bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MultiBiSage
Authors: Gurukar Saket , Pancha Nikil , Zhai Andrew , Kim Eric , Hu Samson , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Rosenberg Charles , Leskovec Jure
Published: February 2023

Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN) can efficiently integrate graph structure and node features to learn high-quality node embeddings. At Pinterest, we have developed and deployed PinSage, a data-efficient GCN that learns pin embeddings from the Pin-Board graph. Pinterest relies heavily on PinSage which in turn only leverages the Pin-Board graph. However, there exist several entities at Pinterest and heterogeneous interactions among these entities. These diverse entities and interactions provide important signal for recommendations and modeling. In this work, we show that training deep learning models on graphs that captures these diverse interactions can result in learning higher-quality pin embeddings than training PinSage on only the Pin-Board graph. However, building a large-scale heterogeneous graph engine that can process the entire Pinterest size data has not yet been done. In this work, we present a clever and effective solution where we break the heterogeneous graph into multiple disjoint bipartite graphs and then develop novel data-efficient MultiBiSage model that combines the signals from them. MultiBiSage can capture the graph structure of multiple bipartite graphs to learn high-quality pin embeddings. The benefit of our approach is that individual bipartite graphs can be processed with minimal changes to Pinterest's current infrastructure, while being able to combine information from all the graphs while achieving high performance. We train MultiBiSage on six bipartite graphs including our Pin-Board graph and show that it significantly outperforms the deployed latest version of PinSage on multiple user engagement metrics. We also perform experiments on two public datasets to show that MultiBiSage is generalizable and can be applied to datasets outside of Pinterest.
Adore
Authors: Qin Lianke , Jayaram Rajesh , Shi Elaine , Song Zhao , Zhuo Danyang , Chu Shumo
Published: February 2023

There has been a recent effort in applying differential privacy on memory access patterns to enhance data privacy. This is called differential obliviousness. Differential obliviousness is a promising direction because it provides a principled trade-off between performance and desired level of privacy. To date, it is still an open question whether differential obliviousness can speed up database processing with respect to full obliviousness. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of
Adore: A
set of
D
ifferentially
O
blivious
RE
lational database operators. Adore includes selection with projection, grouping with aggregation, and foreign key join. We prove that they satisfy the notion of differential obliviousness. Our differentially oblivious operators have reduced cache complexity, runtime complexity, and output size compared to their state-of-the-art fully oblivious counterparts. We also demonstrate that our implementation of these differentially oblivious operators can outperform their state-of-the-art fully oblivious counterparts by up to 7.4X.
The LDBC Social Network Benchmark
Authors: Szárnyas Gábor , Waudby Jack , Steer Benjamin A. , Szakállas Dávid , Birler Altan , Wu Mingxi , Zhang Yuchen , Boncz Peter
Published: February 2023

The Social Network Benchmark's Business Intelligence workload (SNB BI) is a comprehensive graph OLAP benchmark targeting analytical data systems capable of supporting graph workloads. This paper marks the finalization of almost a decade of research in academia and industry via the Linked Data Benchmark Council (LDBC). SNB BI advances the state-of-the art in synthetic and scalable analytical database benchmarks in many aspects. Its base is a sophisticated data generator, implemented on a scalable distributed infrastructure, that produces a social graph with small-world phenomena, whose value properties follow skewed and correlated distributions and where values correlate with structure. This is a temporal graph where all nodes and edges follow lifespan-based rules with temporal skew enabling realistic and consistent temporal inserts and (recursive) deletes. The query workload exploiting this skew and correlation is based on LDBC's "choke point"-driven design methodology and will entice technical and scientific improvements in future (graph) database systems. SNB BI includes the first adoption of "parameter curation" in an analytical benchmark, a technique that ensures stable runtimes of query variants across different parameter values. Two performance metrics characterize peak single-query performance (power) and sustained concurrent query throughput. To demonstrate the portability of the benchmark, we present experimental results on a relational and a graph DBMS. Note that these do not constitute an official LDBC Benchmark Result - only audited results can use this trademarked term.
A Deep Generative Model for Trajectory Modeling and Utilization
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Guoliang , Li Kaiyu , Yuan Haitao
Published: February 2023

Modern location-based systems have stimulated explosive growth of urban trajectory data and promoted many real-world applications,
e.g.
, trajectory prediction. However, heavy big data processing overhead and privacy concerns hinder trajectory acquisition and utilization. Inspired by regular trajectory distribution on transportation road networks, we propose to model trajectory data privately with a deep generative model and leverage the model to generate representative trajectories for downstream tasks or directly support these tasks (
e.g.
, popularity ranking), rather than acquiring and processing the original big trajectory data. Nevertheless, it is rather challenging to model high-dimensional trajectories with time-varying yet skewed distribution. To address this problem, we model and generate trajectory sequence with judiciously encoded spatio-temporal features over skewed distribution by leveraging an important factor neglected by the literature - the underlying road properties (
e.g.
, road types and directions), which are closely related to trajectory distribution. Specifically, we decompose trajectory into map-matched road sequence with temporal information and embed them to encode spatio-temporal features. Then, we enhance trajectory representation by encoding inherent route planning patterns from the underlying road properties. Later, we encode spatial correlations among edges and daily and weekly temporal periodicity information. Next, we employ a meta-learning module to generate trajectory sequence step by step by learning generalized trajectory distribution patterns from skewed trajectory data based on the well-encoded trajectory prefix. Last but not least, we preserve trajectory privacy by learning the model differential privately with clipping gradients. Experiments on real-world datasets show that our method significantly outperforms existing methods.
L2chain
Authors: Xu Zihuan , Chen Lei
Published: February 2023

With the rapid development of blockchain, the concept of decentralized applications (DApps), built upon smart contracts, has attracted much attention in academia and industry. However, significant issues
w.r.t.
system throughput, transaction confidentiality, and the security guarantee of the DApp transaction execution and order correctness hinder the border adoption of blockchain DApps.

To address these issues, we propose L2chain, a novel blockchain framework aiming to scale the system through a layer-2 network where DApps process transactions in the layer-2 network and only the system state digest, acting as the state integrity proof, is maintained on-chain. To achieve high performance, we introduce the split-execute-merge (SEM) transaction processing workflow with the help of the RSA accumulator, allowing DApps to lock and update a part of the state digest in parallel. We also design a witness cache mechanism for DApp executors to reduce the transaction processing latency. To fulfill confidentiality, we leverage the trusted execution environment (TEE) for DApps to execute encrypted transactions off-chain. To ensure transaction execution and order correctness, we propose a two-step execution process for DApps to prevent attacks (
i.e.
, rollback attacks) from subverting the state transition. Extensive experiments have demonstrated that L2chain can achieve 1.5X to 42.2X and 7.1X to 8.9X throughput improvements in permissioned and permissionless settings respectively.
Studying the effect of embedded length strength of concrete and diameter of anchor on shear performance between old and new concrete
Authors: Yousef Rana F. , Muteb Haitham H. , Ibrahim Ayoob A.
Published: February 2023

This article illustrates the specifications required to accurately design, specify, and install embedded anchor bolts between old and new concrete composite specimens for concrete repair or reinforcing of collapse concrete a research hotspot. The concrete slabs are facing a major challenge with deterioration, especially for reinforcement corrosion caused mainly by severe cycles of various chemical attacks. In this research, the impact of using contact plates between composite specimens was investigated by testing grouped specimens, thereby the models were divided into two groups, which tested under static load. The findings of a series of tests conducted to evaluate the structural behavior of shear connections (by pushout test) by including many parameters; the diameter (8, 12 and 16 mm), bounding between different compressive strength should be changed [normal concert (NC) mixes , ultra-high performance fiber concrete (UHPFC), and self-compacting mortar (SCM)]. Also, the embedded length of bolts was varied from 70, 130, to 190 mm. These parameters were studied individually in two groups. The first group was without contact plate and the second group was with contact plate. Experimental findings were obtained and reported, including the failure modes, maximum resistance, slippage capacity, and load–slip characteristic responses of the connections. Based on the obtained data, a relationship between the studied parameters was investigated. Experimental findings showed that the ultimate strength of rough surface specimens (without contact plate) was about 31% greater than that of smooth surface specimens (with contact plate), and obviously, all pushout specimens failed due to stud shank failure.
The second PI(3,5)P2 binding site in the S0 helix of KCNQ1 stabilizes PIP2-at the primary PI1 site with potential consequences on intermediate-to-open state transition
Authors: Dellin Maurice , Rohrbeck Ina , Asrani Purva , Schreiber Julian A. , Ritter Nadine , Glorius Frank , Wünsch Bernhard , Budde Thomas , Temme Louisa , Strünker Timo , Stallmeyer Birgit , Tüttelmann Frank , Meuth Sven G. , Spehr Marc , Matschke Johann , Steinbicker Andrea , Gatsogiannis Christos , Stoll Raphael , Strutz-Seebohm Nathalie , Seebohm Guiscard
Published: February 2023

The Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase Type III PIKfyve is the main source for selectively generated phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2), a known regulator of membrane protein trafficking. PI(3,5)P2 facilitates the cardiac KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel plasma membrane abundance and therewith increases the macroscopic current amplitude. Functional-physical interaction of PI(3,5)P2 with membrane proteins and its structural impact is not sufficiently understood. This study aimed to identify molecular interaction sites and stimulatory mechanisms of the KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel via the PIKfyve-PI(3,5)P2 axis. Mutational scanning at the intracellular membrane leaflet and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy identified two PI(3,5)P2 binding sites, the known PIP2 site PS1 and the newly identified N-terminal α–helix S0 as relevant for functional PIKfyve effects. Cd2+ coordination to engineered cysteines and molecular modeling suggest that repositioning of S0 stabilizes the channel s open state, an effect strictly dependent on parallel binding of PI(3,5)P2 to both sites.
A comparative study on structural, magnetic and optical properties of rare earth ions substituted Bi1−x

R

x
FeO3 (R: Ce3+, Sm3+ and Dy3+) nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: February 2023

A comparative study on the manifestation of rare earth ions substitution induced alteration in structure, magnetic and optical properties of BiFeO3 nanoparticles was done. Sol-gel technique was employed to synthesize Bi1−x

R

x
FeO3 (x = 0.05 and 0.10; R: Ce3+, Sm3+ and Dy3+) nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra analysis confirmed substitution driven structural phase transformation from distorted rhombohedral structure to orthorhombic structure for x = 0.10 samples. The enhanced magnetic properties with weak ferromagnetic behaviour were observed with increasing concentration of rare earth ions in BiFeO3 nanoparticles. The improved magnetic characteristics are attributed to many factors such as the uncompensated surface spins in nanoparticles, breaking of spin cycloid with R
3+ ions substitution and super exchange interaction between R
3+ and Fe3+ ions. The maximum magnetization values of 1.77 emu g−1, 1.87 emu g−1 and 5.5 emu g−1 were observed for x = 0.10 samples with Ce3+, Sm3+ and Dy3+ substitution, respectively. The magnetization increased with increasing difference in ionic radii of host Bi3+ (1.17 Å) ion and dopant Ce3+ (1.14 Å), Sm3+ (1.08 Å) and Dy3+ (1.03 Å) ions. UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectra showed a sharp absorption in visible region and energy band gap values variation in the range 2.2 eV–2.33 eV.
Improving mechanical properties of additive manufactured AZ31 by mechanical rolling
Authors: Veerasamy Senthilvelan , Sankaran Rameshbabu , Sutrave Atul C.
Published: February 2023

The mechanical performance of AZ31, a popular aerospace structural material, manufactured using CMT-WAAM was studied in this paper. A wall of 70 × 200 × 4 mm was built by layer-by-layer deposition of 4 mm thick beads. The influence of rolling along the direction of welding on hardness, tensile strength and residual stress was investigated and compared with the control build fabricated using “synergic” parameters recommended by Fronius, Austria. The specimens extracted from the AM (Additive Manufacturing) built walls were subjected to cross-section reduction up to 22.5% compared to control specimens. The rolled specimens displayed up to 10% increase in the tensile strength values compared to control specimens and a generally lower elongation value. A similar trend was observed in the hardness examination as well. A peak hardness of 77 HV0.5 was observed in the specimen subjected to 22.17% reduction. The rolled samples exhibit a 14.32% reduction in residual stresses.
Spin-controlled photonics via temporal anisotropy
Authors: Rizza Carlo , Castaldi Giuseppe , Galdi Vincenzo
Published: February 2023

Temporal metamaterials, based on time-varying constitutive properties, offer new exciting possibilities for advanced field manipulations. In this study, we explore the capabilities of anisotropic temporal slabs, which rely on abrupt changes in time from isotropic to anisotropic response (and vice versa). Our findings show that these platforms can effectively manipulate the wave-spin dimension, allowing for a range of intriguing spin-controlled photonic operations. We demonstrate these capabilities through examples of spin-dependent analog computing and spin–orbit interaction effects for vortex generation. These results provide new insights into the field of temporal metamaterials, and suggest potential applications in communications, optical processing and quantum technologies.
Network meta-analysis on alcohol-mediated modulation of Alzheimer’s disease in the diseases of inflammation including COVID-19
Authors: Bishir Muhammed , Rengifo Tatiana , Huang Wenfei , Kim Ryan J. , Chidambaram Saravana Babu , Chang Sulie L.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Cross sectional surveys have reported that alcohol consumption has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic alcohol use triggers systemic inflammation which leads to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In the present study, we hypothesize that alcohol consumption and cytokine elevation during inflammatory conditions synergistically increase amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) expression and worsens Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology.

Methods

QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was employed to conduct network meta-analysis on the molecular mechanisms underlying ethanol (EtOH) influence on APP expression and AD in inflammatory conditions including COVID-19, inflammation of respiratory system, organ, absolute anatomical region, body cavity, joint, respiratory system component, gastrointestinal tract, large intestine, liver, central nerve system, and lung. IPA tools were utilized to identify the molecules associated with EtOH, inflammatory conditions and the common molecules between them.

Results

Simulation activity of EtOH, mimicking exposure to alcohol, upregulated the APP expression and augmented AD pathology in all inflammatory conditions including COVID-19. Our studies identified six molecules including ADORA2A, Cytokine, IFN-gamma, IL1-beta, Immunoglobulin and TNF, which concurrently contribute to increased APP expression and AD progression upon EtOH simulation in all diseases studied.

Conclusions

The present study has revealed molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol augmentation of AD in COVID-19 and other diseases of inflammation.
Deceiving oneself into faith?
Authors: Neuber Simone
Published: February 2023

“Follow the way by which they began; by acting as if they believed, taking the holy water, having masses said, etc.” The well-known lines from Pascal’s much-discussed fragment “infini rien” have been much commented on. In this context, the keyword self-deception comes up surprisingly often, partly as a criticism of Pascal’s presumed strategy, partly in an attempt to make these lines fruitful for the current discussion on self-deception. I remind the latter attempts to consider an important condition for the success of the “regimen”, which becomes clear when one reflects on the internal characterisation of Pascal’s interlocutor. For if we take into account the kind of self-knowledge we must ascribe to her, we cannot regard her as someone whom acting-as-if naturally leads to faith, but as someone who has already been touched by the grace of God.
LA ENSEÑANZA SEMIPRESENCIAL: RENDIMIENTO Y VALORACIÓN DE LOS RECURSOS TIC EN LA DOCENCIA UNIVERSITARIA
Authors: Martín García Noemí , Ávila Rodríguez de Mier Belén , De Frutos Torres Belinda , Pastor Rodríguez Ana , Pacheco Barrio Manuel Antonio
Published: February 2023

La pandemia del COVID obligó a los centros de educación superior a adaptar la docencia según la normativa vigente. En este sentido, la Universidad de Valladolid optó por la presencialidad en semanas alternas. El objetivo de esta investigación es estudiar la repercusión de esta adaptación metodológica en tres asignaturas del grado de Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas durante el curso 20/21. Para ello, se recurrió a una encuesta para recoger la valoración de los alumnos y el análisis del rendimiento académico de los alumnos en comparación con el de cursos académicos previos en la misma asignatura. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la adecuación positiva de los recursos docentes utilizados y su adaptación a las demandas de la situación. Además, el rendimiento académico ha mejorado respecto al año anterior siendo los alumnos más constantes en su dedicación a las asignaturas. A pesar de estos buenos resultados la asistencia en alternancia a las clases no cuenta con la aprobación consensuada de todos los estudiantes. Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de seguir investigando sobre la docencia en el contexto universitario para mejorar la calidad del sistema educativo superior.
The emergence of monumental architecture in Atlantic Europe: a fortified fifth-millennium BC enclosure in western France
Authors: Ard Vincent , Onfray Marylise , Aoustin David , Bouchet Éric , Bruniaux Guillaume , Dandurand Grégory , Daniel François , Dufraisse Alexa , Granai Salomé , Laurent Antoine , Legrand Victor , Lévêque François , Lüth Friedrich , Mathé Vivien , Mora Pascal , Vitté Hélène
Published: February 2023

The earliest monumentality in Western Europe is associated with megalithic structures, but where did the builders of these monuments live? Here, the authors focus on west-central France, one of the earliest centres of megalithic building in Atlantic Europe, commencing in the mid fifth millennium BC. They report on an enclosure at Le Peu (Charente), dated to the Middle Neolithic (c. 4400 BC), and defined by a ditch with two ‘crab claw’ entrances and a double timber palisade flanked by two timber structures—possibly defensive bastions. Inside, timber buildings—currently the earliest known in the region—were possibly home to the builders of the nearby Tusson long mounds.
Neuro-Immune Modulation of Cholinergic Signaling in an Addiction Vulnerability Trait
Authors: Carmon Hanna , Haley Evan C. , Parikh Vinay , Tronson Natalie C. , Sarter Martin
Published: February 2023

Sign-tracking (ST) describes the propensity to approach and contact a Pavlovian reward cue. By contrast, goal-trackers (GTs) respond to such a cue by retrieving the reward. These behaviors index the presence of opponent cognitive-motivational traits, with STs exhibiting attentional control deficits, behavior dominated by incentive motivational processes, and vulnerability for addictive drug taking. Attentional control deficits in STs were previously attributed to attenuated cholinergic signaling, resulting from deficient translocation of intracellular choline transporters (CHTs) into synaptosomal plasma membrane. Here, we investigated a posttranslational modification of CHTs, poly-ubiquitination, and tested the hypothesis that elevated cytokine signaling in STs contributes to CHT modification. We demonstrated that intracellular CHTs, but not plasma membrane CHTs, are highly ubiquitinated in male and female sign-tracking rats when compared with GTs. Moreover, levels of cytokines measured in cortex and striatum, but not spleen, were higher in STs than in GTs. Activation of the innate immune system by systemic administration of the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) elevated ubiquitinated CHT levels in cortex and striatum of GTs only, suggesting ceiling effects in STs. In spleen, LPS increased levels of most cytokines in both phenotypes. In cortex, LPS particularly robustly increased levels of the chemokines CCL2 and CXCL10. Phenotype-specific increases were restricted to GTs, again suggesting ceiling effects in STs. These results indicate that interactions between elevated brain immune modulator signaling and CHT regulation are essential components of the neuronal underpinnings of the addiction vulnerability trait indexed by sign-tracking.
Interaction between Theta Phase and Spike Timing-Dependent Plasticity Simulates Theta-Induced Memory Effects
Authors: Wang Danying , Parish George , Shapiro Kimron L. , Hanslmayr Simon
Published: February 2023

Rodent studies suggest that spike timing relative to hippocampal theta activity determines whether potentiation or depression of synapses arise. Such changes also depend on spike timing between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, known as spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). STDP, together with theta phase-dependent learning, has inspired several computational models of learning and memory. However, evidence to elucidate how these mechanisms directly link to human episodic memory is lacking. In a computational model, we modulate long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of STDP, by opposing phases of a simulated theta rhythm. We fit parameters to a hippocampal cell culture study in which LTP and LTD were observed to occur in opposing phases of a theta rhythm. Further, we modulated two inputs by cosine waves with 0° and asynchronous phase offsets and replicate key findings in human episodic memory. Learning advantage was found for the in-phase condition, compared with the out-of-phase conditions, and was specific to theta-modulated inputs. Importantly, simulations with and without each mechanism suggest that both STDP and theta phase-dependent plasticity are necessary to replicate the findings. Together, the results indicate a role for circuit-level mechanisms, which bridge the gap between slice preparation studies and human memory.
Involvement of GABAergic Interneuron Subtypes in 4-Aminopyridine-Induced Seizure-Like Events in Mouse Entorhinal Cortexin Vitro
Authors: Scalmani Paolo , Paterra Rosina , Mantegazza Massimo , Avoli Massimo , de Curtis Marco
Published: February 2023

Single-unit recordings performed in temporal lobe epilepsy patients and in models of temporal lobe seizures have shown that interneurons are active at focal seizure onset. We performed simultaneous patch-clamp and field potential recordings in entorhinal cortex slices of GAD65 and GAD67 C57BL/6J male mice that express green fluorescent protein in GABAergic neurons to analyze the activity of specific interneuron (IN) subpopulations during acute seizure-like events (SLEs) induced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 100 μm). IN subtypes were identified as parvalbuminergic (INPV,n= 17), cholecystokinergic (INCCK),n= 13], and somatostatinergic (INSOM,n= 15), according to neurophysiological features and single-cell digital PCR. INPVand INCCKdischarged at the start of 4-AP-induced SLEs characterized by either low-voltage fast or hyper-synchronous onset pattern. In both SLE onset types, INSOMfired earliest before SLEs, followed by INPVand INCCKdischarges. Pyramidal neurons became active with variable delays after SLE onset. Depolarizing block was observed in ∼50% of cells in each INs subgroup, and it was longer in IN (∼4 s) than in pyramidal neurons (<1 s). As SLE evolved, all IN subtypes generated action potential bursts synchronous with the field potential events leading to SLE termination. High-frequency firing throughout the SLE occurred in one-third of INPVand INSOM. We conclude that entorhinal cortex INs are very active at the onset and during the progression of SLEs induced by 4-AP. These results support earlierin vivoandin vivoevidence and suggest that INs have a preferential role in focal seizure initiation and development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTFocal seizures are believed to result from enhanced excitation. Nevertheless, we and others demonstrated that cortical GABAergic networks may initiate focal seizures. Here, we analyzed for the first time the role of different IN subtypes in seizures generated by 4-aminopyridine in the mouse entorhinal cortex slices. We found that in thisin vitrofocal seizure model, all IN types contribute to seizure initiation and that INs precede firing of principal cells. This evidence is in agreement with the active role of GABAergic networks in seizure generation.
Agroecological transitions in the mind
Authors: Soini Coe Eija , Coe Richard
Published: February 2023

Agroecology has evolved and is promoted as an integrated pathway for the development of food and agriculture systems in ways that address the interacting social, economic, and environmental challenges of current dominant systems. Agroecology is usually described and defined by a set of principles that can be adapted and implemented in ways that are relevant to diverse contexts. Transition to wider use of agroecology depends on farmers and others who are not yet convinced deciding that agroecology provides the right pathway for them. We used 2 human behavioral models to highlight the influence of personal motivational factors such as attitudes and values in transitioning to agroecology. Current sets of agroecology principles generally do not refer to the values, beliefs, motivations, or attitudes that go along with, or are precursors to, change in practices. Insights from research on environmental education and pro-environmental behavior show that such values and attitudes, or mindsets, are built and nurtured through connection with nature, sense of place, group and individual identity, and self- and social efficacy. While recognizing the need for more comprehensive mindset principles for agroecology, we propose, based on our focus on achieving pro-environmental action, that a principle of deliberate building of ecological mindsets be added to the sets of agroecological principles. Transformational learning provides some practical ways of implementing that are well aligned with approaches to learning for agroecology that are already being used.
Pericyte stem cells induce Ly6G+ cell accumulation and immunotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wu Zhichong , Thierry Kevin , Bachy Sophie , Zhang Xinyi , Gamradt Pia , Hernandez‐Vargas Hector , Mikaelian Ivan , Tonon Laurie , Pommier Roxanne , Zhao Yajie , Bertolino Philippe , Hennino Ana
Published: February 2023

We report the identification of a cell population that shares pericyte, stromal and stemness features, does not harbor the KrasG12D mutation and drives tumoral growth in vitro and in vivo. We term these cells pericyte stem cells (PeSCs) and define them as CD45−EPCAM−CD29+CD106+CD24+CD44+ cells. We perform studies with p48‐Cre;KrasG12D (KC), pdx1‐Cre;KrasG12D;Ink4a/Arffl/fl (KIC) and pdx1‐Cre;KrasG12D;p53R172H (KPC) and tumor tissues from PDAC and chronic pancreatitis patients. We also perform single‐cell RNAseq analysis and reveal a unique signature of PeSC. Under steady‐state conditions, PeSCs are barely detectable in the pancreas but present in the neoplastic microenvironment both in humans and mice. The coinjection of PeSCs and tumor epithelial cells leads to increased tumor growth, differentiation of Ly6G+ myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and a decreased amount of F4/80+ macrophages and CD11c+ dendritic cells. This population induces resistance to anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy when coinjected with epithelial tumor cells. Our data reveal the existence of a cell population that instructs immunosuppressive myeloid cell responses to bypass PD‐1 targeting and thus suggest potential new approaches for overcoming resistance to immunotherapy in clinical settings.
Hypoxia-mediated chemotaxis and residence of macrophage in decidua by secreting VEGFA and CCL2 during normal pregnancy
Authors: Qin Xue-Yun , Shen Hui-Hui , Zhang Xin-Yan , Zhang Xing , Xie Feng , Wang Wen-Jun , Xiong Yu , Mei Jie , Li Ming-Qing
Published: February 2023

In brief

Hypoxia is vital for the establishment of the maternal–fetal interface during early pregnancy. This study shows that decidual macrophages (dMφ) could be recruited and reside in decidua under the regulation of hypoxia/VEGFA-CCL2 axis.

Infiltration and residence of decidual macrophages (dMφ) are of great significance to pregnancy maintenance for their role in angiogenesis, placental development, and inducing immune tolerance. Besides, hypoxia has now been acknowledged as an important biological event at maternal–fetal interface in the first trimester. However, whether and how hypoxia regulates biofunctions of dMφ remain elusive. Herein, we observed increased expression of C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and residence of macrophages in decidua compared to secretory-phase endometrium. Moreover, hypoxia treatment on stromal cells improved the migration and adhesion of dMφ. Mechanistically, these effects might be mediated by upregulated CCL2 and adhesion molecules (especially ICAM2 and ICAM5) on stromal cells in the presence of endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) in hypoxia. These findings were also verified by recombinant VEGFA and indirect coculture, indicating that the interaction between stromal cells and dMφ in hypoxia condition may facilitate dMφ recruitment and residence. In conclusion, VEGFA derived from a hypoxic environment may manipulate CCL2/CCR2 and adhesion molecules to enhance the interactions between dMφ and stromal cells and thus contribute to the enrichment of macrophages in decidua early during normal pregnancy.
Antithrombotic Management in AF Patients Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A European Perspective
Authors: Greco Antonio , Laudani Claudio , Rochira Carla , Capodanno Davide
Published: February 2023

AF is a highly prevalent disease, often requiring long-term oral anticoagulation to prevent stroke or systemic embolism. Coronary artery disease, which is common among AF patients, is often referred for myocardial revascularisation by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which requires dual antiplatelet therapy to minimise the risk of stent-related complications. The overlap of AF and PCI is a clinical conundrum, especially in the early post-procedural period, when both long-term oral anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet therapy are theoretically indicated as a triple antithrombotic therapy. However, stacking drugs is not a desirable option because of the increased bleeding risk. Several strategies have been investigated to mitigate this concern, including shortening triple antithrombotic therapy duration and switching to a dual antithrombotic regimen. This review analyses the mechanisms underlying thrombotic complications in AF-PCI, summarises evidence surrounding antithrombotic therapy regimens and reports and comments on the latest European guidelines.
Angiographic and Procedural Characteristics in Frail Older Patients with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Beska Benjamin , Ratcovich Hanna , Bagnall Alan , Burrell Amy , Edwards Richard , Egred Mohaned , Jordan Rebecca , Khan Amina , Mills Greg B , Morrison Emma , Raharjo Daniell Edward , Singh Fateh , Wilkinson Chris , Zaman Azfar , Kunadian Vijay
Published: February 2023

Background: Angiographic and procedural characteristics stratified by frailty status are not known in older patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). We evaluated angiographic and procedural characteristics in older adults with NSTEACS by frailty category, as well as associations of baseline and residual SYNTAX scores with long-term outcomes. Methods: In this study, 271 NSTEACS patients aged ≥75 years underwent coronary angiography. Frailty was assessed using the Fried criteria. Angiographic analysis was performed using QAngio® XA Medis in a core laboratory. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) consisted of all-cause mortality, MI, stroke or transient ischaemic attack, repeat unplanned revascularisation and significant bleeding. Results: Mean (±SD) patient age was 80.5 ± 4.9 years. Compared with robust patients, patients with frailty had more severe culprit lesion calcification (OR 5.40; 95% CI [1.75–16.8]; p=0.03). In addition, patients with frailty had a smaller mean improvement in culprit lesion stenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (50.6%; 95% CI [45.7–55.6]) than robust patients (58.6%; 95% CI [53.5–63.7]; p=0.042). There was no association between frailty phenotype and completeness of revascularisation (OR 0.83; 95% CI [0.36–1.93]; p=0.67). A high baseline SYNTAX score (≥33) was associated with adjusted (age and sex) 5-year MACE (HR 1.40; 95% CI [1.08–1.81]; p=0.01), as was a high residual SYNTAX score (≥8; adjusted HR 1.22; 95% CI [1.00–1.49]; p=0.047). Conclusion: Frail adults presenting with NSTEACS have more severe culprit lesion calcification. Frail adults were just as likely as robust patients to receive complete revascularisation. Baseline and residual SYNTAX score were associated with MACE at 5 years.
Dehmelhaus in Blankenese. Künstlerhaus zwischen Erinnern und Vergessen
Authors: Vogel Carolin
Published: February 2023

„Dem größten deutschen Dichter wurde eine Villa geschenkt“ titelte eine italienische Tageszeitung 1913. Hundert Jahre später stand Richard Dehmels Haus vor dem Verfall. Was war passiert? Dieses Buch rekonstruiert die Geschichte eines außergewöhnlichen Ortes und seiner Bewohner. Es erinnert an zwei Schlüssel­figuren der künstlerischen Moderne: an den Lyriker Richard Dehmel (1863–1920), der Thomas Mann entdeckte, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff bewegte und Arnold Schönberg inspirierte, und an die Kunstförderin Ida Dehmel (1870–1942), die Schriftsteller anregte, für Frauenrechte kämpfte und den Künstlerinnenverband GEDOK gründete. Basierend auf Briefen wird der Wandel des Gesamtkunstwerkes Dehmelhaus vom sagenumwobenen Künstlertreffpunkt zum Erinnerungsort nachgezeichnet. Das Buch fragt nach Gründen für sein Verschwinden und zeigt, wie das Dehmelhaus dennoch den Stürmen des 20. Jahrhunderts standhielt.
A nyelőcsőpótlás szövődményei
Authors: Horváth Örs Péter , Cseke László , Papp András , Pavlovics Gábor , Vereczkei András
Published: February 2023

A nyelőcső eltávolítására a legnagyobb számban nyelőcsőrák miatt kerül sor. A
nyelőcsőpótlás még a mai napig is jelentős kihívást jelent a sebészet számára,
mert 50% felett számíthatunk szövődményre, és halálozás is 4–7%-ban fordul elő.
A szövődmények feloszthatók korai és késői szövődményekre, valamint általános és
specifikus szövődményekre. Sebészeti szempontból a korai és a késői speciális
szövődmények jelentik a legfontosabb kérdéseket. A Pécsi Egyetem Sebészeti
Klinikáján az 1993 és 2012 közötti 20 évben 540 nyelőcső-reszekció történt.
Pótlásra 445 esetben gyomrot, 38 esetben vastagbelet és 57 esetben jejunumot
használtak. Az anastomosis a gyomorral pótlásnál 275 esetben a nyakon, 170
esetben a mellkasban történt. A vastagbelet minden esetben a nyakra húzták fel.
29 esetben a nyakon történt szabad jejunummal pótlás és 28 esetben bal oldali
thoracolaparotomiából a mellkasban. A gyomorral pótlás esetén 55 esetben lépett
fel anastomosiselégtelenség, 8 esetben észleltünk transzplantátumelhalást, és 30
esetben alakult ki korai anastomosisszűkület. Ezek a számok vastagbéllel pótlás
esetén: 3 elhalás és 2 insufficientia. Mellkasi jejunumpótlásnál egy
anastomosiselégtelenség fordult elő. Nyaki szabad átültetésnél egy
transzplantátumnecrosist észleltünk. A késői speciális szövődmények közül a
dysphagia a legfontosabb, melynek okaként a következőket találták a gyakoriság
sorrendjében: anastomosisszűkület, conduitobstructio, pepticus és ischaemiás
strictura, idegen test, lokális recidíva, funkcionális okok, új malignus tumor a
reszekció után megmaradt nyelőcsőben és malignus tumor a pótlásra használt
szervben. Az okok között lehetnek átfedések, és kezelésük lehet gyógyszeres,
endoszkópos vagy sebészi. A sebészi kezelés általában az utolsó lehetőség a
nyelésképesség helyreállítására, és jelentős kihívás elé állíthatja még a
gyakorlott központokat is. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(7): 243–252.
Mechanical processing of hydroxyapatite through sintering and multi-objective optimization technique for biomedical application
Authors: Abifarin Fredah Batale , Musa Zahraddeen , Abifarin Johnson Kehinde
Published: February 2023

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) has been widely applied in the area of tissue engineering, however, its poor mechanical properties limit it in load bearing biomedical application. To improve the mechanical integrity of HAp, this study reports the synthesis, optimization and the significance of processing parameters on the physic-mechanical properties of HAp. The HAp was produced from biogenic source through at 900 °C. The L9 Taguchi orthogonal array was employed, considering two processing parameters namely, HAp particle size (100, 300, and 600 $$\mathrm{\mu m}$$

μ
m

) and compaction load (3, 6, and 9 KN). The raw bones (RB) and the synthesized HAp were characterized for phase structure and functional groups analysis. The analysis showed the characteristics of a typical calcium phosphate material. The multiple response optimization revealed that 600 $$\mathrm{\mu m}$$

μ
m

particle size 6 KN compaction load are the optimal processing parameters in the manufacturing of high biomedical performance HAp.

Graphical Abstract
Dub in Babylon: Understanding the Evolution and Significance of Dub Reggae in Jamaica and Britain from King Tubby to Post-Punk
Authors: Partridge Christopher
Published: February 2023

Dub reggae and the techniques associated with it have, since the late-1980s, been used widely by producers of dance and ambient music. However, the term was originally applied to a remixing technique pioneered in Jamaica as far back as 1967. Recording engineers produced reggae tracks on which the efforts of the producer were often more evident than those of the musicians – these heavily engineered tracks were termed ‘versions’. The techniques used to produce versions quickly evolved into what is now known as ‘dub’. The term, in this sense, arrived in 1972 and was largely the result of experiments by the recording engineer Osbourne Ruddock/King Tubby. Over the decades, not only has dub evolved, but it has done so especially in the UK. Indeed, much contemporary music, from hip hop to trance and from ambient soundscapes to experimental electronica and drum ‘n’ bass is indebted to the ‘remix culture’ principally informed by dub techniques. However, while obviously an important genre, its significance is rarely understood or acknowledged. Part One of the book examines the Jamaican background, necessary for understanding the cultural significance of dub, and Part Two analyses its musical, cultural and political importance for both African-Caribbean and, particularly, white communities in the United Kingdom during the late-1970s and early 1980s. Particular attention is given to the subcultures surrounding the genre, especially its relationship with Rastafarian culture – the history and central beliefs of which are related to reggae and examined. There is also analysis of its cultural and musicological influence on punk and post-punk, the principal political music in late-1970s Britain. Finally, moving into the period of the decline of post-punk and, indeed, British dub in the early 1980s, there will be an examination of what can be understood as the postmodern turn in dub. In summary, the book is a confluence of several lines of thought. Firstly, it provides a cultural and musical history of dub from its early days in Jamaica to the decline of post-punk in early-1980s Britain. Secondly, it examines the religio-political ideas it carried and traces these through to the ideologies informing the subcultures of the late-1970s and, finally, to their transformation and, arguably, neutralisation in the postmodern pastiche of post-punk dub. Thirdly, with reference to these lines of thought, it looks at dub’s and roots reggae’s contribution to race relations in 1970s Britain. Finally, it analyses the aesthetic and arguably ‘spiritual’ significance of dub, looking at, for example, its foregrounding of bass and reverb.
Constitutional freedom of assembly and its limitations
Authors:   Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Kubas Ewa
Published: February 2023

In this publication, the author analyzes the article 57 of the Polish Constitution, which concerns the freedom of assembly and the provisions limiting this freedom. Considerations on the presented topic allow for the conclusion that the freedom of assembly plays an extremely important role in the functioning of a democratic state of law and allows the society to participate in the public debate on many important issues. The analysis shows that this freedom is not, however, absolute and the existing restrictions are necessary for the state and its individual institutions to function efficiently and for the possibility of using other rights and freedoms guaranteed in Poland.
Implikacje dla bezpieczeństwa ekonomicznego krajowych gospodarek, wynikające z ekspansji przedsiębiorstw międzynarodowych
Authors:   Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Leszczyńska Małgorzata
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Due to their economic and financial potential, international enterprises influence other entities of foreign and international economic policy, in particular international organizations and the national economy of host countries. The article presents this influence from the point of view of the problem of economic security and independence of national economies. Hence, its main goal is to try to define the effects of activities of international enterprises from this perspective. The article focuses in particular on the aspects of the influence of foreign capital, including FDI, on the economic security of national economies. Hypothesis: The increasing dynamics of the inflow of foreign capital may lead to a decline in the country's economic security. Methodology: The methodology of professional literature analysis, the monographic-descriptive method and the analysis of statistical data from UNCTAD databases, IGCC and GUS were used. The study period is 2010–2021. Findings: The conducted literature research allows us to state that in the modern world, economic security is not only related to socio-economic progress and development opportunities of individual countries, but also to security threats resulting from the influence of the international environment, including the functioning of transnational corporations, which have a significant economic force. On the other hand, taking into account empirical research and the assessment of the situation from the perspective of economic security, it can be indicated that there is a relatively weak degree of dependence of the Polish national economy on foreign capital (despite the increase in the inflow dynamics) in the form of foreign direct investment. However, this conclusion cannot be made taking into account the global perspective and the dynamically changing geopolitical and economic situation. Implications for theory and practice: The increasing activity of transnational corporations in international markets is the source of extensive contemporary scientific discussion. Problems are also caused by the precise definition of the relationship between the corporation and other participants in international relations, as well as the diagnosis of the manifestations of their impact on the international environment, including the global political sphere and the politics of the host country, as well as its national economy. Originality and value: The article attempts to assess the impact of the expansion of international eneterprises on the economic security and independence of the national economy of the host country.
Wykorzystanie radzieckich emigrantów doby détente w praktyce działań 1. Zarządu Głównego KGB i współczesne reminiscencje tego zjawiska. Casus Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki
Authors:   Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Pawlikowicz Leszek
Published: February 2023

The article – on the basis of American official and court documents (relating to four documented cases of espionage between 1975 and 1991) and using empirical, quantitative and comparative methods – for the first time comprehensively analyses the activities carried out for the benefit of the KGB foreign intelligence service by emigrants from the USSR who arrived in the United States between 1971 and 1984. In addition to describing the scale and peculiarities of the aforementioned migration wave, the four main directions of their operational work are presented, as well as the development of new forms of interaction between Russian emigrants and the new Russian intelligence services after 1991.
Umowa dobrowolnego ubezpieczenia majątkowego autocasco (wybrane zagadnienia dotyczące ustalenia kosztów naprawy uszkodzonego pojazdu)
Authors:   Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Łomży, Polska, Taraszkiewicz Magdalena
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of legal provisions, positions of doctrine and judgments of the judicature concerning the fixing by insurance companies of the costs of repairing a damaged vehicle in voluntary motor vehicle insurance contracts. The study presents the concept and legal nature of this contract, with particular emphasis on the restriction of the principle of freedom of contracts under art. 353 1 of the Civil Code as well as improper practices in the field of settlement of vehicle repair costs depending on whether the damage is classified as total or partial damage.