bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastic mulches reduce abundance of some arthropods but are not detrimental to pollinators in primocane raspberries
Authors: McIntosh Hanna , Atucha Amaya , Guédot Christelle
Published: December 2023

Cultural practices modify agroecosystems to prevent or reduce pest outbreaks, but they may be detrimental to beneficial arthropods and non‐target effects are not commonly evaluated. Plastic mulches are an effective management practice for spotted‐wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura) since they increase UV radiance in the plant canopy to reduce larval infestation of fruit. In this 2‐year study, we evaluated how black, white, and metallic plastic mulches impact populations of arthropods, including predators of D. suzukii and raspberry pollinators in Wisconsin. The three plastic mulches did not affect arthropod richness and did not affect the abundance of about 65% of arthropod groups identified. In the raspberry canopy, the black mulch decreased the abundance of Orthoptera and Thysanoptera and increased Orius spp.; the white mulch increased Diptera, Thysanoptera, and Orius spp.; and the metallic mulch decreased Coleoptera, micro‐Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera. On the ground, all mulches decreased the abundance of Gryllidae, the black and metallic increased Formicidae, and the white increased Staphylinidae. We reported 10 insect groups visiting raspberry flowers. Bombus impatiens Cresson was the most common, accounting for 82% of flower visits. The plastic mulches did not reduce flower visitation, though the white plastic mulch increased the abundance of B. impatiens compared to the other mulch treatments. Plastic mulches can reduce populations of pests such as D. suzukii and overall have no severe non‐target effects on other arthropods in Wisconsin raspberry.
Lactic acid bacteria and spoilage bacteria: Their interactions in Escherichia coliO157:H7 biofilms on food contact surfaces and implications for beef contamination
Authors: Nan Yuchen , Rodas‐Gonzalez Argenis , Stanford Kim , Nadon Celine , Yang Xianqin , McAllister Tim , Narváez‐Bravo Claudia
Published: December 2023

This research explores the interaction between Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 and bacteria species commonly found in beef processing environments, specifically Carnobacterium, Lactobacillus, Comamonas, Raoultella, and Pseudomonas. The study investigated how various environmental conditions impact the formation of biofilms and the ability of O157:H7 to transfer from multispecies biofilm onto beef surfaces. For this purpose, a mixture of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), spoilage bacteria (106 CFU/mL), and E. coli O157 (103 CFU/mL) were combined as follows: LAB (T1): Carnobacterium piscicola + Lactobacillus bulgaricus + O157:H7, an spoilage bacteria (T2): Comamonas koreensis + Raoultella terrigena + O157:H7, an spoilage bacteria (T3): Pseudomonas aeruginosa + C. koreensis strain + O157:H7 and only O157:H7 as control (T4). Multispecies biofilms were developed on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and stainless steel (SS) coupons at 10 and 25°C for 6 days, washed and stored for 6, 30, and 60 days at wet (60%–90% RH) and dry (20%–50%, RH) conditions. To evaluate O157:H7 transfer, beef cubes (3 × 3 × 1 cm) were placed on the coupons, followed by a 50‐g weight (7.35 kPa). The experiment was repeated three times in triplicate for each strain combination. Results demonstrate that biofilms formed at 10°C were generally weaker (less biomass) than those at 25°C. Regardless of temperature, more viable O157:H7 cells were transferred to beef from moist biofilms on TPU surfaces. At 25°C, T3 biofilm exhibited the lowest O157:H7 transfer to beef by 1.44 log10 CFU/cm2 (p < 0.01). At 10°C, none of the multispecies biofilm (T1–T3) affected the number of O157:H7 transfers to beef (p > 0.05). Notably, O157:H7 was not detected on food contact surfaces with 30 and 60‐day‐old dry biofilms (T1–T4). Through enrichment, E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from multispecies biofilms T1, T2, and T3. Findings from this study imply that multispecies biofilms contribute to the persistence of O157:H7 under dry conditions, regardless of temperature. These results underscore the intricate influence of multiple environmental factors—including surface type, biofilm age, humidity, temperature, and the presence of other bacterial species—on the risk of beef contamination facilitated by biofilms.
Yajé como política. Territorio, petróleo y pandemia en los siekopái de la Amazonía ecuatoriana
Authors: García‐Labrador Julián
Published: December 2023

This article shows the political adaptations of the yajé ritual in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It focuses on the siekopái's practices of resistance, negotiation, and self‐affirmation around three contemporary issues: the recognition of their ancestral territory, the demand for reparations for environmental damage resulting from oil exploitation, and the management of care during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We argue that the inclusion of the yajé ritual in these contexts corresponds to a contested shamanic tradition, and that the deployment of its political potential is due to communal reasons and the shamans' negotiating skills in the invisible world. We conclude that the adaptations indicate an institutional flexibility that has allowed the siekopái to survive to this day in a changing and threatened environment.
Mindfulness, awareness, partner caring, and romantic relationship quality: Structural equation modeling
Authors: Park Cheolwoo , Harris Victor W. , Fogarty Kate
Published: December 2023

Studies investigating the potential structures underlying the connection between mindfulness and romantic relationship quality are not sufficient and require additional empirical findings. The current study aimed to examine a hypothesized model underlying the association between mindfulness and relationship quality, while investigating the roles of individuals' level of awareness and application of care in a romantic relationship among 199 adult participants in a southeastern region of the United States. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis were executed to examine the hypothesized structural model, testing a multi‐step pathway as to how mindfulness influences relationship quality. The SEM and path analyses showed a good fit for the present study's hypothesized model, indicating that individuals' mindfulness had a direct influence on their self‐awareness level. Individuals' self‐awareness and application of care mediated the link between mindfulness and relationship quality. Implications for family life educators, dyadic couples researchers, and marriage and family practitioners are discussed.
Increases in anterograde axoplasmic transport in neurons of the hyper‐glutamatergic, glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (Glud1) transgenic mouse: Effects of glutamate receptors on transport
Authors: Lee Phil , Kim Jieun , Choi In‐Young , Pal Ranu , Hui Dongwei , Marcario Joanne K. , Michaelis Mary L. , Michaelis Elias K.
Published: December 2023

The excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate has a role in neuronal migration and process elongation in the central nervous system (CNS). The effects of chronic glutamate hyperactivity on vesicular and protein transport within CNS neurons, that is, processes necessary for neurite growth, have not been examined previously. In this study, we measured the effects of lifelong hyperactivity of glutamate neurotransmission on axoplasmic transport in CNS neurons. We compared wild‐type (wt) to transgenic (Tg) mice over‐expressing the glutamate dehydrogenase gene Glud1 in CNS neurons and exhibiting increases in glutamate transmitter formation, release, and synaptic activation in brain throughout the lifespan. We found that Glud1 Tg as compared with wt mice exhibited increases in the rate of anterograde axoplasmic transport in neurons of the hippocampus measured in brain slices ex vivo, and in olfactory neurons measured in vivo. We also showed that the in vitro pharmacologic activation of glutamate synapses in wt mice led to moderate increases in axoplasmic transport, while exposure to selective inhibitors of ion channel forming glutamate receptors very significantly suppressed anterograde transport, suggesting a link between synaptic glutamate receptor activation and axoplasmic transport. Finally, axoplasmic transport in olfactory neurons of Tg mice in vivo was partially inhibited following 14‐day intake of ethanol, a known suppressor of axoplasmic transport and of glutamate neurotransmission. The same was true for transport in hippocampal neurons in slices from Glud1 Tg mice exposed to ethanol for 2 h ex vivo. In conclusion, endogenous activity at glutamate synapses regulates and glutamate synaptic hyperactivity increases intraneuronal transport rates in CNS neurons.

image
Effect of age on metabolomic changes in a model of paclitaxel‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity
Authors: Bonomo Roberta , Canta Annalisa , Chiorazzi Alessia , Carozzi Valentina Alda , Meregalli Cristina , Pozzi Eleonora , Alberti Paola , Frampas Cecile F. , Van der Veen Daan R. , Marmiroli Paola , Skene Debra J. , Cavaletti Guido
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is one of the most common dose‐limiting side effects of paclitaxel (PTX) treatment. Many age‐related changes have been hypothesized to underlie susceptibility to damage or impaired regeneration/repair after nerve injury. The results of these studies, however, are inconclusive and other potential biomarkers of nerve impairment need to be investigated.

Methods

Twenty‐four young (2 months) and 24 adult (9 months) Wistar male rats were randomized to either PTX treatment (10 mg/kg i.v. once/week for 4 weeks) or vehicle administration. Neurophysiological and behavioral tests were performed at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment and 2‐week follow‐up. Skin biopsies and nerve specimens collected from sacrificed animals were examined for intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density assessment and nerve morphology/morphometry. Blood and liver samples were collected for targeted metabolomics analysis.

Results

At the end of treatment, the neurophysiological studies revealed a reduction in sensory nerve action potential amplitude (p < .05) in the caudal nerve of young PTX‐animals, and in both the digital and caudal nerve of adult PTX‐animals (p < .05). A significant decrease in the mechanical threshold was observed only in young PTX‐animals (p < .001), but not in adult PTX‐ones. Nevertheless, both young and adult PTX‐rats had reduced IENF density (p < .0001), which persisted at the end of follow‐up period. Targeted metabolomics analysis showed significant differences in the plasma metabolite profiles between PTX‐animals developing peripheral neuropathy and age‐matched controls, with triglycerides, diglycerides, acylcarnitines, carnosine, long chain ceramides, sphingolipids, and bile acids playing a major role in the response to PTX administration.

Interpretation

Our study identifies for the first time multiple related metabolic axes involved in PTX‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity, and suggests age‐related differences in CIPN manifestations and in the metabolic profile.
An examination of retracted articles in nursing literature
Authors: Nicoll Leslie H. , Carter‐Templeton Heather , Oermann Marilyn H. , Bailey Hannah E. , Owens Jacqueline K. , Wrigley Jordan , Ledbetter Leila S.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The output of scholarly publications in scientific literature has increased exponentially in recent years. This increase in literature has been accompanied by an increase in retractions. Although some of these may be attributed to publishing errors, many are the result of unsavory research practices. The purposes of this study were to identify the number of retracted articles in nursing and reasons for the retractions, analyze the retraction notices, and determine the length of time for an article in nursing to be retracted.

Design

This was an exploratory study.

Methods

A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Retraction Watch databases was conducted to identify retracted articles in nursing and their retraction notices.

Results

Between 1997 and 2022, 123 articles published in the nursing literature were retracted. Ten different reasons for retraction were used to categorize these articles with one‐third of the retractions (n = 37, 30.1%) not specifying a reason. Sixty‐eight percent (n = 77) were retracted because of an actual or a potential ethical concern: duplicate publication, data issues, plagiarism, authorship issues, and copyright.

Conclusion

Nurses rely on nursing‐specific scholarly literature as evidence for clinical decisions. The findings demonstrated that retractions are increasing within published nursing literature. In addition, it was evident that retraction notices do not prevent previously published work from being cited. This study addressed a gap in knowledge about article retractions specific to nursing.
Effect of thickened water swallow training in tube‐feeding and dysphagia patients in the acute and early subacute phases of stroke: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Su Jianping , Li Yijing , Xu Zhihua , Sun Dan , Zhu Xiangning , Dong Yueyang , He Meng , Bu Buyin , Sun Jiao
Published: December 2023

Background

Thickened water has been widely used in patients with dysphagia who receive oral feeding, but there is little evidence for tube‐feeding patients.

Objective

To explore the effects of thickened water swallow training in tube‐feeding and dysphagia patients in the acute and early subacute phases of stroke.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental study. Hospitalised patients with acute and early subacute stroke who received tube feeding due to dysphagia were recruited from March to December 2021. Patients assigned to the intervention group (n = 23) received thickened water swallow training three times daily until the feeding tube was removed or they were discharged, and patients in the control group (n = 23) received usual care. The main outcomes were duration of tube feeding and rates of weaning at discharge.

Results

Patients in the intervention group had a shorter tube‐feeding duration (p = .046) and a higher rate of weaning at discharge (p = .017) than those in the control group. Significant interaction effects between time and group were detected regarding quality of life except for the swallowing burden dimension.

Conclusions

Thickened water swallow training is feasible and effective for stroke patients with tube feeding and can shorten the duration of tube feeding and improve the rates of weaning and quality of life. Healthcare providers in nonrehabilitation units should actively conduct swallowing function intervention training to maximise the potential for acute and early subacute phase rehabilitation.
Effects of solid and aqueous dietary diflubenzuron ingestion on some biological parameters in synthetic pyrethroid‐resistant German cockroach, Blattella germanicaL. (Blattodea: Ectobiidae)
Authors: Oz Emre , Polat Burak , Cengiz Aysegul , Kahraman Sevval , Gultekin Zeynep Nur , Caliskan Cansu , Cetin Huseyin
Published: December 2023

Cockroaches, widespread pests found in metropolitan areas, are known as vectors of various disease agents, including viruses, fungi and antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, as well as causing allergies in humans. Insect growth regulators have been used in pest management for several decades. These insecticides disrupt insect development and reproduction. Chitin synthesis inhibitors interfere with chitin biosynthesis in insects, causing abortive moulting and mortality, as well as inhibiting egg fertility, and larval hatching in insects. In this research, we evaluated the various effects of diflubenzuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, on synthetic pyrethroid‐resistant German cockroach (Blattella germanica L. Blattodea: Ectobiidae), including ootheca production, oothecal viability, ootheca incubation time, the number of nymphs emerging from the ootheca and survivorship of nymphs. The cockroaches were fed diets that contained diflubenzuron, which was added to solid bait (impregnated fish food) and ingestible aqueous bait (impregnated cotton). Three concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 2%) were used in the experiments. As a result, diflubenzuron treatment led to ootheca production ranging from 60% to 100%; statistically, no difference was found between the treatment and the control groups. The number of nymphs emerging from the first and second ootheca was reduced by 40%–100% in the diflubenzuron‐treated groups compared with the control. Nymphs exposed to diflubenzuron‐impregnated solid bait and ingestible aqueous bait experienced mortality exceeding 92.1% and 66.27% within 15 days, respectively. In conclusion, diflubenzuron is a potential insecticide for use in cockroach baits to control B. germanica, as it caused high nymphal and embryonic mortality in the synthetic pyrethroid‐resistant population and decreased the number of nymphs emerging from the ootheca.
The correct name for Desmodium rotundifolium Baker in Desmodiastrum (Desmodieae: Fabaceae)
Authors: Kottaimuthu Ramalingam
Published: December 2023

Meibomia bakeriana Kuntze is the earliest legitimate species name available for Baker's illegitimate Desmodium rotundifolium. Alysicarpus rotundifolius Dalzell ex Prain and Desmodium ritchiei Sanjappa are illegitimate superfluous names for the same species, whereas Desmodiastrum rotundifolium (A.Pramanik and Thoth.) Sanjappa cannot be used because of the lack of priority. H. Ohashi and K. Ohashi published an isonym in Desmodiastrum. The new combination Desmodiastrum bakerianum (Kuntze) Kottaim. is proposed here in order to provide a correct name for the species occurring in India.
The tomato EAR‐motif repressor, SlERF36, accelerates growth transitions and reduces plant life cycle by regulating GA levels and responses
Authors: Garg Rashmi , Mahato Hrishikesh , Choudhury Upasana , Thakur Ravindra S. , Debnath Pratima , Ansari Nasreen G. , Sane Vidhu A. , Sane Aniruddha P.
Published: December 2023

Faster vegetative growth and early maturity/harvest reduce plant life cycle time and are important agricultural traits facilitating early crop rotation. GA is a key hormone governing developmental transitions that determine growth speed in plants. An EAR‐motif repressor, SlERF36 that regulates various growth transitions, partly through regulation of the GA pathway and GA levels, was identified in tomato. Suppression of SlERF36 delayed germination, slowed down organ growth and delayed the onset of flowering time, fruit harvest and whole‐plant senescence by 10–15 days. Its over‐expression promoted faster growth by accelerating all these transitions besides increasing organ expansion and plant height substantially. The plant life cycle and fruit harvest were completed 20–30 days earlier than control without affecting yield, in glasshouse as well as net‐house conditions, across seasons and generations. These changes in life cycle were associated with reciprocal changes in expression of GA pathway genes and basal GA levels between suppression and over‐expression lines. SlERF36 interacted with the promoters of two GA2 oxidase genes, SlGA2ox3 and SlGA2ox4, and the DELLA gene, SlDELLA, reducing their transcription and causing a 3–5‐fold increase in basal GA3/GA4 levels. Its suppression increased SlGA2ox3/4 transcript levels and reduced GA3/GA4 levels by 30%–50%. SlERF36 is conserved across families making it an important candidate in agricultural and horticultural crops for manipulation of plant growth and developmental transitions to reduce life cycles for faster harvest.
A transient expression tool box for anthocyanin biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Grützner Ramona , König Kristin , Horn Claudia , Engler Carola , Laub Annegret , Vogt Thomas , Marillonnet Sylvestre
Published: December 2023

Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana offers a robust platform for the rapid production of complex secondary metabolites. It has proven highly effective in helping identify genes associated with pathways responsible for synthesizing various valuable natural compounds. While this approach has seen considerable success, it has yet to be applied to uncovering genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways. This is because only a single anthocyanin, delphinidin 3‐O‐rutinoside, can be produced in N. benthamiana by activation of anthocyanin biosynthesis using transcription factors. The production of other anthocyanins would necessitate the suppression of certain endogenous flavonoid biosynthesis genes while transiently expressing others. In this work, we present a series of tools for the reconstitution of anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways in N. benthamiana leaves. These tools include constructs for the expression or silencing of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and a mutant N. benthamiana line generated using CRISPR. By infiltration of defined sets of constructs, the basic anthocyanins pelargonidin 3‐O‐glucoside, cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside and delphinidin 3‐O‐glucoside could be obtained in high amounts in a few days. Additionally, co‐infiltration of supplementary pathway genes enabled the synthesis of more complex anthocyanins. These tools should be useful to identify genes involved in the biosynthesis of complex anthocyanins. They also make it possible to produce novel anthocyanins not found in nature. As an example, we reconstituted the pathway for biosynthesis of Arabidopsis anthocyanin A5, a cyanidin derivative and achieved the biosynthesis of the pelargonidin and delphinidin variants of A5, pelargonidin A5 and delphinidin A5.
The tautomer‐specific excited state dynamics of 2,6‐diaminopurine using resonance‐enhanced multiphoton ionization and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Gate Gregory , Williams Ann , Boldissar Samuel , Šponer Jiří , Szabla Rafal , de Vries Mattanjah
Published: December 2023

2,6‐Diaminopurine (2,6‐dAP) is an alternative nucleobase that potentially played a role in prebiotic chemistry. We studied its excited state dynamics in the gas phase by REMPI, IR‐UV hole burning, and ps pump‐probe spectroscopy and performed quantum chemical calculations at the SCS‐ADC(2) level of theory to interpret the experimental results. We found the 9H tautomer to have a small barrier to ultrafast relaxation via puckering of its 6‐membered ring. The 7H tautomer has a larger barrier to reach a conical intersection and also has a sizable triplet yield. These results are discussed relative to other purines, for which 9H tautomerization appears to be more photostable than 7H and homosubstituted purines appear to be less photostable than heterosubstituted or singly substituted purines.
Social affordances of agile governance
Authors: Mergel Ines
Published: December 2023

Agile refers to a work management ideology with a set of productivity frameworks that support continuous and iterative progress on work tasks by reviewing one's hypotheses, working in a human‐centric way, and encouraging evidence‐based learning. In practice, public administrations have started to use agile principles and methods to plan projects, work in short sprints, iterate after receiving feedback from stakeholders, and apply a human‐centric approach to arrive at prototyped solutions. To understand the opportunities and challenges public servants perceive when they are asked to apply agile work practices, I conducted focus groups to study the social affordances of agile governance that need to be in place for public servants to adopt an agile mindset and its related practices. As a result of the exposure to agile work practices, public servants are either able to perceive its affordances and are willing to adopt agile, they falsely perceive them or they even remain hidden from them leading to a rejection of agile.
Assessing the effects of different tillage systems on selected physical and chemical properties of a silty clay loam soil under different field conditions in the Czech Republic
Authors: Abebrese David Kwesi , Kara Recep Serdar , Báťková Kamila , Biney James Kobina Mensah , Matula Svatopluk
Published: December 2023

Under the recent water‐limiting crisis on farmlands in the Czech Republic, more sustainable approaches to improve water infiltration and suction within the soil layer useful for plant growth is crucial. This study sought to explore changes induced by applied tillage system, and time after tillage (considering two field conditions; at crop maturity when the soil had consolidated long after tillage, and after tillage and seeding operations). The tillage systems investigated were reduced tillage (RT), occasional tillage (OT), no tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). Soil properties at 0–30 cm depth analysed were dry bulk density, soil organic matter content, saturated volumetric water content and saturated hydraulic conductivity. After the tillage and seeding operations, soil organic matter increased on all conservation tillage plots (RT, OT and NT) but decreased under CT. Insignificant changes in dry bulk density were observed on the conservation tillage plots, whereas CT reduced dry bulk density by 15.3%. Saturated hydraulic conductivity fluctuated significantly under OT and CT, while remaining stable under RT and NT. Generally, significant variability in organic matter influenced changes in saturated volumetric water content and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Changes in dry bulk density on all the tilled plots (RT, OT, and CT) did not show any significant relationship with saturated volumetric water content. Likewise, no significant relationship between changes in bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity on all plots were observed. While organic matter improvements under OT positively correlated with saturated volumetric water content, its seasonal dynamics under saturated hydraulic conductivity can be further studied. CT causes high instabilities in both saturated volumetric water content and saturated hydraulic conductivity leading to impaired characteristics during the soil's consolidated state.
Very high epilepsy prevalence in rural Southern Rwanda: The underestimated burden of epilepsy in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Garrez Ieme , Teuwen Dirk E. , Sebera Fidèle , Mutungirehe Sylvestre , Ndayisenga Arlène , Kajeneza Delphine , Umuhoza Georgette , Kayirangwa Jeannine , Düll Uta E. , Dedeken Peter , Boon Paul A. J. M.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Up to 85% of people living with epilepsy (PwE) reside in low‐and middle‐income countries. In sub‐Saharan Africa, the lifetime prevalence of epilepsy is 16 per 1000 persons. In Northern rural Rwanda, a 47.7 per 1000 prevalence has been reported. As variations in prevalence across geographical areas have been observed, we studied the prevalence in Southern rural Rwanda using the same robust methodology as applied in the North.

Methods

We conducted a three‐stage, cross‐sectional, door‐to‐door survey in two rural villages in Southern Rwanda from June 2022 to April 2023. First, trained enumerators administered the validated Limoges questionnaire for epilepsy screening. Second, neurologists examined the persons who had screened positively to confirm the epilepsy diagnosis. Third, cases with an inconclusive assessment were separately reexamined by two neurologists to reevaluate the diagnosis.

Results

Enumerators screened 1745 persons (54.4% female, mean age: 24 ± 19.3 years), of whom 304 (17.4%) screened positive. Epilepsy diagnosis was confirmed in 133 (52.6% female, mean age: 30 ± 18.2 years) and active epilepsy in 130 persons. Lifetime epilepsy prevalence was 76.2 per 1000 (95% CI: 64.2–89.7‰). The highest age‐specific rate occurred in the 29–49 age group. No gender‐specific differences were noted. In 22.6% of the PwE, only non‐convulsive seizures occurred. The treatment gap was 92.2%, including a diagnosis gap of 79.4%.

Conclusion

We demonstrated a very high epilepsy prevalence in Southern rural Rwanda, with over 20% of cases having only non‐convulsive seizures, which are often underdiagnosed in rural Africa. In line with previous Rwandan reports, we reiterate the high burden of the disease in the country. Geographic variation in prevalence throughout Africa may result from differences in risk and aetiological factors. Case–control studies are underway to understand such differences and propose adapted health policies for epilepsy prevention.
Haemovigilance resources available for everyone: A report from the International Haemovigilance Tools Collaborative Project
Authors: Townsend Mary , Maryuningsih Soedarmono Yuyun S. , Narayan Shruthi , Ashford Paul , Wood Erica M. , Whitaker Barbee I.
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

Haemovigilance systems are intended to collect and analyse data, and report findings relating to transfusion complications, such as blood product safety, procedural incidents, and adverse reactions in donors and patients. A common problem among developing haemovigilance programs is the lack of resources and tools available to countries striving to establish or enhance their haemovigilance system.

Materials and Methods

World Health Organization, in collaboration with International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT), International Haemovigilance Network and other haemovigilance experts embarked on a Haemovigilance Tools Project to collect and provide materials and resources to assist with the stepwise implementation of haemovigilance.

Results and Conclusions

Resources are housed as a virtual compendium on the ISBT website under the Haemovigilance Working Party. These are managed by a subcommittee of the Working Party and are freely available and downloadable to all without requiring ISBT membership.
Multivariable versions of a lemma of Kaluza's
Authors: Richter Stefan , Sautel Jesse
Published: December 2023

Let and be a convergent multivariable power series in . In this paper, we present two conditions on the positive coefficients that imply that for nonnegative coefficients . If , then both of our results reduce to a lemma of Kaluza's. For , we present examples to show that our two conditions are independent of one another. It turns out that functions of the type
satisfy one of our conditions, whenever is a product of probability measures on . Our results have applications to the theory of Nevanlinna–Pick kernels.
The heart, a secondary organ in the control of blood circulation
Authors: Furst Branko , González‐Alonso José
Published: December 2023

Circulation of the blood is a fundamental physiological function traditionally ascribed to the pressure‐generating function of the heart. However, over the past century the ‘cardiocentric’ view has been challenged by August Krogh, Ernst Starling, Arthur Guyton and others, based on haemodynamic data obtained from isolated heart preparations and organ perfusion. Their research brought forth experimental evidence and phenomenological observations supporting the concept that cardiac output occurs primarily in response to the metabolic demands of the tissues. The basic tenets of Guyton's venous return model are presented and juxtaposed with their critiques. Developmental biology of the cardiovascular system shows that the blood circulates before the heart has achieved functional integrity and that its movement is intricately connected with the metabolic demands of the tissues. Long discovered, but as yet overlooked, negative interstitial pressure may play a role in assisting the flow returning to the heart. Based on these phenomena, an alternative circulation model has been proposed in which the heart functions like a hydraulic ram and maintains a dynamic equilibrium between the arterial (centrifugal) and venous (centripetal) forces which define the blood's circular movement. In this focused review we introduce some of the salient arguments in support of the proposed circulation model. Finally, we present evidence that exercising muscle blood flow is subject to local metabolic control which upholds optimal perfusion in the face of a substantive rise in muscle vascular conductance, thus lending further support to the permissive role of the heart in the overall control of blood circulation.
What can insects teach us about hearing loss?
Authors: Warren Ben , Eberl Daniel
Published: December 2023

Over the last three decades, insects have been utilized to provide a deep and fundamental understanding of many human diseases and disorders. Here, we present arguments for insects as models to understand general principles underlying hearing loss. Despite ∼600 million years since the last common ancestor of vertebrates and invertebrates, we share an overwhelming degree of genetic homology particularly with respect to auditory organ development and maintenance. Despite the anatomical differences between human and insect auditory organs, both share physiological principles of operation. We explain why these observations are expected and highlight areas in hearing loss research in which insects can provide insight. We start by briefly introducing the evolutionary journey of auditory organs, the reasons for using insect auditory organs for hearing loss research, and the tools and approaches available in insects. Then, the first half of the review focuses on auditory development and auditory disorders with a genetic cause. The second half analyses the physiological and genetic consequences of ageing and short‐ and long‐term changes as a result of noise exposure. We finish with complex age and noise interactions in auditory systems. In this review, we present some of the evidence and arguments to support the use of insects to study mechanisms and potential treatments for hearing loss in humans. Obviously, insects cannot fully substitute for all aspects of human auditory function and loss of function, although there are many important questions that can be addressed in an animal model for which there are important ethical, practical and experimental advantages.

image
An Alternate Perspective on Modeling and Control of a Flexible Manipulator: Case Study of a Curvature Control Manipulator Dynamics
Authors: Ezeanya Emeka K. , Barhorst Alan A.
Published: December 2023

The flexible and adaptable nature of continuum soft robots makes them applicable to a wide range of operations not easily obtainable with conventional rigid-body robots. Thus, soft robots can be used in various operations such as manipulation tasks, minimally invasive surgery operations, robotic rehabilitation/wearable devices, inspection, and surveillance tasks. Unfortunately, the continuous nature of these robotic systems leads to significant modeling and control challenges. Presently, there are various modeling perspectives. However, a detailed review shows that current models are often characterized by problems such as high computational costs, quasi-static assumptions, imprecise inclusion of boundary conditions, spillover instability, etc. These problems limit the accuracy of the resulting model, requiring more effective modeling and control strategies. Therefore, this paper is aimed at improving the state of the art and science of current models by providing more effective strategies for the problems encountered. In this regard, the dynamic modeling of a two-link tendon-driven flexible manipulator based on hybrid parameter multibody system methodology will be presented to demonstrate these strategies. Using the model, path-planned dynamic controls based on pole placement, linear quadratic regulator, and sliding mode control methods will be implemented for a continuous time-varying path. Also, a comparison of the performance of the control methods, in addition to parametric studies for the optimal tendon connection points, will be presented. Results showed that the benefits of the modeling approach and strategies employed led to a highly accurate, real-time performance for the complex motions of the manipulator system.
Research on State of Health Estimation of Lithium Batteries Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and CNN-VIT Models
Authors: Chang Chun , Su Guangwei , Cen Haimei , Jiang Jiuchun , Tian Aina , Gao Yang , Wu Tiezhou
Published: December 2023

With the development of electric vehicles, the demand for lithium-ion batteries has been increasing annually. Accurately estimating the state of health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for their efficient and reliable use. Most of the existing research on SOH estimation is based on parameters such as current, voltage, and temperature, which are prone to fluctuations. Estimating the SOH of lithium-ion batteries based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and data-driven approaches has been proven effective. In this paper, we explore a novel SOH estimation model for lithium batteries based on EIS and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-Vision Transformer (VIT). The EIS data are treated as a grayscale image, eliminating the need for manual feature extraction and simultaneously capturing both local and global features in the data. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, a series of simulation experiments are conducted, comparing it with various traditional machine learning models in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R2). The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model performs best overall in the testing dataset at three different temperatures. This confirms that the model can accurately and stably estimate the SOH of lithium-ion batteries without requiring manual feature extraction and knowledge of battery aging temperature.
Effects of Thermal-Moisture Coupled Field on Delamination Behavior of Electronic Packaging
Authors: Shih Meng-Kai , Lin Guan-Sian , Yang Jonny
Published: December 2023

Delamination failure is one of the most prevalent and serious reliability issues in micro-electronic packaging. To understand this phenomenon further, this study constructs an experimental test system consisting of a double cantilever beam (DCB) fixture, an MTS-Acumen microforce tester, and a temperature and humidity controller. The system is employed to investigate the effects of coupled moisture-thermal loading on the critical strain energy release rate (SERR) at the epoxy molding compound (EMC)/Cu leadframe (LF) interface of a very thin quad flat no-lead package (WQFN) assembly. A three-dimensional computational model with hygro-thermal loading conditions is developed to evaluate the moisture diffusion, thermal stress, and integrated stress of a multichip WQFN package under typical processing conditions and precondition tests. The validated simulation model is then applied with the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) to investigate the fracture behavior at the EMC/Cu LF interface in the WQFN package. The effects of three design parameters on the SERR performance of the package are identified through a parametric analysis. Finally, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization method is employed to examine the effects of the main structural design parameters of the WQFN package on its delamination reliability. The results are used to determine the optimal packaging design that minimizes the SERR and hence enhances the package reliability.
Measuring relative humidity from evaporation with a wet-bulb thermometer: The psychrometer
Authors: Corpart Marie , Restagno Frédéric , Boulogne François
Published: December 2023

Measuring the relative humidity of air is an important challenge for meteorological measurements, food conservation, building design, and evaporation control, among other applications. Relative humidity can be measured with a psychrometer, which is a hygrometer composed of two identical thermometers. The bulb of one thermometer is covered by a wick soaked with water so that evaporative cooling makes it indicate a lower temperature than the dry-bulb thermometer; it is possible to determine the relative humidity from the difference between these readings. We describe both a model and an experimental setup to illustrate the principle of a psychrometer for a pedagogical laboratory. The science of psychrometry could be more broadly taught at the undergraduate level to help introduce students to aspects of measurement techniques, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
A basic introduction to ultrastable optical cavities for laser stabilization
Authors: Boyd Jamie A. , Lahaye Thierry
Published: December 2023

We give a simple introduction to the properties and use of ultrastable optical cavities, which are increasingly common in atomic and molecular physics laboratories for stabilizing the frequency of lasers to linewidths at the kHz level or below. Although the physics of Fabry–Perot interferometers is part of standard optics curricula, the specificities of ultrastable optical cavities, such as their high finesse, fixed length, and the need to operate under vacuum, can make their use appear relatively challenging to newcomers. Our aim in this work is to bridge the gap between generic knowledge about Fabry–Perot resonators and the specialized literature about ultrastable cavities. The intended audience includes students setting up an ultrastable cavity in a research laboratory for the first time and instructors designing advanced laboratory courses on optics and laser stabilization techniques.
Person-Centered Sport Psychology Practice: A Framework for Working With Emotions and Complex Processes
Authors: Gupta Sahen , Duncan Elaine
Published: December 2023

Person-centered therapy (PCT) is a client-centered therapeutic approach that focuses on the practitioner–client relationship and has been shown to be an effective practice approach when working with clients presenting complex emotional experiences. We provide a brief outline of PCT theory and specific practice techniques for working with emotions in applied sport psychology practice. By adopting a case-report methodology, we outline self-charting and clearing a space, which can be applied when working with complex emotions in the sport context. This case report contributes to the literature as the first study to provide a framework for PCT application in applied sport psychology. By providing a “how-to-apply” framework, we aim to show how to apply these techniques in practice using “in vivo” session transcripts. Evaluations of interventions and reflections are demonstrated, which will provide practitioners with a case example and recommendations for context-sensitive application of PCT.
Highlighting health consequences of racial disparities sparks support for action
Authors: Brown Riana M. , Dietze Pia , Craig Maureen A.
Published: December 2023

Racial disparities arise across many vital areas of American life, including employment, health, and interpersonal treatment. For example, one in three Black children lives in poverty (versus one in nine white children), and, on average, Black Americans live four fewer years compared with white Americans. Which disparity is more likely to spark reduction efforts? We find that highlighting disparities in health-related (versus economic) outcomes spurs greater social media engagement and support for disparity-mitigating policy. Further, reading about racial health disparities elicits greater support for action (e.g., protesting) compared with economic- or belonging-based disparities. This occurs in part because people view health disparities as violating morally sacred values, which enhances perceived injustice. This work elucidates which manifestations of racial inequality are most likely to prompt Americans to action.
Rab29-dependent asymmetrical activation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2
Authors: Zhu Hanwen , Tonelli Francesca , Turk Martin , Prescott Alan , Alessi Dario R. , Sun Ji
Published: December 2023

Gain-of-function mutations in
LRRK2
, which encodes the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), are the most common genetic cause of late-onset Parkinson’s disease. LRRK2 is recruited to membrane organelles and activated by Rab29, a Rab guanosine triphosphatase encoded in the
PARK16
locus. We present cryo–electron microscopy structures of Rab29–LRRK2 complexes in three oligomeric states, providing key snapshots during LRRK2 recruitment and activation. Rab29 induces an unexpected tetrameric assembly of LRRK2, formed by two kinase-active central protomers and two kinase-inactive peripheral protomers. The central protomers resemble the active-like state trapped by the type I kinase inhibitor DNL201, a compound that underwent a phase 1 clinical trial. Our work reveals the structural mechanism of LRRK2 spatial regulation and provides insights into LRRK2 inhibitor design for Parkinson’s disease treatment.
Dealuminated Beta zeolite reverses Ostwald ripening for durable copper nanoparticle catalysts
Authors: Liu Lujie , Lu Jiaye , Yang Yahui , Ruettinger Wolfgang , Gao Xinhua , Wang Ming , Lou Hao , Wang Zhandong , Liu Yifeng , Tao Xin , Li Lina , Wang Yong , Li Hangjie , Zhou Hang , Wang Chengtao , Luo Qingsong , Wu Huixin , Zhang Kaidi , Ma Jiabi , Cao Xiaoming , Wang Liang , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: December 2023

Copper nanoparticle–based catalysts have been extensively applied in industry, but the nanoparticles tend to sinter into larger ones in the chemical atmospheres, which is detrimental to catalyst performance. In this work, we used dealuminated Beta zeolite to support copper nanoparticles (Cu/Beta-deAl) and showed that these particles become smaller in methanol vapor at 200°C, decreasing from ~5.6 to ~2.4 nanometers in diameter, which is opposite to the general sintering phenomenon. A reverse ripening process was discovered, whereby migratable copper sites activated by methanol were trapped by silanol nests and the copper species in the nests acted as new nucleation sites for the formation of small nanoparticles. This feature reversed the general sintering channel, resulting in robust catalysts for dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation performed with supported copper nanoparticles for use in industry.
Neurosurgery elucidates somatic mutations
Authors: Maury Eduardo A. , Walsh Christopher A. , Kahle Kristopher T.
Published: December 2023

Surgical innovation is helping to identify roles for somatic mutations in brain disorders
Making a digital dupe of Anderson Cooper
Authors: Dickman Jamie
Published: December 2023

Two computer scientists discuss deepfakes and how they made a facsimile of the anchor
An unexpected role for a glutamate receptor
Authors: Coombs Ian D. , Farrant Mark
Published: December 2023

γ-Aminobutyric acid acts on a glutamate receptor, evoking synaptic plasticity
Increasing policy support for reducing racial health disparities
Authors: Earl Allison , Derricks Veronica
Published: December 2023

Perceiving racial health disparities as unjust could catalyze or halt change
Mimicking polar bear hairs in aerogel fibers
Authors: Sheng Zhizhi , Zhang Xuetong
Published: December 2023

Encapsulated aerogel fibers offer thermal insulation, breathability, and strength
In Science Journals
Authors: Ogle Molly E. , Smith Keith T. , Stajic Jelena , Szuromi Phil , Funk Michael A. , Smith H. Jesse , Grocholski Brent , Olingy Claire , Uzogara Ekeoma , Stern Peter , Jiang Di , Ray L. Bryan , Yeston Jake S. , Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: December 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
The quantum phantom
Authors: Savitsky Zack
Published: December 2023

A ghostly quasiparticle rooted in a century-old Italian mystery could unlock quantum computing’s potential—if only it could be pinned down
San Andreas fault may shake less than once feared
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: December 2023

Precariously balanced rocks near Los Angeles hold clues to the hazard of a giant earthquake
Before tunnel collapse, scientists sent warnings
Authors: Parvaiz Athar
Published: December 2023

Researchers repeatedly raised concerns about building in Himalayas’ unstable geology