bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Empirical Realities of Polycentric Climate Governance: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Tobin Paul , Huitema Dave , Kellner Elke
Published: August 2024

Scholars have undertaken much conceptual development of “polycentric” climate governance (PCG). Yet, there has been limited empirical examination of whether this descriptive, analytical, and normative concept can aid climate change mitigation; it may even undermine our efforts in certain contexts. Thus this special issue examines the empirical realities of PCG. Building from a shared definition of the concept, the constitutive articles analyze an exploratory range of systems, across policy styles, governance levels, and types of actors. Here we consolidate the findings of the articles by identifying five key themes that are drawn from across the special issue, for consideration in future research. These themes are operationalization of PCG systems; voluntary action; temporality; power; and, crucially, effectiveness in mitigating climate change. Our findings provide evidence from a wide range of contexts, from which we build to propose new research streams on this topic.
The Ubiquity of Time in Latent-cause Inference
Authors: Mirea Dan-Mircea , Shin Yeon Soon , DuBrow Sarah , Niv Yael
Published: August 2024

Humans have an outstanding ability to generalize from past experiences, which requires parsing continuously experienced events into discrete, coherent units, and relating them to similar past experiences. Time is a key element in this process; however, how temporal information is used in generalization remains unclear. Latent-cause inference provides a Bayesian framework for clustering experiences, by building a world model in which related experiences are generated by a shared cause. Here, we examine how temporal information is used in latent-cause inference, using a novel task in which participants see “microbe” stimuli and explicitly report the latent cause (“strain”) they infer for each microbe. We show that humans incorporate time in their inference of latent causes, such that recently inferred latent causes are more likely to be inferred again. In particular, a “persistent” model, in which the latent cause inferred for one observation has a fixed probability of continuing to cause the next observation, explains the data significantly better than two other time-sensitive models, although extensive individual differences exist. We show that our task and this model have good psychometric properties, highlighting their potential use for quantifying individual differences in computational psychiatry or in neuroimaging studies.
Classifying animal migration patterns using small-shuffle surrogate and PCA evaluating short-term trends
Authors: Takagi Hideyuki , Doi Hideyuki , Nakamura Tomomichi
Published: August 2024

Analysing migration patterns can be used to predict the likelihood of invasion by exotic species, and disease prevalence and spread through contact networks in animals. This paper presents an analytical method for surveying the characteristics of wildlife migration, which can be challenging due to the varying distances and directions that animals travel and the diverse characteristics of different species. To gain a comprehensive understanding of migratory behaviour, it is necessary to integrate migration interrelationships within the populations and correlated migratory modes, e.g., aggregation or dispersed patterns. To achieve this, we propose the SSS-PCA method, which combines the small-shuffle surrogate (SSS) method and principal component analysis (PCA). The SSS-PCA method involves three major steps: (1) applying the SSS method to break down the time-series correlational structure of the movement data with different time frames, (2) obtaining some mobility indicators, e.g., the range and variance of movement, from the original and SSS data with different time frames, and (3) performing PCA on the mobility indicators, and clustering the results. The proposed method can reveal the migration patterns of individuals and the influence of individuals on the whole group. The SSS-PCA method can be used to examine the migration patterns of marine and terrestrial animal species. We suggest that the method can be applied to further studies of various species’ migration data.
Local Wisdom in Malay Natural Interpretation “Turjuman Al-Mustafid”: Analysis of Surah Al-Baqarah with a Historical Approach
Authors: Izzan Ahmad , Haecal Mohammad Irfan Farraz
Published: August 2024

This article discusses the impact of local wisdom on interpreting verses in Tafsir Alam Melayu Turjuman al-Mustafid by Syaikh Abdu al-Rauf al-Fanshuri bin Ali al-Fanshuri al-Singkili. Maudhui’s exegetical method is used in this study to examine verses that contain elements of local wisdom. This investigation uses a literature review approach that integrates Ibn Khaldun’s Asabiyyah-historical theory. Local wisdom in Tafsir Turjuman al-Mustafid is classified into three categories: “Praying” represents the sociological aspect, “Sailing” represents the geographical aspect, and “King” represents the political aspect. Shaikh Abdu al-Rauf al-Fanshuri is considered a historian with integrity, competence, and objectivity. The inclusion of local wisdom in the Tafsir Turjuman al-Mustafid, without changing the values of the Koran, is proof of its validity so as not to damage the message and intention of the verses of the Koran it interprets, and helps society to be enriched with elements of local wisdom.
In-Service Teachers’ Views about STEM Integration
Authors: Nipyrakis Argyris , Stavrou Dimitris , Avraamidou Lucy
Published: August 2024

Despite the increasing attention for STEM, a gap of knowledge still exists concerning: a) the views of teachers coming from S-T-E-M backgrounds on integrated STEM education, b) the ways teachers conceptualise STEM, and c) collaboration trends between S-T-E-M experts. In attempting to address this gap, the authors aimed to respond to these questions in the context of a STEM professional development programme in Europe, where 26 in-service teachers were divided into four learning communities and engaged in developing STEM teaching materials. Data were collected through individual interviews which were analysed through qualitative content analysis. Teachers’ views were explored using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model, whereas teachers’ justifications on integration models were analysed for the purpose of examining their conceptualisations on integration. Collaboration trends were derived from teachers’ collaboration preferences. Teachers considered that there are systemic factors impeding the implementation of STEM, while teachers emphasised the engineering design cycle, content integration and real-world relevance in their integration models. Collaboration trends highlighted technological expertise as well as having prior STEM experience. Drawn from these findings, the authors offer a set of recommendations about the development of cross-disciplinary collaboration groups in order to help overcome disciplinary barriers.
Memory as Environment
Authors: Tabaszewska Justyna
Published: August 2024

This article attempts to identify the relationship between memory, time, and environment, and to answer the question of whether (and how) memory can be perceived as a form of human environment. The paper, by elaborating on the already established notions of environmental memory and temporal environments, connects different diagnoses regarding our current temporality (Hartog, Chakrabarty, Malm) with the research on the Remembering-Imagining System (Conway et al.) and indicates that they may be useful to define how collective ris works. Finally, by analysing three different literary examples (Gospodinov, Dukaj, Szczerek), it addresses the question of why does it seemingly become more difficult to understand our temporal environment and imagine our collective future?
Phylogenetic position, morphological data, call, and geographic distribution of the elusive treefrog Ololygon skuki (Hylidae: Hylinae: Scinaxini)
Authors: NASCIMENTO FILIPE A.C. , ARAUJO-VIEIRA KATYUSCIA , DUBEUX MARCOS J.M. , MARINHO PEDRO , GUEDES-SANTOS JHONATAN , ROBERTO IGOR JOVENTINO , SANTOS EDNILZA MARANHÃO DOS , ÁVILA ROBSON WALDEMAR , JR. JOSÉ P. POMBAL , FAIVOVICH JULIÁN
Published: August 2024

Ololygon skuki is a species of the O. argyreornata group, only known to occur in an Atlantic Forest fragment in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. Current knowledge about this species is restricted to descriptions of both adults and larvae. In this study, we explore the phylogenetic relationships of O. skuki based on molecular data, provide new morphological observations such as the presence of the nuptial pad on Finger III, describe its call, and update its geographic distribution. Our results indicate that O. skuki is the sister taxon of all other lineages of the O. argyreornata group. Furthermore, sequences from a specimen previously identified as O. argyreornata in the municipality of São Sebastião do Passé, state of Bahia, Brazil, were found to be nested among topotypic specimens of O. skuki. This extends the known distribution of this species approximately 425 km southwest from the type locality. The call of O. skuki consists of a long series of 26–34 short squawk-like pulsed notes, lasting 2.8–3.7 seconds, with a dominant frequency of 4,565.0–5,512.5 Hz.
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Response to Increased Southern Ocean Wind Stress in a Climate Model with an Eddy-Rich Ocean
Authors: Schulzki Tobias , Schwarzkopf Franziska U. , Biastoch Arne
Published: August 2024

The Southern Hemisphere westerly winds experienced significant changes over recent decades and are projected to further strengthen, altering ocean hydrography and dynamics. While anomalies of Southern Hemisphere origin are hypothesized to impact the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), many details of this relationship remain unknown as previous modeling studies are limited by the application of forced, coarse-resolution ocean models, or a short integration length. Here, a coupled, nested climate model configuration, covering the Atlantic Ocean at an eddy-rich 1/10° resolution is applied to study the adjustment of the large-scale circulation to a 30% increase in the Southern Ocean wind stress. The AMOC responds to the stronger wind stress with a strengthening of 0.6–1.4 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) across the entire Atlantic after approximately 80 years. At that time, anomalous watermass transformation mainly occurs at the entry into the Nordic seas. A density anomaly in the overflow water then induces anomalous sinking in the eastern subpolar gyre, providing a link between AMOC changes in density and depth coordinates. Our study suggests that these watermass changes are caused by northward-propagating anomalies and provides a detailed hypothesis for the link between the Indian Ocean inflow via Agulhas leakage and the AMOC. Nevertheless, due to coupled ocean–atmosphere adjustments, anomalies do not simply follow the main volume transport pathways along the western boundary. Mixing between advectively transported and locally forced anomalies leads to an increasingly complex evolution of watermass anomalies and less certainty in the relative contributions of involved mechanisms toward subpolar latitudes.
Summer High-Altitude Diurnal Rainfall Change in the Three Rivers Source Region and Associated Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Lin , Meng Xianhong , Wang S.-Y. Simon , Li Zhaoguo , Chen Hao , Shang Lunyu , Yang Xianyu , Wang Shaoying , Shu Lele , Ma Di
Published: August 2024

The Tibetan Plateau (TP), a crucial area influencing global climatic patterns and water resources, is experiencing a unique climatic paradox, particularly evident in the Three Rivers Source Region (TRSR). A striking summer asymmetry in the increases of near-surface temperature and precipitation is observed from 1989 to 2018: the rate of daily minimum temperature (0.64°C decade−1) surpasses the daily maximum temperature (0.52°C decade−1), while the daytime precipitation intensity (0.40 mm day−1 decade−1) increases at a faster rate compared to nighttime (0.30 mm day−1 decade−1). Despite these trends, the summer mean nighttime precipitation intensity consistently remains higher than the daytime average. Notably, this pattern is accompanied by an increasing trend of moisture transport during both daytime and nighttime in TRSR. This paper deciphers the thermodynamic and dynamic processes behind this trend. The daytime warmth not only alters the stability of atmosphere but also modulates convective inhibition (CIN), thereby reshaping precipitation mechanics and potentially dampening or delaying daytime convection. Thermodynamically, a shift from unstable to stable anomalies in the summer troposphere suppresses precipitation development. The combination of increased CIN during those period leads to fewer but more intense rainy days. Dynamically, the shift from a consistent downward motion anomaly throughout troposphere to an upward motion anomaly becomes dominant during nighttime, exhibiting a similar transition but only below 500 hPa during daytime. These findings reveal the complex interplay between thermodynamics, dynamics, and precipitation, highlighting the need for refined climatic models that can accurately simulate these summer diurnal processes.
Cold-Frontal Rainbands over the United Kingdom: Sensitivity of Precipitation Processes to Microphysics Schemes in WRF Simulations
Authors: Zhang Tianhang , Schultz David M.
Published: August 2024

A narrow cold-frontal rainband (NCFR) and wide cold-frontal rainband (WCFR) over the United Kingdom on 24 January 2018 are selected to evaluate the sensitivity of cold-season precipitation to three bulk cloud microphysics schemes in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The three simulations tend to overpredict the intensity and the areal coverage of NCFRs but underpredict those of WCFRs against the Met Office radar imagery. Nonetheless, the WRF double-moment 6-class (WDM6) simulation produces the most realistic NCFR and WCFR. More specifically, the intensity of the NCFR in the WDM6 simulation is overpredicted in the developing stage and underpredicted in the dissipating stage when compared to the Thompson and Morrison simulations. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to the rain mixing ratio at 1 km. The more intense and larger area of the WCFR in the WDM6 simulation is associated with more low-level snow, graupel, and rain than the other two simulations. In the WDM6 simulation, the larger low-level snow mixing ratios are due to the higher rates of aggregation between cloud ice and snow, whereas the larger rain mixing ratio is due to higher melting rates. Thus, differences in low-level ice-phase processes between microphysics schemes are large, strongly influencing the intensity of WCFRs, but the differences in warm-rain processes are smaller. Additionally, the small size of raindrops in the WDM6 simulation leads to wider and more intense WCFR as these raindrops are preferentially sent rearward relative to the cold front.

Significance Statement

Models are useful tools to predict weather but have errors in predicting different weather types. In the United Kingdom, precipitation is often predicted to be too strong at cold fronts and too weak behind the fronts compared to radar observations. Choosing different options for how precipitation is represented in one model produced different precipitation forecasts, with WDM6 being the best. One reason why WDM6 was the best was because it produced more and smaller raindrops, which would be transported behind the front, and it had higher melting rates at low levels, resulting in more precipitation behind the fronts than other options. Our results help identify why different options produce different forecasts, leading to possible future improvements in these options.
Attempting Decoloniality in a Youth Climate Campaign: Learning to Be in Right Relation and the Incommensurability of Making Indigenous Knowledges Legible
Authors: Curnow Joe , Delgado Lucy
Published: August 2024

This article examines how fossil fuel divestment organizers at the University of Toronto (UofT) attempted to be in right relation with Indigenous organizations and students on campus by integrating Indigenous knowledges around relationality and countering/contesting Eurowestern relational practices. By examining the dialog of a workshop where Fossil-Free UofT discussed their hopes, concerns, and strategies for practicing right relationality, we argue that while participants did important work to build relations rooted in decolonial approaches, they were limited by the perception that they constantly needed to attend to (and often capitulate to) whiteness. We argue that this tension limits the impact of moves to decolonize non-Indigenous spaces.
Beyond Anthropocentrism: A Call to Action for Multispecies Inclusivity
Authors: Tallberg Linda , Huopalainen Astrid , García-Rosell José-Carlos
Published: August 2024

Acknowledging organizations within a multispecies world is crucial for advancing sustainability. This commentary advocates for “multispecies inclusivity” in business and society as a new concept, transcending the traditional anthropocentrism that determines whose interests “matter.” We offer insights into this concept, discuss associated challenges, and propose pathways for implementing it into organizational practices.
Going Against the Grain: Climate Change as a Wedge Issue for the Radical Right
Authors: Dickson Zachary P. , Hobolt Sara B.
Published: August 2024

Political parties often mobilise issues that can improve their electoral fortunes by splitting existing coalitions. We argue that by adopting a distinctively adversarial stance, radical right-wing parties have increasingly politicised climate change policies as a wedge issue. This strategy challenges the mainstream party consensus and seeks to mobilise voter concerns over green initiatives. Relying on state-of-the-art multilingual large language models, we empirically examine nearly half a million press releases from 76 political parties across nine European democracies to support this argument. Our findings demonstrate that the radical right’s oppositional climate policy rhetoric diverges significantly from the mainstream consensus. Survey data further reveal climate policy scepticism among voters across the political spectrum, highlighting the mobilising potential of climate policies as a wedge issue. This research advances our understanding of issue competition and the politicisation of climate change.
Penalty Versus Premium: Social Disposition Differentiates Life Satisfaction Among Living-Alone Immigrant and Native-Born Older Adults—Findings From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Shen Jing , Tong Hongmei , Fuller-Thomson Esme
Published: August 2024

Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, in this study we provide an alternative explanation for the gap of life satisfaction between living-alone immigrants and Canadian-born older adults. Based on the Big-Five personality traits, we use the latent class analysis to generate two types of social dispositions, social independence and social dependence. With social dispositions taken into account, living alone contributes to life satisfaction in opposite ways for immigrant and Canadian-born older adults, by playing a negative role for the former group and a positive role for the latter. The trend of higher life satisfaction among the living-alone Canadian-born are mainly among the socially independent, whereas for immigrants, socially dependent older adults experience the lowest level of life satisfaction when living alone. Therefore, while socially independent Canadian-born older adults gain a “living-alone premium” in life satisfaction; their socially dependent immigrant counterparts experience a “living-alone penalty” in life satisfaction.
The Online Privacy Divide: Testing Resource and Identity Explanations for Racial/Ethnic Differences in Privacy Concerns and Privacy Management Behaviors on Social Media
Authors: Wang Laurent H. , Metzger Miriam J.
Published: August 2024

Do existing social inequalities translate into social media privacy management? This study examined racial/ethnic differences in privacy concerns and privacy management behaviors on social media to evaluate empirical evidence for an online privacy divide in the U.S. In addition, we tested two prominent theoretical perspectives–resource-based and identity-based explanations–for such divides. Results from an online survey ( N = 1,401) revealed that compared to White social media users, Latinx and Asian users reported higher horizontal and vertical privacy concerns, Latinx users employed horizontal privacy management strategies more frequently, Black users reported higher horizontal and vertical privacy self-efficacy, and Latinx users reported higher vertical privacy self-efficacy. While unequal distribution of resources (i.e., socioeconomic status) explained some differences among Asian (vs. White) participants, identity-based factor (i.e., perceived discrimination) served to motivate cautious privacy management among Black participants. Theoretical contributions to the privacy and marginalization literature are discussed. Practical implications are provided.
Patient satisfaction after Nuss procedure with one or two bars in young adults: A propensity score–matched cohort study
Authors: Campisi Alessio , Giovannetti Riccardo , Falezza Giovanni , Voulaz Emanuele , Lonardoni Alessandro , Infante Maurizio Valentino
Published: August 2024

Background

The Nuss procedure is the primary treatment for pectus excavatum (PE), but patient expectations are not always met. In our unit, our standard approach in the last few years has been the routine application of two bars instead of one. We aimed to retrospectively assess the impact of this approach on patient satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and safety.

Methods

A retrospective study included 182 patients over 16 years old who underwent the Nuss procedure for PE between January 2007 and September 2021. Patients were categorized into one-bar or two-bar correction groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used, resulting in 30 patients in each group. Primary endpoints were QoL and cosmetic satisfaction, while secondary endpoints included complications and recurrence.

Results

After PSM, both groups showed similar general characteristics. Patients treated with two bars reported fewer psychological complaints post-surgery (93.3% vs. 73.3%, p = 0.031). There were no significant differences in QoL improvement (96.7% in both groups, p = 0.197), perioperative complications ( p = 0.771) or recurrence (one patient in the one-bar group, p = 1.000).

Conclusions

Our study reveals that patients undergoing the Nuss Procedure for PE with two bars exhibit comparable clinical outcomes and QoL to those with one bar. However, patients with two bars may have higher levels of psychological well-being and satisfaction, indicating potential benefits associated with this approach. These findings suggest potential advantages of the two-bar approach, but further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these observations.
Post-pulmonary embolism syndrome: A reminder for clinicians
Authors: Gonzalez-Hermosillo Leslie-Marisol , Cueto-Robledo Guillermo , Navarro-Vergara Dulce-Iliana , Garcia-Cesar Marisol , Torres-Rojas Maria-Berenice , Graniel-Palafox Luis-Eugenio , Castro-Escalante Karla-Yamilet , Castro-Diaz Aliana-Mariana
Published: August 2024

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular emergencies and the third leading cause of death. Although efforts focus on treating the acute event, patients who survive APE may develop long-term sequelae. Research reveals that approximately half of patients who have suffered an APE do not regain their previous level of function and experience a reduction in their quality of life for several years after the episode. Acute pulmonary embolism can be classified according to the risk of short-term mortality, with most mortality and morbidity concentrated in high-risk and intermediate-risk cases. The first-line treatment for APE is systemic anticoagulation. However, identifying and more aggressively treating people with intermediate to high risk, who have a more favorable risk profile for reperfusion treatments, could reduce short-term mortality and mitigate post-pulmonary embolism syndrome (PPES). Post-pulmonary embolism syndrome refers to a variety of persistent symptoms and functional limitations that occur after an APE. The presence of persistent dyspnea, functional limitations, and/or decreased quality of life after an APE has been recently termed “PPES,” although this entity encompasses different manifestations. The most severe cause of persistent dyspnea is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, where increased pulmonary artery pressure is due to the fibrotic organization of unresolved APE. Post-PE Syndrome is not always systematically addressed in management guidelines, and its prevalence may be underestimated. More research is needed to fully understand its causes and risk factors. Interventions such as cardiopulmonary rehabilitation have been suggested to improve the quality of life of patients with PPES. A comprehensive, evidence-based approach is essential to effectively prevent and manage PPES and improve the long-term outcomes and well-being of affected patients.
Removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution using adsorbent prepared from oak tree fruit waste
Authors: Shojaeipoor Frood
Published: August 2024

The increase in the world's population and the decrease in natural resources, including water, have caused mankind to look for ways to treat the wastes from various industries and reuse them. In this study, the effectiveness of the adsorbent prepared from oak tree fruit waste (activated carbon (AC)) has been investigated in order to remove crystal violet (CV) industrial dye from aqueous solution. The prepared adsorbent was characterized using the diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface area measurement, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis and applied as an effective adsorbent for removal of CV dye as an organic dye from an aqueous solution. Optimum conditions were obtained using 1.4 g adsorbent, 10 mg L−1 CV dye, 38 min contact time and pH 7.5 with 98% dye removal. Equilibrium data were evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin isotherm. The Langmuir model best described the absorption of CV dye, indicating that it is monolayer and homogeneous (R2 = 0.996). The maximum absorption capacity under optimal conditions was 23.86 mg/g. Kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and elovich equations, and the pseudo-second-order model showed the best fit for kinetic studies (R2 = 0.993).
Application of targeted nursing intervention in patients undergoing synchronous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Chen Xiumei , Zhang Lipeng , Zhang Fan , Li Xuemei , Li Hui
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate the effect of targeted nursing intervention on the short-term prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease and carotid artery stenosis undergoing synchronous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods

A total of 58 patients who received OPCABG + CEA from February 2018 to May 2021 at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital were selected as the study subjects. They were randomly divided into two groups, with 29 patients in each group. The control group received routine postoperative nursing care, while the observation group received targeted nursing intervention in addition to the routine care. The incidence of postoperative stroke and the length of postoperative stay were observed.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups. Postoperative acute stroke occurred in 2 cases (6.9%) in the control group and 0 cases in the observation group, although this difference was not statistically significant. The median postoperative hospital stay was 13 days in the control group, with the earliest discharge at 10 days. In the observation group, the median postoperative hospital stay was 10 days, with the earliest discharge on the 8th day. This difference was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Targeted nursing intervention can improve the short-term prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease and carotid artery stenosis undergoing OPCABG + CEA, and it can also shorten the length of postoperative hospital stay.
Tobacco cigarette smoking induces cerebrovascular dysfunction followed by oxidative neuronal injury with the onset of cognitive impairment
Authors: Ewees Mohamed G , El-Mahdy Mohamed A , Hannawi Yousef , Zweier Jay L
Published: August 2024

While chronic smoking triggers cardiovascular disease, controversy remains regarding its effects on the brain and cognition. We investigated the effects of long-term cigarette smoke (CS) exposure (CSE) on cerebrovascular function, neuronal injury, and cognition in a novel mouse exposure model. Longitudinal studies were performed in CS or air-exposed mice, 2 hours/day, for up to 60 weeks. Hypertension and carotid vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) occurred by 16 weeks of CSE, followed by reduced carotid artery blood flow, with oxidative stress detected in the carotid artery, and subsequently in the brain of CS-exposed mice with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secondary protein and DNA oxidation, microglial activation and astrocytosis. Brain small vessels exhibited decreased levels of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), enlarged perivascular spaces with blood brain barrier (BBB) leak and decreased levels of tight-junction proteins. In the brain, amyloid-β deposition and phosphorylated-tau were detected with increases out to 60 weeks, at which time mice exhibited impaired spatial learning and memory. Thus, long-term CSE initiates a cascade of ROS generation and oxidative damage, eNOS dysfunction with cerebral hypoperfusion, as well as cerebrovascular and BBB damage with intracerebral inflammation, and neuronal degeneration, followed by the onset of impaired cognition and memory.
An Appraisal of Age and Sex-related Changes in Selected Smile Parameters in North Indian Population
Authors: Singh Bhavna , Ahluwalia Rajiv
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the changes in buccal corridor and smile index, with respect to age and gender, in a randomly selected sample of the North Indian population.

Materials and Methods

Perioral musculature of 195 subjects (divided into three age groups) was recorded using standardized videographic method. The frame representing subject’s “widest posed smile,” was selected and analyzed to evaluate selected smile parameters.

Results

Buccal corridor decreased significantly for overall as well as female sample population, whereas it was fairly unchanged for males. No significant variation was noted for smile index.

Conclusions

As a person ages, the smile gets narrower vertically as well as transversely, with the change being greater in the transverse dimension. Age-related changes must be considered for delivering long-lasting orthodontic results.
Aerodynamic analysis of a small-scale Savonius wind turbine incorporated with wind lenses: A CFD approach for wake pattern and power prediction
Authors: Bekhti Ahmed , Debbache Mohamed , Fares Meziane , Tata Madjid , Hamane Dawoud , Boudis Ali
Published: August 2024

CFD investigation is conducted in the present study to analyse the effect of wind lenses on the aerodynamic performances of a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT). the case of a 2D Savonius bi- blade is considered, where different configurations of wind lenses are studied and compared. To simulate the fluid flow over a rotating wind turbine, unsteady 2D numerical computations are carried out to solve the Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations (URANS), where the turbulence is modeled by the SST k− ω model. The results demonstrate an increase in the power coefficient across various tip speed ratios when wind lenses are utilised. Additionally, the study analyses the wake patterns generated by both conventional open turbines and turbines integrated with wind lenses.
False-Profile Radiograph Sourcil-Edge and Bone-Edge Measurements Correlate to Different Weightbearing Regions of the Acetabulum: A 3-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Featherall Joseph , Metz Allan K. , Froerer Devin L. , Rosenthal Reece M. , O’Neill Dillon C. , Khalil Ameen Z. , Maak Travis G. , Aoki Stephen K.
Published: August 2024

Background:

The acetabular sourcil is commonly interpreted as a reliable radiographic representation of the weightbearing dome of the acetabulum, despite limited modern data. Assessment of weightbearing acetabular coverage has been described using both the sourcil edge and bone edge as anatomic landmarks, leading to confusion and potential misguidance in surgical decision-making and thus compromised patient outcomes.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to characterize the 3-dimensional (3D) anatomic correlates of the sourcil-edge and bone-edge radiographic measurements on false-profile radiographs. It was hypothesized that the sourcil edge would represent anterolateral coverage and the bone edge would represent anterior coverage.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 80 hips were grouped by large or small differences between bone-edge and sourcil-edge anterior center-edge angles, based on upper and lower quartiles of discrepancy. Three-dimensional surface mesh models and digitally reconstructed radiographs were generated from hip computed tomography scans. Sourcil-edge and bone-edge anterior center-edge angles were identified on digitally reconstructed radiographs and registered to the 3D models with fiducial markers. Intersections of bone-edge and sourcil-edge projection lines with the acetabular rim were obtained from the 3D models.

Results:

The bone-edge and sourcil-edge projections intersected the acetabular rim at clockface means of 2:05 ± 0:22 and 1:12 ± 0:25, respectively. The 3D models consistently demonstrated that, in both large- and small-discrepancy groups, the sourcil edge corresponded to the acetabular area just posterior to the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) projection, and the bone edge corresponded to the weightbearing region inferior to the AIIS. Additionally, in large-discrepancy hips, the bone edge corresponded to more prominent acetabular coverage in the region inferomedial to the AIIS when compared with the small-discrepancy hips.

Conclusion:

On false-profile radiographs, the sourcil edge corresponds to superior femoral head coverage, and the bone edge corresponds to anterosuperior coverage. Radiographs with a large discrepancy between sourcil-edge and bone-edge measurements demonstrate acetabular rim prominence in the region of the AIIS.

Clinical Relevance:

Characterizing the anatomic weightbearing regions of the acetabulum represented on false-profile radiographs facilitates improved clinical and intraoperative decision-making in hip preservation surgery, including acetabuloplasty and periacetabular osteotomy.
Pentagalloyl glucose induces anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization – suppressing macrophage mediated vascular cell dysfunction and TGF-β secretion
Authors: Halsey Gregory , Zohora Fatema-Tuj , Arora Shivani , Zimmerman Holly , Vyavahare Naren
Published: August 2024

Background: Pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) is a polyphenol with vasoprotective properties. Targeted delivery of PGG reversed aortic aneurysm growth in several rodent models associated with decreased number of macrophages and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression. Thus, we sought to determine cellular mechanisms by which PGG reduces macrophage-induced aortic pathogenicity and its relationship to TGF-β. Methods: Using THP-1 cells, primary human aortic cells, and explanted rat aortas, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effect of PGG. Expression of pro/anti-inflammatory macrophage markers was analyzed. Adhesion of monocytes as well as oxidative stress status, viability, and TGF-β expression after primary aortic cell exposure to macrophage-conditioned medium with and without PGG were assessed. The release of TGF-β was also examined in elastase-treated cultured rat aortas. Results: PGG pre-treatment of human aortic cell monolayers reduced the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes. PGG enhanced the expression of anti-inflammatory markers in THP-1-derived macrophages, and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species as well as mitochondrial polarization. Conditioned medium from THP-1-derived macrophages induced reactive oxygen species, cell death, and TGF-β release from human aortic cells, which was suppressed by PGG. In explanted rat aortas, PGG reduced elastase mediated TGF-β release. Conclusions: Combining anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and oxidative effects, PGG has high cardiovascular therapeutic potential. We confirmed previous in vivo observations whereby PGG suppressed TGF-β response associated with disease resolution.
Study on the influence of sandwich glass structure on its impact resistance
Authors: Wang Xiang , He Jingjing , Chen Jing , Zhang Yunkuan , Shi Jing , Wei Xiangrui
Published: August 2024

In view of the impact resistance of PVB laminated glass, PVB laminated glass of 0.76 mm and 1.52 mm thickness was selected in this paper to form five different types of “2 + 1” and “3 + 2” sandwich glass, and hydrogen gun flying plate variable speed impact combined with CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction technology was adopted. The failure mode and crack expansion of glass specimens after impact are studied. The influence of different factors (sandwich thickness, sandwich number, and sandwich position) on the impact resistance of explosion-proof glass is analyzed comprehensively. The results show that increasing the number and thickness of sandwiches can reduce the widening and expansion of microcracks, decrease crack connectivity, and effectively resist plastic damage to glass specimens. The appropriate position of the sandwich helps to improve the load-bearing capacity of the glass specimens. Therefore, the thickness of the sandwich, the number of sandwiches, and the position of the sandwich all have an impact on the impact load capacity and crack development of laminated glass. In addition, the impact resistance of laminated glass is positively correlated with the thickness of the PVB sandwich but shows different damage sensitivity to different impact velocities, with the best impact resistance under its medium velocity condition. This paper provides a significant theoretical foundation for establishing selection criteria for explosion-proof glass by examining the factors that influence its impact resistance, thereby enhancing its safety performance.
The Role of Pre-Contrast Sequences of an MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy in Localizing a Target
Authors: Grisaru Kacen Maya , Ben Nachum Ilanit , Shmuilovich Olga , Ward Caitlin , Kornecki Anat
Published: August 2024

Objective: This retrospective study aims to assess the role of pre-contrast sequences of an MRI-guided breast biopsy (MRIB) exam in confident and accurate lesion site localization based on tissue landmarks. Methods: The charts of all consecutives MRIB that were performed between January 2018 and December 2020 were reviewed. The images of the eligible exams were analyzed by 3 breast radiologists. Each radiologist independently attempted to identify lesion site on pre-contrast MRIB sequences, while blinded to the post-contrast MRIB images. Confidence levels (I-confident, II-not confident, and III-unknown) were assigned by each reviewer. A fourth radiologist assessed the accuracy (≤5 mm-accurate, >5 mm-inaccurate) in lesion site localization using the actual biopsied lesion site and the post-contrast MRIB images as reference. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the percentage of confidence and accuracy categories for each reviewer, with Chi-square tests applied to analyze relationships between categorical variables. Results: There were 174 female patients with 181 lesions eligible for the trial. When the lesion site is confidently identified on the pre-contrast MRIB images (level 1 confidence), mean grade 1 accuracy was 93.8% ( P < .001). Accuracy decreased with Level II and III confidence (55.3% and 34.2% respectively). Up to 61.4% improved accuracy was demonstrated when combining the performance of 2 reviewers. No correlation was found between breast density, lesion morphology, or biopsy positioning with confidence level or accuracy grade. Conclusion: Careful review of the pre-contrast MRIB images and familiarization with the surrounding tissue landmarks are important steps in confidently and accurately detecting lesion site.
The Impact of Parental Suicide Stigma on Youth Suicide Stigma in Mexico
Authors: Hoffman Steven , Croft Julianne , Wood David S. , Marsiglia Flavio F.
Published: August 2024

Suicide negatively impacts societies worldwide. A particular area of concern is the prevalence of suicide among Latinx youth, as research indicates that suicide behaviors among Latinx in the United States and youth in Latin America have increased drastically over the last decade. Reducing suicide stigma is a key factor in promoting youth help-seeking behaviors regarding suicidality. Previous research suggests that a relationship with a trusted adult may influence the likelihood of an adolescent contacting a suicide crisis line. Our study seeks to further the research of how parents can influence youth perceptions of suicide by studying the relationship between parent and child suicide stigma. Data were collected from parent–child dyads throughout Mexico. The Stigma of Suicide Scale Short Form was used to measure suicide stigma among adult and youth participants independently. Results suggest that parent suicide stigma was a significant predictor of youth suicide stigma, that male youth in our sample had higher suicide stigma than female youth, and that access to healthcare services was associated with lower suicide stigma. Results are discussed considering unique cultural factors in Mexico such as familismo. If future research reinforces the findings of this study, suicide stigma programs might be more effective if targeted at the entire family unit rather than just adolescents.
A Safe Haven Through Attachment: A Dyadic Perspective on the Association Between Cumulative Childhood Trauma and Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Baumann Mathilde , Daspe Marie-Ève , Bélanger Claude , Godbout Natacha
Published: August 2024

Cumulative childhood trauma (CCT) increases the risk of experiencing interpersonal problems and relationship distress in adulthood. However, not all CCT survivors experience such difficulties, and little research has investigated protective factors against relationship dissatisfaction in CCT survivors and their partners. Romantic attachment might be one such factor that could reduce the harmful effects of a CCT history on relationship satisfaction for both survivors and their partners. Using a dyadic perspective, this study aimed to examine the association between CCT and relationship satisfaction and to test the moderating effect of attachment avoidance and anxiety on this association. A sample of 501 couples was recruited through a Canadian survey firm. Canadian couples who had provided their telephone number were randomly selected to complete the short form of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, and the Childhood Cumulative Trauma Questionnaire. The actor–partner interdependence moderation model was used to guide the analyses. Results showed that individuals’ and partners’ higher CCT was correlated with both partners’ lower relationship satisfaction. The analyses revealed a moderating effect of lower attachment avoidance on the link between individuals’ CCT and their own relationship satisfaction. Specifically, individuals’ CCT was significantly and negatively associated with relationship satisfaction at high levels of attachment avoidance, but unrelated to relationship satisfaction at low levels of attachment avoidance. The final model explained 31.4% of the variance in relationship satisfaction. Overall, the findings support the relevance of couple interventions that focus on romantic attachment to improve relationship well-being in couples where one or both partners have experienced CCT.
The Global Impact of Multisystemic Vulnerabilities on Criminal Variety: A Cross-Continental Study in Young Adults
Authors: Villanueva Lidón , Maciel Laura , Gomis-Pomares Aitana , Gouveia-Pereira Maria , Adrián Juan E. , Costa Maria Suely Alves , Rocha André Sousa , Ximenes Jocélia Medeiros , Garcia Mathieu , Rouchy Emma , Michel Grégory , Al Shawi Ameel , Sarhan Yaseen , Altaha Mahasin A. , Fulano Celso , El-Astal Sofián , Alattar Kefaya , Shaqalaih Saja O. , Sabbah Khetam , Holtzhausen Leon , Campbell Emma , Sakulku Jaruwan , Grummitt Lucinda , Barrett Emma , Lawler Siobhan , Newton Nicola C. , Prior Katrina , Basto-Pereira Miguel
Published: August 2024

Previous research has shown a robust association between different childhood and adolescent vulnerabilities and youth offending. However, these investigations have primarily focused on youths from high-income Western countries. Consequently, the generalizability of these findings to better inform global justice policies remains uncertain. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the relationship between individual, familial, and contextual vulnerabilities and criminal versatility during young adulthood, accounting for sociodemographic factors and cross-national differences. Data were derived from a diverse sample of 4,182 young adults (67% female; mean age = 18.96; SD = 0.81) residing in 10 countries across 5 continents who participated in the International Study of Pro/Antisocial Behavior in Young Adults. The Psychosocial and Family Vulnerability Questionnaire and the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire were used to assess social and family adversity, and past-year criminal diversity was measured with the Criminal Variety Index. Results indicate that child maltreatment, substance abuse, and delinquent peers are global risk factors for criminal variety. Moreover, they are independent across males and females and among youths living in countries that are ranked differently on the Human Development Index (HDI). In addition, some childhood vulnerabilities showed different predictive ability across sexes (e.g., school failure), and across countries ranked differently on the HDI (e.g., family dysfunction). These findings suggest that certain childhood factors contribute to criminal behavior through transcultural mechanisms. Moreover, they highlight the importance of developing evidence-based policies that focus on transcultural risk factors to globally prevent criminal behavior.