bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult-onset mitochondrial movement disorders: a national picture from the Italian Network
Authors: Montano V. , Orsucci D. , Carelli V. , La Morgia C. , Valentino M. L. , Lamperti C. , Marchet S. , Musumeci O. , Toscano A. , Primiano G. , Santorelli F. M. , Ticci C. , Filosto M. , Rubegni A. , Mongini T. , Tonin P. , Servidei S. , Ceravolo R. , Siciliano G. , Mancuso Michelangelo
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Both prevalence and clinical features of the various movement disorders in adults with primary mitochondrial diseases are unknown.

Methods

Based on the database of the “Nation-wide Italian Collaborative Network of Mitochondrial Diseases”, we reviewed the clinical, genetic, neuroimaging and neurophysiological data of adult patients with primary mitochondrial diseases (n = 764) where ataxia, myoclonus or other movement disorders were part of the clinical phenotype.

Results

Ataxia, myoclonus and movement disorders were present in 105/764 adults (13.7%), with the onset coinciding or preceding the diagnosis of the mitochondrial disease in 49/105 (46.7%). Ataxia and parkinsonism were the most represented, with an overall prevalence at last follow-up of 59.1% and 30.5%, respectively. Hyperkinetic movement disorders were reported in 15.3% at last follow-up, being the less common reported movement disorders. The pathogenic m.8344A > G and POLG variants were always associated with a movement disorder, while LHON variants and mtDNA single deletions were more commonly found in the subjects who did not present a movement disorder. The most common neuroimaging features were cortical and/or cerebellar atrophy, white matter hyperintensities, basal ganglia abnormalities and nigro-striatal degeneration. Almost 70% of patients with parkinsonism responded to dopaminergic therapy, mainly levodopa, and 50% with myoclonus were successfully treated with levetiracetam.

Conclusion

Movement disorders, mainly ataxia and parkinsonism, are important findings in adult primary mitochondrial diseases. This study underlies the importance of looking for a mitochondrial etiology in the diagnostic flowchart of a movement disorder and may help direct genetic screening in daily practice.
Influence of caries and molar incisor hypomineralization on oral health-related quality of life in children
Authors: Michaelis Lucas , Ebel Markus , Bekes Katrin , Klode Christian , Hirsch Christian
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study was aimed to compare the impact of caries and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children.

Material and methods

A total of 528 German children aged 7 to 10 years were recruited, half affected by caries and the other half affected by MIH. Both groups were matched according to age, sex, and social status and divided into 3 categories according to severity. The German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for 8- to 10 years old (CPQ-G8-10) was used to analyze the impact on OHRQoL by applying ANOVA models.

Results

Patients with MIH showed a mean CPQ score of 10.7 (± 9.3). This was significantly higher compared to the caries group with 8.1 (± 9.8). The score increased linearly from the low severity category to the high severity category in both groups (caries, 4.1 to 13.8; MIH, 5.2 to 17.7, respectively).

Conclusion

With increasing severity, both clinical conditions showed a greater negative impact on OHRQoL. MIH was associated with more impairments.

Clinical relevance

Currently, the focus in pediatric dentistry is placed on the prevention and treatment of caries. Both diseases may have a negative influence on OHRQoL. Since children perceive the impairments by MIH as worse and the prevalence is equal to that of caries, which focus might be shifted in the future.
Temperature Gradient Interaction Chromatography: A Perspective
Authors: Hutchings Lian R. , Pagliarulo Antonella
Published: July 2021

The application of temperature gradient interaction chromatography (TGIC) as an advanced technique for the characterisation of polymers is discussed, in comparison to other liquid chromatography techniques and in particular the ubiquitous size exclusion chromatography. Specifically, the use of reversed-phase TGIC for the interrogation of complex branched polymers and normal-phase TGIC for characterisation of high-molar mass end-functionalised polymers is highlighted.
Agricultural expansion in African savannas: effects on diversity and composition of trees and mammals
Authors: Tripathi Hemant G. , Woollen Emily S. , Carvalho Mariana , Parr Catherine L. , Ryan Casey M.
Published: July 2021

Land use change (LUC) is the leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. However, the global understanding of LUC's impact on biodiversity is mainly based on comparisons of land use endpoints (habitat vs non-habitat) in forest ecosystems. Hence, it may not generalise to savannas, which are ecologically distinct from forests, as they are inherently patchy, and disturbance adapted. Endpoint comparisons also cannot inform the management of intermediate mosaic landscapes. We aim to address these gaps by investigating species- and community-level responses of mammals and trees along a gradient of small scale agricultural expansion in the miombo woodlands of northern Mozambique. Thus, the case study represents the most common pathway of LUC and biodiversity change in the world's largest savanna. Tree abundance, mammal occupancy, and tree- and mammal-species richness showed a non-linear relationship with agricultural expansion (characterised by the Land Division Index, LDI). These occurrence and diversity metrics increased at intermediate LDI (0.3 to 0.7), started decreasing beyond LDI > 0.7, and underwent high levels of decline at extreme levels of agricultural expansion (LDI > 0.9). Despite similarities in species richness responses, the two taxonomic groups showed contrasting β-diversity patterns in response to increasing LDI: increased dissimilarity among tree communities (heterogenisation) and high similarity among mammals (homogenisation). Our analysis along a gradient of landscape-scale land use intensification allows a novel understanding of the impacts of different levels of land conversion, which can help guide land use and restoration policy. Biodiversity loss in this miombo landscape was lower than would be inferred from existing global syntheses of biodiversity-land use relations for Africa or the tropics, probably because such syntheses take a fully converted landscape as the endpoint. As, currently, most African savanna landscapes are a mosaic of savanna habitats and small scale agriculture, biodiversity loss is probably lower than in current global estimates, albeit with a trend towards further conversion. However, at extreme levels of land use change (LDI > 0.9 or < 15% habitat cover) miombo biodiversity appears to bemoresensitive to LUC than inferred from the meta-analyses. To mitigate the worst effects of land use on biodiversity, our results suggest that miombo landscapes should retain > 25% habitat cover and avoid LDI > 0.75—after which species richness of both groups begin to decline. Our findings indicate that tree diversity may be easier to restore from natural restoration than mammal diversity, which became spatially homogeneous.
Using the “mean temperature of the catch” to assess fish community responses to warming in a temperate lake
Authors: Kangur Külli , Tammiksaar Erki , Pauly Daniel
Published: July 2021

This contribution applies the “mean temperature of the catch” (MTC) concept of Cheung et al. (Nature 497:365–368, 2013) to fish catch data for Lake Peipsi, Estonia/Russia, covering the years 1931 to 2019. The preferred temperature of each of the ten target fish species was obtained from the literature, and combined with the species-specific catch data to obtain MTC values for each year. The analysis of the MTC time series thus obtained with a segmented regression yielded two trend lines, one horizontal at 14.5 °C (1931–1986), and the other (1987–2019) ascending with a slope 0.85 °C·decade−1. Overall, the segmented regression model explains over half of the variance of the MTC data set (multiple R2 = 0.53; adjusted R2 = 0.51). Lake surface water temperatures correlate with MTC, even though weakly (r = 0.30), when considering a 2-year time lag. The fish community of the shallow Lake Peipsi reacts more strongly to temperature changes than marine ecosystems so far studied using the MTC.
From ‘Consent or Anonymise’ to ‘Share and Protect’: Facilitating Access to Surplus Tissue for Research Whilst Safeguarding Donor Interests
Authors: Blewett Catherine
Published: July 2021

There is significant research value in the secondary use of surplus human tissue which has been removed during clinical care and is stored in diagnostic archives. However, this value is limited without access to information about the person from whom the tissue was removed. As the research value of surplus tissue is often not realised until after the patient’s episode of care, it is often the case that no consent has been given for any surplus tissue to be used for research purposes. The Human Tissue Act 2004 does permit research use of surplus tissue without consent, but the researcher must not be in possession of information which could identify the person from whom the tissue was removed. Due to the commonly applied ‘consent or anonymise’ approach, linking tissue and data is challenging and full anonymisation would likely render much research on surplus tissue ineffectual. This article suggests that in recognising the value in surplus tissue linked with information about the person, a ‘share and protect’ approach which considers safeguards other than anonymisation, where obtaining consent for research use would not be feasible, would better balance the public benefit of health research with the protection of individual rights and interests than a requirement for either consent or anonymisation.
A liquid phase anion-exchange approach to high-quality all-inorganic halide perovskite micro- and nanowires
Authors: Li Huafeng , Li Jing , Bao Yanan , Li Jianliang , He Chengyu , Wang Hengshan , Zhang Yajing , Tang Huayi , Xu Jiao , Fang Yurui , Liang Shuang , Yang Yiming
Published: July 2021

All-inorganic halide perovskite nanowires (NWs) are promising materials due to they have broad application prospects in the field of optoelectronics, with mixed-halide perovskite nanowires can change the optoelectronic properties by adjusting the halide ratio. Here, we experimentally investigated the two-process governed anion-exchange reaction in single-crystalline CsPbX3 micro- and nanowires. The critical parameters affecting the outcome of the reaction are identified as the reaction temperature, reaction time, and precursor concentrations. Upon examining the photoluminescence and morphology of the NWs, high-quality NWs were obtained by optimizing these critical parameters. The bandgap of the NWs can be tuned over the entire visible spectra (430–700 nm). In addition, photodetectors incorporating single NWs were fabricated, which demonstrated excellent responsivity under illumination. Our results expand the validity of liquid-phase anion exchange to the microscale, and lay the basis for liquid-processed optoelectronics and displays.
Modeling the α-max capacity of transportation networks: a single-level mathematical programming formulation
Authors: Zang Zhaoqi , Xu Xiangdong , Chen Anthony , Yang Chao
Published: July 2021

Network capacity, defined as the largest sum of origin–destination (O–D) flows that can be accommodated by the network based on link performance function and traffic equilibrium assignment, is a critical indicator of network-wide performance assessment in transportation planning and management. The typical modeling rationale of estimating network capacity is to formulate it as a mathematical programming (MP), and there are two main approaches: single-level MP formulation and bi-level programming (BLP) formulation. Although single-level MP is readily solvable, it treats the transportation network as a physical network without considering level of service (LOS). Albeit BLP explicitly models the capacity and link LOS, solving BLP in large-scale networks is challenging due to its non-convexity. Moreover, the inconsideration of trip LOS makes the existing models difficult to differentiate network capacity under various traffic states and to capture the impact of emerging trip-oriented technologies. Therefore, this paper proposes the α-max capacity model to estimate the maximum network capacity under trip or O–D LOS requirement α. The proposed model improves the existing models on three aspects: (a) it considers trip LOS, which can flexibly estimate the network capacity ranging from zero to the physical capacity including reserve, practical and ultimate capacities; (b) trip LOS can intuitively reflect users’ maximum acceptable O–D travel time or planners’ requirement of O–D travel time; and (c) it is a convex and tractable single-level MP. For practical use, we develop a modified gradient projection solution algorithm with soft constraint technique, and provide methods to obtain discrete trip LOS and network capacity under representative traffic states. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the features of the proposed model as well as the solution algorithm.
Individual Achievement, Person-Major Fit, or Social Expectations: Why Do Students Switch Majors in German Higher Education?
Authors: Meyer Jasmin , Leuze Kathrin , Strauss Susanne
Published: July 2021

While a large body of research addresses both subject choice and student dropout in higher education, much less is known about switching the initially chosen major. Therefore, we ask why students switch their major in higher education and analyse this for the case of Germany, taking the timing and the degree of such switches (within and across subject groups) into account. Based on the extended rational choice framework, we identify three aspects that might explain switching majors: individual achievement in secondary education, a (mis)match between individual occupational interests and the content of studies and parental and peer judgement regarding the initial subject choice. We test the derived hypotheses by applying logistic regression models to representative data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), Starting Cohort 5. Our results indicate that the analysed aspects of individual achievement, person-major fit and social expectations affect switching majors, but their influence varies according to the degree and timing of the switch. While high-achieving students are more likely to switch majors, especially across disciplines and at a later stage in their studies, a mismatch in occupational interests mainly affects switching majors across broad subject groups. Finally, disapproval of the initial subject choice by parents and peers matters most for switches during the first two semesters and across academic disciplines.
Activation of autophagy reverses gemcitabine-induced immune inhibition of RAW264.7 macrophages by promoting TNF-α, IL-6 and MHC-II expression
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Wang Rong , Han Lu , Kuerban Kudelaidi , Ye Li , Pan Shu , Li Shengnan , Yuan Yongfang
Published: July 2021

This research aims to investigate the effect of gemcitabine (GEM) on various activities and functions of macrophages. Phagocytosis, cell autophagy and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analysed by laser scanning confocal microscope. The cell cycle status and major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) expression were examined by flow cytometry. Inflammatory cytokine secretion such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was detected by Elisa assay. The expression of proteins was analysed by western blot method. The results revealed that GEM-induced immune inhibition of M1-type RAW264.7 macrophages activated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We also found that GEM inhibited autophagy, as evidenced by the reduced formation of autophagosome-like vacuoles and autophagosomes. Further study showed that incubation of activated macrophages with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA induced immune suppression. In contrast, treatment with the autophagy inducer trehalose (Tre) restored phagocytosis, TNF-α and IL-6 secretion, and MHC-II expression in GEM-induced immune-inhibited macrophages. GEM reduced immune effect of M1-type RAW264.7 macrophages via inhibiting TNF-α, IL-6 and MHC-II expression. Furthermore, activation of autophagy by Tre reversed GEM-induced immune inhibition of RAW264.7 macrophages.
Biodistribution of Exosomes and Engineering Strategies for Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Exosomes
Authors: Choi Hojun , Choi Yoorim , Yim Hwa Young , Mirzaaghasi Amin , Yoo Jae-Kwang , Choi Chulhee
Published: July 2021

Exosomes are cell-secreted nano-sized vesicles which deliver diverse biological molecules for intercellular communication. Due to their therapeutic potential, exosomes have been engineered in numerous ways for efficient delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients to various target organs, tissues, and cells. In vivo administered exosomes are normally delivered to the liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and gastrointestinal tract and show rapid clearance from the blood circulation after systemic injection. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics (PK) of exosomes can be modulated by engineering various factors such as cellular origin and membrane protein composition of exosomes. Recent advances accentuate the potential of targeted delivery of engineered exosomes even to the most challenging organs including the central nervous system. Major breakthroughs have been made related to various imaging techniques for monitoring in vivo biodistribution and PK of exosomes, as well as exosomal surface engineering technologies for inducing targetability. For inducing targeted delivery, therapeutic exosomes can be engineered to express various targeting moieties via direct modification methods such as chemically modifying exosomal surfaces with covalent/non-covalent bonds, or via indirect modification methods by genetically engineering exosome-producing cells. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of biodistribution and PK of exosomes, factors determining the targetability and organotropism of exosomes, and imaging technologies to monitor in vivo administered exosomes. In addition, we highlight recent advances in strategies for inducing targeted delivery of exosomes to specific organs and cells.
Eruption pattern of the maxillary canines: features of natural eruption seen in PTG at the late mixed stage—Part I
Authors: Ristaniemi J. , Rajala W. , Karjalainen T. , Melaluoto E. , Iivari J. , Pesonen P. , Lähdesmäki R.
Published: July 2021

Aim

To describe the variation of eruption pattern of maxillary canines in the late mixed stage of dentition seen in PTG when eruption was later natural.

Methods

Material for this longitudinal and retrospective register-based study consisted of 1454 PTGs of children living in Eastern Finland (mean age 9.3 years, SD 0.6). Natural eruption of a canine consisted of 744 PTGs (336 girls and 408 boys) including 1488 maxillary canines. The variables examined were treatment/natural eruption, overlapping, inclination, dental age, developmental stage of the canine and lateral incisor.

Results

Only 2.0% of maxillary canines had clear overlapping and 56.2% no overlapping was detected at the age of 8.5–10.5 years. Large inclination angle (≥ 25°) was found for 5.5% of examined canines. Overlapping of canine with lateral incisor root decreased as the development of canine root exceeded 1/3. Larger inclinations occurred at earlier stages but decreased significantly as the root developed from 1/3 to 1/2. Mean inclination was significantly larger at children with normal dental age and/or incomplete lateral incisors when overlapping occurred. Regardless overlapping mean inclination was larger if dental age was delayed and/or lateral incisors incomplete.

Conclusion

Some overlapping and larger inclination in maxillary canine are features of normal eruption pattern at an earlier stage of canine development and while lateral incisor is incomplete in PTG (8.5–10.5 years). In addition to the overlapping and inclination, stages of canine and lateral incisor root as well as dental age should be observed radiologically when evaluating erupting maxillary canine in children of this age.
Clinical trial on the effects of oral magnesium supplementation in stable-phase COPD patients
Authors: Zanforlini Bruno Micael , Ceolin Chiara , Trevisan Caterina , Alessi Agnese , Seccia Daniele Michele , Noale Marianna , Maggi Stefania , Guarnieri Gabriella , Vianello Andrea , Sergi Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

Background and aims

COPD is a common chronic condition in older age that impacts on daily activities and quality of life. Previous studies suggest that magnesium deficit in COPD patients affects bronco-obstruction, inflammation, and physical performance. We investigated whether oral magnesium supplementation in stable-phase COPD patients improves lung function, physical performance, and quality of life.

Methods

We conducted a double-blind randomized-controlled clinical study with 49 participants divided into two groups: one given 300 mg/day of magnesium citrate (n = 25) and the other one sachet/day of a placebo (n = 24). The following parameters were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months: lung function (spirometry), physical performance (handgrip strength, lower limb strength, six-minute walk test), inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein, CRP), disease-related symptoms, and quality of life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, EuroQoL-5D, the Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire).

Results

Linear mixed models revealed significantly lower CRP values in the intervention group than in the placebo group at the 6 month follow-up (β = − 3.2, 95% CI − 6.0, − 0.4, p = 0.03). Moreover, the maximum work for flexion tended to increase in both groups between the 3 and the 6 month assessments, especially in the placebo group. No significant differences within and between groups over the study period were observed for the other parameters tested.

Conclusions

Although the established minimum sample size was not reached, our results suggests that oral magnesium supplementation may have a potential anti-inflammatory role. On the other hand, it does not seem to substantially influence lung function, physical performance, and quality of life in COPD patients.

Trial registration

The study is registered in clinicaltrial.gov (Trial Registration: NCT02680769, 13 June 2016, retrospectively registered).
Face masks suitable for preventing COVID-19 and pollen allergy. A study in the exposure chamber
Authors: Bergmann Karl-Christian , Kugler Sebastian , Zuberbier Torsten , Becker Sylvia
Published: July 2021

Background

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the population in Germany has been asked to wear face masks in public areas. The masks are accepted by the public. People with a pollen allergy have an interest in knowing whether masks can also provide protection against pollen and thus prevent symptoms even without medication.

Method

In order to evaluate the potential ‘antipollen effect’ of face masks, 14 adults with confirmed grass pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were exposed to grass pollen for a period of two hours following a standardised protocol. The test was conducted outside of the grass pollen season. The subjects wore either no mask, a medical mask or a FFP2 mask.

Results

Subjects wearing either mask were clearly able to avoid both nasal and conjunctival symptoms. There were no significant differences between the two masks in terms of effect. Mask wearing to prevent pollen exposure clearly supports overall well-being.

Conclusion

Wearing a mask during pollen season can be recommended as an effective nondrug option for people with a pollen allergy.
Experimental study on the membrane distillation of highly mineralized mine water
Authors: Qi Ji , Lv Jiafeng , Bian Wei , Li Jingfeng , Liu Shuqin
Published: July 2021

Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising membrane separation technique used to treat industrial wastewater. When coupled with cheap heat sources, MD has significant economic advantages. Therefore, MD can be combined with solar energy to realize the large-scale and low-cost treatment of highly mineralized mine water in the western coal-producing region of China. In this study, highly mineralized mine water from the Ningdong area of China was subjected to vacuum MD (VMD) using polyvinylidene fluoride hollow-fiber membranes. The optimal operation parameters of VMD were determined by response surface optimization. Subsequently, the feasibility of VMD for treating highly mineralized mine water was explored. The fouling behavior observed during VMD was further investigated by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Under the optimal parameters (pressure =  − 0.08 MPa, temperature = 70 °C, and feed flow rate = 1.5 L/min), the maximum membrane flux was 8.85 kg/(m2 h), and the desalination rate was 99.7%. Membrane fouling could be divided into three stages: membrane wetting, crystallization, and fouling layer formation. Physical cleaning restored the flux and salt rejection rate to 94% and 97% of the initial values, respectively; however, the cleaning interval and cleaning efficiency decreased as the VMD run time increased. SEM–EDS analysis revealed that the reduction in flux was caused by the precipitation of CaCO3. The findings also demonstrated that the membrane wetting could be attributed to the formation of NaCl on the cross section and outer surface of the membrane. Overall, the results confirm the feasibility of MD for treating mine water and provide meaningful guidance for the industrial application of MD.
Implementation of viscosity and density models for improved numerical analysis of melt flow dynamics in the nozzle during extrusion-based additive manufacturing
Authors: Mishra Ases Akas , Momin Affaf , Strano Matteo , Rane Kedarnath
Published: July 2021

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) process that builds up a part via layer by layer deposition of polymeric material. The purpose of this study is to implement viscosity and density models for improving the assessment of melt flow behavior inside the nozzle during deposition. Numerical simulations are carried out for different combinations of important process parameters like extrusion velocity Ve, extrusion temperature Te, and filament material (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA)). Cross-Williams–Landel–Ferry (Cross-WLF) viscosity and Pressure–Volume–Temperature (PVT) density models are incorporated to get realistic results. Distribution of printing parameters like pressure, temperature, velocity and viscosity inside the nozzle are observed at steady state and their relationship with the print quality is discussed. Effect of the PVT model on polymer deposition is illustrated by comparing it with deposition considering a constant density. Velocity profiles are obtained for the different cases considered and locations where the flow is fully developed, along the axial distance of the nozzle, are determined and termed as stable zones. A direct correlation between the position of the developed melt flow profile and printing quality is established and the best combination of printing parameters is proposed for ABS and PLA. Extended stable zones are obtained for the polymer melt in the nozzle at Ve = 60 mm/s, Te = 220 °C for ABS and Ve = 30 mm/s and Te = 195 °C for PLA and hence, these can be considered as the optimum values of the printing parameters.
Increased Level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) Leads to Downregulation of Nitrergic Neurons Following Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury and Modulates Penile Smooth Tone
Authors: Matsui Hotaka , Sopko Nikolai A. , Campbell Jeffrey D. , Liu Xiaopu , Reinhardt Allison , Weyne Emmanuel , Castiglione Fabio , Albersen Maarten , Hannan Johanna L. , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) after injury to peripheral cavernous nerve (CN) is partly a result of inflammation in pelvic ganglia, suggesting that ED may be prevented by inhibiting neuroinflammation.

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine temporal changes of TNF-α, after bilateral CN injury (BCNI), to evaluate effect of exogenous TNF-α on neurite outgrowth from major pelvic ganglion (MPG), and to investigate effect of TNF-α signal inhibition to evaluate effects of TNF-α on penile tone with TNF-α receptor knockout mice (TNFRKO).

Methods

Seventy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to undergo BCNI or sham surgery. Sham rats’ MPGs were harvested after 48 hours, whereas BCNI groups’ MPGs were at 6, 12, 24, 48 hours, 7, or 14 days after surgery. qPCR was used to evaluate gene expression of markers for neuroinflammation in MPGs. Western blot was performed to evaluate TNF-α protein amount in MPGs. MPGs were harvested from healthy rats and cultured in Matrigel with TNF-α. Neurite outgrowth from MPGs was measured after 3 days, and TH and nNOS immunofluorescence was assessed. Wild type (WT) and TNFRKO mice were used to examine effect of TNF-α inhibition on smooth muscle function after BCNI. MPGs were harvested 48 hours after sham or BCNI surgery to evaluate gene expression of nNOS and TH.

Outcomes

Gene expression of TNF-α signaling pathway, Schwann cell and macrophage markers, protein expression of TNF-α in MPGs, and penile smooth muscle function to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were evaluated.

RESULTS

BCNI increased gene and protein expression of TNF-α in MPGs. Exogenous TNF-α inhibited MPG neurite outgrowth. MPGs cultured with TNF-α had decreased gene expression of nNOS (P < .05). MPGs cultured with TNF-α had shorter nNOS+ neurites than TH+ neurites (P < .01). Gene expression of nNOS was enhanced in TNFRKO mice compared to WT mice (P < .01). WT mice showed enhanced smooth muscle contraction of penises of WT mice was enhanced to EFS, compared to TNFKO (P < .01). Penile smooth-muscle relaxation to EFS was greater in TNFKO mice compared to WT (P < .01).

Clinical Translation

TNF-α inhibition may prevent ED after prostatectomy.

Strength/Limitations

TNF-α inhibition might prevent loss of nitrergic nerve apoptosis after BCNI and preserve corporal smooth muscle function but further investigation is required to evaluate protein expression of nNOS in MPGs of TNFKO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-α inhibited neurite outgrowth from MPGs by downregulating gene expression of nNOS and TNFRKO mice showed enhanced gene expression of nNOS and enhanced penile smooth-muscle relaxation.
Profiles of Sexual Disorders and Eating Disorder Symptoms: Associations with Body Image
Authors: Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Spivak-Lavi Zohar
Published: July 2021

Background

Although the empirical evidence supporting the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorders is growing, it is not yet known how often these 2 conditions co-occur, and whether the comorbidities of sexual disorders and eating disorders differ in any specific ways.

Aim

To examine the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorders.

Methods

In the current study, we used latent profile analysis to identify distinct profiles of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms among a large non-clinical sample of women (n = 985). We also examined how these profiles differed in terms of body image self-consciousness. The study was conducted as an online survey among a convenience sample of Israeli women.

Main Outcome Measures

For sexual disorders we used the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, and for eating disorders we used the Eating Disorders Inventory 2.

RESULTS

Latent profile analysis revealed 4 profiles: no disorder (low levels of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms), eating disorder symptoms (low levels of sexual disorders and high levels of eating disorder symptoms), sexual disorders (high levels of sexual disorders and low levels of eating disorder symptoms), and comorbidity (high levels of both sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms). Women in the comorbidity group had significantly more body image self-consciousness during sexual activity than did women in the other groups.

CONCLUSION

The 4 profiles identified in the study support the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms, yet also raise many clinical considerations. Limitations of the study, directions for future research, and clinical implications are discussed.
Rethinking digital identity for post-COVID-19 societies: Data privacy and human rights considerations
Authors: Beduschi Ana
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the need for more contactless interactions, leading to an acceleration in the design, development, and deployment of digital identity tools and contact-free solutions. A potentially positive outcome of the current crisis could be the development of a more data privacy and human rights compliant framework for digital identity. However, for such a framework to thrive, two essential conditions must be met: (1) respect for and protection of data privacy irrespective of the type of architecture or technology chosen and (2) consideration of the broader impacts that digital identity can have on individuals’ human rights. The article draws on legal, technology-facing, and policy-oriented academic literature to evaluate each of these conditions. It then proposes two ways to leverage the process of digitalization strengthened by the pandemic: a data privacy-centric and a human rights-based approach to digital identity solutions fit for post-COVID-19 societies.
Jacobitism, Coastal Policing, and Fiscal-Military Reform in England after the Glorious Revolution, 1689–1702
Authors: Ziegler Hannes
Published: July 2021

Customs activity during the 1690s has mainly been studied from a fiscal-military perspective that attributes administrative growth and bureaucratic efficiency to the rise of fiscal necessities in the wake of the Nine Years’ War. This article challenges that view with a focus on the one truly momentous change of the Customs during the 1690s: the establishment of a preventive coastal police. Changes in the Customs were occasioned not primarily by fiscal concerns but resulted from the government's preoccupation with Jacobitism and the successful lobbying of Parliament by the wool interest. As the politics of the wool ban before 1689 demonstrate, coastal policing was a losing bargain in fiscal terms and mainly reflected the interests of certain sections of the merchant community. Fiscal pressures alone do not, therefore, explain the fundamental reform of the Customs in the wake of the Glorious Revolution. The beginnings of systematic coastal policing are instead linked to the rise of Parliament and anti-Jacobite precautions of William III's government. The article offers a new, coherent picture of such changes and calls into question the validity of a central assumption about the rise of the fiscal-military state in Britain after the Glorious Revolution, suggesting a more complicated explanation for fiscal reforms.
Identification and dynamic expression profiling of circadian clock genes in Spodoptera litura provide new insights into the regulation of sex pheromone communication
Authors: Xu Ji-Wei , Li Lu-Lu , Wang Meng , Yang Hui-Hui , Yao Wei-Chen , Dewer Youssef , Zhu Xiu-Yun , Zhang Ya-Nan
Published: July 2021

Spodoptera litura is an important pest that causes significant economic damage to numerous crops worldwide. Sex pheromones (SPs) mediate sexual communication in S. litura and show a characteristic degree of rhythmic activity, occurring mainly during the scotophase; however, the specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we employed a genome-wide analysis to identify eight candidate circadian clock genes in S. litura. Sequence characteristics and expression patterns were analyzed. Our results demonstrated that some circadian clock genes might regulate the biosynthesis and perception of SPs by regulating the rhythmic expression of SP biosynthesis-related genes and SP perception-related genes. Interestingly, all potential genes exhibited peak expression in the scotophase, consistent with the SP could mediate courtship and mating behavior in S. litura. Our findings are helpful in elucidating the molecular mechanism by which circadian clock genes regulate sexual communication in S. litura.
The Wheels on the Bus: The Tourism Industry Development Council and Envisioning Spatial Futures in post-Rodney King Los Angeles
Authors: FRANCIS-KELLY GEORGE
Published: July 2021

The aftermath of the 1992 Rodney King crisis in Los Angeles produced a flurry of debate regarding urban social policy in America that has gone unexamined by scholars. This article suggests that by exploring grassroots activists and their proposals for how the city should be rebuilt, we can gain valuable insight into the role of racialized space in motivating protest. It therefore considers a case study of the Tourism Industry Development Council (TIDC), a largely unknown coalition of some of LA's most dynamic activists, created in an attempt to reform the city's tourism policies. By examining a series of bus tours hosted by the TIDC in 1994 and 1996, this article argues that in addition to trying to establish equitable and inclusive economic development in low-income communities of colour, these activists were also reimagining the meanings and uses of urban space. In creating these tours, organizers utilized a “spatial imaginary” to challenge the ideological underpinnings of urban redevelopment and reconceptualized how social justice could be achieved through the remaking of urban spaces in ways which would have important implications for the future of protest and resistance in modern Los Angeles.
Hall instability: origin, properties and asymptotic theory for its tearing mode
Authors: Kitchatinov Leonid
Published: July 2021

Hall instability in electron magnetohydrodynamics is interpreted as the shear-Hall instability driven jointly by helicoidal oscillations and shear in the electron current velocity. This explanation suggests an antiparallel orientation of the background magnetic field and vorticity of the current velocity as the necessary condition for Hall instability. The condition is tested and generally confirmed by numerical computations in plane slab geometry. Unstable eigenmodes are localized in the spatial regions of the antiparallel field and vorticity. Computations of the tearing-type mode of the instability are complemented by (and generally agree with) asymptotic analytical estimations for large Hall numbers. The stabilizing effect of perfect conductor boundary conditions is found and explained. For large Hall numbers, the growth rates approach the power-law dependence$\sigma \propto B^\alpha \eta ^{1-\alpha }$on the magnetic field ($B$) and diffusivity ($\eta$). Almost all computations give the power index$\alpha = 3/4$with one exception of the tearing-type mode with vacuum boundary conditions for which case$\alpha = 2/3$.
Pension Reforms, Population Aging, and Retirement Decision of the Elderly in a Neoclassical Growth Model
Authors: Hirono Makoto , Mino Kazuo
Published: July 2021

This study explores the linkage between the labor force participation of the elderly and the long-run performance of the economy in the context of a two-period-lived overlapping generations model. We assume that the old agents are heterogeneous in their labor efficiency and they continue working if their income exceeds the pension that can be received in the case of full retirement. We first inspect the key factors that determine the retirement decision of the elderly. We then examine analytically as well as numerically the long-run impact of labor participation of the elderly on capital accumulation and income distribution.
Separating the Political from the Economic: The Russia–Traffic in Transit Panel Report
Authors: Crivelli Pramila , Pinchis-Paulsen Mona
Published: July 2021

This paper reviews the World Trade Organization (WTO) Panel Report Russia – Measures Concerning Traffic in Transit of April 2019. It constitutes the first attempt to disentangle the legal and political aspects related to the invoked essential security interests from the economic considerations underlying the measures imposed on the transit through Russia of goods exported from Ukraine to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. One the one hand, the panel's interpretation of Article XXI of the GATT denies Members unilateral determination over security exceptions. It further enables a pathway for future WTO panels to review possible abuses of security exceptions – a growing concern due to the rising complexity of transnational economic relations. On the other hand, our economic analysis suggests a stricter assessment of Russia's transit restrictions was necessary. In particular, it argues that the panel adopted a circular assessment when considering the plausibility of whether Russia implemented its measures for the protection of its essential security interests at a time of emergency in international relations. Ultimately, although the panel's focus on finding a diplomatic and legal path forward failed economic scrutiny a legal assessment argues that the panel's findings fit the legal design of Article XXI:b of the GATT.
Weedy rice update in Arkansas, USA, and adjacent locales
Authors: Roma-Burgos Nilda , Butts Thomas R. , Werle Isabel S. , Bottoms Sunny , Mauromoustakos Andy
Published: July 2021

Weedy rice (Oryza sativaL.) is among the most problematic weeds in rice (Oryza sativaL.) production. The commercialization of herbicide-resistant (HR) rice nearly two decades ago provided an effective tool to manage weedy rice; however, resistance evolution and volunteer HR hybrid rice kept weedy rice at the forefront of rice weed control needs. This research aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of weedy rice infestations, identify production practices that may have contributed to an increase in weedy rice, and determine control strategies that may still be effective on weedy rice across Arkansas and adjacent U.S. Midsouth locales. Two questionnaires, one for rice growers and consultants and one for County Extension agents (CEAs), were distributed through email and physical copies in 2020. Thirty-three respondents returned the rice grower (25) and consultant (8) survey, representing 26 and 7 counties in Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel area, respectively, as well as four parishes in northeast Louisiana. Eighteen respondents returned the CEA survey. Respondents ranked weedy rice the third most problematic weed in rice, behindEchinochloaspp. andCyperusspp. The most common infestation levels reported in 78% of fields was less than 12 m−2. Crop rotation (64% growers/consultants, 50% CEAs) and HR rice technology (27% growers/consultants, 50% CEAs) were the top two most-effective methods for weedy rice management, respectively. Tillage and crop rotation practices significantly influenced weedy rice infestation. Rice–soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] rotation had the lowest weedy rice infestation compared with rice monoculture and other crop rotation practices. Crop rotation was not practiced on 26% of reported fields, primarily due to poor drainage. The imidazolinone (IMI)-resistant rice technology was still effective (>70% control) in 60% of fields, but quizalofop-resistant rice is needed to control IMI-resistant weedy rice. Overall, weedy rice remains a challenging weed in rice production.
Hydraulics and Turbidity Generation in the Milandre Cave (Switzerland)
Authors: Vuilleumier Cécile , Jeannin Pierre‐Yves , Hessenauer Marc , Perrochet Pierre
Published: July 2021

Karst aquifers may convey significant sediment fluxes, as displayed by the intense turbidity peaks commonly observed at karst springs. The understanding of the origin of the suspended solids discharged at springs is key in assessing spring vulnerability and securing drinking water quality. The mechanisms for turbidity generation and sediment transport in karst are however difficult to investigate because of the general lack of access to the karst conduits. These processes have been examined in the Milandre Cave, which hosts a karst drain of regional importance, for more than 10 years by means of turbidity monitoring both inside and at the outlets of this karst system. Additionally, the composition of the suspended load (particle‐size distribution andEscherichia colicontent) has been monitored over the course of a flood event. These data are compared against a numerical simulation of the mean boundary shear stress inside the conduit network. The following conceptual model for sediment transport through the system is derived: during minor flood events, most of the turbidity comes from underground sediment remobilization, while during medium to intense flood events, soil‐derived turbidity also reaches the spring. Hydraulics in the epiphreatic zone is tightly linked with autochthonous turbidity generation (mostly during the flooding and the flushing of conduits). In comparison, allochthonous turbidity is associated with finer particles, higherE. coli, and higher UV fluorescence. This improves the overall understanding of turbidity generation and could help the monitoring and forecast of pollution events at drinking water supplies.
Urbanization Impacts on Evapotranspiration Across Various Spatio‐Temporal Scales
Authors: Mazrooei Amir , Reitz Meredith , Wang Dingbao , Sankarasubramanian A.
Published: July 2021

Urbanization has been shown to locally increase the nighttime temperatures creating urban heat islands, which partly arise due to evapotranspiration (ET) reduction. It is unclear how the direction and magnitude of the change in local ET due to urbanization varies globally across different climatic regimes. This knowledge gap is critical, both for the key role of ET in the energy and water balance accounting for the majority of local precipitation, and for reducing the urban heat island effect. We explore and assess the impacts of urbanization on monthly and mean annual ET across a range of landscapes from local to global spatial scales. Remotely sensed land cover and ET available at 1 km resolution are used to quantify the differences in ET between urban and surrounding non‐urban areas across the globe. The observed patterns show that the statistically significant difference between urban and non‐urban ET can be estimated to first order as a function of local hydroclimate, with arid regions seeing increased ET, and humid regions showing decreased ET. Cities under cold climates also evaporate more than their non‐urban surroundings during the winter, as the urban micro‐climate has increased energy availability resulting from human activities. Increased ET in arid cities arises from municipal water withdrawals and increased irrigation during drought conditions. These results can help inform planners to improve the integration of environmental conditions into the design and management of urban landscapes.