in the form of a Welas Asih communication model in tahfidz Quran that can build commitment in human relations so that an educative interaction learning can be realized.
Principles of Online Learning Assessment: A Literature Review Between Western Education Theory and Islamic Education Theory
Authors: Ardiansyah Arief , Al Anshori Thoriq , Zakaria Zukhkriyan , Cahyanto Bagus
Published: February 2023

Purpose – The right assessment strategy can reduce the number of academic dishonesties during online learning in the pandemic era. Academic dishonesty is a problem considered normal but has a detrimental impact on the development of a nation. Therefore, instructors need to know the principles of assessment that can reduce the number of academic dishonesties in universities.

Design/methods/approach – This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature study technique. This literature comes from several online assessment books, articles, handbooks, and others. The procedure used in this study involves selecting a topic, developing themes, selecting problems, searching for literature in the database, and selecting and evaluating literature based on these problems.

Findings – The results of this study are in the form of online learning assessment principles that can be applied in designing assessment activities. First, design a student-centered assessment that includes self-reflection. Second, design and include grading rubrics for assessing contributions to the discussion and assignments, projects, and the collaboration itself. Third, include collaborative assessment. Fourth, encourage students to develop skills in providing feedback. Fifth, use assessment techniques appropriate to the context and learning objectives. Sixth, design an assessment that is clear, easy to understand, and guaranteed success in the online environment. Seventh, ask students for input on how the assessment is carried out.

Research implications – This study contributes to the development of literature regarding the online learning assessment process, especially in universities.

Originality/value – Future research should be able to test these online learning assessment principles to find empirical evidence of their effectiveness.