bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomes of Injured Lamprey Axon Tips: Single-Cell RNA-Seq Suggests Differential Involvement of MAPK Signaling Pathways in Axon Retraction and Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Jin Li-Qing , Zhou Yan , Li Yue-Sheng , Zhang Guixin , Hu Jianli , Selzer Michael E.
Published: July 2022

Axotomy in the CNS activates retrograde signals that can trigger regeneration or cell death. Whether these outcomes use different injury signals is not known. Local protein synthesis in axon tips plays an important role in axon retraction and regeneration. Microarray and RNA-seq studies on cultured mammalian embryonic or early postnatal peripheral neurons showed that axon growth cones contain hundreds to thousands of mRNAs. In the lamprey, identified reticulospinal neurons vary in the probability that their axons will regenerate after axotomy. The bad regenerators undergo early severe axon retraction and very delayed apoptosis. We micro-aspirated axoplasms from 10 growing, 9 static and 5 retracting axon tips of spinal cord transected lampreys and performed single-cell RNA-seq, analyzing the results bioinformatically. Genes were identified that were upregulated selectively in growing (n = 38), static (20) or retracting tips (18). Among them, map3k2, csnk1e and gtf2h were expressed in growing tips, mapk8(1) was expressed in static tips and prkcq was expressed in retracting tips. Venn diagrams revealed more than 40 components of MAPK signaling pathways, including jnk and p38 isoforms, which were differentially distributed in growing, static and/or retracting tips. Real-time q-PCR and immunohistochemistry verified the colocalization of map3k2 and csnk1e in growing axon tips. Thus, differentially regulated MAPK and circadian rhythm signaling pathways may be involved in activating either programs for axon regeneration or axon retraction and apoptosis.
The Microwave Facile Synthesis of NiOx@graphene Nanocomposites for Application in Supercapacitors: Insights into the Formation and Storage Mechanisms
Authors: Liang Yue , Wei Zhen , Wang Ruigang , Zhang Xinyu
Published: July 2022

Recently, the strategy of combining carbon-based materials with metal oxides to enhance the electrochemical performance of electrodes has been a topic of great interest, but research focusing on the growth and charge storage mechanisms of such hybrid electrodes has rarely been conducted. In this work, a simple, reproducible, low-cost, and fast microwave heating method was used to synthesize NiOx@graphene nanocomposites. NiOx@graphene nanocomposites were used as a model system for exploring the growth and charge storage mechanisms of the hybrid electrode materials due to their simple preparation process, good stability, low cost, and high specific capacitance. The effects of reaction conditions (the type of metal precursor and feeding ratio between the nickel precursor and graphene) on the formation mechanism of the electrodes were examined, and it was demonstrated that the microstructure and morphology of the electrode materials were metal precursor-dependent, which was directly related to the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. Our work provides a new affordable approach to the synthesis of, and experimental support for designing, hybrid electrode architectures with a high electrochemical performance for next-generation energy storage devices.
The Behavior of Water in Orthoclase Crystal and Its Implications for Feldspar Alteration
Authors: Zuo Hongyan , Liu Rui , Lu Anhuai
Published: July 2022

The phenomenon of feldspar alteration that occurs in the interior of feldspar crystals remains poorly understood. We observed experimentally that water can go into orthoclase crystals under pressures of up to 600 MPa at room temperature. With increasing pressure, the FTIR spectra of colorless orthoclase show a sharp increase in integral absorbance from 1.50 cm−1 to 14.54 cm−1 and normalized integral absorbance from 120 cm−2 to 1570 cm−2; the pink orthoclase saturates quickly with no significant change in either the integral absorbance or normalized integral absorbance. The different responses to the pressure between colorless orthoclase and pink orthoclase might be related to the K content in the structure. Moreover, FTIR spectra at atmospheric pressure collected in different crystallography directions show different absorbance intensities, which illustrates the characteristic of preferred crystallographic orientations. These results reveal that H2O molecules can occur as structural constituents entering the crystallographic channels of alkali feldspar crystals, preferentially along (001) orientation. These findings provide clues into the mechanism of feldspar alteration occurring in the interior of feldspar crystals, as well as the formation of micropores and microstructure in feldspar minerals. This study also provides important insights into the behavior of water molecules in nominally anhydrous minerals in the upper crust of the Earth.
Continuous-Wave Crystalline Laser at 714 nm via Stimulated Raman Scattering and Sum Frequency Generation
Authors: Huang Chien-Yen , Guo Bo-Cheng , Zheng Zi-Xuan , Tsou Chia-Han , Liang Hsing-Chih , Chen Yung-Fu
Published: July 2022

A compact high-power continuous-wave (CW) laser at 714 nm is originally developed via intracavity stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and sum frequency generation (SFG). The fundamental wave at 1342 nm and the first-Stokes Raman wave at 1525 nm are generated by using a Nd:YVO4 and a undoped YVO4 crystals, respectively. Compared to the self-Raman laser, the separation of the gain media for generating the fundamental and Raman waves can effectively reduce the thermal lens effect in the Nd:YVO4 crystal and efficiently enhance the SRS in the undoped YVO4 crystal. Furthermore, the undoped YVO4 crystal is coated to act as a high-reflection mirror for minimizing the cavity losses. At a pump power of 40 W, the output power at 714 nm can reach 1.8 W. The present compact design for CW laser source at 714 nm is believed to be practically useful for laser cooling and trapping of radium.
Pyroelectrically Charged Flexible Ferroelectret-Based Tactile Sensor for Surface Texture Detection
Authors: Sotgiu Edoardo , González-Losada Pedro , Pinto Rui M. R. , Yang Hao , Faraji Mohammadmahdi , Vinayakumar K. B.
Published: July 2022

Texture detection is one of the essential features requested for artificial tactile sensing to push the demand for flexible low-cost tactile sensors in the robotics sector. In this manuscript, we demonstrate the ability of a ferroelectret-based pressure sensor together with a patterned elastomer layer to detect surface textures. The ferroelectret sensor was fabricated using fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) sheets bonded with a patterned adhesive layer to create cavities, integrated with the elastomer bumped surface, and finally charged using a pyroelectric method developed by our group. The ferroelectret-based sensor showed a linear response to the applied force in the range of 0.5 to 2 N, a piezoelectric coefficient of 150.1 ± 3.2 pC/N in the range of 10–80 Hz, and a flat dynamic response in the range of 10–1000 Hz. The tactile sensing characterization of the sensor, performed at different scanning speeds (10 to 30 mm/s) and gratings with different periodicities (0 to 0.8 mm), showed that the fundamental frequencies observed ranged from 12 Hz to 75 Hz, as expected from the model. These results lay the foundation for the adoption of such sensors in different applications that need fine tactile information, such as an autonomous or teleoperated robotic hand, prostheses, and wearable devices.
Substrate-Induced Dissipative and Non-Linear Effects in RF Switches: Probing Ultimate Performance Based on Laser-Machined Membrane Suspension
Authors: Bhaskar Arun , Philippe Justine , Okada Etienne , Braud Flavie , Robillard Jean-François , Durand Cédric , Gianesello Frédéric , Gloria Daniel , Gaquière Christophe , Dubois Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

With the evolution of radio frequency (RF)/microwave technology, there is a demand for circuits that are able to meet highly challenging RF front end specifications. Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology is one of the leading platforms for upcoming wireless generation. The degradation of performance due to substrate coupling is a key problem to address for telecommunication circuits, especially for the high throw count switches in RF front ends. In this context, a fast, flexible and local laser ablation technique of the silicon handler allows for the membrane suspension of large millimeter-scale circuits. This approach enables the evaluation of the ultimate performance in the absence of the substrate, i.e., without dissipative losses and substrate-induced non-linear effects, on capacitive comb coupling structures and RF switches. Compared to high-resistivity SOI substrates, the high frequency characterization of RF membrane switches reveals a superior linearity performance with a reduction in second and third harmonics by 17.7 dB and 7.8 dB, respectively. S-parameter analysis also reveals that membrane suspension entails insertion losses that are improved by 0.38 dB and signal reflection lowered by 4 dB due to a reduced off-state capacitance. With reference to a trap-rich substrate, the membrane suspension also achieves an additional 7.8 dB reduction in the second harmonic, indicating that there is still scope for improvement in this figure of merit. The obtained results demonstrate a new way to evaluate optimized circuit performance using post-fabrication substrate engineering.
Delay Compensation Control Strategy for Electric Vehicle Participating in Frequency Regulation Based on MPC Algorithm
Authors: Yang Zhichun , Yang Fan , Hu Wei , Zhang Zhixuan , Zhou Xia
Published: July 2022

With the continuous increase of renewable energy, the power system will face the problem of insufficient frequency response capability. Electric vehicles (EVs) combine the characteristics of mobile energy storage and controllable loads and can provide capacity support in frequency control. However, as a distributed frequency regulation resource, there is inevitably a communication delay in the process of electric vehicles participating in frequency regulation, which will affect the stability of the system frequency. Therefore, this paper proposes a frequency regulation delay compensation control strategy based on model predictive control (MPC). Firstly, the model predictive control is utilized to design an electric vehicle frequency response model controller and establish a frequency regulation model of the power system containing electric vehicles; then, by establishing the selection rules of the control signal, the multi-step control signal is dynamically adjusted during the rolling optimization of the predictive model to form a delay compensation mechanism considering delay and packet loss; finally, multi-scenario simulation is conducted, and the results show that the proposed strategy can roll-optimize the auxiliary frequency regulation function of electric vehicles, significantly reduce the influence of communication time delay, and improve the system frequency stability.
Target Object Detection from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Images Based on Improved YOLO Algorithm
Authors: Jawaharlalnehru Arunnehru , Sambandham Thalapathiraj , Sekar Vaijayanthi , Ravikumar Dhanasekar , Loganathan Vijayaraja , Kannadasan Raju , Khan Arfat Ahmad , Wechtaisong Chitapong , Haq Mohd Anul , Alhussen Ahmed , Alzamil Zamil S.
Published: July 2022

Aerial image-based target object detection has several glitches such as low accuracy in multi-scale target detection locations, slow detection, missed targets, and misprediction of targets. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an improved You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithm from the viewpoint of model efficiency using target box dimension clustering, classification of the pre-trained network, multi-scale detection training, and changing the screening rules of the candidate box. This modified approach has the potential to be better adapted to the positioning task. The aerial image of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be positioned to the target area in real-time, and the projection relation can convert the latitude and longitude of the UAV. The results proved to be more effective; notably, the average accuracy of the detection network in the aerial image of the target area detection tasks increased to 79.5%. The aerial images containing the target area are considered to experiment with the flight simulation to verify its network positioning accuracy rate and were found to be greater than 84%. This proposed model can be effectively used for real-time target detection for multi-scale targets with reduced misprediction rate due to its superior accuracy.
Boundary Evaluation of the Maximum Coupling Obtained in EM Illumination Test with Different Polarization Direction
Authors: Shi Yuewu , Nie Xin , Zhu Zhizhen , Xie Linshen , Wang Wei , Miao Jianguo
Published: July 2022

In system-level high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) illumination tests, it is common to perform the test in two orthogonal polarizations of the incident electric field. With the judgment standard of the electromagnetic norm, this paper evaluated, improved, generalized, and verified this method. The evaluated result shows that the maximum error of the maximum coupling in this method is less than 3 dB. Meanwhile, this method is improved by serving the 1.2 period of the larger coupling of the 2 illuminations as the maximum coupling. The maximum error can be controlled within 1.5 dB. Moreover, this method is generalized to non-orthogonal conditions. Expressions of the deviations of this method are strictly derived. Based on this method, the application and some extended thinking are discussed. At last, a current coupling test is designed and carried out to verify the methods and conclusions. The methods introduced in this paper can be applied to any linear system in the illumination test under approximate transverse electromagnetic (TEM) waves.
Impact of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) Expansion into Japanese Cedar Plantations on Soil Fungal and Bacterial Community Compositions
Authors: Fang Haifu , Liu Yuanqiu , Bai Jian , Li Aixin , Deng Wenping , Bai Tianjun , Liu Xiaojun , Lai Meng , Feng Yan , Zhang Jun , Zou Qin , Wu Nansheng , Zhang Ling
Published: July 2022

Moso bamboo expansion is common across the world. The expansion of moso bamboo into adjacent forests altered plant and soil characteristics. While the community structure of soil fungi and bacteria plays an important role in maintaining the function of forest ecosystems, changes in microbial community compositions remain unclear, limiting our understanding of ecological process changes following moso bamboo expansion. To explore changes in the community structure of soil fungi and bacteria in Japanese cedar plantations experiencing expansion of moso bamboo, Illumina NovaSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to elucidate changes in soil microbial communities as well as alteration in litter and soil chemical characteristics. The results showed that moso bamboo expansion decreased content of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, litter carbon, and the carbon to nitrogen ratio as well as the number of bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at the genus level, the α-diversity Simple index, and the abundance of Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Gemmatimonadetes. Moso bamboo expansion also increased soil NH4+-N, pH, while it decreased fungi OTUs at the phyla, class, order, family, and genus level. The expansion of moso bamboo into Japanese cedar substantially altered soil fungal and bacterial community structure, which might have implications for changes in the ecosystem element-cycling process. In the forest ecosystem and expansion management of moso bamboo, the types and different expansion stages of moso bamboo should be paid attention to, in the assessment of ecological effects and soil microbial structure.
Potential of Agroforestry to Provide Wood Resources to Central Asia
Authors: Thevs Niels , Aliev Kumar , Emileva Begayim , Yuldasheva Dilfuza , Eshchanova Guzal , Welp Martin
Published: July 2022

Background: Agroforestry systems have the potential to provide timber and wood as a domestic raw material, as well as an additional source of income for rural populations. In Central Asia, tree windbreaks from mainly poplar trees have a long tradition, but were largely cut down as source for fuel wood after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. As Central Asia is a forest-poor region, restoration of tree windbreaks has the potential to provide timber and wood resources to that region. This study aimed to assess the potential of tree windbreaks to contribute to domestic timber and wood production. Methods: This study rests on a GIS-based analysis, in which tree lines (simulated by line shape files) were intersected with cropland area. The tree data to calculate timber and wood volumes stem from a dataset with 728 single trees from a relevant range of climatic conditions. Results: The potential annually available timber volumes from tree windbreaks with 500 m spacing are 2.9 million m3 for Central Asia as a whole and 1.5 million m3 for Uzbekistan alone, which is 5 times the current domestic roundwood production and imports of the country. Conclusions: tree windbreaks offer untapped potential to deliver wood resources domestically as a raw material for wood-based value chains.
Automatic Detection of Sensitive Data Using Transformer- Based Classifiers
Authors: Petrolini Michael , Cagnoni Stefano , Mordonini Monica
Published: July 2022

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has allowed EU citizens and residents to have more control over their personal data, simplifying the regulatory environment affecting international business and unifying and homogenising privacy legislation within the EU. This regulation affects all companies that process data of European residents regardless of the place in which they are processed and their registered office, providing for a strict discipline of data protection. These companies must comply with the GDPR and be aware of the content of the data they manage; this is especially important if they are holding sensitive data, that is, any information regarding racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data relating to the sexual life or sexual orientation of the person, as well as data on physical and mental health. These classes of data are hardly structured, and most frequently they appear within a document such as an email message, a review or a post. It is extremely difficult to know if a company is in possession of sensitive data at the risk of not protecting them properly. The goal of the study described in this paper is to use Machine Learning, in particular the Transformer deep-learning model, to develop classifiers capable of detecting documents that are likely to include sensitive data. Additionally, we want the classifiers to recognize the particular type of sensitive topic with which they deal, in order for a company to have a better knowledge of the data they own. We expect to make the model described in this paper available as a web service, customized to private data of possible customers, or even in a free-to-use version based on the freely available data set we have built to train the classifiers.
A Novel Method for Detecting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Blood Serum of mdx Mice
Authors: Ralbovsky Nicole M. , Dey Paromita , Galfano Andrew , Dey Bijan K. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: July 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, typically affecting males in infancy. The disease causes progressive weakness and atrophy of skeletal muscles, with approximately 20,000 new cases diagnosed yearly. Currently, methods for diagnosing DMD are invasive, laborious, and unable to make accurate early detections. While there is no cure for DMD, there are limited treatments available for managing symptoms. As such, there is a crucial unmet need to develop a simple and non-invasive method for accurately detecting DMD as early as possible. Raman spectroscopy with chemometric analysis is shown to have the potential to fill this diagnostic need.
McCune-Albright Syndrome in Infant with Growth Hormone Excess
Authors: Brzica Katarina , Simunovic Marko , Ivancic Matea , Tudor Darija , Skrabic Ivna , Skrabic Veselin
Published: July 2022

Background: McCune-Albright is a rare syndrome, caused by mutation of the GNAS1 gene, and is characterized by an appearance of multiple endocrinopathies, most commonly premature puberty, polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and skin changes called cafe au lait macules. Case report: We present the case of a patient who is, to the best of our knowledge and after extensive review of literature, the youngest McCune-Albright syndrome patient with growth hormone excess, diagnosed at 8.9 months of age. An extensive diagnostic procedure was done upon the diagnosis. Hormonal assessment was performed and all hormone levels were within reference range, and an additional oral glucose suppression that noted the presence of growth hormone excess. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland did not detect a tumor process. The genetic analysis of the GNAS1 gene from skin punch biopsy came back negative. Octreotide was administered as therapy for growth hormone excess at 9.8 months. After the introduction of therapy, we noted a decrease in growth rate from 29.38 to 16.6 cm/year. Conclusion: This case report emphasizes the lack of available data on treatment of growth hormone excess and follow-up in pediatric population and the need for further research.
Web-Based Protein Interactions Calculator Identifies Likely Proteome Coevolution with Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated Proteins
Authors: Ward Katrisa M. , Pickett Brandon D. , Ebbert Mark T. W. , Kauwe John S. K. , Miller Justin B.
Published: July 2022

Protein–protein functional interactions arise from either transitory or permanent biomolecular associations and often lead to the coevolution of the interacting residues. Although mutual information has traditionally been used to identify coevolving residues within the same protein, its application between coevolving proteins remains largely uncharacterized. Therefore, we developed the Protein Interactions Calculator (PIC) to efficiently identify coevolving residues between two protein sequences using mutual information. We verified the algorithm using 2102 known human protein interactions and 233 known bacterial protein interactions, with a respective 1975 and 252 non-interacting protein controls. The average PIC score for known human protein interactions was 4.5 times higher than non-interacting proteins (p = 1.03 × 10−108) and 1.94 times higher in bacteria (p = 1.22 × 10−35). We then used the PIC scores to determine the probability that two proteins interact. Using those probabilities, we paired 37 Alzheimer’s disease-associated proteins with 8608 other proteins and determined the likelihood that each pair interacts, which we report through a web interface. The PIC had significantly higher sensitivity and residue-specific resolution not available in other algorithms. Therefore, we propose that the PIC can be used to prioritize potential protein interactions, which can lead to a better understanding of biological processes and additional therapeutic targets belonging to protein interaction groups.
Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Key Metabolic Changes in the Brain of Takifugu rubripes in Response to Chronic Hypoxia
Authors: Shang Fengqin , Lu Yun , Li Yan , Han Bing , Wei Renjie , Liu Shengmei , Liu Ying , Liu Yang , Wang Xiuli
Published: July 2022

The brain is considered to be an extremely sensitive tissue to hypoxia, and the brain of fish plays an important role in regulating growth and adapting to environmental changes. As an important aquatic organism in northern China, the economic yield of Takifugu rubripes is deeply influenced by the oxygen content of seawater. In this regard, we performed RNA-seq analysis of T. rubripes brains under hypoxia and normoxia to reveal the expression patterns of genes involved in the hypoxic response and their enrichment of metabolic pathways. Studies have shown that carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism are significant pathways for the enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and that DEGs are significantly upregulated in those pathways. In addition, some biological processes such as the immune system and signal transduction, where enrichment is not significant but important, are also discussed. Interestingly, the DEGs associated with those pathways were significantly downregulated or inhibited. The present study reveals the mechanism of hypoxia tolerance in T. rubripes at the transcriptional level and provides a useful resource for studying the energy metabolism mechanism of hypoxia response in this species.
Fluorescent Platforms for RNA Chemical Biology Research
Authors: Du Jinxi , Dartawan Ricky , Rice William , Gao Forrest , Zhou Joseph H. , Sheng Jia
Published: July 2022

Efficient detection and observation of dynamic RNA changes remain a tremendous challenge. However, the continuous development of fluorescence applications in recent years enhances the efficacy of RNA imaging. Here we summarize some of these developments from different aspects. For example, single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) can detect low abundance RNA at the subcellular level. A relatively new aptamer, Mango, is widely applied to label and track RNA activities in living cells. Molecular beacons (MBs) are valid for quantifying both endogenous and exogenous mRNA and microRNA (miRNA). Covalent binding enzyme labeling fluorescent group with RNA of interest (ROI) partially overcomes the RNA length limitation associated with oligonucleotide synthesis. Forced intercalation (FIT) probes are resistant to nuclease degradation upon binding to target RNA and are used to visualize mRNA and messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) activities. We also summarize the importance of some fluorescence spectroscopic techniques in exploring the function and movement of RNA. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) has been employed to investigate the dynamic changes of biomolecules by covalently linking biotin to RNA, and a focus on dye selection increases FRET efficiency. Furthermore, the applications of fluorescence assays in drug discovery and drug delivery have been discussed. Fluorescence imaging can also combine with RNA nanotechnology to target tumors. The invention of novel antibacterial drugs targeting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is also possible with steady-state fluorescence-monitored ligand-binding assay and the T-box riboswitch fluorescence anisotropy assay. More recently, COVID-19 tests using fluorescent clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology have been demonstrated to be efficient and clinically useful. In summary, fluorescence assays have significant applications in both fundamental and clinical research and will facilitate the process of RNA-targeted new drug discovery, therefore deserving further development and updating.
The Effect of Correlated Colour Temperature on Physiological, Emotional and Subjective Satisfaction in the Hygiene Area of a Space Station
Authors: Jiang Ao , Yao Xiang , Westland Stephen , Hemingray Caroline , Foing Bernard , Lin Jing
Published: July 2022

The hygiene area is one of the most important facilities in a space station. If its environmental lighting is appropriately designed, it can significantly reduce the psychological pressure on astronauts. This study investigates the effect of correlated colour temperature (CCT) on heart rate, galvanic skin response, emotion and satisfaction in the hygiene area of a space station. Forty subjects participated in experiments in a hygiene area simulator with a controlled lighting environment. The lighting conditions included 2700 K, 3300 K, 3600 K, 5000 K and 6300 K; physiological responses (heart rate, galvanic skin response), as well as emotion and satisfaction, were recorded. The results showed that CCT significantly influenced the participants’ physiological and subjective responses in the space station hygiene area. 6300 K led to the best emotion and satisfaction levels, the highest galvanic skin response and the lowest heart rate. The opposite was true for 2700 K.
Climate Change Related Depression, Anxiety and Stress Symptoms Perceived by Medical Students
Authors: Schwaab Lukas , Gebhardt Nadja , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Nikendei Christoph
Published: July 2022

Climate change has drastic consequences on human physical and mental health. However, research on the psychological effects of climate change awareness is still inconclusive. To examine the mental burden posed by climate change awareness and potential resilience factors, n = 203 medical students were surveyed about their awareness of the implications of climate change. Furthermore, well-established mental health questionnaires (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PTSS-10, PSQ-20) were presented twice, in their original form and in a modified version to specifically ask about the respective psychological burden regarding climate change. For identification of potential resilience factors, measures for attachment style (RQ), structural abilities (OPD-SF), and sense of coherence (SOC-13) were used. The results of our study suggest that medical students in Germany have an increased risk to suffer from mental health problems and predominantly experience significant perceived stress in regard to climate change. However, the reported stress does not yet translate into depressive, anxious, or traumatic symptoms. Climate-related perceived stress correlates negatively with potential resilience factors preventing the development of mental disorders such as attachment style, structural abilities, and sense of coherence.
“I Called When I Was at My Lowest”: Australian Men’s Experiences of Crisis Helplines
Authors: Trail Katherine , Wilson Michael J. , Rice Simon M. , Hunt Tara , Pirkis Jane , Seidler Zac E.
Published: July 2022

Background: Helplines are an accessible form of support for people struggling with difficulties in their lives and are key services in suicide prevention and intervention. Men’s experiences of telephone helplines are not well understood, despite high male suicide rates. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional survey with N = 684 Australian men (aged 17–83 years, M = 50.13) using open- and closed-ended questions about their experiences of helplines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics were analysed to investigate differences between men using and not using helplines. Qualitative responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Within the sample, 100 men (14.6%) had used a helpline service. Men using helplines were more likely to be unemployed and in younger age brackets than those not using helplines. They were also more likely to report experiencing stressors related to COVID-19, including financial stress and job loss, perceived impact on mental health and relationship breakdown. Qualitative analysis indicated varied experiences of helplines, with men shedding light on how their interaction with a counsellor, the structure of services and their expectations of the service impacted their experience. Conclusions: Further in-depth qualitative enquiry in this space is required, with the objective of understanding how helpline services may seek to better engage with male callers.
Distinct Responses of Biofilm Carbon Metabolism to Nanoplastics with Different Surface Modifications
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Weiyu , Tao Chunmei , Zhao Junjie , Zhang Hongmei , Miao Lingzhan , Pang Yong , Hou Jun
Published: July 2022

Recently, there is an increasing concern regarding the toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater organisms. However, knowledge about the potential impacts of NPs with different surface modification on freshwater biofilms is still very limited. In this research, biofilms were cultured in lab and exposed to nano polystyrene (PS) beads: non-functionalized PS NPs, PS-COOH NPs, and the carbon source utilization of biofilms were measured by BIOLOG ECO microplates. The results showed that both two types of PS NPs significantly reduced the total carbon metabolic activity of biofilms, compared with the controls, whereas the carbon metabolic rate increased notably, especially for the PS-COOH NPs treatments at day 14. Moreover, results from six categories of carbon sources analysis suggested that PS NPs with different surface chemical properties exhibit distinct effects on the carbon utilization of biofilms, and the divergent changes of the specific carbon source category were observed at day 21 from the two PS NPs treatments. In addition, the metabolic functional diversity of biofilms were not altered by the PS NPs treatments. These findings highlighted that chemical properties of NPs play an important role in the toxic effects on the carbon metabolism activities of the biofilms. This study offers new insights that nanoplastics of different chemical characteristics have the ability to affect the microbial-mediated carbon cycling process in aquatic ecosystems.
Mitigating Extreme Summer Heat Waves with the Optimal Water-Cooling Island Effect Based on Remote Sensing Data from Shanghai, China
Authors: Du Hongyu , Zhou Fengqi
Published: July 2022

Due to the progress in global warming, the frequency, duration and intensity of climate extremes are increasing. As one of these extremes, heat waves influence the well-being of human beings and increase societies’ energy consumption. The Water-Cooling Island (WCI) effect of urban water bodies (UWBs) is important in urban heat wave mitigation. In this paper, the impact of WCI, especially the landscape pattern of the surrounding area, was explored. The results indicate that water bodies with a larger total area and simpler shape have a longer cooling effect. In the areas surrounding UWBs, a lower percentage or discrete distribution of impervious surfaces or green land provide a longer cooling effect. The amplitude of WCI is mainly decided by the impervious surface in the surrounding areas. A lower percentage or discrete distribution of impervious surfaces or green land leads to a smaller-amplitude WCI. The gradient is impacted by the shape of the UWB and surrounding green land. A complex shape and discrete distribution of green land lead to a higher gradient of WCI. The linear regress model was significant in terms of WCI range and gradient, while the model of WCI amplitude was not significant. This indicates that WCI is directly decided by impact factors through gradient and range. The conclusions provide a methodology for WCI prediction and optimization, which is important when mitigating summer heat waves.
Closing the Gap between Inpatient and Outpatient Settings: Integrating Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Technological Advances in the Comprehensive Management of Frail Patients
Authors: Lippi Lorenzo , D’Abrosca Francesco , Folli Arianna , Dal Molin Alberto , Moalli Stefano , Maconi Antonio , Ammendolia Antonio , de Sire Alessandro , Invernizzi Marco
Published: July 2022

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a well-established intervention supported by strong evidence that is used to treat patients affected by chronic respiratory diseases. However, several barriers still affect its spreading in rehabilitation clinical practices. Although chronic respiratory diseases are common age-related disorders, there is still a gap of knowledge regarding the implementation of sustainable strategies integrating PR in the rehabilitation management of frail patients at high risk of respiratory complications. Therefore, in the present study, we characterized the effects of PR in frail patients, highlighting the evidence supporting its role in improving the complex rehabilitative management of these patients. Moreover, we propose a novel organizational model promoting PR programs for frail patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Our model emphasizes the role of interdisciplinary care, specifically tailored to patients and environmental characteristics. In this scenario, cutting-edge technology and telemedicine solutions might be implemented as safe and sustainable strategies filling the gap between inpatient and outpatient settings. Future research should focus on large-scale sustainable interventions to improve the quality of life and global health of frail patients. Moreover, evidence-based therapeutic paths should be promoted and taught in training courses promoting multiprofessional PR knowledge to increase awareness and better address its delivery in frail patients.
Dietary Quality and Perceived Barriers to Weight Loss among Older Overweight Veterans with Dysmobility
Authors: Parker Elizabeth A. , Perez William J. , Phipps Brian , Ryan Alice S. , Prior Steven J. , Katzel Leslie , Serra Monica C. , Addison Odessa
Published: July 2022

Healthier diets are associated with higher muscle mass and physical performance which may reduce the risk of developing frailty and disability later in life. This study examined the dietary quality and self-reported weight loss barriers among older (>60 years), overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) Veterans with dysmobility (low gait speed, impaired mobility diagnosis, or a comorbidity that results in impaired mobility). Habitual dietary intake and healthy eating index (HEI-2015) were assessed using 24-h recalls and compared to US nationally representative dietary intake data and national recommendations. The “MOVE!11” Patient Questionnaire assessed weight loss barriers. The sample (n = 28) was primarily male (93%), black (54%) and obese (BMI = 35.5 ± 5.4 kg/m2) adults aged 69.5 ± 7.0 years with two or more comorbidities (82%); 82% were prescribed four or more medications. Daily intakes (mean ± SD) were calculated for total energy (2184 ± 645 kcals), protein (0.89 ± 0.3 g/kg), fruits (0.84 ± 0.94 cup·eq.), vegetables (1.30 ± 0.87 cup·eq.), and HEI-2015 (52.8 ± 13.4). Veterans consumed an average of 11% less protein than the recommendation for older adults (1.0 g/kg/d) and consumed fewer fruits and vegetables than comparisons to national averages (18% and 21%, respectively). Mean HEI-2015 was 17% below the national average for adults >65 years, suggesting poor dietary quality among our sample. Top weight loss barriers were not getting enough physical activity, eating too much and poor food choices. This data suggests that dietary quality is suboptimal in older, overweight Veterans with disability and highlights the need to identify strategies that improve the dietary intake quality of older Veterans who may benefit from obesity and disability management.
Comparison of the Effects of Aerobic versus Resistance Exercise on the Autonomic Nervous System in Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Lee Chae Kwan , Lee Jae-Hoon , Ha Min-Seong
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in the autonomic nervous system in middle-aged women induced by aerobic and resistance exercise. A randomized controlled design was adopted; 22 premenopausal middle-aged women were divided into the resistance training and aerobic exercise groups (n = 11 each). Each group followed a specific 60 min exercise program three times a week for 12 weeks. The participants’ heart rate variability (HRV) was measured to analyze the low(LF)- and high-frequency (HF) activity, and the LF/HF ratio was calculated to examine the autonomic nervous system’s activities. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise. LF activity significantly increased in both the resistance training (p < 0.001) and aerobic exercise (p < 0.5) groups, indicating a significant variation according to time effect. HF activity was significantly increased only in resistance training (p < 0.001) with a significant variation in time (p < 0.001) and an interaction effect (p < 0.01). The LF/HF ratio did not vary significantly in either group. The findings in this study suggest that both aerobic exercise and resistance training were effective for sympathetic nerve activities in middle-aged women and that the effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic activities were greater for resistance training.
Non-Specific Low Back Pain, Dietary Salt Intake, and Posterior Lumbar Subcutaneous Edema
Authors: Brown Ronald B.
Published: July 2022

Low back pain is the world’s leading disability, but the etiology of the majority of low back pain is non-specific with no known cause. Moreover, overuse of opioids to treat low back pain is a widespread problem. This paper proposes that non-specific low back pain may be associated with excessive intake of dietary salt, potentially mediated by posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema. In addition to pain, symptoms of edema include swelling, tightness, and stiff joints, which are common complaints of people with low back pain, along with restricted lumbar range of motion and impaired mobility. Many global populations consume excess sodium chloride, which can lead to fluid overload in hypervolemia, and cause swelling and temporary weight gain associated with low back pain. Numerous conditions comorbid with low back pain are also potentially mediated by excessive salt intake, including migraine headache, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism, liver disease, respiratory disorders, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy complications, and multiple sclerosis. Novel approaches to identify and prevent the cause of non-specific low back pain have potential to reduce disability worldwide by reducing low back pain prevalence. More research is needed to confirm the involvement of dietary salt and posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema in non-specific low back pain.
Participation in Bullying and Associated Health Characteristics, Risk Factors and Leisure Activities: A Profile of School-Age Children in Serbia
Authors: Santric-Milicevic Milena , Stevanovic Aleksandar , Popovac Nevena , Milanovic Filip , Dedovic Suncica , Zdravkovic Marija , Bjelica Nenad , Tomasevic Ratko , Todorovic Jovana , Terzic-Supic Zorica , Obradovic-Tomasevic Biljana , Milovanovic Vladimir , Radosavljevic Natasa , Nikolic Dejan
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and association of school-age children’s participation in bullying, focusing on their health characteristics, risk factors, and leisure activities. We performed a secondary analysis of the original data of the 2017 HBSC study to examine participation in bullying once and multiple times among school-age children in Serbia. For this purpose, a nationally representative sample of 3267 children from 64 primary and high schools in the Republic of Serbia was evaluated. The outcome variable of interest in our study was participation in bullying. Further groups of individual variables such as health characteristics, risk factors, and leisure activities were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that children who felt everyday stomach pain, irritability or bad mood, and nervousness were more likely to participate in bullying at least once compared with those who rarely or never had such symptoms by 1.46, 1.58, and 1.58 times, respectively. School-age children who reported being drunk two to three times, and four or more times in life were more likely to participate in bullying than those who reported never being drunk by 1.53 and 1.74 times, respectively. Children who reported to watch TV or other media for five or more hours per day were 2.34 times more likely to be involved in bullying at least once. Multiple regression analysis showed that students with daily stomach pain, back pain, nervousness, and dizziness were more likely to be involved in multiple bullying by 1.16, 1.62, 1.82, and 1.70 times, respectively. Students who had nightly meetings or reported being drunk four or more times in the last 30 days were more likely to be involved in multiple bullying by 2.54 and 3.47, respectively. Students who reported playing games five or more times per day were 2.70 times more likely to be involved in this multiple bullying. This study highlights the importance of professional and family education programmes for early identification of specific health symptoms in the pediatric population, as well as integration with interventions aimed at reducing alcohol abuse among school-age children.
Reframing Patient Experience Approaches and Methods to Achieve Patient-Centeredness in Healthcare: Scoping Review
Authors: Kim Eun-Jeong , Nam Inn-Chul , Koo Yoo-Ri
Published: July 2022

(1) There has been growing attention among healthcare researchers on new and innovative methodologies for improving patient experience. This study reviewed the approaches and methods used in current patient experience research by applying the perspective of design thinking to discuss practical methodologies for a patient-centered approach and creative problem-solving. (2) A scoping review was performed to identify research trends in healthcare. A four-stage design thinking process (“Discover”, “Define”, “Develop”, and “Deliver”) and five themes (“User focus”, “Problem-framing”, “Visualization”, “Experimentation”, and “Diversity”), characterizing the concept, were used for the analysis framework. (3) After reviewing 67 studies, the current studies show that the iterative process of divergent and convergent thinking is lacking, which is a core concept of design thinking, and it is necessary to employ an integrative methodology to actively apply collaborative, multidisciplinary, and creative attributes for a specific and tangible solution. (4) For creative problem-solving to improve patient experience, we should explore the possibilities of various solutions by an iterative process of divergent and convergent thinking. A concrete and visualized solution should be sought through active user interactions from various fields. For this, a specific methodology that allows users to collaborate by applying the integrative viewpoint of design thinking should be introduced.
A Predictive Model for Abnormal Bone Density in Male Underground Coal Mine Workers
Authors: Zheng Ziwei , Chen Yuanyu , Yang Yongzhong , Meng Rui , Si Zhikang , Wang Xuelin , Wang Hui , Wu Jianhui
Published: July 2022

The dark and humid environment of underground coal mines had a detrimental effect on workers’ skeletal health. Optimal risk prediction models can protect the skeletal health of coal miners by identifying those at risk of abnormal bone density as early as possible. A total of 3695 male underground workers who attended occupational health physical examination in a coal mine in Hebei, China, from July to August 2018 were included in this study. The predictor variables were identified through single-factor analysis and literature review. Three prediction models, Logistic Regression, CNN and XG Boost, were developed to evaluate the prediction performance. The training set results showed that the sensitivity of Logistic Regression, XG Boost and CNN models was 74.687, 82.058, 70.620, the specificity was 80.986, 89.448, 91.866, the F1 scores was 0.618, 0.919, 0.740, the Brier scores was 0.153, 0.040, 0.156, and the Calibration-in-the-large was 0.104, 0.020, 0.076, respectively, XG Boost outperformed the other two models. Similar results were obtained for the test set and validation set. A two-by-two comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the three models showed that the XG Boost model had the best prediction performance. The XG Boost model had a high application value and outperformed the CNN and Logistic regression models in prediction.