bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short communication: a method for cell separation of Ocimum basilicum CMC cells for AFM measurement
Authors: Schmeckebier Andrea , Ebel Christian , Haffelder Janik , Müller-Renno Christine , Ziegler Christiane , Zayed Ahmed , Stiefelmaier Judith , Ulber Roland
Published: February 2024

In plant cell culture technology, plant cells grow in large agglomerates. For various investigations, however, single cells are required. One important parameter is the adhesion strength of single cells to surfaces or to each other. Hereby, e.g. the influence of the surface material and structure is of interest. To assess the adhesion forces of single cells to a surface, measurements with an atomic force microscope (AFM) can be applied. In the case of the plant cells Ocimum basilicum CMC, these cells grow as large cell agglomerates, so that a direct AFM single cell measurement is not possible. By developing a suitable cell separation method, it was possible to obtain vital single cells of the Ocimum basilicum CMC type and also to carry out adhesion measurements of these cells on a glass surface. No explicit methods for cell separation of plant cell cultures could be found in the literature. This method is therefore a new innovation that could also be used for other cell lines.
Exosomes Derived from Adipose Stem Cells Enhance Angiogenesis in Diabetic Wound Via miR-146a-5p/JAZF1 Axis
Authors: Che Dehui , Xiang Xinjian , Xie Juan , Chen Zenghong , Bao Qiong , Cao Dongsheng
Published: February 2024

Chronic trauma in diabetes is a leading cause of disability and mortality. Exosomes show promise in tissue regeneration. This study investigates the role of exosomes derived from adipose stem cells (ADSC-Exos) in angiogenesis. MiRNA-seq analysis revealed significant changes in 47 genes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with ADSC-Exos, with miR-146a-5p highly expressed. MiR-146a-5p mimics enhanced the pro-angiogenic effects of ADSC-Exos, while inhibitors had the opposite effect. JAZF1 was identified as a direct downstream target of miR-146a-5p through bioinformatics, qRT-PCR, and dual luciferase assay. Overexpress of JAZF1 resulted in decreased proliferation, migration, and angiogenic capacity of HUVECs, and reduced VEGFA expression. This study proposes that ADSC-Exos regulate angiogenesis partly via the miR-146a-5p/JAZF1 axis.

Graphical Abstract
Primary Oral Mixed Neuroendocrine–Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasm (MiNEN): A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sripodok Pawat , Kouketsu Atsumu , Kuroda Kanako , Miyashita Hitoshi , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Kumamoto Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

Mixed neuroendocrine–non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) are rare tumors recently characterized by the presence of both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components within the same tumor tissue. Although MiNEN found their place in the WHO classification for various organs, this composite tumor in the head and neck region remains exceptionally rare. We present a case of primary oral MiNEN in a 64-year-old male located on the left side of lower gingiva. Biopsy raised suspicion of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and the patient underwent partial mandibulectomy. The resected specimen showed two distinct components of NEC and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with the confirmation of immunohistochemical markers. There has been no sign of recurrence nor metastasis 6 years after the surgery. In addition, we have conducted a review of published cases with potential relevance to this entity, resulting in five cases. The diverse terminology reinforces the need for a standardized classification system of oral/head and neck MiNENs.
Interactions Between the Ubiquitin–Proteasome System, Nrf2, and the Cannabinoidome as Protective Strategies to Combat Neurodegeneration: Review on Experimental Evidence
Authors: Monsalvo-Maraver Luis Angel , Ovalle-Noguez Enid A. , Nava-Osorio Jade , Maya-López Marisol , Rangel-López Edgar , Túnez Isaac , Tinkov Alexey A. , Tizabi Yousef , Aschner Michael , Santamaría Abel ,   Students from Programa Delfín 2022, Medrano-Cruz Diana C. , García-Flores Uriel , Castañeda-Roque Sara I. , Romero-Méndez Dan L. , Varillas-Galicia Elizabeth , Rojas-Lobato Daniela , Navas-Escobar Santiago , Rentería-Pérez Karen
Published: February 2024

Neurodegenerative disorders are chronic brain diseases that affect humans worldwide. Although many different factors are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders, alterations in several key elements such as the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS or endocannabinoidome) have been implicated in their etiology. Impairment of these elements has been linked to the origin and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, while their potentiation is thought to promote neuronal survival and overall neuroprotection, as proved with several experimental models. These key neuroprotective pathways can interact and indirectly activate each other. In this review, we summarize the neuroprotective potential of the UPS, ECS, and Nrf2 signaling, both separately and combined, pinpointing their role as a potential therapeutic approach against several hallmarks of neurodegeneration.

Graphical Abstract
A new CNN-based semantic object segmentation for autonomous vehicles in urban traffic scenes
Authors: Doğan Gürkan , Ergen Burhan
Published: February 2024

Semantic segmentation is the most important stage of making sense of the visual traffic scene for autonomous driving. In recent years, convolutional neural networks (CNN)-based methods for semantic segmentation of urban traffic scenes are among the trending studies. However, the methods developed in the studies carried out so far are insufficient in terms of accuracy performance criteria. In this study, a new CNN-based semantic segmentation method with higher accuracy performance is proposed. A new module, the Attentional Atrous Feature Pooling (AAFP) Module, has been developed for the proposed method. This module is located between the encoder and decoder in the general network structure and aims to obtain multi-scale information and add attentional features to large and small objects. As a result of experimental tests with the CamVid data set, an accuracy value of approximately 2% higher was achieved with a mIoU value of 70.59% compared to other state-of-art methods. Therefore, the proposed method can semantically segment objects in the urban traffic scene better than other methods.
Characterization of Surface Spectral Emissivity Retrieved from EE9-FORUM Simulated Measurements
Authors: Sgattoni Cristina , Ridolfi Marco , Zugarini Chiara , Sgheri Luca
Published: February 2024

FORUM (Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring) has been approved to be the ninth Earth Explorer mission of the European Space Agency and is scheduled for launch in 2027. The core FORUM instrument is a Fourier transform spectrometer, which will, for the first time, measure the upwelling spectral radiance in the far-infrared (FIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) portions of the Earth’s spectrum. These radiances will be processed up to level 2, to determine mainly the vertical profile of water vapor, surface spectral emissivity, and cloud parameters. In this paper, we assess the performance of the FORUM surface spectral emissivity product based on all-sky sensitivity study. In the FIR, we find that the retrieval error is mainly driven by the precipitable water vapor (PWV) in clear-sky conditions. In dry atmospheres, FIR emissivity can be retrieved with an error less than 0.01. In cloudy conditions, small errors can be achieved for optically thin clouds, especially for small values of the PWV. In the MIR, we observe that a large thermal contrast between the surface and the lowest atmospheric layers increases the sensitivity of the measurements to the surface emissivity in clear-sky conditions and an emissivity retrieval error less than 0.01 can usually be achieved. In cloudy conditions, small errors can be achieved for optically thin clouds, especially for large values of the surface temperature. Applying a coarser retrieval grid further reduces retrieval error, at the expense of an increased emissivity smoothing error.
Decreasing the environmental impact of carbon fibre production via microwave carbonisation enabled by self-assembled nanostructured coatings
Authors: Stróżyk Michał A. , Muddasar Muhammad , Conroy Timothy J. , Hermansson Frida , Janssen Matty , Svanström Magdalena , Frank Erik , Culebras Mario , Collins Maurice N.
Published: February 2024

The use of carbon fibre (CF)-based composites is of growing global importance due to their application in high-end sectors such as aerospace, automotive, construction, sports and leisure amongst others. However, their current high production cost, high carbon footprint and reduced production capability limit their use to high-performance and luxury applications. Approximately 50% of the total cost of CF production is due to the thermal conversion of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibre (PF) to CF as it involves the use of high energy consumption and low heating efficiency in large furnaces. Looking at this scenario, this study proposes in the present study to use microwave (MW) heating to convert PF to CF. This is scientifically and technologically challenging since PF does not absorb microwave energy. While MW plasma has been utilised to carbonise fibres, it is the high temperature from the plasma that does the carbonisation and not the MW absorption of the fibres. Therefore, for the first time, this research shows how carbonisation temperatures of >1000 °C can be reached in a matter of seconds through the use of a novel microwave (MW) susceptor nanocoating methodology developed via a layer-by-layer assembly of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the PF surface. Remarkably, these CFs can be produced in an inexpensive domestic microwave and exhibit mechanical performance equivalent to CF produced using conventional heating. Additionally, this study provides a life cycle and environmental impact analysis which shows that MW heating reduces the energy demand and environmental impact of lignin-based CF production by up to 66.8% and 69.5%, respectively.

Graphical Abstract
Handbook of Dental Therapeutics
Authors: Teoh Leanne , Moses Geraldine , McCullough Michael
Published: February 2024

Dentists require a comprehensive understanding of drugs used in clinical practice in order to safely prescribe and manage medication use in their patients. Handbook of Dental Therapeutics provides practical coverage of drugs in dentistry. This text draws together the latest recommendations for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, covering common drugs dentists administer and prescribe, perioperative management considerations, oral adverse effects and drug safety. Dedicated chapters on how therapeutics affect children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and elderly patients enable readers to prescribe and administer medications across the lifespan. Concisely written, the text is a practical guide which includes dosage recommendations and practice points. Diagrams, graphs and tables summarise complex information to ensure readers have readily accessible information on the drugs most commonly used in dentistry. Handbook of Dental Therapeutics is an essential text that equips dental students and dentists with succinct, clinically relevant information about all aspects of drugs in dentistry.
Rotor aeroacoustic response to an axisymmetric turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Zhou Di , Wang Kan , Wang Meng
Published: February 2024

The acoustic response of a five-bladed rotor to an axisymmetric turbulent boundary layer at the tail end of a body of revolution (BOR) is investigated numerically to elucidate the physical sources of acoustics, particularly the role of coherent structures in sound generation. The BOR is at a length-based Reynolds number of

$1.9 \times 10^6$

and free-stream Mach number of 0.059. Two rotor advance ratios,

$1.44$

and

$1.13$

, are considered. The turbulent boundary layer on the nose and midsection of the BOR is computed using wall-modelled large-eddy simulation, whereas that in the acoustically important tail-cone section is wall-resolved. The radiated acoustic field is calculated using the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings equation. The computed flow statistics and sound pressure spectra agree well with the experimental measurements at Virginia Tech. In addition to broadband turbulence-ingestion noise, spectral humps near multiples of the blade-passing frequency and accompanying valleys are captured. They are shown to be caused by correlated blade unsteady-loading dipole sources and their constructive and destructive interference as a result of successive blades cutting through the same coherent structures. The latter undergo rapid growth in the decelerating tail-cone boundary layer before their interaction with the rotor. The acoustic radiation is dominated by the outer region of the blade owing to a combination of larger blade chord-length, inflow turbulence intensity and blade speed. The numerical results also correctly predict the effect of the rotor advance ratio on the acoustic field. A mixed free-stream/convection Mach-number scaling successfully collapses the sound pressure spectra at the two advance ratios.
“He Is Still Your Father”: Tetherings, Social Welfare, and Troubled Parental Maintenance Litigation in Taiwan
Authors: Chua Lynette J.
Published: February 2024

This article is a story about tetherings, a concept that illuminates the power of law in the relational dynamics of individual-family-state. The concept emerges from my qualitative study of parental maintenance litigation in Taiwan over the provision of financial support to troublous parents, who mistreated their children when they were young. Troubled parental maintenance litigation arises when nobody wants to look after these elderly people, and the state restricts their access to social welfare by holding their estranged children financially responsible. Such litigation leads to empowerments and disempowerments for litigants, as well as legal reform and detriments for the state. Bridging sociolegal scholarship on continuing relations with feminist vulnerability theory, “tetherings” is both an empirical and a normative concept concerned with the relational nature of power, and the openness of humans and institutions to harms and other changes. The concept is empirical, being the paradigm through which I trace disputes and other relational processes of individual-family-state; it is normative because my empirical analysis aims to expose the state’s workings and detail how people respond to law and power that binds them to one another and the state. “Tetherings” advances feminist vulnerability theory and offers a circumspectly optimistic view on the potential of law.
The internet will not remember you: curation of autobiographical online materials in Russia in Spring 2022
Authors: Shchetvina Anya
Published: February 2024

This paper is based on research conducted in February–April 2022. It describes and illuminates what was happening with tech-savvy educated people between 20 and 40 years old in Russia, while their usual digital tools and places for the autobiographical process were changing in the spring of 2022. Facing censorship of platforms, surveillance, and the inability to pay for services, people who were keeping important memories of their lives online were deleting their profiles, migrating to other platforms, censoring themselves, and creating archives of autobiographically meaningful materials. The paper examines these disruptions as a case that illuminates the role of online platforms in autobiographical memory and expands some concepts within autobiographical memory studies, such as evocative objects and autotopography.
Update and synthesis of the available archaeological and geochronological data for the Lower Paleolithic site of Loreto at Venosa (Basilicata, Italy)
Authors: Pereira Alison , Moncel Marie-Hélène , Nomade Sébastien , Voinchet Pierre , Shao Qingfeng , Falguères Christophe , Lefèvre David , Raynal Jean Paul , Scao Vincent , Piperno Marcello , Simone Suzanne , Bahain Jean Jacques
Published: February 2024

In the Basilicata region, located in southern Italy and known for hosting among the first occurrences of the Acheulean culture in southwestern Europe, the Lower Paleolithic site of Loreto at Venosa is located less than a kilometer from the emblematic site of Notarchirico and less than 25 km from Cimitero di Atella. The Loreto site has not been studied as thoroughly as the two other sites and, although geological investigations have been carried out in the Venosa basin, no direct numerical dating has ever been published for the three archaeological levels brought to light during the excavation campaigns. We present a multi-method geochronological approach combining ESR/U-series, ESR, and 40Ar/39Ar permitting to refine the age of the most ancient archaeological level (A) of the Loreto site. These data allow us to propose an MIS 13 age for this level, in accordance with previous hypotheses based on geological and paleontological data. We also propose a technical review of the lithic tools preserved in the collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Venosa to integrate Loreto in the evolution scheme of the European Acheulean techno-complex emergence and diffusion.
Covenant and Community in Early Rabbinic Literature
Authors: Novick Tzvi
Published: February 2024

This article concerns the role of covenant in early rabbinic literature in relation to biblical and especially Second Temple-era predecessors. The first part establishes that the Qumran sectarians and earlier circles were drawn to the concept of covenant because it represented, especially through the mechanism of covenant renewal, a powerful tool for defining and supporting group identity. The second part shows that for the rabbis, the importance of covenant lay chiefly, instead, in its capacity to conceptualize the notion of Israel as a collective body defined by corporate responsibility. The third part suggests that this novel deployment of covenant arose in part to counter the individuating force of halakah as law, another innovation of the rabbis.
Evolutionary morphology of haptoral anchors in monogenoids (Dactylogyridae) of marine catfish (Siluriformes: Ariidae) from the Atlantic coast of South America
Authors: Soares Geusivam Barbosa , Adriano Edson Aparecido , Domingues Marcus Vinicius , Rodríguez-González Abril , Balbuena Juan Antonio
Published: February 2024

Exploring the phylogenetic signal of morphological traits using geometric morphometry represents a powerful approach to assess the relative weights of convergence and shared evolutionary history in shaping species' forms. We evaluated the phylogenetic signal in shape and size of ventral and dorsal haptoral anchors of 10 species of monogenoids (Hamatopeduncularia, Chauhanellus and Susanlimocotyle) occurring in marine catfish (Siluriformes: Ariidae) from the Atlantic coast of South America. The phylogenetic relationships among these species were mapped onto the morphospaces of shape and size of dorsal and ventral anchors. Two different tests (squared change-parsimony and Kmult) were applied to establish whether the spatial positions in the phylomorphospace were influenced by phylogenetic relationships. A significant phylogenetic signal was found between anchor form and parasite phylogeny. Allometric effects on anchor shape were non-significant. Phylogenetically distant species on the same host differed markedly in anchor morphology, suggesting little influence of host species on anchor form. A significantly higher level of shape variation among ventral anchors was also found, suggesting that the evolutionary forces shaping ventral anchor morphology may operate with differing intensities or exhibit distinct mechanisms compared to their dorsal counterparts. Our results suggest that phylogenetic relationships were a key driver of changes in shape (but not size) of anchors of monogenoids of South American ariids. However, it seems that the emergence of the digitiform haptor in Hamatopenducularia and in some species of Chauhanellus played an important role in the reduction in anchor size and may cause secondary losses of anchors in other groups of monogenoids.
A good life with psychosis: rate of positive outcomes in first-episode psychosis at 10-year follow-up
Authors: Simonsen Carmen , Åsbø Gina , Slade Mike , Wold Kristin Fjelnseth , Widing Line , Flaaten Camilla Bärthel , Engen Magnus Johan , Lyngstad Siv Hege , Gardsjord Erlend , Bjella Thomas , Romm Kristin Lie , Ueland Torill , Melle Ingrid
Published: February 2024

Background

More knowledge about positive outcomes for people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) is needed. An FEP 10-year follow-up study investigated the rate of personal recovery, emotional wellbeing, and clinical recovery in the total sample and between psychotic bipolar spectrum disorders (BD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SZ); and how these positive outcomes overlap.

Methods

FEP participants (n = 128) were re-assessed with structured clinical interviews at 10-year follow-up. Personal recovery was self-rated with the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery-15-item scale (total score ⩾45). Emotional wellbeing was self-rated with the Life Satisfaction Scale (score ⩾5) and the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (total score ⩾72). Clinical recovery was clinician-rated symptom-remission and adequate functioning (duration minimum 1 year).

Results

In FEP, rates of personal recovery (50.8%), life satisfaction (60.9%), and pleasure (57.5%) were higher than clinical recovery (33.6%). Despite lower rates of clinical recovery in SZ compared to BD, they had equal rates of personal recovery and emotional wellbeing. Personal recovery overlapped more with emotional wellbeing than with clinical recovery (χ2). Each participant was assigned to one of eight possible outcome groups depending on the combination of positive outcomes fulfilled. The eight groups collapsed into three equal-sized main outcome groups: 33.6% clinical recovery with personal recovery and/or emotional wellbeing; 34.4% personal recovery and/or emotional wellbeing only; and 32.0% none.

Conclusions

In FEP, 68% had minimum one positive outcome after 10 years, suggesting a good life with psychosis. This knowledge must be shared to instill hope and underlines that subjective and objective positive outcomes must be assessed and targeted in treatment.
Growth hegemony and post-growth futures: A complex hegemony approach
Authors: Albert Michael J.
Published: February 2024

To date, the vast majority of post-growth thinking has been focused on explaining why a post-growth transition is needed and the policies this would entail. Less attention, in contrast, has been paid to the relations of power and structural mechanisms through which ‘growth hegemony’ is continuously reproduced, and even less to the mechanisms, counter-hegemonic strategies, and coalitions that could plausibly drive post-growth transitions in core states of the world-system. This article will explore these issues through the lens of Neo-Gramscian theory, particularly the ‘complex hegemony’ framework developed by Alex Williams. From this perspective, rather than reducing growth to capitalist relations of production (as Marxists typically do), we should instead frame it as an emergent hegemonic structure and process shaped by the reciprocally determining forces of political economy, ideology, and militarisation. I will argue that this approach provides more insight into the messiness of possible post-growth futures – which may confound neat binaries such as capitalism/socialism – as well as the mechanisms and struggles through which the world-system might be pushed in post-growth directions.
Developmental psychopathology as a meta-paradigm: From zero-sum science to epistemological pluralism in theory and research
Authors: Beauchaine Theodore P.
Published: February 2024

In a thoughtful commentary in this journal a decade ago, Michael Rutter reviewed 25 years of progress in the field before concluding that developmental psychopathology (DP) initiated a paradigm shift in clinical science. This deduction requires that DP itself be a paradigm. According to Thomas Kuhn, canonical paradigms in the physical sciences serve unifying functions by consolidating scientists’ thinking and scholarship around single, closed sets of discipline-defining epistemological assumptions and methods. Paradigm shifts replace these assumptions and methods with a new field-defining framework. In contrast, the social sciences are multiparadigmatic, with thinking and scholarship unified locally around open sets of epistemological assumptions and methods with varying degrees of inter-, intra-, and subdisciplinary reach. DP challenges few if any of these local paradigms. Instead, DP serves an essential pluralizing function, and is therefore better construed as a metaparadigm. Seen in this way, DP holds tremendous untapped potential to move the field from zero-sum thinking and scholarship to positive-sum science and epistemological pluralism. This integrative vision, which furthers Dante Cicchetti’s legacy of interdisciplinarity, requires broad commitment among scientists to reject zero-sum scholarship in which portending theories, useful principles, and effective interventions are jettisoned based on confirmation bias, errors in logic, and ideology.
The effects of childhood maltreatment, recent interpersonal and noninterpersonal stress, and HPA-axis multilocus genetic variation on prospective changes in adolescent depressive symptoms: A multiwave longitudinal study
Authors: Sun Kexin , Cao Cong
Published: February 2024

Based on a multiwave, two-year prospective design, this study is the first to examine the extent to which multilocus hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis)-related genetic variants, childhood maltreatment, and recent stress jointly predicted prospective changes in adolescent depressive symptoms. A theory-driven multilocus genetic profile score (MGPS) was calculated to combine the effects of six common polymorphisms within HPA-axis related genes (CRHR1, NR3C1, NR3C2, FKBP5, COMT, and HTR1A) in a sample of Chinese Han adolescents (N = 827; 50.2% boys; Mage = 16.45 ± 1.36 years). The results showed that the three-way interaction of HPA-axis related MGPS, childhood maltreatment and recent interpersonal, but not noninterpersonal, stress significantly predicted prospective changes in adolescent depressive symptoms. For adolescents with high but not low HPA-axis related MGPS, exposure to severe childhood maltreatment predisposed individuals more vulnerable to recent interpersonal stress, exhibiting greater prospective changes in adolescent depressive symptoms. The findings provide preliminary evidence for the cumulative risk mechanism regarding gene-by-environment-by-environment (G × E1 × E2) interactions that underlie the longitudinal development of adolescent depressive symptoms and show effects specific to interpersonal stress.
Vocabulary learning through viewing dual-subtitled videos: Immediate repetition versus spaced repetition as an enhancement strategy
Authors: Lo Siowai
Published: February 2024

Recent studies have shown that watching videos with dual subtitles can promote vocabulary learning. This study investigated the extent to which vocabulary learning may be enhanced through repeated viewings of dual-subtitled videos. A 3x3 counterbalanced experimental design was adopted to examine English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ immediate vocabulary gains and retention under different learning conditions across three experimental sessions, including (a) immediate repeated viewing, (b) spaced repeated viewing, and (c) no repeated viewing. Participants were 60 Chinese-speaking lower-intermediate university EFL learners. They were divided into three groups and given each of the three treatments in each experimental session. ANOVA results revealed that viewing dual-subtitled videos with repetition allowed learners to achieve greater vocabulary gains than viewing with no repetition, with evidence indicating the superiority of immediate repetitions over spaced repetitions.
Perceptions of learning from audiovisual input and changes in L2 viewing preferences: The roles of on-screen text and proficiency
Authors: Pattemore Anastasia , Suárez Maria-del-Mar , Muñoz Carmen
Published: February 2024

Previous research on audiovisual input attests to a significant effect of on-screen text and proficiency on learning gains. However, there is scarce research on whether these factors affect viewers’ feeling of learning, a variable that can affect overall second language (L2) learning outcomes (Ellis, 2008). Moreover, there is a lack of research exploring whether viewing experience prompts viewers to switch from one viewing mode (subtitles, captions, no on-screen text) to another and what factors affect those choices. This study explores learners’ perspectives on learning from audiovisual input and their preferred viewing mode before and after participating in a prolonged viewing intervention. A total of 136 participants of varying L2 English proficiency levels (from A1 to C2) completed pre-viewing and post-viewing questionnaires. The results show that vocabulary and expressions were perceived to be learnt the most. The elementary proficiency group were more likely to be positive about learning from the intervention than higher proficiency students. Concerning the preferred viewing mode outside of the classroom, the participants favoured no on-screen text or first language (L1) subtitles over L2 captions. At the end of the intervention, the elementary-level participants found that viewing without any L1 support was too challenging for leisure viewing, while the intermediate- and advanced-level students gained confidence in watching without any textual support.
A psychoeducational intervention to improve sexual functioning in male rectal and anal cancer patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Nelson Christian J. , Schuler Tammy A. , Reiner Anne S. , Baser Raymond E. , Demirjian Caraline C. , Mulhall John , Temple Larissa , Schover Leslie , Jandorf Lina , DuHamel Katherine N.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Male rectal and anal cancer patients demonstrate high rates of sexual dysfunction. This pilot randomized controlled trial tested a psychoeducational intervention designed to improve psychosexual adjustment.

Methods

Rectal or anal cancer patients were randomized to a Sexual Health Intervention for Men (intervention) or to a referral and information control (control). The intervention included control activities plus 4 sexual health intervention sessions every 4–6 weeks and 3 brief telephone calls timed between these sessions. Assessments were completed pre-intervention (baseline) and 3 months (follow-up 1) and 8 months (follow-up 2) post-intervention. Differences were assessed with statistical significance and Cohen’s d effect sizes (d = 0.2, small effect; d = 0.5, moderate effect; d = 0.8, large effect).

Results

Ninety subjects enrolled. Forty-three participants completed at least 1 follow-up assessment (intervention, n = 14; control n = 29). At follow-up 1, men in intervention, compared to control, improved on all domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) and demonstrated large effects (d = 0.8 to d = 1.5). Similarly, at follow-up 2, changes in all domains of the IIEF except the orgasm domain were either statistically significant or marginally statistically significant (p = 0.01 to p = 0.08) and demonstrated moderate to large treatment effects for intervention versus control (d = 0.5 to d = 0.8). Men in the intervention, compared to control, demonstrated decreased sexual bother at follow-up 1 (p = 0.009, d = 1.1), while Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) total scores and the SEAR sexual relationship subscale demonstrated moderate increases for intervention versus control (d = 0.4 to d = 0.6).

Significance of results

This study provides initial evidence for combining a psychoeducational intervention with medical interventions to address sexual dysfunction following rectal and anal cancer. Trials register number: NCT00712751 (date of registration: 7/10/2008).
Moment-based metrics for molecules computable from cryogenic electron microscopy images
Authors: Zhang Andy , Mickelin Oscar , Kileel Joe , Verbeke Eric J. , Marshall Nicholas F. , Gilles Marc Aurèle , Singer Amit
Published: February 2024

Single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is an imaging technique capable of recovering the high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) structure of biological macromolecules from many noisy and randomly oriented projection images. One notable approach to 3D reconstruction, known as Kam’s method, relies on the moments of the two-dimensional (2D) images. Inspired by Kam’s method, we introduce a rotationally invariant metric between two molecular structures, which does not require 3D alignment. Further, we introduce a metric between a stack of projection images and a molecular structure, which is invariant to rotations and reflections and does not require performing 3D reconstruction. Additionally, the latter metric does not assume a uniform distribution of viewing angles. We demonstrate the uses of the new metrics on synthetic and experimental datasets, highlighting their ability to measure structural similarity.
Einordnung und Kommentierung der INCOG-2.0-Leitlinie „Exekutive Funktionen“ im Kontext kognitiver Rehabilitation nach Schädel-Hirn-Trauma
Authors: Beck Georg , Preuschhof Claudia
Published: February 2024

Zusammenfassung: Exekutive Funktionen (EF) umfassen Fähigkeiten, welche mit höheren Steuerungs- und Planungsaufgaben sowie der Koordination basaler kognitiver Prozesse assoziiert sind. Durch ein moderates bis schweres Schädel-Hirn-Trauma (SHT) können EF langfristig beeinträchtigt werden und die funktionale Lebensführung sowie die Lebensqualität erheblich einschränken. Die Klinische Neuropsychologie verfügt über Methoden, exekutive Dysfunktionen zu diagnostizieren, und hält eine Vielzahl von Strategien zu deren Behandlung bereit. Ein interdisziplinäres Expert_innennetzwerk, die International Group of Cognitive Researchers and Clinicians, hat im Jahr 2023 eine überarbeitete und aktualisierte Leitlinienempfehlung zur Behandlung beeinträchtigter EF und Self-Awareness nach moderatem bis schwerem SHT veröffentlicht. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden zentrale Punkte dieser Leitlinien zusammengefasst und diskutiert. Zudem erfolgt eine Gegenüberstellung mit der deutschsprachigen S2e-Leitlinie „Diagnostik und Therapie von exekutiven Dysfunktionen bei neurologischen Erkrankungen“.
No Emergence of Deep Convection in the Arctic Ocean Across CMIP6 Models
Authors: Heuzé Céline , Liu Hailong
Published: February 2024

As sea ice disappears, the emergence of open ocean deep convection in the Arctic, which would enhance ice loss, has been suggested. Here, using 36 state‐of‐the‐art climate models and up to 50 ensemble members per model, we show that Arctic deep convection is rare under the strongest warming scenario. Only five models have convection by 2100, while 11 have had convection by the middle of the run. For all, the deepest mixed layers are in the eastern Eurasian basin. When that region undergoes a salinification and increasing wind speeds, the models convect; yet most models are freshening. The models that do not convect have the strongest halocline and most stable sea ice, but those that lose their ice earliest ‐because of their strongly warming Atlantic Water‐ do not have a persistent deep convection: it shuts down mid‐century. Halocline and Atlantic Water changes urgently need to be better constrained in models.
Intrinsic Versus Wind‐Forced Great Whirl Non‐Seasonal Variability
Authors: Sadhvi Kwatra , Suresh Iyyappan , Lengaigne Matthieu , Izumo Takeshi , Penduff Thierry , Molines Jean‐Marc , Can Aftab A. , Vialard Jérôme
Published: February 2024

The Great Whirl (GW) is a quasi‐permanent anticyclonic eddy that appears every summer monsoon offshore of the Somalia upwelling. The annual cycle of the GW is well described, but deviations from its mean seasonal cycle (hereafter non‐seasonal variability) have been less explored. Satellite observations reveal that the leading mode of summer non‐seasonal sea‐level variability in this region is associated with ∼100‐km northward or southward GW shifts from its climatological position. Northward shifts are associated with a stronger GW, and two cold, productive coastal upwelling wedges at 5°N and 10°N. Southward shifts are associated with a weaker GW, no wedge at 5°N and a single stronger‐than‐usual cold and productive wedge at 10°N. An eddy‐permitting (25‐km resolution) 50‐member ensemble ocean simulation reproduces this GW variability well. It indicates that the non‐seasonal GW variability has a short ∼20 days timescale intrinsic component, associated with the GW interaction with mesoscale eddies, and a lower‐frequency, ∼100 days externally forced component. Intrinsic variability dominates at both subseasonal (two thirds of the variance) and interannual timescales (57% of the variance). The externally forced signal results from shifts in the probability distribution of the subseasonal GW position (e.g., more likely northward than southward shifted instantaneous GW positions over a season). The mechanism for this external forcing is not entirely clear, but it appears to be related to the Rossby wave response to offshore wind stress curl forcing, which evolves into a north‐south dipole that projects onto the GW variability pattern.
Quantitative Characterization of the Volatility Distribution of Organic Aerosols in a Polluted Urban Area: Intercomparison Between Thermodenuder and Molecular Measurements
Authors: Chen Wei , Hu Weiwei , Tao Zi , Cai Yiyu , Cai Mingfu , Zhu Ming , Ye Yuqing , Zhou Huaishan , Jiang Hongxing , Li Jun , Song Wei , Zhou Jiayi , Huang Shan , Yuan Bin , Shao Min , Feng Qiandan , Li Ying , Isaacman‐VanWertz Gabriel , Stark Harald , Day Douglas A. , Campuzano‐Jost Pedro , Jimenez Jose L. , Wang Xinming
Published: February 2024

To quantify the volatility of organic aerosols (OA), a comprehensive campaign was conducted in the Chinese megacity. Volatility distributions of OA and particle‐phase organic nitrate (pON) were estimated based on five methods: (a) empirical method and (b) kinetic model based on the measurement of a thermodenuder (TD) coupled with an aerosol mass spectrometer; (c) Formula‐based SIMPOL model‐driven method; (d) Element‐based estimations using molecular formula measurements of OA; and (e) gas/particle partitioning. Our results demonstrate that the ambient OA volatility distribution shows good agreement between the two heating methods and the formula‐based method when assuming ambient OA was mainly composed of organic nitrate (pON), organic sulfate and acid groups using the SIMPOL model. However, the element‐based method tends to overestimate the volatility of OA compared to the above three methods, suggesting large uncertainties in the parameterizations or in the representativeness of the molecular measurements that need further refinement. The volatility of ambient OA is generally lower than that of the laboratory‐derived secondary OA, emphasizing the impact of aging. A large fraction at the higher and lower volatility ranges (approximately log C* ≤ −9 and ≥2 μg m−3) was found for pON, implying the importance of both extremely low volatile and semi‐volatile species. Overall, this study evaluates different methods for volatility estimation and gives new insight into the volatility of OA and pON in urban areas.
Timescale of the Morphodynamic Feedback Between Planform Geometry and Lateral Migration of Meandering Rivers
Authors: Li Y. , Limaye A. B.
Published: February 2024

Across varied environments, meandering channels evolve through a common morphodynamic feedback: the sinuous channel shape causes spatial variations in boundary shear stress, which cause lateral migration rates to vary along a meander bend and change the shape of the channel. This feedback is embedded in all conceptual models of meandering channel migration, and in numerical models, it occurs over an explicit timescale (i.e., the model time step). However, the sensitivity of modeled channel trajectory to the time step is unknown. In numerical experiments using a curvature‐driven model of channel migration, we find that channel trajectories are consistent over time if the channel migrates ≤10% of the channel width over the feedback timescale. In contrast, channel trajectories diverge if the time step causes migration to exceed this threshold, due to the instability in the co‐evolution of channel curvature and migration rate. The divergence of channel trajectories accumulates with the total run time. Application to hindcasting of channel migration for 10 natural rivers from the continental US and the Amazon River basin shows that the sensitivity of modeled channel trajectories to the time step is greatest at low (near‐unity) channel sinuosity. A time step exceeding the criterion causes over‐prediction of the width of the channel belt developed over millennial timescales. These findings establish a geometric constraint for predicting channel migration in landscape evolution models for lowland alluvial rivers, upland channels coupled to hillslopes and submarine channels shaped by turbidity currents, over timescales from years to millennia.
(R)-ketamine restores anterior insular cortex activity and cognitive deficits in social isolation-reared mice
Authors: Yokoyama Rei , Ago Yukio , Igarashi Hisato , Higuchi Momoko , Tanuma Masato , Shimazaki Yuto , Kawai Takafumi , Seiriki Kaoru , Hayashida Misuzu , Yamaguchi Shun , Tanaka Hirokazu , Nakazawa Takanobu , Okamura Yasushi , Hashimoto Kenji , Kasai Atsushi , Hashimoto Hitoshi
Published: February 2024

Chronic social isolation increases the risk of mental health problems, including cognitive impairments and depression. While subanesthetic ketamine is considered effective for cognitive impairments in patients with depression, the neural mechanisms underlying its effects are not well understood. Here we identified unique activation of the anterior insular cortex (aIC) as a characteristic feature in brain-wide regions of mice reared in social isolation and treated with (R)-ketamine, a ketamine enantiomer. Using fiber photometry recording on freely moving mice, we found that social isolation attenuates aIC neuronal activation upon social contact and that (R)-ketamine, but not (S)-ketamine, is able to counteracts this reduction. (R)-ketamine facilitated social cognition in social isolation-reared mice during the social memory test. aIC inactivation offset the effect of (R)-ketamine on social memory. Our results suggest that (R)-ketamine has promising potential as an effective intervention for social cognitive deficits by restoring aIC function.
Oral dysaesthesia: a special focus on aetiopathogenesis, clinical diagnostics and treatment modalities
Authors: M. Farag Arwa , Carey Barbara , Albuquerque Rui
Published: February 2024

Oral dysaesthesia is a condition characterised by persistent alteration to oral sensation, perceived by the patient to be abnormal and/or unpleasant, in the absence of any mucosal pathology. The condition can be difficult to detect and diagnose. A possible peripheral or central neuropathic aetiology has been proposed. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is the most common idiopathic oral dysesthesia in which long-term suffering is often reported by patients. Recent efforts from professional organisations and study groups have provided a consensus on BMS disease definition and diagnostic criteria. Large-scale epidemiological studies are required to provide an accurate estimate for prevalence and incidence of the condition. Meticulous diagnostic investigations which may require interdisciplinary teamwork are often warranted to reach an accurate diagnosis. A combination of interventional modalities, with a holistic approach, is key for successful management and improvement in patients' quality of life.
Oral mucosal disease: dilemmas and challenges in general dental practice
Authors: Atkin Philip A. , Cowie Rachel
Published: February 2024

Oral medicine (OM) is a recognised component of all UK undergraduate dental programmes and practising dentists are expected to safely investigate and manage patients presenting with oral mucosal disease. Delivering OM care for patients in a general dental practice setting does however come with a number of challenges and dilemmas for practitioners.

General dental practitioners may be limited in their ability to arrange diagnostic tests such as biopsies or blood tests, important in reaching a definitive OM diagnosis. Lack of operator skill or lack of access to appropriate laboratory facilities to process diagnostic samples will likely contribute to this. In addition, general dental practitioners may feel underconfident to reliably interpret test results. Management of OM patients can also be time-consuming and may not generate a significant remunerative reward under current NHS payment systems.

OM is a subject that overlaps with several medical specialities, and up until 2010, required dual qualification in both undergraduate dentistry and medicine. Practitioners who have not undertaken OM training beyond undergraduate dentistry may lack confidence with the subject, and fear of misjudging a lesion of concern will certainly prompt referrals from primary care into hospital-based OM clinics.
Skin cancer - what general dental practitioners should look for
Authors: R. Drodge Daniel , Staines Konrad , Shipley Debbie
Published: February 2024

General dental practitioners (GDPs) are well-placed to identify incidental skin lesions when they see patients for routine dental care. Indeed, some patients with an undiagnosed skin malignancy may only see their GDP on a regular basis rather than their general medical practitioner (GMP). GDPs should be able to assess exposed areas of skin, particularly focusing on the head and neck, to identify any lesions of concern and liaise with the patient's GMP where appropriate. We provide an overview focused upon the clinical appearances of isolated benign and malignant lesions, tailored for GDPs.
In situ-formed cryomicroneedles for intradermal cell delivery
Authors: Zheng Mengjia , Hu Tianli , Yang Yating , Qie Xuan , Yang Huaxin , Zhang Yuyue , Zhang Qizheng , Yong Ken-Tye , Liu Wei , Xu Chenjie
Published: February 2024

Cryomicroneedles (cryoMNs) offer a convenient and minimally invasive way to precisely deliver therapeutic cells intradermally for treating local and systemic diseases. cryoMNs are manufactured by shaping and freezing the cell-containing cryogenic media in a microneedle template, which allows cells to be packaged in advance for direct usage in the clinic. However, the current cryoMNs require cold-chain transportation and storage and do not permit the loading of autologous cells in situ. This article introduces the second generation of cryoMNs (S-cryoMNs) that address these limitations. Specifically, S-cryoMNs are made by dipping a porous MN scaffold in the cell suspension before cryopreservation. The porous scaffold can be transported at room temperature, and researchers can load any cells with the optimized cryogenic medium. As a proof-of-concept, we examined the loading and intradermal delivery of three cell types in clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo models, including mesenchymal stem cells for wound healing, melanocytes for vitiligo treatment, and antigen-pulsed dendritic cells for cancer vaccination.