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Abstract Background Traditional genomic profiling and mutation analysis of single cells like Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) fails to capture post-translational and functional alterations of proteins, often leading to limited treatment efficacy. To overcome this gap, we developed a miniaturized ‘protein analysis on the single cell level’ workflow—baptized ZeptoCTC. It integrates established technologies for single-cell isolation with sensitive Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) analysis, thus enabling the comprehensive assessment of multiple protein expression and activation in individual CTCs. Methods The ZeptoCTC workflow involves several critical steps. Firstly, individual cells are labeled and isolated. This is followed by cell lysis and the printing of true single cell lysate preparations onto a ZeptoChip using a modified micromanipulator, CellCelector™. The printed lysates then undergo fluorescence immunoassay RPPA protein detection using a ZeptoReader. Finally, signal quantification is carried out with Image J software, ensuring precise measurement of multiple protein levels. Results The efficacy of ZeptoCTC was demonstrated through various applications. Initially, it was used for measuring EpCAM protein expression, a standard marker for CTC detection, revealing higher levels in single MCF-7 over MDA-MB-231 tumor cells. Furthermore, in Capivasertib (Akt-inhibitor)-treated MCF-7 single cells, ZeptoCTC detected a 2-fold increase in the pAkt/Akt ratio compared to control cells, and confirmed co-performed bulk-cell western blot analysis results. Notably, when applied to individual CTCs from metastasized breast cancer patients, ZeptoCTC revealed significant differences in protein activation levels, particularly in measured pAkt and pErk levels, compared to patient-matched WBCs. Moreover, it successfully differentiated between CTCs from patients with different Akt1 genotypes, highlighting its potential to determine the activation status of druggable cancer driving proteins for individual and targeted treatment decision making. Conclusions The ZeptoCTC workflow represents a valuable tool in single cell cancer research, crucial for personalized medicine. It permits detailed analysis of key proteins and their activation status of targeted, cancer-driven signaling pathways in single cell samples, aiding in understanding tumor response, progression, and treatment efficacy beyond bulk analysis. The method significantly advances clinical investigations in cancer, improving treatment precision and effectiveness. The workflow will be applicable to protein analysis on other types of single cells like relevant in stem cell, neuropathology and hemopoietic cell research.

We use a wide range of models (time series, semi-structural and structural) to estimate, project and explain the evolution of the natural rate of interest (NRI) in Poland (PL) and in the euro area (EA). Our findings are as follows: (i) the NRIs declined significantly in both PL and the EA over the last two decades, (ii) our most recent short-term estimates point towards a mildly negative NRI in PL and appreciably more negative NRI in the EA, (iii) our most recent medium-term estimates point towards a mildly positive NRI in PL and a slightly negative NRI in the EA, (iv) the NRI in PL remained consistently above the NRI in the EA by an average of 2–3 pp, (v) the main drivers of the declining NRIs were demographics and the worldwide productivity slowdown, (vi) the main driver of the higher NRI in PL than in the EA was the productivity catch-up in PL, (vii) we expect the NRI in PL to significantly converge to the EA level by the mid-2030s.

Experimental tests and numerical analyses were carried out on short, thin-walled channel columns with modified cross-sectional shape. The columns were loaded with an axial compressive force applied at the center of gravity of the cross section. Tests were carried out on a universal testing machine, while numerical analyses were performed in ANSYS software. The purpose of the tests was to determine the values of critical forces for the compressed columns and to determine the values of maximum forces at which failure of the columns occurs. Critical forces were determined based on the strain-averaged method. Based on the study, it was found that the strength and resistance to loss of stability of columns is primarily affected by their stiffness, and therefore by the shape of the cross-sections. In addition, for short columns, it seems more important to determine the value of maximum forces than the values of critical forces.

The biodegradation kinetics of paper materials with various chemical additives was studied, focusing on their potential tunability. Paper materials with additives, including retention aid, hydrophobic agent, and wet and dry strength agents, were explored in two forms: disintegrated fiber and paper form. Using the Gompertz equation, biodegradation kinetics were modeled to calculate the lag phase, initial biodegradation rate, and ultimate biodegradation extent. All paper materials showed higher biodegradation extents than microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) due to the highly biodegradable nature of hardwood bleached pulp. Disintegrated paper materials exhibited similar lag phase values and ultimate biodegradation to MCC regardless of treatment, while punched paper materials showed noticeable differences, suggesting that fiber disintegration plays a critical role in initiating biodegradation. Hydrophobic and wet strength treatments, such as alkyl ketone dimer (AKD) and wet-strength agents (PAE), respectively, significantly increased the lag phase, but their ultimate biodegradation extent remained intact. These findings highlight that the biodegradability of paper materials can be preserved even after chemical treatments, underscoring their environmentally friendly potential.

Abstract Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent and heterogeneous in women. Different brain structures might be associated with depressive symptoms and body composition in women with obesity/overweight and normal-/underweight, although the data is limited. The analysis included 265 women from Bialystok PLUS population study, untreated with antidepressive or antipsychotic medications. The subjects underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and body composition analysis. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score was inversely associated with nucleus accumbens volume (β = −0.217, p = 0.008) in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, but with insula volume (β = −0.147, p = 0.027) in women with BMI

Introduction: Due to the high heterogeneity of canine lymphoma, the aim of the present study was to test in vitro the chemosensitivity of canine high-grade primary lymphoma cells to various cytostatic drugs commonly used to treat dogs: 4-HO-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, prednisolone, vincristine, etoposide, chlorambucil, lomustine, and cytosine arabinoside. Material and Methods: To determine the cell viability and drug ability to induce apoptosis two different tests were used: an MTT assay and annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Results: Both in vitro tests were found to be useful tools. Significant differences in the sensitivity, depending on the drug type, between B-, T- and mixed/null-type lymphoma cells were found for the majority of the tested drugs. B-type cells were the most sensitive in vitro, whereas T-type cells seemed to be the most resistant. Doxorubicin, chlorambucil, etoposide, and vincristine most strongly reduced the cell viability and induced apoptosis. Conclusion: In vitro assays, such as the MTT test and especially the annexin V/PI assay, may be useful tools for predicting a response to the treatment of high-grade lymphoma in dogs or improving the treatment outcomes in individual animals.

In this study we used a factor of curves model (FCM) to examine the co-development of the subdomains of boredom in practical English language classes in an online setting (BPELC) over time in four phases of an online L2 course to explore the covariance of the initial level and slope of the sub-domains, as well as to check to what extent the variation in these subdomains can be accounted by the underpinning global factor of BPELC. Data were collected from 412 adult EFL learners on four temporal occasions via the "Boredom in Practical English Classes--Revised scale," created by Pawlak et al. (2020a). Analysis was conducted by Mplus in three stages. Findings revealed a statically significant decrease over time in both subdomains. Also, a negative covariance was uncovered between the initial level and the growth level of each subdomain. Moreover, the covariances between the initial and growth levels of both subdomains were moderately high. Finally, the variances of the initial and growth levels of each of the subdomains were accounted for to a great extent by the underpinning global factor of BPELC. The results are interpreted in view of the underlying theories of boredom.

This paper describes the self-heating effects resulting from mechanical deformation in the additively manufactured aluminium alloy AlSi7Mg0.6. The material’s self-heating effect results from irreversible changes in the material’s microstructure that are directly coupled with the inelastic deformations. These processes are highly dissipative, which is reflected in the heat generation of the material. To describe such effects, a numerical framework that combines an elasto-viscoplastic Chaboche model with the Gurson Tvergaard Needleman damage approach is analysed and thermomechanically extended. This paper characterises the sample preparation, the experimental set-up, the development of the thermomechanical approach, and the material model. A user material subroutine applies the complete material model for the finite element software Abaqus 2022. To validate the material model and the parameters, a complex tensile test is performed. In order to check the finite element model, the energy transformation ratio is included in the evaluation. The numerical analyses of the mechanical stress evolution and the self-heating behaviour demonstrate good agreement with the experimental test. In addition, the calculation shows the expected behaviour of the void volume fraction that rises from the initial value of 0.0373% to a higher value under a complex mechanical load.

Objectives The aim of this work is to initiate or revive a scientific discussion on the impact of professional life on the parameters of human lifespan. Material and Methods Presented analysis is based on 8578 Polish elite or well-known person who died in 2001–2021. Results The results of the conducted analysis indicate that in the case of men the highest values of the median age at death were characteristic of freelancers (median [Me] ± quartile deviation [QD] 85.5±8.5 years), followed by scientists and academic teachers of the biological and medical specialty (Me±QD 84.0±7.5 years) and officers of power structures (Me±QD 83.5±8.5 years). Subsequently, the highest value of the median age at death was recorded for social activists (Me±QD 83.0±9.5 years), clergy (Me±QD 82.0±7.5 years) and scientists and academic teachers of specialties other than biological and medical (Me±QD 82.0±8.0 years). Significantly, at the very end of this list are athletes (Me±QD 77.0±9.0 years). Nevertheless, the results of the analysis confirm that professional athletes are characterized by higher median age at death compared to the general population. Analysis made only within athletes group demonstrated that the parameters of lifespan of athletes of endurance disciplines (Me±QD 78.0±8.0 years) are the most favorable compared to athletes of other disciplines, in particular in compare to team sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±10.0 years) or combat sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±7.1 years). Conclusions What is new and innovative in this paper is comparing the lifespan characteristics of athletes in comparison to widely represented group of other professions with higher socio-economic status. Unexpectedly, the lifespan of athletes occurred to be lower than for fast all other analyzed occupational groups, except mainly of entertainment musicians. Finally, the results presented in this paper emphasize the need to analyze the lifespan characteristics of athletes in a broader scope than only in relation to the general population. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2024;37(3):335–50

Abstract Patients on left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are prone to excessive hemostasis disturbances due to permanent contact of artificial pump surfaces with blood components. We aimed to investigate if fibrin clot permeability is altered in patients on long-term continuous-flow LVAD therapy and if the clot permeability is associated with clinical characteristics and adverse events. We investigated 85 end-stage heart failure patients (90.6% men, age 48.6–63.8 years) scheduled for continuous flow long-term LVAD support according to current clinical indications. The patients were assessed periodically: prior to LVAD implantation (T1), 3–6 months (T2) after LVAD implantation, 6–12 months after (T3) and then every 6 months. We tested the first three blood samples (T1-T3) and the last available blood sample (T4), but no longer than 5 years after LVAD implantation. We assessed hemostasis parameters (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, Fibrinogen, d-dimer, Antithrombin, Thrombin Time, Factor VIII, and von Willebrand Factor, aspirin-induced platelet inhibition, adenosine-diphosphate test) changes during the study period. Fibrin Clot Permeability was evaluated using a pressure system and Permeability Coefficient (Ks) was calculated. We observed a decrease in fibrin clot permeability (Ks) between T1, T2, T3 and T4 time periods; P 0.001, however cumulative measurements in patients on aspirin showed shortening of Ks in this group P = 0.0123. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred in 36.5% patients, bleeding events in 25.9%, Net Adverse Clinical Events (NACE) in 62.4%; 31.7% patients died, and 17.6% underwent transplantation. The transplantation was considered as the endpoint. Discrepancies in Ks were observed between patients with MACCE, bleeding, and NACE, and patients without adverse events. Ks showed a constant trend towards normalization (P

Artykuł omawia rolę antropologii technologii jako dyscypliny badawczej zorientowanej na przyszłość. Analizuje wpływ technologii, zwłaszcza transhumanistycznych idei, na kondycję współczesnego człowieka oraz przyszłe wyobrażenia postbiologicznej istoty. Przywołane zostały teoretyczne ujęcia z zakresu cyberpsychologii, filozofii techniki i humaniki, które wspierać mogą antropologię w badaniach nad rozwojem technologicznym i jego konsekwencjami społecznymi, kulturowymi i etycznymi. Artykuł podkreśla potrzebę angażowania antropologii w szeroką debatę publiczną na temat przyszłości ludzkości, konfrontacji wyobrażeń z rzeczywistością naukową oraz współpracy z naukowcami, artystami i społeczeństwem w kontekście szybkich zmian technologicznych. Wyzwania związane z transhumanizmem, rozwojem sztucznej inteligencji i ekspansją technologii wymagają interdyscyplinarnej perspektywy badawczej oraz aktywnego uczestnictwa antropologów w kształtowaniu przyszłości społeczeństwa.

Abstract Phosphorus pentamers (cyclo-P5) are unstable in nature but can be synthesized at the Ag(111) surface. Unlike monolayer black phosphorous, little is known about their electronic properties when in contact with metal electrodes, although this is crucial for future applications. Here, we characterize the atomic structure of cyclo-P5 assembled on Ag(111) using atomic force microscopy with functionalized tips and density functional theory. Combining force and tunneling spectroscopy, we find that a strong charge transfer induces an inward dipole moment at the cyclo-P5/Ag interface as well as the formation of an interface state. We probe the image potential states by field-effect resonant tunneling and quantify the increase of the local change of work function of 0.46 eV at the cyclo-P5 assembly. Our experimental approach suggest that the cyclo-P5/Ag interface has the characteristic ingredients of a p-type semiconductor-metal Schottky junction with potential applications in field-effect transistors, diodes, or solar cells.

Abstract Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests are common along the California coast. Attached on the rocky bottom at depths of approximately 5–25 m, the kelp, when mature, spans the water column and develops dense, buoyant canopies that interact with waves and currents. We present two novel results based on observations of surface gravity waves in a kelp forest in Point Loma, California. First, we report short wave (1–3 s) attenuation in kelp, quantified by an exponential decay coefficient α∼O10−3m−1—comparable to the dampening effect of sea ice. Second, we identify seasonal and tidal changes in attenuation, peaking mid‐summer with maximum kelp cover, and during low tide when a greater proportion of the fronds are at the surface. Thus, the naturally occurring surface canopies of kelp forests can act as temporally varying, high‐frequency filters of wave energy.

Learning a second language is a life-long process requiring acquaintance with a repertoire of language learning strategies (LLS). Despite copious research on LLS and their role in fostering autonomous learning, few studies have examined strategies employed when trying to master specific subsystems of the target language, especially grammar. Meaningful communication in a second language hinges on implicit or highly automatized grammar knowledge, which, given the limitations of classroom-based grammar instruction, must for the most part be developed by learners themselves outside the classroom and this can best be achieved through adept use of grammar learning strategies (GLS). Our knowledge of the GLS, however, is scant, an issue that can be addressed either by designing reliable GLS measurement instruments or revalidating the few existing ones. This study adopts the latter approach by investigating the psychometric properties of Pawlak’s (2018) Grammar Learning Strategy Inventory (GLSI) in the Chinese context. The tool was administered to 923 English majors, and the responses were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We found that all seven strategy categories included in the original instrument showed acceptable composite reliability and discriminant validity. The paper concludes by suggesting further revalidation of the GLSI and proposing avenues of research that employ methodological innovations to shed further light on GLS.

Despite salmon (Salmo salar L.) being an important fish in the Baltic Sea ecosystem and its fisheries, knowledge about the parasite fauna of this top predator is scarce. The Anisakidae nematodes (Anisakis spp., Pseudoterranova spp., Contracaecum sp.) found in Baltic Sea fish species are zoonotic parasites that are hazardous to human health. Due to the marked increase in the numbers of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), the definitive host of Contracaecum sp. and Pseudoterranova spp., increased dispersion of these parasites has been observed in recent years. The aim of our study was to investigate salmon caught in Polish marine waters for the presence of Anisakidae nematodes. Parasitological inspection of the body cavities of 89 individual salmon was conducted in 2012 and revealed the presence of a Pseudoterranova sp. L3 larva. The presence of the parasite is reported here for the first time in the muscle tissue of salmon from the Baltic Sea. The presence of Anisakidae nematodes in commercially important fish species may have implications for human health since these parasites pose a risk of anisakidosis.

This paper discusses the issue of the sense of community as a value of the aesthetic education theory. The topic refers to the still ongoing search for permanent references to the European cultural heritage. The author poses a question about how inspiring and permanent are the traditions of the European sense of community created by Friedrich Schiller and Herbert Read. They both proposed a visionary perspective of the “aesthetic state” or “saving the humankind through art”. They worked in different historical eras but they both made an attempt to overcome the unfavorable civilizational conditions of their times. They created a different but related category of describing the sense of community, i.e. the “I-We” co-dependency. This paper contains the analysis of their views with the emphasis on the variety of accents in the understanding of the sense of community. In the summary, the author discusses the relevance of their ideas.

Tekst wprowadza w problem wspólnotowych wartości w wychowaniu do sztuki i przez sztukę. Zaprezentowano stanowiska przedstawicieli nauk społecznych i humanistycznych, co podkreśla interdyscyplinarny charakter przedstawionego problemu. Perspektywa aksjologiczna stanowiła wyjściowy motyw badawczy do sformułowania tematu prezentowanego numeru.

Abstract Tobacco smoking is the main etiological factor of lung cancer (LC), which can also cause metabolome disruption. This study aimed to investigate whether the observed metabolic shift in LC patients was also associated with their smoking status. Untargeted metabolomics profiling was applied for the initial screening of changes in serum metabolic profile between LC and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, selected as a non-cancer group. Differences in metabolite profiles between current and former smokers were also tested. Then, targeted metabolomics methods were applied to verify and validate the proposed LC biomarkers. For untargeted metabolomics, a single extraction-dual separation workflow was applied. The samples were analyzed using a liquid chromatograph-high resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Next, the selected metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography-triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry. The acquired data confirmed that patients’ stratification based on smoking status impacted the discriminating ability of the identified LC marker candidates. Analyzing a validation set of samples enabled us to determine if the putative LC markers were truly robust. It demonstrated significant differences in the case of four metabolites: allantoin, glutamic acid, succinic acid, and sphingosine-1-phosphate. Our research showed that studying the influence of strong environmental factors, such as tobacco smoking, should be considered in cancer marker research since it reduces the risk of false positives and improves understanding of the metabolite shifts in cancer patients.

Abstract Background Advancing the engineering of photosynthesis-based prokaryotic cell factories is important for sustainable chemical production and requires a deep understanding of the interplay between bioenergetic and metabolic pathways. Rearrangements in photosynthetic electron flow to increase the efficient use of the light energy for carbon fixation must be balanced with a strong carbon sink to avoid photoinhibition. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, the flavodiiron protein Flv3 functions as an alternative electron acceptor of photosystem I and represents an interesting engineering target for reorganizing electron flow in attempts to enhance photosynthetic CO2 fixation and increase production yield. Results We have shown that inactivation of Flv3 in engineered sucrose-excreting Synechocystis (S02:Δflv3) induces a transition from photoautotrophic sucrose production to mixotrophic growth sustained by sucrose re-uptake and the formation of intracellular carbon sinks such as glycogen and polyhydroxybutyrate. The growth of S02:Δflv3 exceeds that of the sucrose-producing strain (S02) and demonstrates unforeseen proteomic and metabolomic changes over the course of the nine-day cultivation. In the absence of Flv3, a down-regulation of proteins related to photosynthetic light reactions and CO2 assimilation occurred concomitantly with up-regulation of those related to glycolytic pathways, before any differences in sucrose production between S02 and S02:Δflv3 strains were observed. Over time, increased sucrose degradation in S02:Δflv3 led to the upregulation of respiratory pathway components, such as the plastoquinone reductase complexes NDH-11 and NDH-2 and the terminal respiratory oxidases Cyd and Cox, which transfer electrons to O2. While glycolytic metabolism is significantly up-regulated in S02:Δflv3 to provide energy for the cell, the accumulation of intracellular storage compounds and the increase in respiration serve as indirect sinks for photosynthetic electrons. Conclusions Our results show that the presence of strong carbon sink in the engineered sucrose-producing Synechocystis S02 strain, operating under high light, high CO2 and salt stress, cannot compensate for the lack of Flv3 by directly balancing the light transducing source and carbon fixing sink reactions. Instead, the cells immediately sense the imbalance, leading to extensive reprogramming of cellular bioenergetic, metabolic and ion transport pathways that favor mixotrophic growth rather than enhancing photoautotrophic sucrose production.

SALC Special Issue 2024 is documentation of the Hausa oral tradition from Niger. The texts, originally handwritten notes from field research, are the legacy of the outstanding French researcher of the Hausa language and culture, Claude Gouffé (1926-2013). The edition preserves the original spelling rules of the texts and comments on linguistic forms and content. In the presented edition, records of interviews with an informant using the Hausa dialect from Niger are presented in thematically separate sections: ethnographic texts, oral literature texts (stories) and praise poetry (kirari).

The article is part of a course on Quantum Information Technologies QIT conducted at the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology of the Warsaw University of Technology. The subject includes a publishing workshop exercised by engineering students. How do ICT engineers see QIT from their point of view? How can they implement quantum technologies in their future work? M.Sc. students usually have strictly declared topics for their master’s theses. The implementation of some works is at an advanced stage. The potential areas of application of QIT are defined and narrow if they are to intellectually expand the area of the completed theses. This is the idea of incorporating QIT components or interfaces into classic ICT solutions at the software and hardware level. It is possible to propose a solution in the form of a functional hybrid system. QIT systems should be functionally incorporated into the existing ICT environment, generating measurable added value. Such a task is quite demanding, but practice shows that it interests students. Solutions don’t have to be mature or even feasible. They can be dreams of young engineers. The exercise is a publication workshop related to the fast development of QIT. The article is a continuation of publication exercises conducted with previous groups of students participating in QIT lectures.

Abstract Cyclic tetrapeptides c(Pro-Phe-Pro-Phe) obtained by the mechanosynthetic method using a ball mill were isolated in a pure stereochemical form as a homochiral system (all L-amino acids, sample A) and as a heterochiral system with D configuration at one of the stereogenic centers of Phe (sample B). The structure and stereochemistry of both samples were determined by X-ray diffraction studies of single crystals. In DMSO and acetonitrile, sample A exists as an equimolar mixture of two conformers, while only one is monitored for sample B. The conformational space and energetic preferences for possible conformers were calculated using DFT methods. The distinctly different conformational flexibility of the two samples was experimentally proven by Variable Temperature (VT) and 2D EXSY NMR measurements. Both samples were docked to histone deacetylase HDAC8. Cytotoxic studies proved that none of the tested cyclic peptide is toxic.

Research into the role of individual difference (ID) factors in the process of second and foreign language (L2) learning and teaching has been one of the most robust lines of inquiry in the field of second language acquisition (SLA; Dörnyei & Ryan, 2015; Griffiths & Soruç, 2020; Pawlak & Kruk, 2022). Most of these empirical investigations have concerned L2 learning in general contexts while empirical inquiry targeting specific instructional settings has been quite limited in terms of both quantity and scope. One such context is computer-assisted language learning (CALL), which involves numerous applications, devices and environments that can be drawn upon to enhance and support L2 learning and teaching. While many studies have been carried out in this area, there have been very few comprehensive attempts to synthesize such empirical evidence and such research has largely lagged behind the developments in the broader domain of SLA. The aim of this paper is to synthesize and critically evaluate research into ID factors in CALL against the backdrop of such advances in SLA and consider future directions of such empirical investigations.