bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Balanced bidirectional optogenetics reveals the causal impact of cortical temporal dynamics in sensory perception
Authors: Quintana Daniel , Bounds Hayley , Veit Julia , Adesnik Hillel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhether the fast temporal dynamics of neural activity in brain circuits causally drive perception and cognition remains one of most longstanding unresolved questions in neuroscience1–6. While some theories posit a ‘timing code’ in which dynamics on the millisecond timescale is central to brain function, others instead argue that mean firing rates over more extended periods (a ‘rate code’) carry most of the relevant information. Existing tools, such as optogenetics, can be used to alter temporal structure of neural dynamics7, but they invariably change mean firing rates, leaving the interpretation of such experiments ambiguous. Here we developed and validated a new approach based on balanced, bidirectional optogenetics that can alter temporal structure of neural dynamics while mitigating effects on mean activity. Using this new approach, we found that selectively altering cortical temporal dynamics substantially reduced performance in a sensory perceptual task. These results demonstrate that endogenous temporal dynamics in the cortex are causally required for perception and behavior. More generally, this new bidirectional optogenetic approach should be broadly useful for disentangling the causal impact of different timescales of neural dynamics on behavior.
Building capacity and status through transnational joint doctoral programs: a case study in China
Authors: Ruan Nian , Yu Jingran 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThrough a case study of a recently established but rapidly growing research-intensive university in China, this study explores how transnational joint doctoral programs are strategically instrumentalized to overcome policy restrictions on postgraduate degree accreditation. It utilizes the cumulative (dis)advantage theory as the analytical lens. This study investigates the innovative, bottom-up initiation of transnational higher education tailored to the development goals of the university and this region, thus providing an alternative perspective for the dominant top-down discourse on transnational higher education research in China.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a qualitative case study design that incorporates semi-structured interviews and document analysis to investigate the examined university’s joint doctoral programs.FindingsThe study examines how, through its transnational joint doctoral programs, the case university actively accumulated the advantages of recruiting excellent research students, cultivating the public’s confidence and deepening international collaboration. These advantages created a virtuous circle, which further reinforced each other and accelerated the university’s development. The disadvantages include power disparities between the case university and its partners, students’ study discontinuity because of temporal and spatial division and the challenges of co-supervision. Accordingly, the university implemented counterstrategies such as adopting a differentiated stance with varying partners, offering flexible administrative and management supports and aligning differently with various supervisors’ collaboration styles.Originality/valueThis study presents innovative institutional strategies in the Greater Bay Area of China to pursue rapid development and internationalization through transnational higher education programs. It also strives to illuminate the significant role of transnational higher education in facilitating experimental governance with Chinese characteristics.
Precise treatment of pelvic fracture urethral injury associated with urethrorectal fistula
Authors: Wang Lin , Song Wenxiong , Lv Rong , Jin Chongrui , Zhang Zhuo , Li Chao , Sa Yinglong , Liu Yidong , Lv Xiangguo 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a new strategy of transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty (TAU) with proximal transection in treating pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) associated with urethrorectal fistula (URF).Patients and MethodsA retrospective review of all patients treated by TAU with proximal transection and fistula repair for PFUI associated with URF was performed between August 2013 and July 2022. Information on demographics, peri‐operative variables, and postoperative follow‐up outcomes was collected. Successful surgery was defined as restoration of a uniform urethral calibre using flexible cystoscopy (third postoperative month) without strictures or leakage, with no further interventions required. Functional outcomes, including erectile function (assessed using the five‐item International Index of Erectile Function) and urinary continence, were assessed.ResultsForty patients diagnosed with PFUI associated with URF and treated by TAU with proximal transection and rectal fistula repair were enrolled. Six patients (15.0%) had a history of failed urethral reconstruction. The mean stenosis length and fistula diameter were 2.9 cm and 1.2 cm, respectively. All patients underwent faecal diversion before urethroplasty. After a median (range) follow‐up of 45 (3–115) months, the final success rate was 90.0% (36/40). Postoperative complications included haematoma in three patients, epididymo‐orchitis in three, wound infection in one, wound bleeding in one, delayed wound healing in three, and wound numbness in three. The overall incidence of postoperative erectile dysfunction reached 75.0%, with a median (range) score of 9 (0–19). Normal continence was achieved in 31 patients (77.5%). Occasional incontinence without the need for urinal pads occurred in eight patients, whereas one patient required urinal pads.ConclusionsTransperineal anastomotic urethroplasty with proximal transection is a precise and effective surgical strategy for treating PFUI associated with URF. This strategy ensures a high success rate and improves surgical efficiency.
The autonomic nervous system and the origins of neurocardiology
Authors: Lemery Robert 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFollowing new concepts by Bichat in the early 19th century, of organic and animal life centered around the ganglionic nervous system, over 100 years of anatomic studies and physiologic experimentation eventually resulted in Gaskell's 1916 book entitled “The Involuntary Nervous System” and Langley's 1921 book entitled “The Autonomic Nervous System.” Neurology and cardiology emerged as specialties of medicine in the early 20th century. Although neurology made several prominent discoveries in neurophysiology during the first half of the 20th century, cardiology developed coronary care units and cardiac catheterization in the 1960s. Programmed electrical stimulation of the heart and noninvasive ambulatory monitoring provided new methodologies to study clinical cardiac arrhythmias. Experimentally, direct cardiac nerve stimulation of sympathetic nerve endings, as well as parasympathetic control of the atrioventricular node, provided the background to new detailed autonomic studies of the heart. Neurocardiology, perhaps initially more directed towards our understanding of sudden cardiac death, ultimately embraced an even significantly more complex scheme of local circuit neurons and near‐endless loops of interconnecting neurons in the heart. Intrathoracic extracardiac and intracardiac ganglia have been recharacterized, both anatomically and physiologically, laying the groundwork for potential new therapies of cardiac neuromodulation.
LARP7 overexpression alleviates aortic senescence and atherosclerosis
Authors: Yang Ping , Wu Shuo , Li Yige , Lou Yingmei , Xiong Junhao , Wang Yuze , Geng Zilong , Zhang Bing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAtherosclerosis, characterized by the accumulation of lipid plaques on the inner walls of arteries, is the leading cause of heart attack, stroke and severe ischemic injuries. Senescent cells have been found to accumulate within atherosclerotic lesions and contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. In our previous study, we discovered that suppressing Larp7 accelerates senescence by inhibiting Sirt1 activity, resulting in increased atherosclerosis in high‐fat diet (HFD) fed and ApoE deficient (ApoEKO) mice. However, there has been no direct evidence demonstrating Larp7 per se could attenuate atherosclerosis. To this end, we generated a tetO‐controlled and Cre‐activated Larp7 gain‐of‐function mouse. Through RT‐PCR and western blotting, we confirmed Larp7 overexpression in the aortas of HFD‐fed ApoEKO; Larp7tetO mice. Larp7 overexpression led to increased Sirt1 activity and decreased cellular senescence signals mediated by p53/p65 in the aortas. Additionally, Larp7 overexpression reduced the presence of p16‐positive senescent cells in the aortic lesions. Furthermore, Larp7 overexpression resulted in a decrease in pro‐inflammatory macrophages and SASP factors. Consequently, Larp7 overexpression led to a reduction in the area of atherosclerotic lesions in HFD‐fed ApoEKO; Larp7tetO mice. In summary, our study provides evidence that Larp7 overexpression holds promise as an approach to inhibit cellular senescence and prevent atherosclerosis.
The pattern of the follicle cell diversification in ovarian follicles of the true fruit flies, Tephritidae
Authors: Jaglarz Mariusz K. , Kuziak Agata , Jankowska Wladyslawa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn flies (Diptera), the ovary displays several distinct patterns of the follicular epithelium formation and diversification. Two main patterns have been identified in the true flies or Brachycera, namely the Rhagio type and the Drosophila type. These patterns align with the traditional division of Brachycera into Orthorrhapha and Cyclorrhapha. However, studies of the follicular epithelium morphogenesis in cyclorrhaphans other than Drosophila are scarce. We characterise the developmental changes associated with the emergence of follicle cell (FC) diversity in two cyclorrhaphans belonging to the family Tephritidae (Brachycera, Cyclorrhapha). Our analysis revealed that the diversification of FCs in these species shows characteristics of both the Rhagio and Drosophila types. First, a distinct cluster of FCs, consisting of polar cells and border‐like cells, differentiates at the posterior pole of the ovarian follicle. This feature is unique to the Rhagio type and has only been reported in species representing the Orthorrhapha group. Second, morphological criteria have identified a significantly smaller number of subpopulations of FCs than in Drosophila. Furthermore, while the general pattern of FC migration is similar to that of Drosophila, the distinctive migration of the anterior‐dorsal FCs is absent. In the studied tephritids, the migration of the anterior polar cell/border cell cluster towards the anterior pole of the oocyte is followed by the posterior migration of the main body cuboidal FCs to cover the expanding oocyte. Finally, during the onset of vitellogenesis, a distinct subset of FCs migrates towards the centre of the ovarian follicle to cover the oocyte's anterior pole. Our study also highlights specific actions of some FCs that accompany the migration process, which has not been previously documented in cyclorrhaphans. These results support the hypothesis that the posterior and centripetal migrations of morphologically unique FC subsets arose in the common ancestor of Cyclorrhapha. These events appear to have occurred fairly recently in the evolutionary timeline of Diptera.
Low‐level laser therapy for skin rejuvenation: A safe and effective solution baked by data and visual evidence
Authors: Shurrab Kawthar , Alzghayar Juliana Nabil 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundSkin aging and photoaging is a process that may appear at a relatively early age, causing an aesthetic problem. Common signs of skin aging include wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and decreased elasticity.AimAim of this article is to study the effectiveness and safety of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) for skin rejuvenation.MethodsThirty Syrian female patients aged 25–50 participated in this study and were diagnosed with moderate to severe melasma and wrinkles. The patients were divided into two groups and received LLLT with a wavelength of 660 nm emitting a continuous wave. The power density and dose used were 15.6 mW/cm2, and 3 J/cm2 respectively, and the laser effective area was 32 cm2. The evaluation was done before, during, and after 12 treatment sessions, based on photographs, in addition to the modified Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI), Pinch test, and Fitzpatrick's classification of facial wrinkling at baseline.ResultsComparing before, and after treatment, and between the two groups, revealed a significant improvement in skin rejuvenation, with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). Additional outcome measures included assessments of patient satisfaction scores, and no adverse effects or re‐pigmentation were reported.ConclusionsOur results suggest that LLLT may be a useful and safe therapeutic option in treating melasma, skin elasticity, and wrinkle improvement, which we advised to be integrated into treatment, and follow‐up programs in cosmetics and dermatology.
Evaluation of the relationship between Demodex infestation and obesity in rosacea patients
Authors: Nalbant Esra Kiratli , Balta Ilknur , Eksioglu H. Meral 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe changes in the skin caused by obesity may predispose patients with rosacea to Demodex infestation (DI). Besides, identifying predisposing factors in these patients is important for initial treatment plan.AimsThe main purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between DI and obesity in patients with rosacea.MethodsSociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, and clinical features of 130 rosacea patients were recorded. Demodex density was measured by noninvasive standard skin biopsy, and a determination of ≥5/cm2 mites was regarded as positive for DI. Patients with a BMI of 30 and above were categorized as the obese group, and those with a BMI below 30 were classified as the nonobese group. Moreover, patients were divided according to DI into positive and negative. These groups were compared with each other.ResultsUpon comparing the patients with and without obesity, it was noted that the obese patients had significantly higher rates of erythematotelangiectatic type rosacea, rosacea severity, and flushing complaints. Furthermore, results show that the DI was significantly more common in obese patients. The most determinant factors for predicting DI in rosacea patients were papulopustular type rosacea, obesity, and rosacea severity, respectively.ConclusionsIn this study, DI was found to be more common in obese patients with rosacea. Besides, obesity was found to be one of the most determining factors in detecting DI in patients with rosacea.
Introduction to THE Focus Isssue ON Kierkegaard, Religious Ethics, and Media
Authors: Haman John P. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTThe papers in this issue were first assembled for the American Academy of Religion conference in 2022 to consider Søren Kierkegaard's analysis of the media environment of his day and the relevance of his perspective to both traditional and new media today. Each author takes a different approach to Kierkegaard's ethics of mass communication, but all agree that his ideas still retain a great deal of applicability in a vastly different media environment.
The specific shapes of capillaries are associated with worse prognosis in patients with invasive breast cancer
Authors: Swe Hnin‐Wint‐Wint , Fujisawa Masayoshi , Ohara Toshiaki , Komatsubara Yu , Yoshimura Teizo , Shien Tadahiko , Matsukawa Akihiro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAngiogenesis is considered essential for tumor progression; however, whether histological counting of blood vessel numbers, expressed as microvessel density (MVD), can be a prognostic factor in breast cancer remains controversial. It has been suggested that the specific morphology of blood vessels such as glomeruloid microvascular proliferation (GMP) is associated with clinical parameters. Here, we aimed to clarify the significance of MVD with revised immunohistochemistry and to identify new blood vessel shapes that predict prognosis in breast cancer. Four hundred and eleven primary breast cancer specimens were collected, and the sections were immunohistochemically stained with CD31 (single staining) and CD31 and Collagen IV (double staining). The prognosis of patients was examined based on the MVD value, and the presence of GMP and other blood vessels with other specific shapes. As a result, high MVD value and the presence of GMP were not associated with worse prognosis. By contrast, patients with deep‐curved capillaries surrounding tumor cell nests (C‐shaped) or excessively branched capillaries near tumor cell nests showed a significantly poor prognosis. The presence of these capillaries was also correlated with clinicopathological parameters such as Ki‐67 index. Thus, the morphology of capillaries rather than MVD can be a better indicator of tumor aggressiveness.
Glycoxidation of mammalian whole histone generates highly immunogenic aggregates: Sera of SLE patients contain autoantibodies against aggregates
Authors: Islam Shireen Naaz , Arif Zarina , Badar Asim , Moinuddin  , Khan Md. Asad , Alam Khursheed 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNon‐enzymatic glycation and oxidation of self‐proteins, causing formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), have been reported in an array of pathologies, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Such modifications may generate neo‐epitopes, break immunological tolerance, and induce antibody response. In this study, we have first analysed the structural modifications of whole histone in the presence of deoxyribose followed by oxidation with hydroxyl radicals. Changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of the whole histone were determined by spectroscopic techniques and biochemical assays. Fluorescence spectroscopy and UPLC–MS showed the generation of AGEs such as carboxymethyl lysine and pentosidine, while DLS and TEM indicated the presence of amorphous AGE‐aggregates. Moreover, rabbits immunized with these histone‐AGEs exhibited enhanced immunogenicity and ELISA and western immunoblot of IgG antibodies from SLE patients' sera showed a significantly higher specificity towards modified histone‐AGEs than the native histone.
Film thickness characterization in dual-axis spin coating of a sphere
Authors: McIntyre Finn , Sellier Mathieu , Gooch Shayne , Nock Volker 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe versatility of spin coating technology makes it a preferred method for producing the thin film layers used to manufacture products from solar panels and smartphones to sunglasses and CDs. However, the process requires a flat, rigid substrate to produce uniform films, which limits its use to planar devices. A novel multi-axis manipulator has been developed to extend the application of spin coating, enabling controlled thin film deposition onto curved surfaces. Various rotational schemes were studied to link the flow of a liquid film over a curved surface to forces induced by complex rotational dynamics. When the angular velocity exceeds a threshold, centrifugal force dominates the flow, pushing the fluid away from the instantaneous axis of rotation. This produces axisymmetric coating profiles when using consistent single or dual-axis rotation. Areas of near uniformity present around the spin axis poles for single-axis rotation and around the substrate’s equator for dual-axis schemes. Sensitivities between the spherical substrate dynamics and the evolving fluid flow were investigated, exploring the parameters that promoted the production of uniform curved film layers for microfabrication processes. This enabled the evolution of the spin coating technique to effectively form curved polymer coatings with improved thickness control. The presented research outlines the capabilities of a multi-axis spin coating machine when used to coat spherical substrates. Therefore, enabling the use of fluid mechanics models to identify the optimal motion kinematics required to create uniform curved films.
New constraints on the Neoproterozoic geological evolution of the SE corner of the Arabian Plate (NE Oman)
Authors: Bauer Wilfried , Jacobs Joachim , Callegari Ivan , Scharf Andreas , Schmidt Jonatan , Mattern Frank 
Published: May 2024

The Saih Hatat Dome is a tectonic window in northeastern Oman with a NW–SE extent of
c.
95 km and an east–west extent of
c.
50 km, rimmed by the allochthonous Samail Ophiolite and the tectonically underlying nappes composed of sedimentary rocks from the Neo-Tethyan Hawasina Basin. Rocks within the window were affected by high pressure/low-temperature metamorphism during the latest Cretaceous.

Stratigraphically, the Saih Hatat Dome contains a basal, several kilometre thick sequence, made up of low-grade metamorphic volcanosedimentary rocks (Hatat Formation).
U–Pb zircon laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) data from a quartzdiorite dyke, intruding the basal part of the Hatat Formation yielded a crystallization age of 845 +2/−4 Ma, whereas zircons from a quartz keratorphyre have ages of 870 ± 5 Ma. Thus, the basal schists of the Hatat Formation are Tonian in age, similar to Tonian felsic volcanic rocks and a granodioritic intrusion in the Huqf area, 300 km to the south. Detrital zircons from the Hatat Formation show an age peak of 837 Ma with some Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic grains, which have no potential source in the Arabian–Nubian Shield.
Based on the new results, we propose that the Hatat Formation signifies a Tonian back-arc basin, contemporaneous with calc-alkaline igneous intrusions in the Jabal Ja'alan region. Similar calc-alkaline intrusions of comparable ages have been identified in the Mirbat area of Dhofar and the Huqf region in central eastern Oman. We interpret these outcrops as components of a cohesive island arc, characterized by calc-alkaline volcanic rocks and volcanosedimentary back-arc sedimentation. Our model situates these regions off the coast of NW India during the Tonian.
Accelerometer‐Measured Behavior Patterns in Incident Cerebrovascular Disease: Insights for Preventative Monitoring From the UK Biobank
Authors: Zawada Stephanie J. , Ganjizadeh Ali , Conte Gian Marco , Demaerschalk Bart M. , Erickson Bradley J. 
Published: May 2024

Background
The goal was to compare patterns of physical activity (PA) behaviors (sedentary behavior [SB], light PA, moderate‐to‐vigorous PA [MVPA], and sleep) measured via accelerometers for 7 days between patients with incident cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) (n=2141) and controls (n=73 938).

Methods and Results
In multivariate models, cases spent 3.7% less time in MVPA (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.963 [95% CI, 0.929–0.998]) and 1.0% more time in SB (IRR, 1.010 [95% CI, 1.001–1.018]). Between 12 and 24 months before diagnosis, cases spent more time in SB (IRR, 1.028 [95% CI, 1.001–1.057]). Within the year before diagnosis, cases spent less time in MVPA (IRR, 0.861 [95% CI, 0.771–0.964]). Although SB time was not associated with CeVD risk, MVPA time, both total min/d (hazard ratio [HR], 0.998 [95% CI, 0.997–0.999]) and guideline threshold adherence (≥150 min/wk) (HR, 0.909 [95% CI, 0.827–0.998]), was associated with decreased CeVD risk. Comorbid burden had a significant partial mediation effect on the relationship between MVPA and CeVD. Cases slept more during 12:00 to 17:59 hours (IRR, 1.091 [95% CI, 1.002–1.191]) but less during 0:00 to 5:59 hours (IRR, 0.984 [95% CI, 0.977–0.992]). No between‐group differences were significant at subgroup analysis.

Conclusions
Daily behavior patterns were significantly different in patients before CeVD. Although SB was not associated with CeVD risk, the association between MVPA and CeVD risk is partially mediated by comorbid burden. This study has implications for understanding observable behavior patterns in cerebrovascular dysfunction and may help in developing remote monitoring strategies to prevent or reduce cerebrovascular decline.