bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Applied in the Early Postpartum Period After Cesarean Birth on Healing, Pain, and Comfort
Authors: Sabancı Baransel Esra , Barut Sümeyye , Uçar Tuba
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study was conducted to determine the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied in the early postpartum period after cesarean birth on incision site healing, postoperative recovery, pain, and comfort.

Methods

This randomized, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted with 138 women (TENS group n = 46, placebo group n = 46, control group n = 46) who gave birth by cesarean between January and September 2023. TENS was applied twice at a frequency of 100 Hz with a pulse width of 100 microseconds, at 10 to 12 and 14 to 16 hours after birth, for 30 minutes each. Outcomes were measured with the Postoperative Recovery Index; Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale; Visual Analogue Scale; and Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire. Outcomes between groups were compared postintervention, correcting for baseline using analysis of covariance. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05991921).

Results

Mean scores for postoperative recovery were significantly lower (improved) in the TENS group (113.58) compared with the placebo and control groups (134.67, 136.61; P < .001). The postoperative recovery subscales (psychological symptoms, physical activities, appetite symptoms, bowel symptoms, general symptoms) were also significantly decreased in the TENS group compared with the placebo and control groups. Similarly, mean scores for postpartum comfort, and the corresponding physical comfort, psychospiritual comfort, and sociocultural comfort subscales, were significantly improved in the TENS group (110.26) compared with the placebo and control group (83.80, 81.19; P < .05).

Discussion

TENS application can be preferred as an alternative method to increase pain control, recovery, and patient comfort after cesarean birth.
Genetically encoded sensors for in vivo detection of neurochemicals relevant to depression
Authors: Zhao Yulin , Wan Jinxia , Li Yulong
Published: March 2024

Depressive disorders are a common and debilitating form of mental illness with significant impacts on individuals and society. Despite the high prevalence, the underlying causes and mechanisms of depressive disorders are still poorly understood. Neurochemical systems, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, have been implicated in the development and perpetuation of depressive symptoms. Current treatments for depression target these neuromodulator systems, but there is a need for a better understanding of their role in order to develop more effective treatments. Monitoring neurochemical dynamics during depressive symptoms is crucial for gaining a better a understanding of their involvement in depressive disorders. Genetically encoded sensors have emerged recently that offer high spatial–temporal resolution and the ability to monitor neurochemical dynamics in real time. This review explores the neurochemical systems involved in depression and discusses the applications and limitations of current monitoring tools for neurochemical dynamics. It also highlights the potential of genetically encoded sensors for better characterizing neurochemical dynamics in depression‐related behaviors. Furthermore, potential improvements to current sensors are discussed in order to meet the requirements of depression research.

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Treatment with synchronized radiofrequency and facial muscle stimulation: Histologic analysis of human skin for changes in collagen and elastin fibers
Authors: Goldberg David J. , Lal Karan
Published: March 2024

Background

Skin's exposure to intrinsic and extrinsic factors causes age‐related changes, leading to a lower amount of dermal collagen and elastin.

Aim

This study investigated the effects of a novel facial muscle stimulation technology combined with radiofrequency (RF) heating on dermal collagen and elastin content for the treatment of facial wrinkles and skin laxity.

Methods

The active group subjects (N = 6) received four 20‐min facial treatments with simultaneous RF and facial muscle stimulation, once weekly. The control subject (N = 1) was untreated. Skin biopsies obtained at baseline, 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up were evaluated histologically to determine collagen and elastin fibers content. A group of independent aestheticians evaluated facial skin appearance and wrinkle severity. Patient safety was followed.

Results

In the active group, collagen‐occupied area reached 11.91 ± 1.80 × 106 μm2 (+25.32%, p < 0.05) and 12.35 ± 1.44 × 105 μm2 (+30.00%, p < 0.05) at 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up visits. Elastin‐occupied area at 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up was 1.64 ± 0.14 × 105 μm2 (+67.23%, p < 0.05), and 1.99 ± 0.21 × 105 μm2 (+102.80%, p < 0.05). In the control group, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in collagen and elastin fibers. Active group wrinkle scores decreased from 5 (moderate, class II) to 3 (mild, class I). All subjects, except the control, improved in appearance posttreatment. No adverse events or side effects occurred.

Conclusion

Decreased dermal collagen and elastin levels contributes to a gradual decline in skin elasticity, leading to facial wrinkles and unfirm skin. Study results showed noticeable improvement in facial appearance and increased dermal collagen and elastin content subsequent to simultaneous, noninvasive RF, and facial muscle stimulation treatments.
Access to credit and economic complexity: Evidence from Italian provinces
Authors: Basile Roberto , Giallonardo Luisa , Girardi Alessandro , Mantegazzi Daniele
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on the relationship between “urbanization economies” and access to bank credit by assessing the role of product variety and economic complexity in affecting local credit market conditions. Using quarterly data on Italian provinces for 2008–2018 and adopting a dynamic (spatial) econometric approach, the work provides robust evidence highlighting how local economic complexity reduces the barriers to accessing local credit markets. With a greater “qualified” diversification (higher economic complexity), banks access successful projects with greater probability and are more willing to grant credit. The estimation results also reveal the existence of long‐run spatial spillover effects. The empirical findings advocate for a nuanced and context‐specific policy framework. By embracing place‐based and mission‐oriented policies encouraging diversification and knowledge diffusion, regions can enhance their economic resilience and provide tailored support to businesses, ensuring their stability and growth even in the face of challenging credit conditions.
Effects of dispersal and geomorphology on riparian seed banks and vegetation in a boreal stream
Authors: Hoppenreijs Jacqueline H. T. , Lind Lovisa , Eckstein R. Lutz
Published: March 2024

Question

Riparian vegetation and seed banks are the foundation of functional riparian zones, yet insight in the processes that explain their composition is limited. We tested three theories fundamental to dispersal and environmental filtering of riparian seed banks and vegetation. Combining these theories, we expected hydrochory to lead to increased species richness downstream in both soil seed bank and vegetation with accumulation restarting after a lake section, and geomorphological filtering to lead to higher similarity of seed bank and vegetation composition locally and within lakes, slow‐flowing sections and rapids, respectively, than between them.

Location

Svartån, a free‐flowing river in central Sweden.

Methods

We surveyed riparian vegetation and conducted a germination experiment on riparian soil seed bank cores from lakes, slow‐flowing sections and rapids. We combined these with trait data on seed dispersal syndromes, floating capacity of seeds and seed longevity. We analysed differences throughout the system with linear models and between process domains with Kruskal–Wallis tests and similarity in community composition with the Horn–Morisita similarity index.

Results

Our results indicated that species richness did not increase downstream and was relatively similar throughout lakes, slow‐flowing sections and rapids for both riparian seed banks and vegetation. Seed floating capacity was similar throughout these river sections, too, and seed longevity was higher in seed banks than in vegetation.

Conclusions

Geomorphology and hydrochory were not as important drivers in this area for riparian seed bank and vegetation composition as expected. In the area and on the scale studied here, other local and regional environmental factors and dispersal syndromes are more likely to be determinants of riparian dynamics and composition. Continued studies of riparian seed banks can help improve our understanding of riparian composition and functioning in the future.
Climbing aroids in a Panamanian lowland forest: We should reconsider our categories
Authors: Einzmann Helena Julia Regina , Weichgrebe Letizia , Kohlstruck Juliane , Zotz Gerhard
Published: March 2024

Background

In contrast to woody climbers, information on community composition or vertical extension within the forest is scarce for herbaceous climbers, even in well‐studied field sites like Barro Colorado Island. Moreover, questions regarding ontogenetic patterns (site of germination, changes in root/shoot connection with the soil) are unresolved because of a lack of field data.

Location

Barro Colorado Island, Panama.

Methods

In 17 plots of 400 m2 each, which were distributed all over the island, we recorded all potential hosts (trees, palms, lianas) with a diameter at breast height larger than 1 cm, and all climbing aroids attached to them. For aroids, we recorded species identity, number of shoots, root connections to the ground, and vertical shoot extension. By distinguishing three size classes for each species in our analyses we deduced the site of germination and ontogenetic changes in the root/shoot connection with the soil.

Results

Only 16% of all potential hosts were occupied by climbing aroids. We recorded 1196 individuals of 17 species. Aroids preferred larger trees and old‐growth forest. Species differed strongly in vertical distribution. Hemiepiphytic species germinate epiphytically, often high up in tree crowns and later establish root contact with the soil, while the majority of species establish on or close to the ground and reach moderate heights of 5–15 m (forest height ca. 35 m). In all of these species, we observed dieback of the proximal portion of the shoot to a varying extent but contact with the soil was invariably retained via adventitious roots.

Conclusions

We provide rare quantitative data on species richness and abundance of herbaceous climbers in a tropical lowland forest. Few species fall neatly into the categories of vines, nomadic vines and hemiepiphytes. This highlights the need for longitudinal observational and experimental studies to resolve the current debate on the appropriate grouping of these climbers.
Effects of compound plant extracts on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and histomorphology of liver and intestine of rice field eel (Monopterus albus)
Authors: Luo Ao , Song Chunling , Wu Xiao , Li Min , Shi Chuanxin , Wu Shanshan , Lei Wei , Fang Peng , Peng Mo
Published: March 2024

Compound plant extracts (CPE) are beneficial for aquatic animals on growth performance and antioxidant capacity. A 56‐day experiment was conducted to investigate its positive effect on rice field eel. The fish were fed a commercial diet and supplementing CPE (mainly containing eucommia polysaccharides, reducing sugar) at 0, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 g/kg. Results showed that dietary CPE significantly increased weight gain and specific growth rate (p < 0.05). Liver lipid content in 1.6 and 3.2 g/kg groups was significantly lower than in 0.8 and 2.4 g/kg groups (p < 0.05). Muscle lipid content in 0.8, 2.4, and 3.2 g/kg CPE groups was significantly lower than in control (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, intestinal digestive enzymatic activities in the 3.2 g/kg CPE group were the highest in comparison to all other groups (p < 0.05). Dietary CPE enhanced the antioxidant activities of serum and intestine (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, intestinal fold thickness in CPE groups was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary CPE reduced the degree of liver steatosis and the number of lipid droplet vacuoles. This study indicated that dietary CPE was beneficial to growth performance, antioxidant capacity, liver, and intestinal histology. Supplementation with 1.6–3.2 g/kg CPE is optimal for this eel species.
Advancing the white phase mobile traffic control paradigm to consider pedestrians
Authors: Niroumand Ramin , Hajibabai Leila , Hajbabaie Ali
Published: March 2024

Current literature on joint optimization of intersection signal timing and connected automated vehicle (CAV) trajectory mostly focuses on vehicular movements paying no or little attention to pedestrians. This paper presents a methodology to safely incorporate pedestrians into signalized intersections with CAVs and connected human‐driven vehicles (CHVs). The movements of vehicles are controlled using both traffic lights and mobile CAV controllers during our newly introduced “white phase.” CAVs navigate platoons of CHVs through the intersection when the white phases are active. In addition to optimizing CAV trajectories, the model optimally selects the status of the traffic light signal among white and green indications for vehicular and walk and do‐not‐walk intervals for pedestrian movements. A receding horizon‐based methodology is used to capture the stochastic nature of the problem and to reduce computational complexity. The case study results show the successful operation of fleets consisting of pedestrians, CAVs, and CHVs with various demand levels through isolated intersections. The results also show that increasing the CAV market penetration rate (MPR) can decrease average intersection delay by up to 27%. Moreover, the average pedestrian, CHV, and CAV delays decrease as the CAV MPR increases and reach their minimum values with a fully CAV fleet. In addition, the presence of the white phase can decrease the intersection average delay by up to 14.7%.
A perspective on the impacts of microplastics on mosquito biology and their vectorial capacity
Authors: Jones Christopher M. , Hughes Grant L. , Coleman Sylvester , Fellows Rosie , Quilliam Richard S.
Published: March 2024

Microplastics (plastic particles <5 mm) permeate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and constitute a hazard to animal life. Although much research has been conducted on the effects of microplastics on marine and benthic organisms, less consideration has been given to insects, especially those adapted to urban environments. Here, we provide a perspective on the potential consequences of exposure to microplastics within typical larval habitat on mosquito biology. Mosquitoes represent an ideal organism in which to explore the biological effects of microplastics on terrestrial insects, not least because of their importance as an infectious disease vector. Drawing on evidence from other organisms and knowledge of the mosquito life cycle, we summarise some of the more plausible impacts of microplastics including physiological, ecotoxicological and immunological responses. We conclude that although there remains little experimental evidence demonstrating any adverse effect on mosquito biology or pathogen transmission, significant knowledge gaps remain, and there is now a need to quantify the effects that microplastic pollution could have on such an important disease vector.
Goldberg–Shprintzen syndrome—A rare case from India
Authors: Pradeepkumar Murugasamy , Kaviya Mohandass , Gomathi Mohan
Published: March 2024

Goldberg–Shprintzen Syndrome (GOSHS, OMIM# 182212) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with the characteristic features of craniosynostosis, developmental delays, intellectual disability, hypotonia, joint laxity, respiratory dysfunction, cardiovascular abnormalities, and abdominal hernias. Here we presented a rare case of 5‐years old male child with facial dysmorphism, global developmental delay, microcephaly, hypotonia, respiratory infection, breathing abnormalities, hematochezia, and meconium ileus. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous deletion mutation in kinesin family binding protein (KIFBP) gene, NM_015634.4:c.1151del (p.Leu384Ter), which confirmed the molecular diagnosis of GOSHS.
Staging the Tories' Islamic Jihad against George I and the Whigs in Edward Young's The Revenge
Authors: Alhawamdeh Hussein A.
Published: March 2024

This article analyzes Edward Young's nuanced employment of Islam and appropriation of the Qur'an, first translated into English as The Alcoran of Mahomet in 1649, to attack allegorically the Tories' aspirations to support James Francis Edward Stuart (1701–1766), who was nicknamed “the Old Pretender” by the Whigs and James III by the Tories, to restore Catholicism/Islam into Hanoverian England. Edward Young's The Revenge (1721), which adapts Shakespeare's Othello (1604), dramatizes the Moor Zanga, who is of royal Moorish descent and the captive of the Spanish general Don Alonzo, performing Jihad on himself in revenge for the slaughter of his father king and nation by Alonzo/George I. The character of the Muslim Zanga embodies two levels of materialization and refashioning from the Whigs' perspective: Firstly, he connotes George I's Turkish servants, Mahomet and Mustapha, who signify the Hanoverian king's power and dominance over the Turks. Secondly, he draws a parallel to the Old Pretender's and the Tories' rebellions of 1715 and 1719 within a Jihadist and Qur'anic framework, serving as a political allegory of the Tories' attempts to dethrone George I.
Utilizing a learning health system to capture real‐world patient data: Application of the reliable change index to evaluate and improve the outcome of a pain rehabilitation program
Authors: You Dokyoung S. , Chong Jeanette L. , Mackey Sean C. , Poupore‐King Heather
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

The learning healthcare system (LHS) has been developed to integrate patients' clinical data into clinical decisions and improve treatment outcomes. Having little guidance on this integration process, we aim to explain (a) an applicable analytic tool for clinicians to evaluate the clinical outcomes at a group and an individual level and (b) our quality improvement (QI) project, analyzing the outcomes of a new outpatient pain rehabilitation program (“Back‐in‐Action”: BIA) and applying the analysis results to modify our clinical practice.

Methods

Through our LHS (CHOIR; https://choir.stanford.edu), we administered the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMIS)® before and after BIA. After searching for appropriate analytic tools, we decided to use the Reliable Change Index (RCI) to determine if an observed change in the direction of better (improvement) or worse (deterioration) would be beyond or within the measurement error (no change).

Results

Our RCI calculations revealed that at least a 9‐point decrease in the PCS scores and 10‐point increase in the CPAQ scores would indicate reliable improvement. RCIs for the PROMIS measures ranged from 5 to 8 T‐score points (i.e., 0.5–0.8 SD). When evaluating change scores of the PCS, CPAQ, and PROMIS measures, we found that 94% of patients showed improvement in at least one domain after BIA and 6% showed no reliable improvement.

Conclusions

Our QI project revealed RCI as a useful tool to evaluate treatment outcomes at a group and an individual level, and RCI could be incorporated into the LHS to generate a progress report automatically for clinicians. We further explained how clinicians could use RCI results to modify a clinical practice, to improve the outcomes of a pain program, and to develop individualized care plans. Lastly, we suggested future research areas to improve the LHS application in pain practice.
Efficacy of transcranial photobiomodulation in the treatment for major depressive disorder: A TMS‐EEG and pilot study
Authors: Hao Wensi , Dai Xiaona , Wei Min , Li Siran , Peng Mao , Xue Qing , Lin Hua , Wang Huicong , Song Penghui , Wang Yuping
Published: March 2024

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) was a prevalent mental condition that may be accompanied by decreased excitability of left frontal pole (FP) and abnormal brain connections. An 820 nm tPBM can induce an increase in stimulated cortical excitability. The purpose of our study was to establish how clinical symptoms and time‐varying brain network connectivity of MDD were affected by transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM).

Methods

A total of 11 patients with MDD received 820 nm tPBM targeting the left FP for 14 consecutive days. The severity of symptoms was evaluated by neuropsychological assessments at baseline, after treatment, 4‐week and 8‐week follow‐up; 8‐min transcranial magnetic stimulation combined electroencephalography (TMS‐EEG) was performed for five healthy controls and five patients with MDD before and after treatment, and time‐varying EEG network was analyzed using the adaptive‐directed transfer function.

Results

All of scales scores in the 11 patients decreased significantly after 14‐day tPBM (p < .01) and remained at 8‐week follow‐up. The time‐varying brain network analysis suggested that the brain regions with enhanced connection information outflow in MDD became gradually more similar to healthy controls after treatment.

Conclusions

This study showed that tPBM of the left FP could improve symptoms of patients with MDD and normalize the abnormal network connections.
The effect of frailty levels of older individuals on their mental well‐being and depression levels
Authors: Biçak Ayik Derya , Cengiz Zeliha , Isik Kevser
Published: March 2024

Background

Frailty has become an important public health issue. This study was conducted to determine the effect of frailty levels of older individuals on their mental well‐being and depression levels.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted with a total of 325 older individuals aged 60 years and over. A demographic questionnaire form, the FRAIL Frailty Scale, the Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐Being Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale‐Short Form were used to collect data. Data were evaluated using the SPSS 25.0 package program. Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi‐square, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were used.

Results

The mean age of the older individuals was 69.56 ± 7.75 years, and the variables of age, education level, income status, the person they were living with, regular medication use, forgetting to take medication, urinary incontinence, hospitalisation, and accidents were found to affect both frailty and depression (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between frailty and depression (r: 0.460, P < 0.001) and a negative correlation between mental frailty and well‐being (r: −0.391, P < 0.001). Socio‐demographic variables, depression, and mental well‐being had a 40% effect on frailty (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Depression status and mental well‐being level are related to frailty, so negativity in one of them negatively affects the other. In line with these results, it is recommended to determine the level of depression and mental well‐being of older individuals with high risk of frailty, and according to the results of the research, to provide care and support regarding the predictors affecting frailty.
Unpredictable threat increases early event‐related potential amplitudes and cardiac acceleration: A brain–heart coupling study
Authors: Gerpheide Kathrin , Unterschemmann Sarah‐Louise , Panitz Christian , Bierwirth Philipp , Gross James J. , Mueller Erik M.
Published: March 2024

In the face of unpredictable threat, rapid processing of external events and behavioral mobilization through early psychophysiological responses are crucial for survival. While unpredictable threat generally enhances early processing, it would seem adaptive to particularly increase sensitivity for unexpected events as they may signal danger. To examine this possibility, n = 77 participants performed an auditory oddball paradigm and received unpredictable shocks in threat but not in safe contexts while a stream of frequent (standard) and infrequent (deviant) tones was presented. We assessed event‐related potentials (ERP), heart period (HP), and time‐lagged within‐subject correlations of single‐trial EEG and HP (cardio‐EEG covariance tracing, CECT) time‐locked to the tones. N1 and P2 ERP amplitudes were generally enhanced under threat. The P3 amplitude was enhanced to deviants versus standards and this effect was reduced in the threat condition. Regarding HP, both threat versus safe and unexpected versus expected tones led to stronger cardiac acceleration, suggesting separate effects of threat and stimulus expectancy on HP. Finally, CECTs revealed two correlation clusters, indicating that single‐trial EEG magnitudes in the N1/P2 and P3 time‐windows predicted subsequent cardiac acceleration. The current results show that an unpredictable threat context enhances N1 and P2 amplitudes and cardiac acceleration to benign auditory stimuli. They further suggest separable cortical correlates of different effects on cardiac activity: an early N1/P2 correlate associated with threat‐effects on HP and a later P3 correlate associated with expectedness‐effects. Finally, the results indicate that unpredictable threat attenuates rather than enhances the processing of unexpected benign events during the P3 latency.
Can I see it in the eyes? An investigation of freezing‐like motion patterns in response to avoidable threat
Authors: Merscher Alma‐Sophia , Gamer Matthias
Published: March 2024

Freezing is one of the most extensively studied defensive behaviors in rodents. Both reduced body and gaze movements during anticipation of threat also occur in humans and have been discussed as translational indicators of freezing but their relationship remains unclear. We thus set out to elucidate body and eye movements and concomitant autonomic dynamics in anticipation of avoidable threat. Specifically, 50 participants viewed naturalistic pictures that were preceded by a colored fixation cross, signaling them whether to expect an inevitable (shock), no (safety), or a potential shock (flight) that could be avoided by a quick button press. Body sway, eye movements, the heart rate and skin conductance were recorded. We replicated previously described reductions in body sway, gaze dispersion, and the heart rate, and a skin conductance increase in flight trials. Stronger reductions in gaze but not in body sway predicted faster motor reactions on a trial‐wise basis, highlighting their functional role in action preparation. We failed to find a trait‐like relationship between body and gaze movements across participants, but their temporal profiles were positively related within individuals, suggesting that both metrics partly reflect the same construct. However, future research is desirable to assess these response patterns in naturalistic environments. A more ethological examination of different movement dynamics upon threat would not only warrant better comparability between rodent and human research but also help determine whether and how eye‐tracking could be implemented as a proxy for fear‐related movements in restricted brain imaging environments.
Human urine does not protect acorns against predation by the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus): a field study with video recording
Authors: Castro Jorge
Published: March 2024

Direct seeding is a revegetation method that can offer great advantages for forest restoration, but suffers the drawback of seed loss due to granivorous rodents. Thus, to make direct seeding a useful and scalable forest restoration method, we need to find ways to protect seeds against rodents. Scents produced by carnivorous or omnivorous animals that elicit a fear response on rodents are a promising group of substances that can be used to protect seeds and that have demonstrated effectiveness in a number of cases. Here, I test if human urine has a protective effect on Holm oak (Quercus ilex) acorns against predation by mice. Human urine would be much easier and cheaper to obtain than the urine of other animals, providing the possibility, if effective, to scale the application of a repellent substance. I set up a field experiment in an area with high wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) abundance and used eight urine donors. Neither urine nor donor had any effect. Acorn removal was very fast and high, reaching 97.2% after 7 days. Video recording with camera traps showed that the wood mouse was the main predator, but the Eurasian jay also removed acorns. I conclude that human urine is not useful as a repellent against mice and suggest to focus efforts in finding other substances to repel seed predators.
All roads lead from Rome: the transcultural career of Francisco de Reynoso
Authors: Baker‐Bates Piers
Published: March 2024

This article discusses the transcultural career of one particular Spanish ecclesiastic, the Palencian, Francisco de Reynoso (1534–1601). Reynoso is a far more significant historical and cultural figure than has previously been thought, although never the subject of a holistic study. He began his ecclesiastical life as major domo and secretary of Pope Pius V and ended it as Bishop of Córdoba. Through a novel and detailed analysis of Reynoso's career and patronage the article sheds new light on the dynamics of a broader Iberian world that co‐existed between Spain and Italy. It reveals the ties that continued to bind Reynoso to Rome, where he had lived for some ten years, throughout his long career and demonstrates how easily individuals could now transition between Spain and Italy. In particular, the extensive opportunities for cultural patronage that were offered thereby are analysed, Reynoso was to prove a discerning patron in many fields – art, architecture, music and literature. Finally, it makes a revealing comparison between Reynoso and the career trajectory of his exact Bolognese contemporary and colleague, Alessandro Casale, as to the different possibilities this Iberian world now offered the ambitious cleric.
Association of handgrip strength with suicidal ideation among adults aged ≥50 years from low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Soysal Pinar , Veronese Nicola , Gibson Poppy , Pizzol Damiano , Jacob Louis , Butler Laurie , Barnett Yvonne , Oh Hans , Shin Jae Il , Koyanagi Ai
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the association between handgrip strength and suicidal ideation in representative samples of adults aged ≥50 years from six LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa).

Methods

Cross‐sectional, community‐based data from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Aging and Adult Health were analyzed. Handgrip strength quintiles by sex were created based on the average value of two handgrip measurements of the dominant hand. Self‐reported information on past 12‐month suicidal ideation was collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess associations.

Results

Data on 34,129 individuals were analyzed [mean (SD) age 62.4 (16.0) years; age range 50–114 years; 52.1% females]. After adjustment for potential confounders, in the overall sample, compared to the handgrip strength quintile with the highest values [Quintile 1 (Q1)], Q2, Q3, Q4, and Q5 were associated with significant 2.15 (95% CI = 1.05–4.39), 2.78 (95% CI = 1.06–7.32), 3.53 (95% CI = 1.68–7.42), and 6.79 (95% CI = 2.80–16.48) times higher odds for suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

Lower handgrip strength was significantly and dose‐dependently associated with higher odds for suicidal ideation in adults aged ≥50 years from LMICs. Future longitudinal studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, and whether increasing general muscular strength and physical function may lead to reduction in suicidal ideation.
Microneedles: A novel clinical technology for evaluating skin characteristics
Authors: Kim Seo Hyeong , Kim Ji Hye , Choi Yoon Mi , Seo Su Min , Jang Eun Young , Lee Sung Jae , Cho Suhyun , Jeong Do Hyeon , Lee Kwang Hoon
Published: March 2024

Background

Current methods for evaluating efficacy of cosmetics have limitations because they cannot accurately measure changes in the dermis. Skin sampling using microneedles allows identification of skin‐type biomarkers, monitoring treatment for skin inflammatory diseases, and evaluating efficacy of anti‐aging and anti‐pigmentation products.

Materials and methods

Two studies were conducted: First, 20 participants received anti‐aging treatment; second, 20 participants received anti‐pigmentation treatment. Non‐invasive devices measured skin aging (using high‐resolution 3D‐imaging in the anti‐aging study) or pigmentation (using spectrophotometry in the anti‐pigmentation study) at weeks 0 and 4, and adverse skin reactions were monitored. Skin samples were collected with biocompatible microneedle patches. Changes in expression of biomarkers for skin aging and pigmentation were analyzed using qRT‐PCR.

Results

No adverse events were reported. In the anti‐aging study, after 4 weeks, skin roughness significantly improved in 17 out of 20 participants. qRT‐PCR showed significantly increased expression of skin‐aging related biomarkers: PINK1 in 16/20 participants, COL1A1 in 17/20 participants, and MSN in 16/20 participants. In the anti‐pigmentation study, after 4 weeks, skin lightness significantly improved in 16/20 participants. qRT‐PCR showed significantly increased expression of skin‐pigmentation‐related biomarkers: SOD1 in 15/20 participants and Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) in 15/20 participants. No significant change in TFAP2A was observed.

Conclusion

Skin sampling and mRNA analysis for biomarkers provides a novel, objective, quantitative method for measuring changes in the dermis and evaluating the efficacy of cosmetics. This approach complements existing evaluation methods and has potential application in assessing the effectiveness of medical devices, medications, cosmeceuticals, healthy foods, and beauty devices.
Unraveling the impact of urban form on location's irreplaceability: An analysis from the perspective of spatiotemporal heterogeneity
Authors: Wu Chao , Gao Fanzong , Ye Xinyue , He Qingsong
Published: March 2024

The concept of a location's irreplaceability pertains to its unique characteristics that make it challenging for other locations to replace in terms of providing services and meeting needs. While scholars have shown great enthusiasm for studying location irreplaceability, accurately measuring it and understanding the effects of urban form have not been thoroughly explored through empirical research. This study selects Shenzhen, China, as the study area. First, the I‐index, which focuses on geographic flow, is utilized to measure the location's irreplaceability using mobile phone data. Subsequently, the factors related to urban form are analyzed from the perspectives of demography, building capacity, public services, and the location's conditions. Finally, a geographically and temporally weighted regression model (GTWR) is constructed to explore the spatiotemporal relationships between irreplaceability and urban form. The study demonstrates that the I‐index, considering flow volume and distance, can effectively measure the location's irreplaceability. The results of GTWR indicate that the location's irreplaceability and its influencing factors exhibit spatiotemporal heterogeneity. This study advances our understanding of the relationships between location irreplaceability and urban form both conceptually and methodologically. The findings have practical implications for urban design and planning, including urban space optimization, facility equity, and the alleviation of traffic congestion.
Estimating the effects of trade agreements: Lessons from 60 years of methods and data
Authors: Larch Mario , Yotov Yoto V.
Published: March 2024

Starting with Tinbergen (1962, Shaping the world economy: Suggestions for an international economic policy, The Twentieth Century Fund), quantifying the effects of regional trade agreements (RTAs) on international trade flows has always been among the most popular topics in the trade literature. Also not surprisingly, to estimate the effects of RTAs, most researchers and policy analysts have relied on the workhorse model of trade—the gravity equation. Over the past 60 years, there have been many important developments in the RTA literature, both in terms of better methods to quantify their effects, and in terms of more and higher quality data. The objective of this paper is to trace the evolution of the methods and data developments in the RTA literature, from Tinbergen's very first exploration until today, and to critically evaluate their significance for our ability to measure the impact of RTAs (and other policies) on international trade.
Böttcher coordinates at wild superattracting fixed points
Authors: Fu Hang , Nie Hongming
Published: March 2024

Let be a prime number, let with , and let be the Böttcher coordinate satisfying . Salerno and Silverman conjectured that the radius of convergence of in is . In this article, we confirm that this conjecture is true by showing that it is a special case of our more general result.
Thermodynamic Performance Assessment of Air Conditioner Combining Evaporative and Passive Cooling
Authors: Gupta Sunil Kumar , Arora B. B. , Arora Akhilesh
Published: March 2024

The global increase in refrigeration and air conditioning applications poses a severe problem as regards the environmental degradation caused by greenhouse gas emissions. This study introduces a novel approach wherein both evaporative cooling and passive cooling are integrated to unveil notable enhancements in energy and exergy compared to conventional air conditioning systems. Therefore, this work aims to enhance the thermal performance of a 1.5-ton split air conditioner (SAC) employing outdoor (condenser) evaporative and indoor passive cooling (EPC). The heat removal capacity of a condenser and SAC performance are greatly affected by the air temperature at the condenser inlet. Evaporative cooling serves to lower outdoor air temperature, while passive cooling minimizes the indoor cooling load. Design parameters encompass outdoor temperature (Ta = 30–44 °C), relative humidity (RH = 20–80%), and temperature reduction due to passive cooling (ΔTR = 0.5–5 °C). A model is developed to calculate the temperature reductions of outdoor air through evaporative cooling in diverse climatic conditions, while the range of passive cooling degrees is obtained from previous experiments. Results indicate a substantial enhancement in the thermodynamic performance of the proposed system. The maximum coefficient of performance (COP) improvement of 68.66% is achieved at 44 °C outside temperature and 20% relative humidity. Annual energy savings, under extreme operating conditions, range from 358.4 kWh to 2116.8 kWh. The EPC SAC is identified as more sustainable than the conventional split air conditioner (CSAC). Moreover, the projected system is anticipated to recoup its costs within a relatively short period of 1.42 years.
Novel Anti-Wear Performance of Nano Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide in Boundary Lubrication Under High Temperature
Authors: Yan Qingqing , Chang Qiuying , Yang He , Hao Lichun , Gao Rongqin
Published: March 2024

In the operation of the machine, the tribological properties of the lubricant are apt to deteriorate with temperature elevation. Therefore, it is of great significance to seek a lubricant additive with good high-temperature tribological properties. In this study, the tribological performance of nano magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH) as a lubricant additive were investigated at 40–200 ℃ and the results show that the wear of the sliding surface lubricated by PAO10 with MSH as the additive is very slight. The worn surface was characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectrometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The experimental results display that the electrostatic adsorption between [Si4O10]4− released from MSH and steel surface contributes to the formation of SiO2 film; whereas ion exchange reaction between the phase transformation product of MSH in the contact zone and steel surface results in the chemical bonding Si–O–Fe, and the existence of the bonding facilitate the formation of the protective tribofilm with strong adhesion at high temperature.
Reduced-Order Modeling in Rotordynamics and Its Robustness to Random Matrix Perturbation
Authors: Ritto Thiago G. , Lacerda Guilherme N. , Cavallini, Jr Aldemir A. , Timbó Raphael , Pereira Leonardo V.
Published: March 2024

The aim of this paper is to apply and compare four reduced-order modeling strategies to compute the unbalanced vibration response of a rotating machine and evaluate its robustness to random matrix perturbation. The full finite element model of the rotor is built using a rotordynamic open source software (ROSS), and is reduced through different methods, namely: (1) modal reduction, (2) Krylov subspace, (3) Guyan reduction, and (4) system equivalent reduction–expansion process (SEREP). To evaluate the robustness of the obtained results, this paper proposes to perturb the stiffness matrix obtained using the reduced-order models applying the random matrix theory. A simple rotor (three discs) and a more complex gas turbine model (21 discs) are analyzed. Results show that Guyan is not the most appropriate reduction technique for the systems analyzed, but the other three strategies yield good results. In addition, the same random perturbation in the reduced-order stiffness matrices produces a similar level of uncertainty on the stochastic unbalanced responses.
Prediction of Thermionic Energy Conversion Performance and Parametric Effects Using Genetic Algorithms to Fit Physics-Inspired Model Equations to Prototype Test Data
Authors: Juette Elizabeth D. , Carey Van P. , Fleurial Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2024

Thermionic converters have potential as an energy conversion technology for high-temperature space and terrestrial applications using concentrated solar, nuclear reaction, and combustion processes as the heat source. Recent studies have generated experimental performance data for narrow-gap thermionic energy conversion devices. This investigation explores the use of genetic algorithms to fit existing data with physics-inspired model equations. The resulting model equations can be used for performance prediction for system design optimization or to explore parametric effects on performance. The model equations incorporate Richardson’s law for current density, including both the saturated and Boltzmann regimes, with appropriate relations for power delivered to the external load. The transition regime is characterized using two separate models, each accounting for nonuniformity in emission surfaces and irregularities in the manufacturing process. The trained models enable performance prediction of small-gap thermionic energy conversion devices. In this study, data were fitted for two different prototype designs. The prototype test data and postulated values for the work functions and a transition regime parameter are substituted into physics-inspired model equations, yielding performance models with three adjustable constants. Optimized values of these constants are determined using a genetic algorithm to best fit the experimentally determined performance data for prototype thermionic conversion devices tested in earlier studies. This approach is demonstrated to fit the performance data to within 9%. This methodology also allows the user to back-infer the effective work function values, which were found in this study to be consistent with independent measurement.
On the sound field of a resilient elliptical disk in an infinite baffle
Authors: Mellow Tim , Kärkkäinen Leo
Published: March 2024

A resilient elliptical disk has zero mass and stiffness and is driven by a uniform pressure distribution rather than uniform velocity as would be the case for a rigid disk. It can represent the diffraction of a plane wave through an elliptical aperture in an infinite rigid screen of zero thickness as well as provide an idealized model of a loudspeaker of the electrostatic or planar magnetic type. Using the Fourier (Hankel) Green's function in cylindrical coordinates, together with the monopole Kirchhoff–Helmholtz boundary integral, rigorous analytical formulas are derived for calculating the surface velocity distribution, radiation admittance, on-axis pressure, and directivity pattern of an elliptical resilient disk in an infinite baffle and these are plotted over a range of normalized frequencies. The directivity is compared with that of a resilient circular disk and asymptotic low-frequency approximations are derived for the radiation resistance, reactance, and on-axis pressure.
Systematic quantification of differences in shear wave elastography estimates between linear-elastic and viscoelastic material assumptions
Authors: Bisht Sapna R. , Paul Abhijit , Patel Panchami , Thareja Prachi , Mercado-Shekhar Karla P.
Published: March 2024

Quantitative, accurate, and standardized metrics are important for reliable shear wave elastography (SWE)-based biomarkers. For over two decades, the linear-elastic material assumption has been employed in SWE modes. In recent years, viscoelasticity estimation methods have been adopted in a few clinical systems. The current study aims to systematically quantify differences in SWE estimates obtained using linear-elastic and viscoelastic material assumptions. An acousto-mechanical simulation framework of acoustic radiation force impulse-based SWE was created to elucidate the effect of material viscosity and shear modulus on SWE estimates. Shear modulus estimates exhibited errors up to 72% when a numerical viscoelastic phantom was assessed as linearly elastic. Shear modulus estimates of polyvinyl alcohol phantoms between rheometry and SWE following the Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model assumptions were not significantly different. However, the percentage difference in shear modulus estimates between rheometry and SWE using the linear-elastic assumption was 50.1%–62.1%. In ex vivo liver, the percentage difference in shear modulus estimates between linear-elastic and viscoelastic methods was 76.1%. These findings provide a direct and systematic quantification of the potential error introduced when viscoelastic tissues are imaged with SWE following the linear-elastic assumption. This work emphasizes the need to utilize viscoelasticity estimation methods for developing robust quantitative imaging biomarkers.
Two-way pharmacodynamic modeling of drug combinations and its application to pairs of repurposed Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 agents
Authors: Xu Shuang , Esmaeili Shadisadat , Cardozo-Ojeda E. Fabian , Goyal Ashish , White Judith M. , Polyak Stephen J. , Schiffer Joshua T.
Published: March 2024

Existing pharmacodynamic (PD) mathematical models for drug combinations discriminate antagonistic, additive, multiplicative, and synergistic effects, but fail to consider how concentration-dependent drug interaction effects may vary across an entire dose-response matrix. We developed a two-way pharmacodynamic (TWPD) model to capture the PD of two-drug combinations. TWPD captures interactions between upstream and downstream drugs that act on different stages of viral replication, by quantifying upstream drug efficacy and concentration-dependent effects on downstream drug pharmacodynamic parameters. We applied TWPD to previously published
in vitro
drug matrixes for repurposed potential anti-Ebola and anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug pairs. Depending on the drug pairing, the model recapitulated combined efficacies as or more accurately than existing models and can be used to infer efficacy at untested drug concentrations. TWPD fits the data slightly better in one direction for all drug pairs, meaning that we can tentatively infer the upstream drug. Based on its high accuracy, TWPD could be used in concert with PK models to estimate the therapeutic effects of drug pairs
in vivo
.