bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automating multi-target tracking of singing humpback whales recorded with vector sensors
Authors: Gruden Pina , Jang Junsu , Kügler Anke , Kropfreiter Thomas , Tenorio-Hallé Ludovic , Lammers Marc O. , Thode Aaron , Meyer Florian
Published: October 2023

Passive acoustic monitoring is widely used for detection and localization of marine mammals. Typically, pressure sensors are used, although several studies utilized acoustic vector sensors (AVSs), that measure acoustic pressure and particle velocity and can estimate azimuths to acoustic sources. The AVSs can localize sources using a reduced number of sensors and do not require precise time synchronization between sensors. However, when multiple animals are calling concurrently, automated tracking of individual sources still poses a challenge, and manual methods are typically employed to link together sequences of measurements from a given source. This paper extends the method previously reported by Tenorio-Hallé, Thode, Lammers, Conrad, and Kim [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 151(1), 126–137 (2022)] by employing and comparing two fully-automated approaches for azimuthal tracking based on the AVS data. One approach is based on random finite set statistics and the other on message passing algorithms, but both approaches utilize the underlying Bayesian statistical framework. The proposed methods are tested on several days of AVS data obtained off the coast of Maui and results show that both approaches successfully and efficiently track multiple singing humpback whales. The proposed methods thus made it possible to develop a fully-automated AVS tracking approach applicable to all species of baleen whales.
Evaluation of the Value of the Y-Balance Test to Predict Lower Limb Injuries in Professional Male Footballers
Authors: Mohammadi Haniyeh , Ghaffari Raheleh , Kazemi Abdolreza , Bennett Hunter , Hosseinzadeh Mahdi
Published: October 2023

Context: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to identify whether Y-Balance Test (YBT) performance and asymmetry are associated with lower limb injury in elite adult football athletes. Design: A prospective cohort study. Methods: Preseason YBT measures were obtained from 121 male footballers participating in National League One across the 2021–2022 season. Lower limb injuries were tracked across the season to determine the relationship between YBT variables and injury incidence using logistic regression analysis. The statistical significance level was .05. Results: The average YBT score was 111.0 (5.8) cm on the left limb and 112.0 (5.5) cm on the right limb, with an average asymmetry of 2.3 (1.4) cm. Athletes with lower YBT scores on both the left (odds ratio = 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 4.8: P ≤ .001) and right (odds ratio = 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 3.2: P ≤ .001) limbs were at a greater risk of injury. Similarly, athletes with greater amounts of asymmetry were also more likely to get injured (odds ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.3: P = .002). Conclusions: Results indicate that lower and asymmetrical YBT scores have a significant relationship with future lower limb injuries in professional male footballers. The YBT offers a simple, reliable, and effective screening tool that can be used by practitioners in football to help identify players at a greater risk of injury before the season commences.
Human IL-17A protein production is controlled through a PIP5K1α-dependent translational checkpoint
Authors: Revu Shankar K. , Yang Wenjuan , Rajasundaram Dhivyaa , Brady Alexander , Majumder Saikat , Gaffen Sarah L. , Hawse William , Xia Zongqi , McGeachy Mandy J.
Published: October 2023

The cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) is secreted by T helper 17 (T
H
17) cells and is beneficial for microbial control; however, it also causes inflammation and pathological tissue remodeling in autoimmunity. Hence, T
H
17 cell differentiation and IL-17 production must be tightly regulated, but, to date, this has been defined only in terms of transcriptional control. Phosphatidylinositols are second messengers produced during T cell activation that transduce signals from the T cell receptor (TCR) and costimulatory receptors at the plasma membrane. Here, we found that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP
2
) was enriched in the nuclei of human T
H
17 cells, which depended on the kinase PIP5K1α, and that inhibition of PIP5K1α impaired IL-17A production. In contrast, nuclear PIP
2
enrichment was not observed in T
H
1 or T
H
2 cells, and these cells did not require PIP5K1α for cytokine production. In T cells from people with multiple sclerosis, IL-17 production elicited by myelin basic protein was blocked by PIP5K1α inhibition. IL-17 protein was affected without altering either the abundance or stability of
IL17A
mRNA in T
H
17 cells. Instead, analysis of PIP5K1α-associating proteins revealed that PIP5K1α interacted with ARS2, a nuclear cap-binding complex scaffold protein, to facilitate its binding to
IL17A
mRNA and subsequent IL-17A protein production. These findings highlight a transcription-independent, translation-dependent mechanism for regulating IL-17A protein production that might be relevant to other cytokines.
Purinergic P2Y2 receptor–induced activation of endothelial TRPV4 channels mediates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Kuppusamy Maniselvan , Ta Huy Q. , Davenport Hannah N. , Bazaz Abhishek , Kulshrestha Astha , Daneva Zdravka , Chen Yen-Lin , Carrott Philip W. , Laubach Victor E. , Sonkusare Swapnil K.
Published: October 2023

Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), characterized by inflammation, vascular permeability, and lung edema, is the major cause of primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Here, we investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying lung IR–induced activation of endothelial TRPV4 channels, which play a central role in lung edema and dysfunction after IR. In a left lung hilar-ligation model of IRI in mice, we found that lung IRI increased the efflux of ATP through pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels at the endothelial cell (EC) membrane. Elevated extracellular ATP activated Ca
2+
influx through endothelial TRPV4 channels downstream of purinergic P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2R) signaling. P2Y2R-dependent activation of TRPV4 channels was also observed in human and mouse pulmonary microvascular endothelium in ex vivo and in vitro models of IR. Endothelium-specific deletion of P2Y2R, TRPV4, or Panx1 in mice substantially prevented lung IRI–induced activation of endothelial TRPV4 channels and lung edema, inflammation, and dysfunction. These results identify endothelial P2Y2R as a mediator of the pathological sequelae of IRI in the lung and show that disruption of the endothelial Panx1-P2Y2R-TRPV4 signaling pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing lung IRI after transplantation.
Answer to the Photo Quiz: An unexpected visitor
Authors: Rattin Jacob , Pritt Bobbi , Patel Krishna , Ananthanarayanan Vijayalakshmi
Published: October 2023

Read the full article for the answer.
In vitro
reconstitution of herpes simplex virus 1 fusion identifies low pH as a fusion co-trigger
Authors: Ramirez J. Martin , Calderon-Zavala Ariana C. , Balaram Ariane , Heldwein Ekaterina E.
Published: October 2023

Membrane fusion mediated by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a complex, multi-protein process that is receptor triggered and can occur both at the cell surface and in endosomes. To deconvolute this complexity, we reconstituted HSV-1 fusion with synthetic lipid vesicles
in vitro
. Using this simplified, controllable system, we discovered that HSV-1 fusion required not only a cognate host receptor but also low pH. On the target membrane side, efficient fusion required cholesterol, negatively charged lipids found in the endosomal membranes, and an optimal balance of lipid order and disorder. On the virion side, the four HSV-1 entry glycoproteins—gB, gD, gH, and gL—were sufficient for fusion. We propose that low pH is a biologically relevant co-trigger for HSV-1 fusion. The dependence of fusion on low pH and endosomal lipids could explain why HSV-1 enters most cell types by endocytosis. We hypothesize that under neutral pH conditions, other, yet undefined, cellular factors may serve as fusion co-triggers. The
in vitro
fusion system established here can be employed to systematically investigate HSV-1-mediated membrane fusion.

IMPORTANCE

HSV-1 causes lifelong, incurable infections and diseases ranging from mucocutaneous lesions to fatal encephalitis. Fusion of viral and host membranes is a critical step in HSV-1 infection of target cells that requires multiple factors on both the viral and host sides. Due to this complexity, many fundamental questions remain unanswered, such as the identity of the viral and host factors that are necessary and sufficient for HSV-1-mediated membrane fusion and the nature of the fusion trigger. Here, we developed a simplified
in vitro
fusion assay to examine the fusion requirements and identified low pH as a co-trigger for virus-mediated fusion
in vitro
. We hypothesize that low pH has a critical role in cell entry and, potentially, pathogenesis.
Chlamydial YAP activation in host endocervical epithelial cells mediates pro-fibrotic paracrine stimulation of fibroblasts
Authors: Caven Liam , Carabeo Rey
Published: October 2023

Infection of the female genital tract by
Chlamydia trachomatis
can produce severe fibrotic sequelae, including tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy. While infection demonstrably mediates a pro-fibrotic response in host cells, it remains unclear if intrinsic properties of the upper genital tract exacerbate chlamydial fibrosis. The relatively sterile environment of the upper genital tract is primed for a pro-inflammatory response to infection, potentially enhancing fibrosis; however, subclinical
C. trachomatis
infections still develop fibrosis-related sequelae. Here, we compare infection-associated and steady-state gene expression of primary human cervical and vaginal epithelial cells. In the former, we observe enhanced baseline expression and infection-mediated induction of fibrosis-associated signal factors (e.g.,
TGFA
,
IL6
,
IL8
, and
IL20
), implying predisposition to
Chlamydia
-associated pro-fibrotic signaling. Transcription factor enrichment analysis identified regulatory targets of YAP, a transcriptional cofactor induced by infection of cervical epithelial cells, but not vaginal epithelial cells. YAP target genes induced by infection include secreted fibroblast-activating signal factors; therefore, we developed an
in vitro
model involving coculture of infected endocervical epithelial cells with uninfected fibroblasts. Coculture enhanced fibroblast expression of type I collagen, as well as prompting reproducible (albeit statistically insignificant) induction of α-smooth muscle actin. Fibroblast collagen induction was sensitive to siRNA-mediated YAP knockdown in infected epithelial cells, implicating chlamydial YAP activation in this effect. Collectively, our results present a novel mechanism of fibrosis initiated by
Chlamydia
, wherein infection-mediated induction of host YAP facilitates pro-fibrotic intercellular communication. Chlamydial YAP activation in cervical epithelial cells is thus a determinant of this tissue’s susceptibility to fibrosis.

IMPORTANCE

Chronic or repeated infection of the female upper genital tract by
C. trachomatis
can lead to severe fibrotic sequelae, including tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear. In this report, we define a transcriptional program specific to
C. trachomatis
infection of the upper genital tract, identifying tissue-specific induction of host YAP—a pro-fibrotic transcriptional cofactor—as a potential driver of infection-mediated fibrotic gene expression. Furthermore, we show that infected endocervical epithelial cells stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts and implicate chlamydial induction of YAP in this effect. Our results define a mechanism by which infection mediates tissue-level fibrotic pathology via paracrine signaling and identify YAP as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of
Chlamydia
-associated scarring of the female genital tract.
Supplemental Material: High-resolution X-ray fluorescence-based provenance mapping of Eocene fluvial distributary fans that fed ancient Gosiute Lake, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Smith Michael , et al.
Published: October 2023

Figures S1–S5, which provide more details concerning PCA analyses, and Table S1, which lists lithology, location, petrography, pXRF elemental concentrations, and gamma-ray spectrometer assays for all Green River Formation samples measured for this report.
Use of a Woven Endobridge device (WEB) for the treatment of an aneurysmal diverticulum of the transverse sinus causing pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Fageeh Areej , Zur Gil , Diouf Ange , Drake Brian , P dos Santos Marlise , Lui Anne , Karwaski Stephen , Chenier Chad , Trussler Laurie , Barnes Nancy , Tse Darren , Schramm David , Lesiuk Howard , Fahed Robert
Published: October 2023

Pulsatile tinnitus is a symptom with a potentially significant impact on the quality of life of patients.1 In some cases the pulsatile tinnitus is secondary to an arterial, arteriovenous, or a venous condition that can be treated endovascularly.2–5 One of the newly recognized entities that can cause pulsatile tinnitus is the presence of an ipsilateral aneurysmal diverticulum of the transverse sinus. The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is an intra-aneurysmal flow disruptor for the treatment of broad-based arterial aneurysms with a high safety and effectiveness profile.3 The initial version of the WEB with a dual-layer structure evolved into a single-layer structure in two different versions (WEB SL, a barrel shape, and WEB SLS, a spherical shape).4 The WEB system does not require concomitant antiplatelet therapy, unlike other intraluminal devices such as flow diverters or intracranial stents. We describe a case of pulsatile tinnitus secondary to an aneurysmal diverticulum of the transverse sinus successfully treated with a WEB SL device instead of stent-assisted coiling, therefore alleviating the need for antiplatelets (video 1). The patient had an immediate clinical response with complete and persisting disappearance of her pulsatile tinnitus.

Video 1

-
Effects of odderon spin on helicity amplitudes in pp elastic scattering
Authors: Sawasdipol Prin , Magallanes Jingle B. , Pongkitivanichkul Chakrit , Samart Daris
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the discovery of the odderon, a colorless C-odd gluonic compound, has been confirmed in the TOTEM and D0 collaborations. However, the spin quantum number of the odderon remains unidentified. In this work, we aim to attribute a spin of $$J=3$$

J
=
3

to the odderon in pp elastic scattering by calculating the helicity amplitudes and the corresponding complex parameter $$r_5$$

r
5

, the ratio of helicity’s single-flip to non-flip amplitudes, for the spin-3 tensor odderon with the standard spin-2 tensor pomeron exchanges. Then, we apply these results to the constraints obtained from the STAR experiment at RHIC. By comparing to the contributions of the spin-1 vector odderon and spin-2 tensor pomeron, we demonstrate that the spin-3 tensor odderon, i.e. $$J=3$$

J
=
3

, provides a better explanation for the observable in pp elastic scattering.
Structural Mechanics Analysis of Woven Web Reinforced Membranes in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Kink Julian , Ise Martin , Bensmann Boris , Junker Philipp , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard
Published: October 2023

Membranes are a key component of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) cells and are exposed to various stressors during operation, which can significantly reduce cell lifetime. PEMWE membranes incorporating woven web layers within the membrane structure for mechanical reinforcement are a promising, commonly used industrial strategy to mitigate the formation of membrane defects. Within this study the structural mechanics of a PEMWE cell is investigated, specifically the woven web reinforced membrane. Experimental tensile tests are conducted on the membrane to obtain stress-strain data. These measurements were utilized to parameterize a geometrically simplified model of the woven web reinforced membrane through a tensile test simulation. The validated model is applied in a 2D-cell simulation to identify resulting stresses and strains in the membrane during various electrolysis operation modes. The results herein allow the used PEMWE cell geometry to be systematically evaluated and optimized with respect to mechanical membrane stability. For the applied PEMWE cell setup, no failure is to expect during normal operation, including varied temperatures and differential pressure. Increasing the gap size at the edge of the electrochemically active cell area, however, leads to large deformations when the gap becomes larger than 0.2 mm.
Difference in the Precursory Process of the Intergranular Corrosion of Aged Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Mg Alloys in 0.1 M NaCl
Authors: Yoshida Hiroki , Nishimoto Masashi , Muto Izumi , Takaya Mai , Kyo Yoshihiko , Minoda Tadashi , Sugawara Yu
Published: October 2023

Real-time in situ optical microscopy observations of the initiation behavior of intergranular corrosion on artificially aged Al-4.5Cu and Al-4.5Cu-1.5Mg were performed in naturally aerated 0.1 M NaCl at pH 6.0. For both alloys, the discoloration of intermetallic particles occurred before intergranular corrosion, and a discolored coarse intermetallic particle on the grain boundary acted as the initiation site for intergranular corrosion (Al
2
Cu for Al-4.5Cu and Al
2
CuMg for Al-4.5Cu-1.5Mg). The discoloration of Al
2
Cu particles was localized and occurred only on a small number of particles. However, almost all Al
2
CuMg particles were discolored; the overall surface of the particles was discolored uniformly. The discoloration of Al
2
Cu on Al-4.5Cu led to micropitting. In contrast, the discoloration of Al
2
CuMg on Al-4.5Cu-1.5Mg caused the trenching of particles. The difference in the initiation behavior of intergranular corrosion was discussed in terms of these precursory phenomena.
How Safe Are Li-ion Batteries?
Authors: Abraham K. M.
Published: October 2023

Lithium-Ion batteries are highly successful high energy density portable energy sources used to power consumer devices such as cellphones, e-bikes, hoverboards, laptops, tablets and medical equipment. They are safe if produced with attention paid to the selection of materials and the manufacturing methods used for their production and quality control processes. However, safety hazards arising from rare manufacturing defects have given them notoriety as devices prone to thermal runaway risk and to be handled with utmost care. This manuscript provides an account of a number of safety-related incidents in devices powered by Li-ion batteries, and it discusses the chemistry of Li-ion batteries and the processes used to manufacture and utilize them safely.
Effects of Mulberry Leaf Extract on the Liver Function of Juvenile Spotted Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus)
Authors: Zhou Sishun , Lin Hao , Kong Lumin , Ma Jianrong , Long Zhongying , Qin Huihui , Huang Zhangfan , Lin Yi , Liu Longhui , Li Zhongbao
Published: October 2023

In order to explore the effect of mulberry leaf extract (ELM) on the liver function of spotted sea bass, 360 fish with healthy constitution (average body weight 9.00 ± 0.02 g) were selected and randomly divided into six groups with three repetitions, and six groups of fish were randomly placed into 18 test tanks (200 L) with 20 fish per tank for the 52-day feeding test. Every day, the fish were fed the experimental feed with different concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 g/kg) to the level of apparent satiation, with a crude protein content of 48.0% and a crude fat content of 8.6%. And the water temperature was maintained at 25–28°C with a salinity of 0.5%–1‰. After feeding, five fish were randomly selected to collect their livers and serum for detection of indicators. The results showed that, compared with the control group, ELM significantly increased the activities of lipase (LPS) and trypsin (TRS) in the liver, and reached the highest level when the amount of ELM added was 6 g/kg

P
<
0.05

. ELM significantly increased the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) involved in the metabolic process in liver tissue, and GOT activity reached the highest when ELM was added at 9 g/kg, and LDH activity reached the highest when ELM was added at 15 g/kg

P
<
0.05

. ELM had no significant effect on liver antioxidant enzymes

P
>
0.05

, but the content of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced

P

<

0.05

. Compared with the control group, ELM significantly increased the activities of AKP and ACP in the liver, and the AKP activity reached the highest when the ELM addition amount was 3 g/kg, and the ACP activity reached the highest when the ELM addition amount was 9 g/kg

P
<
0.05

. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis, it was indicated that ELM enhanced the hepatic lipids and carbohydrates metabolism ability, as manifested in the upregulation of expression of phosphatidate phosphatase, glucuronosyltransferase, inositol oxygenase, carbonic anhydrase, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2. ELM can also increase the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, ATP-dependent RNA helicase and C-X-C motif chemokine 9 involved in the immune process. The above results show that the ELM can enhance the digestion, metabolism, and immunity of the liver by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes, metabolic enzymes, and the expression of metabolism and immune regulation genes. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of ELM in the cultivation of spotted sea bass by exploring the effect of ELM on the liver function of spotted sea bass.
Early Cancer Detection in Li–Fraumeni Syndrome with Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Wong Derek , Luo Ping , Oldfield Leslie E. , Gong Haifan , Brunga Ledia , Rabinowicz Ron , Subasri Vallijah , Chan Clarissa , Downs Tiana , Farncombe Kirsten M. , Luu Beatrice , Norman Maia , Sobotka Julia A. , Uju Precious , Eagles Jenna , Pedersen Stephanie , Wellum Johanna , Danesh Arnavaz , Prokopec Stephenie D. , Stutheit-Zhao Eric Y. , Znassi Nadia , Heisler Lawrence E. , Jovelin Richard , Lam Bernard , Lujan Toro Beatriz E. , Marsh Kayla , Sundaravadanam Yogi , Torti Dax , Man Carina , Goldenberg Anna , Xu Wei , Veit-Haibach Patrick , Doria Andrea S. , Malkin David , Kim Raymond H. , Pugh Trevor J.
Published: October 2023

People with Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) harbor a germline pathogenic variant in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene, face a near 100% lifetime risk of cancer, and routinely undergo intensive surveillance protocols. Liquid biopsy has become an attractive tool for a range of clinical applications, including early cancer detection. Here, we provide a proof-of-principle for a multimodal liquid biopsy assay that integrates a targeted gene panel, shallow whole-genome, and cell-free methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing for the early detection of cancer in a longitudinal cohort of 89 LFS patients. Multimodal analysis increased our detection rate in patients with an active cancer diagnosis over uni-modal analysis and was able to detect cancer-associated signal(s) in carriers prior to diagnosis with conventional screening (positive predictive value = 67.6%, negative predictive value = 96.5%). Although adoption of liquid biopsy into current surveillance will require further clinical validation, this study provides a framework for individuals with LFS.

Significance:

By utilizing an integrated cell-free DNA approach, liquid biopsy shows earlier detection of cancer in patients with LFS compared with current clinical surveillance methods such as imaging. Liquid biopsy provides improved accessibility and sensitivity, complementing current clinical surveillance methods to provide better care for these patients.

See related commentary by Latham et al., p. 23.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 5
Réception critique du triptyque romanesque de Samuel Beckett
Authors: Touron Eva
Published: October 2023

L’objet principal de cet article est de décrire la réception critique de la trilogie romanesque (Molloy, Malone meurt, L’Innommable) de Samuel Beckett dans la presse française des années 1951 à 1953. L’étude menée a pour vocation de proposer un inventaire de la critique littéraire de l’époque, et de mettre en avant un type de lectorat précis, à savoir le lecteur expert contemporain de Samuel Beckett, identifiable à travers l’écriture journalistique. Dans le dessein de proposer un compte-rendu aussi objectif que possible, notre démarche consistera tout d’abord à évaluer la valence lexicale des coupures de presse, déclinée selon trois modalités (méliorative, péjorative ou neutre) puis à l’articuler à plusieurs variables explicitées au cours de l’article.
The Good-for-Nothing
Authors: Furlani Andre
Published: October 2023

Forty years after Susan Sontag aptly called the great Swiss Modern Robert Walser “a good-humored, sweet Beckett” the writers’ affinities remain unappreciated, even as they both achieved belated recognition in the same year, 1953, Beckett of course with En attendant Godot and Walser with Carl Selig’s edition of Dichtungen in Prosa. In terms readily applicable to the author of the Trilogy, Nouvelles and Textes pour rien, Walser described his work as “a multifariously cut-up or ripped-apart book of the self.” This self-dismantling narrative self is typically a socially inassimilable good-for-nothing, a Taugenichts who reappears in Beckett as the deadbeat or propre-à-rien. The feverishly self-editing, impudently contradictory and provisional idiom of such later fiction as The Robber (Der Räuber, 1925) strikingly presages L’Innommable/The Unnamable.
Reimagining Godot
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Saeed
Published: October 2023

Recent developments in the critical arena indicate that scholars are showing a keen interest in tracing Samuel Beckett’s influence on, or presence in, the non-Western world. They focus on how the Beckettian oeuvre is translated and adapted in various corners of the world. This study aims to contribute to this trend by examining the adaptations of Waiting for Godot in Pakistan. It operates on two interconnected levels. First, it explores how the metaphor of Godot was employed to adapt to Pakistan’s political context. Second, it posits that the adaptable structure of Waiting for Godot empowers artists to mirror the audience’s worldview, resulting in one-of-a-kind interpretations that contest the Eurocentric perspective. The pliability of Beckettian oeuvre encourages diverse literary responses.
Performance of Jukun Panegyrics
Authors: Magaji Maryam Yusuf , Chukwumah Ignatius , Ishaya Yusuf Tsojon
Published: October 2023

Although, from extant literature, Nigeria has been noted to have a considerable number of significant panegyrics, this variety seems to exclude the Jukun, an influential ethnic stock located in southern Taraba, along Nigeria’s northeastern corridor. This article describes Jukun panegyrics against their socio-cultural context. It uses Richard Bauman’s thought on performance as shared heritage peculiar to a people’s verbal art culture to describe how the performers of Jukun panegyrics establish linkages between themselves and their audience by heavily drawing on the lore peculiar and familiar to their audience and region to drive home their performative delivery. It is essential to draw on Bauman’s thought, given that it reveals how oral imagery invokes the lore and entire cosmology common to the Jukun. In conclusion, we find that although the Jukun panegyrics performer may display skills similar to other performers across the nation in establishing connections between the audience and himself, he greatly distinguishes himself through exhuming the lore of his audience and region and through the provision of insights into the historical, social and cultural factors that might have shaped the evolution and sustenance of the Jukun panegyric, thus enriching the reader’s understanding of the traditions and identity of the Jukun people.
On the Name of an Obscure Musical Instrument: What was the Kabithakanthion?
Authors: Panegyres Konstantine
Published: October 2023

There is uncertainty about the form and meaning of the word καβιθακάνθιον, the name of a type of aulos instrument mentioned in a Byzantine Greek alchemical treatise. The problem can be resolved if the word is interpreted as a hybrid bilingual compound of Late Latin cauitas (‘hollow’) and Greek ἀκάνθιον (‘little thorn’), meaning ‘hollow little thorn’. Aulos instruments were thought to be ‘hollow’ owing to the internal cavity through which the performer blows in order to produce sound; and ‘little thorn’ may refer to the shape and size of the instrument, being a small slender pipe.
Physics-Constrained Deep Learning Postprocessing of Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Zanetta Francesco , Nerini Daniele , Beucler Tom , Liniger Mark A.
Published: October 2023

Weather forecasting centers currently rely on statistical postprocessing methods to minimize forecast error. This improves skill but can lead to predictions that violate physical principles or disregard dependencies between variables, which can be problematic for downstream applications and for the trustworthiness of postprocessing models, especially when they are based on new machine learning approaches. Building on recent advances in physics-informed machine learning, we propose to achieve physical consistency in deep learning–based postprocessing models by integrating meteorological expertise in the form of analytic equations. Applied to the postprocessing of surface weather in Switzerland, we find that constraining a neural network to enforce thermodynamic state equations yields physically consistent predictions of temperature and humidity without compromising performance. Our approach is especially advantageous when data are scarce, and our findings suggest that incorporating domain expertise into postprocessing models allows the optimization of weather forecast information while satisfying application-specific requirements.

Significance Statement

Postprocessing is a widely used approach to reduce forecast error using statistics, but it may lead to physical inconsistencies. This outcome can be problematic for trustworthiness and downstream applications. We present the first machine learning–based postprocessing method intentionally designed to strictly enforce physical laws. Our framework improves physical consistency without sacrificing performance and suggests that human expertise can be incorporated into postprocessing models via analytic equations.
The place of Russia’s political regime (2003–2023) on a conceptual map of the world’s autocracies
Authors: Golosov Grigorii V.
Published: October 2023

This study places Russia’s political regime into a comparative perspective by developing a conceptual framework that classifies authoritarian regimes along two dimensions, those of regime-specific institutionalization and electoral institutionalization. The resulting conceptual map places Russia’s political regime of 2003–2023 into the category of regimes that, while including an electoral component, score relatively low on the dimension of regime-specific institutionalization. At the same time, the conceptual map allows for tracing the regime’s evolution along the two dimensions. The analysis reveals that over time, the regime has undergone a staged transformation from electoral authoritarianism with relatively strong, albeit mostly informal, constraints on the exercise of executive power to a full-fledged personalist dictatorship. This process was finalized after the 2020 constitutional amendments, and became manifest in Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine in 2022.
The perceived social support, life events, and depressive features among patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Said Nizar B , Hayek Mohammed , Alsayed Aseel E
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study evaluated the relationship between life events, perceived social support, and depressive features among people with diabetes.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional design using convenience sampling. Questionnaires were distributed to targeted patients in primary health care services in the Nablus district.

Questionnaires used were

The Holmes–Rahe Stress Inventory Scale, The Beck Depression Inventory, and The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results

About 120 diabetic patients participated in this study. Findings revealed that higher diabetes mellitus prevalence was among older ages (39.2% are 60 years or older). More than half of the participants were smokers. Regarding life events, 53.3% of the patients have a 50% chance of developing major breakdowns in the next two years. Depression was found to be normal among 32.5% of participants, while 22.5% were moderately depressed. More patients had a disagreement that they could find social support from their friends than their family members.

Discussion

People with diabetes are affected significantly by life events, depressive features, and perceived social support, hence, further attention is needed accompanied by frequent assessment for such factors for effective diabetes management.
Repeated percutaneous needle fasciotomy for recurrent Dupuytren’s disease
Authors: van den Berge Bente A. , Bloembergen Marjolein , Broekstra Dieuwke C. , Werker Paul M. N.
Published: October 2023

Percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) is an attractive option for repeated application for recurrence. We found that extension deficit correction was similar after a first, second and third PNF, though the interval between treatments was longer after a first versus second PNF.
Vote-Based Feature Selection Method for Stratigraphic Recognition in Tunnelling Process of Shield Machine
Authors: Yang Liman , Guo Xuze , Chen Jianfu , Wang Yixuan , Ma Huaixiang , Li Yunhua , Yang Zhiguo , Shi Yan
Published: October 2023

Shield machines are currently the main tool for underground tunnel construction. Due to the complexity and variability of the underground construction environment, it is necessary to accurately identify the ground in real-time during the tunnel construction process to match and adjust the tunnel parameters according to the geological conditions to ensure construction safety. Compared with the traditional method of stratum identification based on staged drilling sampling, the real-time stratum identification method based on construction data has the advantages of low cost and high precision. Due to the huge amount of sensor data of the ultra-large diameter mud-water balance shield machine, in order to balance the identification time and recognition accuracy of the formation, it is necessary to screen the multivariate data features collected by hundreds of sensors. In response to this problem, this paper proposes a voting-based feature extraction method (VFS), which integrates multiple feature extraction algorithms FSM, and the frequency of each feature in all feature extraction algorithms is the basis for voting. At the same time, in order to verify the wide applicability of the method, several commonly used classification models are used to train and test the obtained effective feature data, and the model accuracy and recognition time are used as evaluation indicators, and the classification with the best combination with VFS is obtained. The experimental results of shield machine data of 6 different geological structures show that the average accuracy of 13 features obtained by VFS combined with different classification algorithms is 91%; among them, the random forest model takes less time and has the highest recognition accuracy, reaching 93%, showing best compatibility with VFS. Therefore, the VFS algorithm proposed in this paper has high reliability and wide applicability for stratum identification in the process of tunnel construction, and can be matched with a variety of classifier algorithms. By combining 13 features selected from shield machine data features with random forest, the identification of the construction stratum environment of shield tunnels can be well realized, and further theoretical guidance for underground engineering construction can be provided.
Glial cell proteome using targeted quantitative methods for potential multi-diagnostic biomarkers
Authors: Kang Narae , Oh Hyun Jeong , Hong Ji Hye , Moon Hyo Eun , Kim Yona , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Min Hophil , Park Hyeonji , Lee Sang Hun , Paek Sun Ha , Jin Jonghwa
Published: October 2023

Glioblastoma is one of the most malignant primary brain cancer. Despite surgical resection with modern technology followed by chemo-radiation therapy with temozolomide, resistance to the treatment and recurrence is common due to its aggressive and infiltrating nature of the tumor with high proliferation index. The median survival time of the patients with glioblastomas is less than 15 months. Till now there has been no report of molecular target specific for glioblastomas. Early diagnosis and development of molecular target specific for glioblastomas are essential for longer survival of the patients with glioblastomas. Development of biomarkers specific for glioblastomas is most important for early diagnosis, estimation of the prognosis, and molecular target therapy of glioblastomas. To that end, in this study, we have conducted a comprehensive proteome study using primary cells and tissues from patients with glioblastoma. In the discovery stage, we have identified 7429 glioblastoma-specific proteins, where 476 proteins were quantitated using Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) method; 228 and 248 proteins showed up and down-regulated pattern, respectively. In the validation stage (20 selected target proteins), we developed quantitative targeted method (MRM: Multiple reaction monitoring) using stable isotope standards (SIS) peptide. In this study, five proteins (CCT3, PCMT1, TKT, TOMM34, UBA1) showed the significantly different protein levels (t-test: p value ≤ 0.05, AUC ≥ 0.7) between control and cancer groups and the result of multiplex assay using logistic regression showed the 5-marker panel showed better sensitivity (0.80 and 0.90), specificity (0.92 and 1.00), error rate (10 and 2%), and AUC value (0.94 and 0.98) than the best single marker (TOMM34) in primary cells and tissues, respectively. Although we acknowledge that the model requires further validation in a large sample size, the 5 protein marker panel can be used as baseline data for the discovery of novel biomarkers of the glioblastoma.
Arterial spin labeling (ASL-MRI) versus fluorodeoxyglucose-PET (FDG-PET) in diagnosing dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Haidar Hiba , Majzoub Rania El , Hajeer Shorouk , Abbas Linda Abou
Published: October 2023

Background

Dementia is generally caused by neurodegenerative diseases affecting the brain, which leads to a progressive neurocognitive decline characterized by inability to perform major higher functioning tasks. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan is one of the main imaging tests performed for diagnostic purposes. However, with FDG-PET being quite expensive and not widely available, an attempt to find an alternative is set. Arterial-spin-labelling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) is an increasingly investigated substitute to FDG-PET for the diagnosis of dementia. Thereby, the main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the diagnostic ability of FDG-PET and ASL-MRI in detecting dementia.

Methods

PRISMA checklist for diagnostic test accuracy was employed in outlining this paper. A literature search was done using several search engines including PubMed, Core, and Cochrane. Two researchers (HH and SH) extracted the essential information from all included articles. Risk of bias was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool, version 2 (QUADAS-2). A qualitative analysis and summary of studies’ results were provided. In addition, a meta-analysis was executed based on the studies which involved sensitivity and specificity measures of diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Fourteen total studies were included in the given review. Qualitative analysis of the articles showed that nine studies demonstrated an overlap between metabolic and perfused brain maps as derived by FDG-PET and ASL-MRI respectively, while the remaining five studies registered significant differences across both modalities, with superiority to FDG-PET. As for the meta-analysis implemented, summary ROC-curve analysis revealed that FDG-PET performed better than ASL-MRI, with pooled sensitivity being significantly higher for FDG-PET.

Conclusions

Comparing the diagnostic value of FDG-PET and ASL-MRI, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that FDG-PET still has an advantage over ASL-MRI. Such implication could be related to the technical differences relating to both modalities, with ASL-MRI having lower temporal resolution. It’s worth mentioning that specificity was rather quite similar among both modalities and some studies found an overridden metabolic and perfused images. These findings call for future research to focus their scope of investigation while exploring the diagnostic value of ASL-MRI.
Prevalence of dental caries in pregnant Colombian women and its associated factors
Authors: Velosa-Porras Juliana , Rodríguez Malagón Nelcy
Published: October 2023

Objective

To identify the prevalence of dental caries in pregnant women in the Colombian population and its association with the medical history and social determinants, based on data from the fourth National Oral Health Survey (ENSAB IV).

Materials and methods

A total of 1,047 pregnant women from different areas of Colombia were evaluated. A dental evaluation was performed using a flat oral mirror and blunt-tipped probe (World Health Organization, 2007). For diagnosis of the dental condition, the DMFT index was used. A negative binomial regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between social determinants and the DMFT index.

Results

The results of this national study show a 59% prevalence of caries in this population. Regarding the experience of caries, 89.9% of pregnant women showed having had caries.

Conclusions

The results of this national study on pregnant women show a high prevalence of dental caries. The women’s level of education is an important factor associated with dental caries and filled teeth, so the role of oral health education and dental check-ups are important.

Clinical relevance

The findings of this study show the oral health situation of pregnant women, with a high prevalence of dental caries. This leads to the development and strengthening of oral health education strategies that empower pregnant women in their care. In addition, dental checkups during pregnancy should be implemented and reinforced to prevent and treat oral pathologies and thus prevent complications during this stage.
Association between oral contraceptives with lipid profile: results from Hoveyzeh cohort study (HCS)
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Jalal , Khezri Rozhan , Saki Nader , Nasehi Nahal , Hosseini Seyed Ahmad , Harizi Mahmood , Rahimi Zahra
Published: October 2023

Background

Oral contraceptives (OCs) affect lipid metabolism, which can cause hyperlipidemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The study was designed to evaluate the possible changes in lipid profile due to using OCs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2016 to August 2018 among women from the baseline phase Hoveyzeh cohort study (HCS). Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, and biochemical blood tests were measured for every participant. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust the potential confounders.

Results

Among 2272 participants, 1549 women were OC users, and 723 women were non-user OCs. The mean lipid profile levels were higher in OC users than in non-user OCs. Odds of abnormal Total cholesterol (TC) in OC users were significantly higher than those of non-users OCs [OR = 1.29 (95% CI;1.05 to 1.58)]. Also, the Odds of abnormal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in OC users was 12% higher than in non-user OCs. However, no significant relationship between abnormal LDL with Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) was observed.

Conclusions

The mean lipid profile was higher in OC users compared to non-user OCs. This finding highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent and detect hyperlipidemia in user OCs.
Methylglyoxal, a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, as a threat for blood brain barrier integrity
Authors: Berends Eline , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , Foulquier Sébastien , Schalkwijk Casper G
Published: October 2023

The brain is a highly metabolically active organ requiring a large amount of glucose. Methylglyoxal (MGO), a by-product of glucose metabolism, is known to be involved in microvascular dysfunction and is associated with reduced cognitive function. Maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential to maintain optimal brain function and a large amount of evidence indicates negative effects of MGO on BBB integrity. In this review, we summarized the current literature on the effect of MGO on the different cell types forming the BBB. BBB damage by MGO most likely occurs in brain endothelial cells and mural cells, while astrocytes are most resistant to MGO. Microglia on the other hand appear to be not directly influenced by MGO but rather produce MGO upon activation. Although there is clear evidence that MGO affects components of the BBB, the impact of MGO on the BBB as a multicellular system warrants further investigation. Diminishing MGO stress can potentially form the basis for new treatment strategies for maintaining optimal brain function.
CRISPR screening in hematology research: from bulk to single-cell level
Authors: Meyers Sarah , Demeyer Sofie , Cools Jan
Published: October 2023

The CRISPR genome editing technology has revolutionized the way gene function is studied. Genome editing can be achieved in single genes or for thousands of genes simultaneously in sensitive genetic screens. While conventional genetic screens are limited to bulk measurements of cell behavior, recent developments in single-cell technologies make it possible to combine CRISPR screening with single-cell profiling. In this way, cell behavior and gene expression can be monitored simultaneously, with the additional possibility of including data on chromatin accessibility and protein levels. Moreover, the availability of various Cas proteins leading to inactivation, activation, or other effects on gene function further broadens the scope of such screens. The integration of single-cell multi-omics approaches with CRISPR screening open the path to high-content information on the impact of genetic perturbations at single-cell resolution. Current limitations in cell throughput and data density need to be taken into consideration, but new technologies are rapidly evolving and are likely to easily overcome these limitations. In this review, we discuss the use of bulk CRISPR screening in hematology research, as well as the emergence of single-cell CRISPR screening and its added value to the field.