bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The representation of greenery in the boundaries between the open landscape and residential areas in suburbanised rural settlements: development from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century
Authors: Maňas Jan , Kabrhel Jan , Kyselovič Jakub
Published: July 2023

The rapid development of rural settlements into commuter towns in the hinterland of large cities, coupled with intensive agriculture and climate change, may negatively affect the prosperity of these areas. The presented analysis focused on randomly selected rapidly growing settlements in the Prague metropolitan area, examining their development with a focus on the peripheral parts of such settlements. Settlement margins constitute a specific part of rural settlements as it typically contributes to the rural character by providing the gradual gradient between the settlement and the open landscape. The representation of water-absorbing and non-water-absorbing areas and their suitability for the development of taller vegetation along the margins of three randomly selected suburbanised settlements in the hinterland of Prague are analysed from the perspective of the possibility to maintain the traditional character of the settlement margins. Historical maps, aerial photographs, spatial planning documents, and data on current land use and landscape cover were used for the analysis of the settlements’ development over the last approx. 200 years. In order to determine whether an area is water absorbing or not, a manual approach was used for historical maps and a machine learning process for present orthophoto maps. The automated machine learning classification process could be utilised, because the used orthophoto imagery includes a near-infrared portion of the spectrum (i.e. NIR imagery). We have observed the trend of decreasing plot size and of reduction in the water-absorbing surfaces suitable for planting taller vegetation, especially in the twenty-first century residential developments, which disrupts the traditional rural character of these settlements. The utilisation and stabilisation of the current vegetation in the historical areas, together with the creation of the vegetation belts along the margins of the newly developed areas, could improve the environmental quality of these settlements, promote ecosystem services, and increase biodiversity.
Impact of an Emergency Remote Teaching Model on Students’ Academic Performance During COVID-19
Authors: Carrasco-Hernández Antonio , Lozano-Reina Gabriel , Lucas-Pérez María Encarnación , Madrid-Garre María Feliz , Sánchez-Marín Gregorio
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge to universities. It forced them to face the urgent need to rapidly transform their traditional onsite teaching into an emergency remote teaching (ERT) model rather than being able to gradually introduce an effective transition to an online model. Based on a sample of 505 students enrolled in the course on Work Organization at the University of Murcia in Spain, this study analyzes the impact of implementing an ERT model on students’ academic performance. Results show that students display superior academic performance in an onsite teaching–learning model compared to the online ones adopted during COVID-19. Findings also reveal that students’ self-assessment activities enhance their academic performance—both in onsite and online teaching contexts—which implies that ERT model performance can be alleviated by adequately planning self-assessment activities during the course.
Asymmetric L-shaped resonant optical antennas with plasmon length tuning and high-electric field enhancement
Authors: Bralović Nikola , Lemmer Uli , Hussein Mohamed
Published: July 2023

L-shaped resonant optical antennas (ROAs) are low-symmetry plasmonic nanostructures with the unique ability to show two tunable resonances in the optical and near-infrared wavelength regions. The plasmon length of the so-called longitudinal dipolar fundamental plasmon mode of these asymmetric L-shaped ROAs can be used as plasmon resonance building blocks to design polarization-sensitive devices. This paper introduces and numerically analyzes a novel design of asymmetric L-shape ROAs. The reported design offers two resonance modes, i.e., bimodal longitudinal antenna resonance behavior with a high enhancement factor. These two resonances can be selectively excited by changing the linear polarization angle. It is found that the coupled L-shaped ROA with a very small 2 nm gap width exhibits field enhancements 40 and 147.3 on scale $$\left|{E}_{TOT}\right|/\left|{E}_{IN}\right|$$

E

TOT

/

E

IN

for the high energy and low energy resonance, respectively. The obtained results and the analysis open a new route for multiple plasmon resonance devices with ultra-high field enhancement that can be easily integrated with future nano-optical circuits with multiple operational frequencies.
Psychological resilience and competence: key promoters of successful aging and flourishing in late life
Authors: Zábó Virág , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan , Purebl György
Published: July 2023

Many individuals, both in the public and within the field of psychology, often perceive aging as a burden that negatively impacts intellectual and mental health. Our present study aims to challenge this notion by identifying the crucial components of positive mental health in later life. These components not only promote positive mental health but also actively contribute to it, even under difficult circumstances. To accomplish this, we first offer a concise review of well-being and mental health models that highlight the psychological aspects of flourishing in late life. We then introduce a psychological competence-based model for positive mental health, which aligns with the concept of positive aging. Subsequently, we present a measurement tool suitable for practical applications. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of positive aging, drawing on methodological guidelines and existing research findings concerning sustainable positive mental health in later life. We examine the evidence indicating that psychological resilience (the capacity to adapt and recover from adversity or stress) and competence (skills and abilities to effectively cope with challenges across various life domains) significantly contribute to slowing down biological aging processes. Furthermore, we discuss insights into the relationship between psychological factors and aging derived from research on Blue Zones (regions characterized by a higher proportion of individuals experiencing longer, healthier lives).
Risk factors for mortality after hip fracture surgery in Japan using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan
Authors: Nishimura Yuki , Inagaki Yusuke , Noda Tatsuya , Nishioka Yuichi , Myojin Tomoya , Ogawa Munehiro , Kido Akira , Imamura Tomoaki , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: July 2023

Summary

We investigated the risk factors for mortality of hip fracture in the elderly using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims in Japan, and survival was significantly related to sex, age, fracture type, surgical procedure, delayed operative date, comorbidities, blood transfusions, and pulmonary embolism.

Purpose

Hip fracture is the most common fracture in the elderly and is known to have a high mortality rate. In Japan, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have reported on mortality risk factors for hip fracture using nationwide registry databases. This study aimed to determine the number of occurrences of hip fracture and factors that increase mortality using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan.

Methods

This study included extracted data from patients who were hospitalized and underwent surgical treatment for hip fracture between 2013 and 2021, using a nationwide health insurance claims database in Japan. Patient characteristics, such as sex, age, fracture type, surgical procedure, delayed operative date, comorbidities, blood transfusions, and pulmonary embolism, were tabulated to obtain 1-year and in-hospital mortality rates.

Results

Both 1-year and in-patient survival were significantly lower in men, older patients, patients who underwent surgery after 3 days of admission, and patients with trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures, internal fixation, more preoperative comorbidities, blood transfusions, and pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions

Survival was significantly related to sex, age, fracture type, surgical procedure, delayed operative date, comorbidities, blood transfusions, and pulmonary embolism. As the number of male patients with hip fracture will increase with the aging of society, medical staff must provide sufficient information before surgery to avoid postoperative mortality.
Semi-active tuned mass dampers under combined variable actions of friction forces and external disturbances
Authors: Zacchei Enrico , Brasil Reyolando
Published: July 2023

Anti-seismic devices are employed to implement the best performance of the structures under earthquakes. In this paper, semi-active tuned mass dampers (SA-TMDs) are studied by considering several combinations of variable friction forces and external disturbances. The variable damping model is used, where the goal consists in estimating the external actions to find the best friction force for system dampening. In particular, general, sinusoidal, and Gaussian dynamic loadings are considered. To obtain the response of the structure and dampers, several numerical solutions have been implemented. Probabilistic and determines analyses have been also developed to study different damper characteristics. Results show that a SA-TMD can reduce the structure displacements up to ~ 70.0% indicating a good performance in controlling different oscillations. This technology not only preserves the integrity of a structure mitigating its vibrations but also improves the life of occupants and their safety and comfort. This is beneficial from the perspective of practical application, and it is an advancement with respect to this theme.
Explaining the Cultural Evolution of large-scale Collaboration: Conventionality as an Alternative for Collective Intentionality
Authors: Slors Marc
Published: July 2023

The scalar notion of collective intentionality has been used to characterize the evolution of largely uncollaborative apes to highly collaborative ones. This proposal covers human evolution up until and including the formation of hunter-gather groups. But can collective intentionality also explain the emergence of complex societies? I argue that it cannot. Instead of collective intentionality, collaboration in complex societies hinges on a set of non-strategic attitudes and standardized human interactions so that role divisions, institutions, norms and conventions can emerge as group-level phenomena. This set, summarized as ‘conventionality’, is a product of group-level selection rather than of collectively intending minds.
Anesthesia for Triple Endoscopy in Aerodigestive Patients
Authors: Karnwal Abhishek , Yoo Jennifer , Sanders Kyle , Ross Patrick A. , Hochstim Christian , Bhardwaj Vrinda , Bansal Manvi
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

To find the best anesthesia practices for patients with aerodigestive disorders undergoing triple endoscopy.

Recent Findings

While there is abundant literature on the utility of aerodigestive programs as well as the triple endoscopy performed in aerodigestive patients, there is a lack of studies investigating the optimal anesthetic technique for this patient population.

Triple endoscopy has been shown to expedite diagnosis and treatment while exposing patients to less anesthesia and decreasing the frequency of unnecessary evaluations. Due to the high-risk nature of airway procedures and the frequent underlying comorbidities in this special patient population, perioperative respiratory complications are common. Collaborative, multidisciplinary care among anesthesiologists, otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, and gastroenterologists is essential to meet the specific needs of each aerodigestive patient and safely perform the triple endoscopy. This article outlines our anesthetic approach and the perioperative considerations taken for each stage of the process.
High Systolic Blood Pressure of High-Income African American Children
Authors: Assari Shervin , Najand Babak , Khatami Seyedeh Mohaddeseh
Published: July 2023

Background

According to the Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory, racism may reduce the health returns of family socioeconomic status (SEP) resources such as family income for racial minorities, particularly African Americans, compared to Whites. However, we are unaware of any previous studies on racial variation in the protective effects of family income on children’s blood pressure.

Aim

We conducted this study to compare the overall effects of family income on pre-adolescents’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure, test racial variation in this effect, and investigate whether racial variation in this regard is due to racial differences in body mass index.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 4007 racially diverse US children 9–10 years old. The independent variable was family income measured as a three-level categorical variable: less than $50 K USD, 50–100 K USD, and 100 + K USD. The primary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured up to three times at 1-min time intervals. Body mass index was the mediator. Mixed-effects regression models were used for data analysis to adjust for data nested to the centers, families, and individuals. Age, gender, parental education, family structure, and Latino ethnicity were covariates.

Results

In the pooled sample and in the absence of interaction terms in the model, family income did not show an inverse association with children’s systolic (for 100 + K USD family income: β =  − 0.71, p = 0.233 and for 50–100 K USD family income: β = 0.01, p = 0.989) or diastolic blood pressure (for 100 + K USD family income: β =  − 0.66, p = 0.172 and for 50–100 K USD family income: β = 0.23, p = 0.600). However, race showed a significant interaction with family income on systolic blood pressure (for 50–100 K USD × African American: β = 2.75, p = 0.034), suggesting higher systolic blood pressure of African American adolescents from high-income backgrounds. Racial variation in the protective effect of family income on systolic BP was no more significant (for 50–100 K USD × African American: β = 2.14, p = 0.149) after we controlled for body mass index (BMI), which was higher for African American than White adolescents.

Conclusion

The association between high family income and reduced systolic blood pressure in pre-adolescence might be weaker for African Americans compared to Whites, a difference that African American adolescents’ higher body mass index can explain.
Recent Progress in Interfacial Dipole Engineering for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Yinyi , Gong Jue , Zeng Peng , Liu Mingzhen
Published: July 2023

Design and modification of interfaces have been the main strategies in developing perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Among the interfacial treatments, dipole molecules have emerged as a practical approach to improve the efficiency and stability of PSCs due to their unique and versatile abilities to control the interfacial properties. Despite extensive applications in conventional semiconductors, working principles and design of interfacial dipoles in the performance/stability enhancement of PSCs are lacking an insightful elucidation. In this review, we first discuss the fundamental properties of electric dipoles and the specific roles of interfacial dipoles in PSCs. Then we systematically summarize the recent progress of dipole materials in several key interfaces to achieve efficient and stable PSCs. In addition to such discussions, we also dive into reliable analytical techniques to support the characterization of interfacial dipoles in PSCs. Finally, we highlight future directions and potential avenues for research in the development of dipolar materials through tailored molecular designs. Our review sheds light on the importance of continued efforts in this exciting emerging field, which holds great potential for the development of high-performance and stable PSCs as commercially demanded.
Transferförderung durch Lehrende in Soft Skills und Hard Skills Weiterbildungen
Authors: Barth Dorothee , Bonnes Caroline , Hochholdinger Sabine
Published: July 2023

Welche Schwerpunkte setzen Lehrende abhängig vom Weiterbildungsinhalt bei der Stützung transferförderlicher Maßnahmen? Um dies zu ermitteln, wurden in der vorliegenden Studie Lehrende aus der berufsbezogenen Weiterbildung (N = 418) mittels einer Online-Erhebung zu ihrem transferförderlichen Vorgehen befragt. Eine einfaktorielle MANOVA ergab für sämtliche Maßnahmenbereiche einen signifikanten Unterschied zwischen Soft Skills und Hard Skills Inhalten mit einer kleinen Effektstärke. Erwartungsgemäß wurde bei Soft Skills Weiterbildungen in sechs der sieben Bereiche Transfer signifikant stärker gestützt, wobei die Unterschiede am deutlichsten ausfielen für die Bereiche „Modellernen, Feedback und Reflexion“ sowie für „Transferzielplanung durch die Teilnehmenden“. Dagegen zeigte sich, dass bei Hard Skills Inhalten eher auf eine realitätsnahe Weiterbildungsumgebung geachtet wird, um einen nahen Transfer zu begünstigen. Zusätzliche Analysen ergaben, dass die vorgefundenen Unterschiede nicht durch die Qualifikation der Lehrenden in Form einer Trainerausbildung erklärbar sind. Insgesamt deuten die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass eine konsequentere domänenspezifische Ausdifferenzierung in der Weiterbildungsforschung zielführend wäre. Zudem könnte eine Thematisierung der vorgefundenen domänenspezifischen Unterschiede in zukünftigen Fort- und Weiterbildungen für die Professionalisierung von Lehrenden sinnvoll sein.
Dynamic hypergraph embedding onto concentric hypersphere manifold intended for effective visualization
Authors: Ito Shuta , Fushimi Takayasu
Published: July 2023

Hypergraph is a graph structure that can efficiently express the relationship of multiple nodes and has attracted attention in recent years. As with normal graphs, the structure changes every moment, and it is an important research topic in graph mining to capture structural changes. Many existing graph embedding methods focus on prediction tasks, and few focus on the visualization of structural changes. In this study, we aim to output embeddings for effective visualization in terms of spatial efficiency, node classification accuracy, graph structure maintenance, computational efficiency, and structural change detection performance. Our proposed method gets inspired by modularity maximization, quantifies connection strength between hypernodes and hyperedges, and embeds hypernodes on the surface of concentric spheres with a radius equal to the timestep, where a spherical surface has a wide area in the middle range. These devices are expected to correspond to the following two characteristics: (1) a graph has more node pairs whose distances are middle-range than short- and long-range; (2) a growing graph generally has an increasing number of nodes. Evaluation experiments using multiple real hypergraphs show that the proposed method is superior to existing visualization methods in the abovementioned terms.
Therapeutic dilemmas: cognitive enhancers and risk of falling in older adults—a clinical review
Authors: Portlock Gabbie E. , Smith Matthew D. , van Poelgeest Eveline P. , Welsh Tomas James ,   on behalf of the EuGMS Task and Finish Group on FRIDs (Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs)
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Cognitive enhancers are the primary pharmacological therapy prescribed to those with dementia, comprising of memantine and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). The long-term cognitive and behavioural benefits of these medications, as well as their potential contribution to falls is currently debated, with recent Delphi studies being unable to reach consensus on whether these medications should be deprescribed. In this narrative clinical review, as part of a series on deprescribing in people at risk of falls, we explore the potential falls-related side effects experienced in people taking cognitive enhancers, alongside situations where deprescribing may be appropriate.

Methods

We undertook a literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar, using terms capturing falls and cognitive enhancers, as well as consulting the British National Formulary and published Summary of Medicinal Product Characteristics. These searches informed the subsequent clinical review.

Results

Cognitive enhancers should be subject to regular review, including confirmation of appropriate treatment indication, and occurrence of side effects in the context of falls. AChEIs, in particular, are associated with a broad range of side effects that can contribute to increased falls risk. These include bradycardia, syncope and neuromuscular effects. Where these have been identified, deprescribing should be considered, as well as alternative treatment options. Deprescribing studies have shown mixed results, likely due to considerable methodological heterogeneity. Several suggested guidelines exist to aid deprescribing decisions, many of which are highlighted in this review.

Conclusions

The use of cognitive enhancers should be regularly reviewed and decisions to deprescribe made on a case-by-case basis, considering both the risks and benefits of stopping these medications.
Development and Evaluation of a UWB-Based Indoor Positioning System for Underground Mine Environments
Authors: Ziegler Moritz , Kianfar Amir Ehsan , Hartmann Tobias , Clausen Elisabeth
Published: July 2023

Accurate positioning information is a central step in the process of increasing automation and digitalization in the mining industry. Underground mine environments are prime examples for GNSS-denied environments that pose several additional challenges for the employed indoor positioning system (IPS). This work presents an ultra-wideband (UWB)–based system specifically tailored for underground mine environments. Initially, the UWB technology is reviewed and basic concepts of IPS are explained. Both software and hardware are described in detail, including positioning algorithms, electrical circuitry, and the mining-compatible enclosure. Finally, the results from field tests in an underground mine are presented and positioning performance and the influence of dilution of precision (DOP) on positioning results are empirically evaluated. The results show that the localization errors are mostly below 1 m. Individual zones of high localization errors are suspected to be caused by noise interference. Significant DOP influence due to the mining drift geometry can be confirmed. The system shows promising localization results for different mining applications, while influences negatively impacting the accuracy are presented as items for future research.
Genome editing enables defense-yield balance in rice
Authors: Deng Yiwen , He Zuhua
Published: July 2023

This brief article highlights the key findings of the study conducted by Sha et al. (Nature, doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06205-2, 2023), focusing on the cloning of the RBL1 gene from rice, which is associated with lesion mimic mutant (LMM) traits. The RBL1 gene encodes a cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) synthase and plays a crucial role in regulating cell death and immunity by controlling phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis. The rbl1 mutant shows autoimmunity with multi-pathogen resistance but with severe yield penalty. Using genome editing techniques, the research team successfully generated an elite allele of RBL1 that not only restores rice yield but also provides broad-spectrum resistance against both bacterial and fungal pathogens. These findings demonstrate the potential of utilizing genome editing to enhance crop productivity and pathogen resistance.
Nonlife Actuarial Models
Authors: Tse Yiu-Kuen
Published: July 2023

Actuaries must pass exams, but more than that: they must put knowledge into practice. This coherent book supports the Society of Actuaries' short-term actuarial mathematics syllabus while emphasizing the concepts and practical application of nonlife actuarial models. A class-tested textbook for undergraduate courses in actuarial science, it is also ideal for those approaching their professional exams. Key topics covered include loss modelling, risk and ruin theory, credibility theory and applications, and empirical implementation of loss models. Revised and updated to reflect curriculum changes, this second edition includes two brand new chapters on loss reserving and ratemaking. R replaces Excel as the computation tool used throughout – the featured R code is available on the book's webpage, as are lecture slides. Numerous examples and exercises are provided, with many questions adapted from past Society of Actuaries exams.
The Sooner the Better: An Argument for Bias Toward the Earlier
Authors: SAAD BRADFORD
Published: July 2023

In this article I argue that we should be prudentially and morally biased toward earlier events: other things equal, we should prefer for good events to occur earlier and disprefer for bad events to occur earlier. The argument contends that we should accord at least some credence—if only a small one—to a theoretical package featuring the growing block theory of time and that this package generates a presumptive bias toward earlier events. Rival theoretical packages are considered. Under reasonable allocations of credence to them, the presumptive bias escapes defeat. The argument has several corollaries: other things equal, we should be biased toward the past over the future, the further past over the nearer past, and the nearer future over the further future.
A locally time-invariant metric for climate model ensemble predictions of extreme risk
Authors: Virdee Mala , Kaiser Markus , Ek Carl H. , Shuckburgh Emily , Kazlauskaite Ieva
Published: July 2023

Adaptation-relevant predictions of climate change are often derived by combining climate model simulations in a multi-model ensemble. Model evaluation methods used in performance-based ensemble weighting schemes have limitations in the context of high-impact extreme events. We introduce a locally time-invariant method for evaluating climate model simulations with a focus on assessing the simulation of extremes. We explore the behavior of the proposed method in predicting extreme heat days in Nairobi and provide comparative results for eight additional cities.
Addressing the “Puzzle” of Gray-Area Sexual Violations
Authors: Cottone Nic
Published: July 2023

The gray area of sexual violations generally refers to ambiguous sexual experiences that are not readily distinguishable from rape or sex. Such experiences are describable as ambiguous or complex in a way that, to some, seems to defy existent categories of sexual experiences. This leads some feminists to approach the gray area as a puzzle that must be resolved either by understanding it as a new category, or by upholding existing rape categorization. Rather than dispelling the gray-area ambiguity by resolving conceptual puzzles, I assign the gray-area ambiguity a positive analytical role by attending to it in a historical and dialectical light. By tracing histories of feminist antirape discourse, I elaborate a way of understanding the “gray area” of sexual violations, articulating it as a historical condition affecting the interpretive possibilities of our sexual experiences. Such an approach underscores the potential of the gray area to inaugurate feminist critique in virtue of its status as a historically specific yet ambiguous horizon where our experiences can contradictorily seem not-like rape, but not-like sex.
An Invitation into the Mehfil: Muslim Women's Interregional Intellectual Networks
Authors: Paul Sreejata
Published: July 2023

Scholarship on prominent women's organizations of the early twentieth century highlights how American and European suffragists participated in and published reports about one another's activities. Less well-known are the exciting circuits of exchange that took place between women in Asia and Africa in spaces emerging out of colonial modernity. In this article, I explore how such circuits evoke cultural institutions embedded within shared histories of courtly patronage of the performing arts and rhetoric. To this end, I posit the mehfil as an alternative paradigm to capture how women's ideational networks operated within the Perso-Arabic sphere in the first half of the twentieth century. The mehfil, in addition to delineating neglected circuits of women's intellectual exchanges, also demonstrates how such exchanges, if attended to, pose certain tensions with known feminist histories. By broadening the definition of who we think of as early women activists or as pioneers of women's intellectual networks, it interrogates and intervenes within our understanding of first-wave feminisms. By foregrounding the interaction of claims for gender justice with anti-imperialist discourse, the mehfil provides an early model of women's collectivity that hinges not on demands for suffrage or other legislative reform, but on critique of colonial patriarchy.
The Nigerian Cabotage Act and the Ideals of the African Continental Free Trade Area: An Unwholesome Alliance?
Authors: Osinuga Damilola
Published: July 2023

One of the primary goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is to establish a single market for goods and services in order to achieve economic integration in Africa. Experts opine that the AfCFTA can be a game changer for improving intra-African trade and may pave the way to economic diversification and inclusion. To maximize the potential of the AfCFTA, African nations must eliminate or minimize trade and non-trade barriers that can undermine the AfCFTA's true intention. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa; therefore for the AfCFTA to flourish, Nigeria must implement targeted industrial, structural and policy changes to facilitate the achievement of the AfCFTA's objectives. This article addresses protectionist cabotage as a non-tariff trade hurdle to AfCFTA aims, as well as the need for Nigeria to abolish or liberalize its restrictive regime on domestic cabotage trade. It proposes that Nigeria should take the lead in campaigning for a regional cabotage regime and eliminate its protectionist policy.
Ameliorative effect ofStevia rebaudianaBertoni on sperm parameters,in vitrofertilization, and early embryo development in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of diabetes
Authors: Abdi Mahdad , Alizadeh Fathemeh , Daneshi Erfan , Abouzaripour Morteza , Fathi Fardin , Rahimi Kaveh
Published: July 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. It is well known that men with diabetes frequently experience reproductive disorders and sexual dysfunction. In fact, sperm quality has a significant effect on fertilization success and embryo development. The current study aimed to investigate the effect ofStevia rebaudianahydroalcoholic extract on serum testosterone levels, sperm parameters,in vitrofertilization (IVF) success, andin vitroembryonic developmental potential to reach the blastocyst stage in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mouse model of diabetes. In this research, 30 male mice were distributed randomly into control, diabetic (streptozotocin 150 mg/kg) and diabetic +Stevia(400 mg/kg) groups. The results revealed a decrease in body and testis weight and elevated blood fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels in the diabetic group, compared with the control. However,Steviatreatment significantly increased body and testis weight, while serum FBS levels were decreased compared with the diabetic group. In addition,Steviasignificantly increased blood testosterone levels compared with the diabetic group. Moreover, sperm parameters were improved considerably bySteviatreatment compared with the diabetic group. Furthermore,Steviaadministration significantly promoted IVF success rate andin vitrodevelopment of fertilized oocytes compared with the diabetic group. In summary, our data indicated thatSteviaenhanced sperm parameters, IVF success, andin vitroembryonic developmental competency in diabetic mice, probably because of its antioxidant effects. Therefore,Steviacould ameliorate sperm parameters that, in turn, increase fertilization outcomes in experimental-induced diabetes.
Evaluation of U.S. Army Soldiers wearing a back exosuit during a field training exercise
Authors: Slaughter P. R. , Rodzak K. M. , Fine S. J. , Ice C. C. , Wolf D. N. , Zelik K. E.
Published: July 2023

Back overuse injuries are a significant problem in the U.S. Army, responsible for nearly a quarter of musculoskeletal injuries. Back exosuits are wearable devices that relieve musculoskeletal strain, make lifting easier, and could potentially reduce Soldier overuse injuries. But published studies have not evaluated exosuits during realistic field operations to assess acceptability to Soldiers. We tested a back exosuit on field artillery Soldiers during a field training exercise. Afterward, Soldiers completed a survey to quantify their satisfaction, intent to use, and performance impact of the exosuit. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive: Approximately 90% of Soldiers reported that exosuits increased their ability to perform their duties, and 100% said that if the exosuit were further developed and made available to them, they would be likely to wear it. These numerical survey results indicated that exosuits can provide a practical and acceptable way to assist lifting and augment physical performance during realistic Army operations without interfering with other duties.
Prevalence and Time Trends of Self-Reported Mental Health Problems Among Children and Adolescents Between 11 and 17 Years in the KiGGS Study
Authors: Baumgarten Franz , Junker Stephan , Schlack Robert
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Objective: Knowledge about the prevalence of mental disorders in childhood and adolescence is important for clinicians and policymakers. This study examines the prevalence and trends in self-reported mental health problems among 11- to 17-year-olds in Germany. Method: We evaluated data from the self-report version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) of 6,725 children and adolescents from the baseline of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (KiGGS, 2003–2006) and 6,145 from its second wave (KiGGS wave 2, 2014–2017). Results: According to the SDQ total difficulties score, the prevalence estimates did not vary significantly between the study waves, neither regarding the category “abnormal” (9.3 % vs. 9.4 %) nor the pooled categories “borderline/abnormal” (16.9 % vs. 15.4 %). We confirmed the results by linear regression analyses using mean values instead of the SDQ categories. Analyses of the SDQ subscales revealed gender and age-specific time trends. Conclusions: These findings differ from those based on the SDQ parent report, which suggests significant declines in symptom load between the study waves. The results indicate the importance of integrating youth self-reports when measuring mental health problems, at least as part of a multi-informant approach.
Ethical Issues of Primary and Secondary Dementia Prevention
Authors: Schürmann Jan , Trachsel Manuel
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The asymmetry of diagnostic and therapeutic options in dementia raises difficult ethical questions about primary and secondary dementia prevention. For example, is it ethically appropriate to tell asymptomatic individuals that they are very likely to develop dementia in the next few years? The present article reviews and systematizes the ethical issues regarding dementia prevention and proposes a terminology and classification of ethical issues. This may prove helpful in framing further discussion. It is imperative that appropriate diagnostic standards be developed that include procedures for risk communication, disclosure of diagnoses, stigma reduction, and protection of vulnerable patient populations. Further, we need coordinated and effective preventive interventions to raise awareness about dementia and effective risk reduction strategies in the population.
Impact of Diurnal Warm Layers on Atmospheric Convection
Authors: Shevchenko Radomyra , Hohenegger Cathy , Schmitt Mira
Published: July 2023

This manuscript presents a study of oceanic diurnal warm layers (DWLs) in kilometer‐scale global coupled simulations and their impact on atmospheric convection in the tropics. With the implementation of thin vertical levels in the ocean, DWLs are directly resolved, and sea surface temperature (SST) fluctuations of up to several Kelvin appear in regions with low wind and high solar radiation. The increase of SST during the day causes an abrupt afternoon increase of atmospheric moisture due to enhanced latent heat flux (LHF), followed by an increase in cloud cover (CC) and cloud liquid water (CLW). However, although the diurnal SST amplitude is even exaggerated in comparison to reanalysis, this effect only lasts for 5–6 hr and leads to an absolute difference of 1% for CC and 0.01 kg m−2 for CLW. This can be explained by the fact that the low wind over the SST anomalies dampens their potential effect on the LHF and hence clouds. All in all, the impact of DWLs on convective CC is found to be negligible in the tropical mean.
Air Flow Dynamics in Wet Soils: Challenges and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Ben-Noah Ilan
Published: July 2023

Modeling air flow in wet porous media relies on quantifying the combined role of fluid and media properties and flow dynamics on the microscale displacement mechanisms and macroscale unstable flow.
Impacts of Mesoscale Cloud Organization on Aerosol‐Induced Cloud Water Adjustment and Cloud Brightness
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Feingold Graham
Published: July 2023

The role of mesoscale cellular convection (MCC) in regulating aerosol‐induced cloud brightness remains unaddressed. Using 7 years of satellite‐based observations of cloud water adjustment to aerosol‐induced perturbations for closed MCCs across different sizes (8, 16, 32, and 64 km) over the North Atlantic Ocean, we show that MCC cell‐size plays a nontrivial role in regulating aerosol‐induced cloud brightness via cloud water adjustment. In cells that are primarily non‐precipitating, the adjustment in small‐scale MCCs can be 10 times more negative than in large‐scale MCCs, consistent with stronger evaporation via cloud top entrainment. Consequently, the response of cloud brightness is significantly stronger for large‐scale MCCs. We also find notable intra‐cell co‐variability between cloud liquid water path (LWP) and drop concentration (Nd) within MCCs that varies with cell size. Erroneously considering such co‐variability as a LWP response to Nd can lead to a significant positive bias, especially for small scale MCCs.
Direct Effects of Air Humidity on Dust Aerosol Production: Evidences for the Surprising Role of Electrostatic Forces
Authors: Ma Xiewen , Gao Qianqian , Jiang Xinghua , Chen Shaodong , Gan Yuqi , Zhang Tao , Lu Xiaohui , Wang Xiaofei
Published: July 2023

Dust aerosols are produced by wind erosion, and it is widely accepted that dust aerosols can be produced only if the wind speed exceeds a certain threshold velocity, which is largely controlled by soil moisture content. The relative humidity (RH) in the air could affect soil moisture content, thereby impacting dust production indirectly. However, it is not clear if the RH can directly change dust aerosol production. Here we simulated dust production and show that the RH does play a direct role in affecting the production of dust aerosol in a quite complicated way, which can be explained by a hypothesis that the RH affects both the electrostatic forces and wet‐bonding forces between soil particles in opposite directions. The current formula for dust aerosol production flux does not include the direct RH effect, and this study strongly suggests that it could lead to significant errors in estimating dust production.
Adverse effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy: pathophysiology, mechanisms and clinical management
Authors: Shyam Sunder Sunitha , Sharma Umesh C. , Pokharel Saraswati
Published: July 2023

Since their invention in the early 2000s, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have gained prominence as the most effective pathway-directed anti-cancer agents. TKIs have shown significant utility in the treatment of multiple hematological malignancies and solid tumors, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, non-small cell lung cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and HER2-positive breast cancers. Given their widespread applications, an increasing frequency of TKI-induced adverse effects has been reported. Although TKIs are known to affect multiple organs in the body including the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, thyroid, blood, and skin, cardiac involvement accounts for some of the most serious complications. The most frequently reported cardiovascular side effects range from hypertension, atrial fibrillation, reduced cardiac function, and heart failure to sudden death. The potential mechanisms of these side effects are unclear, leading to critical knowledge gaps in the development of effective therapy and treatment guidelines. There are limited data to infer the best clinical approaches for the early detection and therapeutic modulation of TKI-induced side effects, and universal consensus regarding various management guidelines is yet to be reached. In this state-of-the-art review, we examine multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies and curate evidence on the pathophysiology, mechanisms, and clinical management of these adverse reactions. We expect that this review will provide researchers and allied healthcare providers with the most up-to-date information on the pathophysiology, natural history, risk stratification, and management of emerging TKI-induced side effects in cancer patients.
Ferrostatin-1 alleviates the damage of C2C12 myoblast and mouse pelvic floor muscle induced by mechanical trauma
Authors: He Yong , Huang Guotao , Hong Shasha , Zuo Xiaohu , Zhao Zhihan , Hong Li
Published: July 2023

Ferroptosis is a special form of regulated cell death, which is reported to play an important role in a variety of traumatic diseases by promoting lipid peroxidation and devastating cell membrane structure. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a kind of disease affecting the quality and health of many women’s lives, which is closely related to the injury of the pelvic floor muscle. Clinical findings have discovered that there is anomalous oxidative damage to the pelvic floor muscle in women with PFD caused by mechanical trauma, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we explored the role of ferroptosis-associated oxidative mechanisms in mechanical stretching-induced pelvic floor muscle injury, and whether obesity predisposed pelvic floor muscle to ferroptosis from mechanical injury. Our results, in vitro, showed that mechanical stretch could induce oxidative damage to myoblasts and trigger ferroptosis. In addition, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) down-regulation and 15-lipoxygenase 1(15LOX-1) up-regulation exhibited the same variational characteristics as ferroptosis, which was much more pronounced in palmitic acid (PA)-treated myoblasts. Furthermore, ferroptosis induced by mechanical stretch could be rescued by ferroptosis inhibitor (ferrostatin-1). More importantly, in vivo, we found that the mitochondria of pelvic floor muscle shrank, which were consistent with the mitochondrial morphology of ferroptosis, and GPX4 and 15LOX-1 showed the same change observed in cells. In conclusion, our data suggest ferroptosis is involved in the injury of the pelvic floor muscle caused by mechanical stretching, and provide a novel insight for PFD therapy.
Membrane translocation process revealed by in situ structures of type II secretion system secretins
Authors: Yu Zhili , Wu Yaoming , Chen Muyuan , Huo Tong , Zheng Wei , Ludtke Steven J. , Shi Xiaodong , Wang Zhao
Published: July 2023

The GspD secretin is the outer membrane channel of the bacterial type II secretion system (T2SS) which secrets diverse toxins that cause severe diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. GspD needs to translocate from the inner to the outer membrane to exert its function, and this process is an essential step for T2SS to assemble. Here, we investigate two types of secretins discovered so far in Escherichia coli, GspDα, and GspDβ. By electron cryotomography subtomogram averaging, we determine in situ structures of key intermediate states of GspDα and GspDβ in the translocation process, with resolution ranging from 9 Å to 19 Å. In our results, GspDα and GspDβ present entirely different membrane interaction patterns and ways of transitioning the peptidoglycan layer. From this, we hypothesize two distinct models for the membrane translocation of GspDα and GspDβ, providing a comprehensive perspective on the inner to outer membrane biogenesis of T2SS secretins.
Dynamic gel as artificial interphase layer for ultrahigh-rate and large-capacity lithium metal anode
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhang Jiaming , Hu Benrui , Liang Qianwen , Xiong Xunhui
Published: July 2023

Constructing a stable artificial solid-electrolyte interphase has become one of the most effective strategies to overcome the poor reversibility of lithium metal anode, yet the protection role is still insufficient at elevated current densities over 10 mA cm−2 and large areal capacities over 10 mAh cm−2. Herein, we propose a dynamic gel with reversible imine groups, which is prepared via a cross linking reaction between flexible dibenzaldehyde-terminated telechelic poly(ethylene glycol) and rigid chitosan, to fabricate a protective layer for Li metal anode. The as-prepared artificial film shows combined merits of high Young’s modulus, strong ductility and high ionic conductivity. When the artificial film is fabricated on a lithium metal anode, the thin protective layer shows a dense and uniform surface owing to the interactions between the abundant polar groups and lithium metal. Besides, the polar groups in the artificial film can homogenize the distribution of Li+ at the electrode/electrolyte interface. As a result, cycle stability over 3200 h under an areal capacity of 10 mAh cm−2 and a current density of 10 mA cm−2 has been obtained for the protected lithium metal anodes. Moreover, cycling stability and rate capability has been also improved in the full cells.
Kinetochore component function in C. elegans oocytes revealed by 4D tracking of holocentric chromosomes
Authors: Pitayu-Nugroho Laras , Aubry Mélanie , Laband Kimberley , Geoffroy Hélène , Ganeswaran Thadshagine , Primadhanty Audi , Canman Julie C. , Dumont Julien
Published: July 2023

During cell division, chromosome congression to the spindle center, their orientation along the spindle long axis and alignment at the metaphase plate depend on interactions between spindle microtubules and kinetochores, and are pre-requisite for chromosome bi-orientation and accurate segregation. How these successive phases are controlled during oocyte meiosis remains elusive. Here we provide 4D live imaging during the first meiotic division in C. elegans oocytes with wild-type or disrupted kinetochore protein function. We show that, unlike in monocentric organisms, holocentric chromosome bi-orientation is not strictly required for accurate chromosome segregation. Instead, we propose a model in which initial kinetochore-localized BHC module (comprised of BUB-1Bub1, HCP-1/2CENP-F and CLS-2CLASP)-dependent pushing acts redundantly with Ndc80 complex-mediated pulling for accurate chromosome segregation in meiosis. In absence of both mechanisms, homologous chromosomes tend to co-segregate in anaphase, especially when initially mis-oriented. Our results highlight how different kinetochore components cooperate to promote accurate holocentric chromosome segregation in oocytes of C. elegans.