bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and simultaneous detection of wheat kernel adulteration using hyperspectral imaging technology and deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Zhu Jingwu , Rao Zhenhong , Ji Haiyan
Published: May 2024

In this study, hyperspectral imaging technology combined with a novel convolution neural network was utilized to detect wheat kernels adulteration. Two groups of wheat kernels were used as samples in this study. Sound wheat kernels from various varieties were in one group, while unsound wheat kernels of the same variety were in another. Hyperspectral images collected from these two groups of wheat kernels were preprocessed using a series of commonly used methods. Following the collection of hyperspectral data, a method of separating and recombining individual wheat kernels from entire hyperspectral images was applied to create training sets and validation sets. Subsequently, a series of tests were carried out to verify whether the proposed model Following that, a number of experiments were conducted to confirm if the suggested model was effective in simultaneously detecting adulterated wheat kernels, and the results gave a positive conclusion. Finally, accuracy, precision, recall and F1‐scores were used as indicators to evaluate the performance of the proposed models on the test set. As the results demonstrated, satisfactory performance in detecting adulteration of the two groups of wheat kernels was obtained by the proposed model. According to the results, the proposed model combined with HSI technology has a good prospect of being used as an efficient method for detecting wheat kernels adulteration.
Decontamination of egg‐associated pathogens by plasma‐activated water and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Nasiru Mustapha Muhammad , Boateng Evans Frimpong , Umair Muhammad , Alnadari Fawze , Bassey Anthony Pius , Qian Jing , Yan Wenjing , Li Chunyang , Zhang Jianhao
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the effectiveness of plasma‐activated water (PAW) and plasma‐activated hydrogen peroxide (PAHP) in reducing egg‐associated pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of these solutions against Salmonella Enteritidis, Campylobacter jejuni, and Staphylococcus aureus on eggs was evaluated at different plasma treatment durations. The results demonstrated that increasing the duration of plasma treatment enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of both PAW and PAHP. The bacterial counts of the egg‐associated pathogens significantly decreased from 7.61, 7.59, and 7.54 log (CFU/egg) to 5.4 and 3.09, 5.36 and 3.11, and 5.08 and 3.73 log (CFU/egg) for PAW and PAHP, respectively. The characteristics of the plasma solutions, including electrical conductivity, pH, H2O2, NO3¯, and NO2¯, synergistically acted as antimicrobial agents in both PAW and PAHP treatments. The storage study revealed that PAHP treatment had no adverse effects on the eggs' pH, albumen and yolk color, Haugh unit, and yolk index. However, it did result in reduced eggshell strength and compromised cuticle integrity. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful application of PAW and PAHP in effectively inhibiting egg‐associated pathogens while preserving essential egg quality attributes. Further research is needed to optimize the treatment conditions and investigate the long‐term effects of PAW and PAHP on eggs in larger‐scale applications. This research contributes to developing innovative and sustainable approaches for enhancing the safety and quality of eggs in the food industry.
A mixed‐methods exploration of autonomy‐supportive parenting, confidence, and natural mentoring relationships among Black adolescents
Authors: Charity‐Parker Bianka M. , Billingsley Janelle T. , Deutsch Nancy L. , Hurd Noelle M.
Published: May 2024

The current study examined whether autonomy‐supportive parenting practices may be associated with Black adolescents' quantity of natural mentors (i.e., adults from youths' everyday lives who youth go to for support and guidance) via adolescents' confidence. This study employed survey data from 216 Black youth and qualitative interviews from a subsample of youth (n = 25), their primary caregivers (n = 25), and one nonparental adult relative with whom the youth reported feeling close (n = 25). Comparative analyses were then completed among a subset of 10 family triads corresponding to youth from the qualitative subsample who had the highest (n = 5) and the lowest (n = 5) scores on a survey measure of adolescents' confidence. Study findings suggest that Black adolescents' confidence may be an explanatory link in the association between autonomy‐supportive parenting practices among primary caregivers and Black adolescents' quantity of natural mentoring relationships. Moreover, we found that a range of autonomy‐supportive parenting practices may be associated with youth confidence, which may, in turn, inform how Black adolescents engage with adults in their social networks.
Implant surface modifications and their impact on osseointegration and peri‐implant diseases through epigenetic changes: A scoping review
Authors: Kunrath Marcel F. , Garaicoa‐Pazmino Carlos , Giraldo‐Osorno Paula Milena , Haj Mustafa Aya , Dahlin Christer , Larsson Lena , Asa'ad Farah
Published: May 2024

Dental implant surfaces and their unique properties can interact with the surrounding oral tissues through epigenetic cues. The present scoping review provides current perspectives on surface modifications of dental implants, their impact on the osseointegration process, and the interaction between implant surface properties and epigenetics, also in peri‐implant diseases. Findings of this review demonstrate the impact of innovative surface treatments on the epigenetic mechanisms of cells, showing promising results in the early stages of osseointegration. Dental implant surfaces with properties of hydrophilicity, nanotexturization, multifunctional coatings, and incorporated drug‐release systems have demonstrated favorable outcomes for early bone adhesion, increased antibacterial features, and improved osseointegration. The interaction between modified surface morphologies, different chemical surface energies, and/or release of molecules within the oral tissues has been shown to influence epigenetic mechanisms of the surrounding tissues caused by a physical–chemical interaction. Epigenetic changes around dental implants in the state of health and disease are different. In conclusion, emerging approaches in surface modifications for dental implants functionalized with epigenetics have great potential with a significant impact on modulating bone healing during osseointegration.
Distribution analysis of rare earth elements in fine‐grained CAIs of the Allende meteorite using multiple‐spot femtosecond LA‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Masuda Yuki , Niki Sota , Hirata Takafumi , Yokoyama Tetsuya
Published: May 2024

Calcium–aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) in chondrites are one of the oldest materials in the solar system. Presence of refractory minerals in CAIs suggests that they formed thorough a condensation process from nebular gas of solar composition. In particular, fine‐grained CAIs (FGs) have escaped melting after condensation, and thus, the elemental distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) in FG minerals provides key information for elucidating the condensation processes. Although the REE abundances of FG fragments have been investigated in previous studies, the distribution of REEs in individual FG constituent minerals remains poorly explored. Here, we demonstrate the utility of laser imaging of REE distribution in CAIs by analyzing five FGs found in the Allende CV3 chondrite using multiple‐spot femtosecond laser ablation (msfsLA)‐ICP‐MS. The msfsLA‐ICP‐MS imaging system allows for a rapid acquisition of a wider range of REE distributions than previously achieved by Secondary ion mass spectrometry‐based imaging techniques. Out of the five FGs examined in this study, three showed the homogeneous REE patterns, while the other two indicated variable REE patterns within each FG. These observations presumably reflect differences in the chemical processes experienced by the FGs, and indicate that multi‐step chemical processes were recorded in some of the FGs. The msfsLA‐ICP‐MS imaging technique can characterize the elemental distribution of individual FGs under the comparable spatial resolution with high‐analysis throughput, and thus, it is an effective new method for advancing the taxonomy of FGs, which will improve our understanding of the physicochemical conditions that prevailed in the early solar system.
Conflict fuels inflation but the tinder lies elsewhere: Eclectic structuralist thoughts in a developing economy context
Authors: Razmi Arslan
Published: May 2024

Developing country inflation is in the headlines again. Mainstream macroeconomics typically ignores the role of conflict while non‐mainstream work tends to ignore macroeconomic constraints. This paper revisits the issue employing a dependent economy framework with eclectic characteristics. Specifically, I explore the mechanisms that propagate both real and monetary sources of inflation in the presence of real wage resistance and distributional conflict. The analysis shows that the inability to pay for subsidies with taxes or bond issuance in a stylized developing economy could create a situation where a relatively small shock leads to sustained and accelerating inflation and a wage‐price spiral, thanks to conflicting claims on income. Subsidies to protect consumers from external price shocks could, similarly, leave a country vulnerable to accelerating wage‐price spirals as the stabilizing relative price effects of a declining foreign asset position are dampened. Distributional conflict thus plays the role of sustainer rather than the primum mobile. Price controls could, in theory, better enable inflation management if these do not result in redistribution toward spenders. Such controls, however, create other trade‐offs for countries facing balance‐of‐payments fragility.
Older persons' experiences of frailty: A systematic review
Authors: Farrelly Alice , Daly Louise
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to synthesise the evidence of older persons’ experiences of frailty.

Background

The world's population is ageing with those aged over 60 years expected to total 2 billion by 2050. Although not exclusive to ageing, there is a higher prevalence of frailty in older adults, with corresponding demand for related healthcare. While definitions of frailty are debated, there is emerging consensus that sole reliance on biomedical conceptualisations is inadequate to capture the complex needs of older persons living with frailty. In addition, the voices of older persons have largely been excluded from frailty discourses. There is a consequent need for an expanded approach.

Methods

A meta‐synthesis was conducted of the literature on older persons' experiences of frailty. CINAHL, Medline, Embase and ASSIA databases were systematically searched up to January 2024. Reference lists of retrieved sources and grey literature were also searched. Studies were independently evaluated for inclusion by two reviewers using predetermined inclusion criteria. Included studies were quality appraised using a standardised tool, and extracted data were thematically analysed and synthesised.

Results

Eight hundred and thirteen studies were identified as potentially relevant. Following title and abstract review, 52 studies were selected for full‐text review. Thirty‐four studies were subsequently excluded as they did not address the systematic review question, leaving 17 included in the final review. An additional two studies were identified via grey literature sources. Older persons' experiences of frailty were synthesised with reference to three themes: (i) living with frailty: a multidimensional experience; (ii) living with frailty: acceptability and associations; and (iii) living with frailty: resisting and adapting and losing control.

Conclusions

Older persons' experiences of frailty revealed a resistance to the biomedical use of the term generally used in clinical practice. Instead, a more nuanced and multidimensional understanding of frailty was identified in the experiences of older persons.

Implications for Practice

Health and social care personnel should therefore consider an expanded approach in practice that incorporates the perspective of older people who strive to maintain independence and control when living with frailty. Doing so may enhance shared understanding and person‐centred care planning between older persons and professionals.
Atypical familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 3 in children: A report of cases and literature review
Authors: Zhao Qin , Zhao Qian , Tang Xuemei , An Yunfei , Zhang Zhiyong , Tomomasa Dan , Hijikata Atsushi , Yang Xi , Kanegane Hirokazu , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: May 2024

Background

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 3 (FHL3) is caused by UNC13D variants. The clinical manifestations of FHL3 are highly diverse and complex. Some patients exhibit atypical or incomplete phenotypes, making accurate diagnosis difficult. Our study aimed to broaden the understanding of the atypical FHL3 clinical spectrum.

Methods

In our study, we analyzed in detail the clinical features of four Chinese patients with UNC13D variants. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature on previously reported atypical manifestations and summarized the findings.

Results

Two of our patients presented with muscle involvement, while the other two had hematological involvement; none of them met the diagnostic criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). However, protein expression and functional analysis ultimately confirmed diagnostic criteria for FHL3 in all patients. From the literature we reviewed, many atypical FHL3 patients had neurological involvement, especially isolated neurological manifestations. At the same time, arthritis and hypogammaglobulinemia were also prone to occur.

Conclusion

Our study highlights that the expression of the Munc13‐4 protein may not fully indicate the pathogenicity of UNC13D variants, whereas CD107a analysis could be more sensitive for disease diagnosis. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the FHL3 clinical spectrum and may offer new insights into the underlying pathogenesis of UNC13D variants. It is crucial to prioritize the timely and accurate diagnosis of atypical patients, as they may often be overlooked among individuals with rheumatic or hematological diseases.
ZmABF4‐ZmVIL2/ZmFIP37 module enhances drought tolerance in maize seedlings
Authors: Zhang Dongling , Ma Shixiang , Liu Zhixue , Yang Yuwei , Yang Wenjing , Zeng Haixia , Su Huihui , Yang Yang , Zhang Wanjun , Zhang Jing , Ku Lixia , Ren Zhenzhen , Chen Yanhui
Published: May 2024

Drought, as a primary environmental factor, imposes significant constraints on developmental processes and productivity of plants. PHDs were identified as stress‐responsive genes in a wide range of eukaryotes. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing PHD genes in maize under abiotic stress conditions are still largely unknown and require further investigation. Here, we identified a mutant, zmvil2, in the EMS mutant library with a C to T mutation in the exon of the Zm00001d053875 (VIN3‐like protein 2, ZmVIL2), resulting in premature termination of protein coding. ZmVIL2 belongs to PHD protein family. Compared to WT, zmvil2 mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to drought stress. Consistently, overexpression of ZmVIL2 enhances drought resistance in maize. Y2H, BiFC, and Co‐IP experiments revealed that ZmVIL2 directly interacts with ZmFIP37 (FKBP12‐interacting protein of 37). zmfip37 knockout mutants also exhibit decreased drought tolerance. Interestingly, we demonstrated that ZmABF4 directly binds to the ZmVIL2 promoter to enhance its activity in yeast one hybrid (Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and dual luciferase reporter assays. Therefore, we uncovered a novel model ZmABF4‐ZmVIL2/ZmFIP37 that promotes drought tolerance in maize. Overall, these findings have enriched the knowledge of the functions of PHD genes in maize and provides genetic resources for breeding stress‐tolerant maize varieties.
Nasal inhalation does not improve memory of visual repetitions
Authors: Thunell Evelina , Francis Gregory , Dal Bò Elisa , Schaefer Martin , Lundström Johan N. , Arshamian Artin
Published: May 2024

Several studies suggest that breathing entrains neural oscillations and thereby improves visual detection and memory performance during nasal inhalation. However, the evidence for this association is mixed, with some studies finding no, minor, or opposite effects. Here, we tested whether nasal breathing phase influences memory of repeated images presented in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task. The RSVP task is ideal for studying the effects of respiratory‐entrained oscillations on visual memory because it engages critical aspects of sensory encoding that depend on oscillatory activity, such as fast processing of natural images, repetition detection, memory encoding, and retrieval. It also enables the presentation of a large number of stimuli during each phase of the breathing cycle. In two separate experiments (n = 72 and n = 142, respectively) where participants were explicitly asked to breathe through their nose, we found that nasal breathing phase at target presentation did not significantly affect memory performance. An exploratory analysis in the first experiment suggested a potential benefit for targets appearing approximately 1 s after inhalation. However, this finding was not replicated in the pre‐registered second experiment with a larger sample. Thus, in two large sample experiments, we found no measurable impact of breathing phase on memory performance in the RSVP task. These results suggest that the natural breathing cycle does not have a significant impact on memory for repeated images and raise doubts about the idea that visual memory is broadly affected by the breathing phase.
The Public Interest: Clarifying a Legal Concept
Authors: Boot Eric R.
Published: May 2024

Appeals to the public interest in law are commonplace, but typically made without clarifying what the public interest is and how it can be determined. In law, this has led to ad hoc applications of the public interest and, consequently, to “judicial idiosyncrasy,” posing a threat to legal certainty. This paper aims to remedy these problems by providing much‐needed conceptual clarification. It proposes that something is in the public interest if it increases the opportunities of the members of the public to pursue and realize the (permissible) ends they all share qua equal members of the public.
The state of the question in early Heidegger studies
Authors: Blattner William
Published: May 2024

This article surveys the state of the literature in English‐language scholarship on Heidegger's early work (1919–29). The survey falls into roughly two halves. The first is devoted to scholarship on Heidegger's intellectual development during the 1920s, focusing on four themes: Heidegger's relationship to Husserl; Heidegger's early phenomenology of religious life; Heidegger's appropriation of Aristotle; and Heidegger's retrieval of Kant's First Critique. The second half focuses on work on the early Heidegger that has arisen out of the reception of his early thought into mainstream Anglophone philosophy. It examines Hubert Dreyfus's interpretation of Heidegger, the status of “das Man” and social normativity, Heidegger's concept of death, Heidegger's conception of authenticity, and truth (with a very brief overview of further topics).
Cross‐ownership, business dynamism, and wage inequality in general equilibrium
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Chao Chi‐Chur , Chin Kuo‐Hsuan
Published: May 2024

This study examines the distributive and welfare effects of cross‐ownership by firms in a general equilibrium economy on the product and factor markets. The cross‐ownership of equities, such as collusion, tends to be anticompetitive, thereby narrowing the wage gap between skilled and unskilled labor in the short term with the existing number of firms. In the capital market, reducing capital cost through cross‐ownership causes new firms to enter the market in the long term. This firm‐entry effect induced by cross‐ownership through an increase in the number of competitors generates a competitive force that exacerbates wage inequality and reduces welfare in the economy.
Exploring the role of HLA variants in neuroblastoma susceptibility through whole exome sequencing
Authors: Bonfiglio Ferdinando , Lasorsa Vito Alessandro , Aievola Vincenzo , Cantalupo Sueva , Morini Martina , Ardito Martina , Conte Massimo , Fragola Martina , Eva Alessandra , Corrias Maria Valeria , Iolascon Achille , Capasso Mario
Published: May 2024

Although a number of susceptibility loci for neuroblastoma (NB) have been identified by genome‐wide association studies, it is still unclear whether variants in the HLA region contribute to NB susceptibility. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of variants in the HLA region among 724 NB patients and 2863 matched controls from different cohorts. We exploited whole‐exome sequencing data to accurately type HLA alleles with an ensemble approach on the results from three different typing tools, and carried out rigorous sample quality control to ensure a fine‐scale ancestry matching. The frequencies of common HLA alleles were compared between cases and controls by logistic regression under additive and non‐additive models. Population stratification was taken into account adjusting for ancestry‐informative principal components. We detected significant HLA associations with NB. In particular, HLA‐DQB1*05:02 (OR = 1.61; padj = 5.4 × 10−3) and HLA‐DRB1*16:01 (OR = 1.60; padj = 2.3 × 10−2) alleles were associated to higher risk of developing NB. Conditional analysis highlighted the HLA‐DQB1*05:02 allele and its residue Ser57 as key to this association. DQB1*05:02 allele was not associated to clinical features worse outcomes in the NB cohort. Nevertheless, a risk score derived from the allelic combinations of five HLA variants showed a substantial predictive value for patient survival (HR = 1.53; p = 0.032) that was independent from established NB prognostic factors. Our study leveraged powerful computational methods to explore WES data and HLA variants and to reveal complex genetic associations. Further studies are needed to validate the mechanisms of these interactions that contribute to the multifaceted pattern of factors underlying the disease initiation and progression.
Hybrid cord blood banking in a private‐public‐partnership: Women's perspectives
Authors: Laue Jessica , Ambühl Johanna , Surbek Daniel
Published: May 2024

Background

The increasing demand for umbilical cord blood (UCB) used in stem cell transplantation led to the establishment of cord blood (CB) banks worldwide. These include public foreign donor banks and private family‐directed donor banks. Recently, our department has introduced a third banking model within a private‐public‐partnership. This hybrid banking allows for storage of family‐directed CB units, while also getting Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐typed and included in the national stem cell donor registry. So if the need arises, the HLA‐compatible CB unit can be released to an unrelated recipient as a foreign donor stem cell graft.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate women's perspectives on the different CB banking options as well as retrospective satisfaction with their decisions.

Methods

We performed a prospective survey study in postpartum women, using a validated questionnaire.

Results

A total of 157 women were included in this survey study; 68% of them decided to have their UCB stored or donated. Among those women, 25% of them opted for hybrid storage, 72% of respondents stored UCB publicly, and 3% decided for private family‐directed storage.

Conclusions

Our study shows the potential of hybrid banking as an attractive UCB storage option, as an alternative to family‐directed banking rather than a substitute for public donation. Hybrid storage potentially combines advantages of family‐directed banking as well as unrelated CB donation expanding the number of registered CB units available for transplantation and giving every pregnant woman the possibility to store UCB.
Characterization of the 263K‐derived microsomal fraction: a source of prions for nanofiltration validation studies
Authors: Simoneau Steve , Igel Angélique , Ciric Danica , Moudjou Mohammed , Tcherniuk Sergey , Béringue Vincent , Rezaei Human , Flan Benoit
Published: May 2024

Background

The manufacturing processes of plasma products include steps that can remove prions. The efficacy of these steps is measured in validation studies using animal brain‐derived prion materials called spikes. Because the nature of the prion agent in blood is not known, the relevance of these spikes, particularly with steps that are based on retention mechanisms such as nanofiltration, is important to investigate.

Study Design and Methods

The aggregation and sizes of PrPres assemblies of microsomal fractions (MFs) extracted from 263K‐infected hamster brains were analyzed using velocity gradients. The separated gradient fractions were either inoculated to Tg7 mice expressing hamster‐PrPc to measure infectivity or used in Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification for measuring seeding activity. The collected data allowed for reanalyzing results from previous nanofiltration validation studies.

Results

A significant portion of MFs was found to be composed of small PrPres assemblies, estimated to have a size ≤24 mers (~22–528 kDa), and to contain a minimum of 20% of total prion infectivity. With this data we could calculate reductions of 4.10 log (15 N), 2.53 log (35 N), and 1.77 log (35 N) from validation studies specifically for these small PrPres objects.

Conclusion

Our gradient data provided evidence that nanofilters can remove the majority of the smallest PrPres entities within microsomes spikes, estimated to be in a size below 24 mers, giving insight about the fact that, in our conditions, size exclusion may not be the only mechanism for retention nanofiltration.
Performance of artificial intelligence chatbots in interpreting clinical images of pressure injuries
Authors: Shiraishi Makoto , Kanayama Koji , Kurita Daichi , Moriwaki Yuta , Okazaki Mutsumi
Published: May 2024

To evaluate the accuracy of AI chatbots in staging pressure injuries according to the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) Staging through clinical image interpretation, a cross‐sectional design was conducted to assess five leading publicly available AI chatbots. As a result, three chatbots were unable to interpret the clinical images, whereas GPT‐4 Turbo achieved a high accuracy rate (83.0%) in staging pressure injuries, notably outperforming BingAI Creative mode (24.0%) with statistical significance (p < 0.001). GPT‐4 Turbo accurately identified Stages 1 (p < 0.001), 3 (p = 0.001), and 4 (p < 0.001) pressure injuries, and suspected deep tissue injuries (p < 0.001), while BingAI demonstrated significantly lower accuracy across all stages. The findings highlight the potential of AI chatbots, especially GPT‐4 Turbo, in accurately diagnosing images and aiding the subsequent management of pressure injuries.
Weak weak approximation and the Hilbert property for degree 2 del Pezzo surfaces
Authors: Demeio Julian , Streeter Sam , Winter Rosa
Published: May 2024

We prove that del Pezzo surfaces of degree 2 over a field satisfy weak weak approximation if is a number field and the Hilbert property if is Hilbertian of characteristic zero, provided that they contain a ‐rational point lying neither on any 4 of the 56 exceptional curves nor on the ramification divisor of the anticanonical morphism. This builds upon results of Manin, Salgado–Testa–Várilly‐Alvarado, and Festi–van Luijk on the unirationality of such surfaces, and upon work of the first two authors verifying weak weak approximation under the assumption of a conic fibration.
Stress interventions for immigrant parents in the United States: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Lo Brian K. , Park In Young , Williams Adam
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This review will map stress interventions designed for and implemented among immigrant parents in the United States (US) according to intervention characteristics, participant characteristics, and reported outcomes and measurement tools.

Introduction:

In addition to parenting stressors shared with their non-immigrant counterparts, immigrant parents also face immigration stressors. Although stress interventions can effectively manage, reduce, or prevent stress among non-immigrant populations, we know little about stress interventions designed for immigrant parents in the US. This study will be the first to explore stress interventions implemented among immigrant parents in the US.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will include published, peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies that evaluate stress interventions designed specifically for US immigrant parents with at least 1 child under the age of 18 years. Reported interventions must include stress as a primary or secondary outcome or be labeled as a stress intervention. Stress interventions are broadly defined, with no restrictions on the type of stress targeted (eg, job, general, parenting) or the intervention’s nature (ie, prevention vs. management/reduction vs. treatment).

Methods:

A literature search will be conducted in ProQuest’s APA PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost), ERIC (ProQuest), Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), International Bibliography of Social Sciences (ProQuest), and the Cochrane Library. Only English-language publications will be eligible, with no date restrictions. Retrieved titles and abstracts will be screened by at least 2 independent reviewers in duplicate. Data will be extracted using a self-developed data extraction tool. Findings will be presented in tabular or diagrammatic format, accompanied by a narrative summary.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework osf.io/ec39j
Colorectal cancer outcomes among Hispanic/Latino patients in the United States: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Sanchez-Mendez Joel , Quino Juanita Elizabeth , Xiong Wei , Stern Mariana C.
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This scoping review will identify the patterns of survival, treatment, and recurrence among Hispanic and/or Latino/a/x (H/L) patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) living in the United States (US) and Puerto Rico. Additionally, population- and individual-level determinants of cancer outcomes among H/L CRC patients will be mapped to highlight under-reported/under-investigated research areas.

Introduction:

CRC is the third most common cancer excluding skin cancers in the US. Unlike non-Hispanic White populations, cancer is the number one cause of death in H/L populations and currently represents 21% of total deaths. Despite this, a lack of consensus exists on CRC outcomes for H/L patients. Most research on H/L individuals has examined incidence and screening of CRC, with fewer studies focusing on cancer outcomes.

Inclusion criteria:

All epidemiological study designs and systematic reviews will be considered. The review will only include peer-reviewed studies that report on survival, treatment, and/or recurrence patterns for H/L patients with CRC residing in the US and Puerto Rico.

Methods:

A 3-step search with a 2-stage study selection process will be followed, as recommended by JBI and Arksey and O’Malley. Databases to be searched will include MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), and Scopus. A data extraction tool will be designed based on JBI recommendations. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRSIMA-ScR) will be used, with the results presented in a PRISMA diagram. Publications in English from database inception to the present will be considered.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/y6qf5
Tumour necrosis factor α regulates the miR‐27a‐3p–Sfrp1 axis in a mouse model of osteoporosis
Authors: Zhang Dang‐Feng , Jin Xiao‐Na , Ma Xing , Qiu Yu‐Sheng , Ma Wei , Dai Xing , Zhang Zhi
Published: May 2024

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that involves gradual loss of bone density and mass, thus resulting in increased fragility and risk of fracture. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), inhibit osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and several microRNAs are implicated in osteoporosis development. This study aimed to explore the correlation between TNF‐α treatment and miR‐27a‐3p expression in BMSC osteogenesis and further understand their roles in osteoporosis. An osteoporosis animal model was established using ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Compared with Sham mice, the OVX mice had a significantly elevated level of serum TNF‐α and decreased level of bone miR‐27a‐3p, and in vitro TNF‐α treatment inhibited miR‐27a‐3p expression in BMSCs. In addition, miR‐27a‐3p promoted osteogenic differentiation of mouse BMSCs in vitro, as evidenced by alkaline phosphatase staining and Alizarin Red‐S staining, as well as enhanced expression of the osteogenic markers Runx2 and Osterix. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation identified secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 (Sfrp1) as a downstream target of miR‐27a‐3p. Sfrp1 overexpression significantly inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and additional TNF‐α treatment augmented this inhibition. Moreover, Sfrp1 overexpression abrogated the promotive effect of miR‐27a‐3p on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Furthermore, the miR‐27a‐3p–Sfrp1 axis was found to exert its regulatory function in BMSC osteogenic differentiation via regulating Wnt3a–β‐catenin signalling. In summary, this study revealed that TNF‐α regulated a novel miR‐27a‐3p–Sfrp1 axis in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The data provide new insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis.
Vivienda como un Derecho: propuesta de un instrumento de medición
Authors: Jiménez Oliveros Paolo Andrés , Aguiar Hernández Daniel Fernando
Published: May 2024

La ciudad de América Latina se caracteriza por la presencia de asentamientos informales fruto de las falencias propias del modelo de desarrollo económico que siguió la región desde mediados del siglo XX en el que se privilegió el papel del mercado en la oferta y demanda de vivienda y de suelo para construcción. Actualmente, la reivindicación del derecho a una vivienda digna es un componente fundamental dentro de una planificación inclusiva de los espacios urbanos debido a su grado de vulneración. El barrio Las Acacias II, localizado en la ciudad de Girardot, es un ejemplo de cómo este derecho se vulnera reflejando problemas estructurales en el modelo de desarrollo. La presente investigación pretende, mediante un análisis de tipo descriptivo, reconocer como se expresa físicamente la vulneración del derecho a una vivienda digna proponiendo, para este fin, un instrumento de toma de datos para el contexto regional y local.
Study on Thermal Metamaterial for Uniform Surface Temperature Distribution
Authors: Qiao Yang , Yan Zhongming , Chen Jiawei , Wang Yu , Zhou Hongcheng
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a thermal metamaterial based on the theory of thermodynamics transformation, which can achieve uniform temperature distribution. The required anisotropic thermal conductivity is theoretically derived. This thermal metamaterial structure is achieved by alternating aluminum and polyimide of different lengths. The temperature distribution under the condition of different convective heat transfer coefficients was simulated and compared with pure aluminum. The simulation and experimental results show that the metamaterial significantly reduced the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution.
Kinetostatic Modeling of an Asymmetrical Double-Stepped Beam for Displacement Amplification
Authors: Nguyen Tri-Hieu , Pham Huy-Tuan , Khoa Tran Ngoc Dang , Wang Dung-An
Published: May 2024

A kinetostatic model of an asymmetrical double-stepped beam under axial loading is developed. The beam is composed of two thick segments and three thin segments where a thick segment is between two thin segments, and the longitudinal axis of the thick segment is not colinear with that of the thin segment. The kinetostatic model based on the beam constraint model (BCM) is capable of predicting accurate bending and near-buckling behaviors of the beam. A virtual rigid link neighboring the noncolinear segments is introduced in the BCM to broaden the applicability of the BCM. An analytical formula to represent the critical load of a symmetrical double-stepped beam under axial loading is derived and the value calculated by the formula agrees with the limit load of the asymmetrical double-stepped beam within the elastic range. The investigated beam has potential applications in displacement amplifiers and robotic grippers.
On the equivalence of scalar-pressure and vector-based acoustic dosage measures as derived from time-limited signal waveforms
Authors: Dahl Peter H. , Bonnel Julien , Dall'Osto David R.
Published: May 2024

The dynamic (acoustic pressure) and kinematic (acoustic acceleration and velocity) properties of time-limited signals are studied in terms of acoustic dose metrics as might be used to assess the impact of underwater noise on marine life. The work is relevant for the study of anthropogenic transient acoustic signals, such as airguns, pile driving, and underwater explosive sources, as well as more generic transient signals from sonar systems. Dose metrics are first derived from numerical simulations of sound propagation from a seismic airgun source as specified in a Joint Industry Programme benchmark problem. Similar analyses are carried out based on at-sea acoustic measurements on the continental shelf, made with a vector sensor positioned 1.45 m off the seabed. These measurements are on transient time-limited signals from multiple underwater explosive sources at differing ranges, and from a towed, sonar source. The study demonstrates, both numerically and experimentally, that under many realistic scenarios, kinematic based acoustic dosage metrics within the water column can be evaluated using acoustic pressure measurements.
Massively parallel CRISPR-assisted homologous recombination enables saturation editing of full-length endogenous genes in yeast
Authors: Deng Lei , Zhou Yi-Lian , Cai Zhenkun , Zhu Jie , Li Zenan , Bao Zehua
Published: May 2024

Performing saturation editing of chromosomal genes will enable the study of genetic variants in situ and facilitate protein and cell engineering. However, current in vivo editing of endogenous genes either lacks flexibility or is limited to discrete codons and short gene fragments, preventing a comprehensive exploration of genotype-phenotype relationships. To enable facile saturation editing of full-length genes, we used a protospacer adjacent motif–relaxed Cas9 variant and homology-directed repair to achieve above 60% user-defined codon replacement efficiencies in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
genome. Coupled with massively parallel DNA design and synthesis, we developed a saturation gene editing method termed CRISPR-Cas9– and homology-directed repair–assisted saturation editing (CHASE) and achieved highly saturated codon swapping of long genomic regions. By applying CHASE to massively edit a well-studied global transcription factor gene, we found known and unreported genetic variants affecting an industrially relevant microbial trait. The user-defined codon editing capability and wide targeting windows of CHASE substantially expand the scope of saturation gene editing.
Precise modulation and use of reactive oxygen species for immunotherapy
Authors: Li Xinyan , Gao Jingjing , Wu Chengcheng , Wang Chaoyu , Zhang Ruoshi , He Jia , Xia Ziting Judy , Joshi Nitin , Karp Jeffrey M. , Kuai Rui
Published: May 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in regulating the immune system by affecting pathogens, cancer cells, and immune cells. Recent advances in biomaterials have leveraged this mechanism to precisely modulate ROS levels in target tissues for improving the effectiveness of immunotherapies in infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, ROS-responsive biomaterials can trigger the release of immunotherapeutics and provide tunable release kinetics, which can further boost their efficacy. This review will discuss the latest biomaterial-based approaches for both precise modulation of ROS levels and using ROS as a stimulus to control the release kinetics of immunotherapeutics. Finally, we will discuss the existing challenges and potential solutions for clinical translation of ROS-modulating and ROS-responsive approaches for immunotherapy, and provide an outlook for future research.
Full-color fiber light-emitting diodes based on perovskite quantum wires
Authors: Ren Beitao , Zhang Daquan , Qiu Xiao , Ding Yucheng , Zhang Qianpeng , Fu Yu , Liao Jin-Feng , Poddar Swapnadeep , Chan Chak Lam Jonathan , Cao Bryan , Wang Chen , Zhou Yu , Kuang Dai-Bin , Zeng Haibo , Fan Zhiyong
Published: May 2024

Fiber light-emitting diodes (Fi-LEDs), which can be used for wearable lighting and display devices, are one of the key components for fiber/textile electronics. However, there exist a number of impediments to overcome on device fabrication with fiber-like substrates, as well as on device encapsulations. Here, we uniformly grew all-inorganic perovskite quantum wire arrays by filling high-density alumina nanopores on the surface of Al fibers with a dip-coating process. With a two-step evaporation method to coat a surrounding transporting layer and semitransparent electrode, we successfully fabricated full-color Fi-LEDs with emission peaks at 625 nanometers (red), 512 nanometers (green), and 490 nanometers (sky-blue), respectively. Intriguingly, additional polydimethylsiloxane packaging helps instill the mechanical bendability, stretchability, and waterproof feature of Fi-LEDs. The plasticity of Al fiber also allows the one-dimensional architecture Fi-LED to be shaped and constructed for two-dimensional or even three-dimensional architectures, opening up a new vista for advanced lighting with unconventional formfactors.
Twist angle–dependent valley polarization switching in heterostructures
Authors: Dai Danjie , Fu Bowen , Yang Jingnan , Yang Longlong , Yan Sai , Chen Xiqing , Li Hancong , Zuo Zhanchun , Wang Can , Jin Kuijuan , Gong Qihuang , Xu Xiulai
Published: May 2024

The twist engineering of moiré superlattice in van der Waals heterostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides can manipulate valley physics of interlayer excitons (IXs), paving the way for next-generation valleytronic devices. However, the twist angle–dependent control of excitonic potential on valley polarization is not investigated so far in electrically controlled heterostructures and the physical mechanism underneath needs to be explored. Here, we demonstrate the dependence of both polarization switching and degree of valley polarization on the moiré period. We also find the mechanisms to reveal the modulation of twist angle on the exciton potential and the electron-hole exchange interaction, which elucidate the experimentally observed twist angle–dependent valley polarization of IXs. Furthermore, we realize the valley-addressable devices based on polarization switch. Our work demonstrates the manipulation of the valley polarization of IXs by tunning twist angle in electrically controlled heterostructures, which opens an avenue for electrically controlling the valley degrees of freedom in twistronic devices.
Fully neuromorphic vision and control for autonomous drone flight
Authors: Paredes-Vallés F. , Hagenaars J. J. , Dupeyroux J. , Stroobants S. , Xu Y. , de Croon G. C. H. E.
Published: May 2024

Biological sensing and processing is asynchronous and sparse, leading to low-latency and energy-efficient perception and action. In robotics, neuromorphic hardware for event-based vision and spiking neural networks promises to exhibit similar characteristics. However, robotic implementations have been limited to basic tasks with low-dimensional sensory inputs and motor actions because of the restricted network size in current embedded neuromorphic processors and the difficulties of training spiking neural networks. Here, we present a fully neuromorphic vision-to-control pipeline for controlling a flying drone. Specifically, we trained a spiking neural network that accepts raw event-based camera data and outputs low-level control actions for performing autonomous vision-based flight. The vision part of the network, consisting of five layers and 28,800 neurons, maps incoming raw events to ego-motion estimates and was trained with self-supervised learning on real event data. The control part consists of a single decoding layer and was learned with an evolutionary algorithm in a drone simulator. Robotic experiments show a successful sim-to-real transfer of the fully learned neuromorphic pipeline. The drone could accurately control its ego-motion, allowing for hovering, landing, and maneuvering sideways—even while yawing at the same time. The neuromorphic pipeline runs on board on Intel’s Loihi neuromorphic processor with an execution frequency of 200 hertz, consuming 0.94 watt of idle power and a mere additional 7 to 12 milliwatts when running the network. These results illustrate the potential of neuromorphic sensing and processing for enabling insect-sized intelligent robots.
Determining glycosyltransferase functional order via lethality due to accumulated O-antigen intermediates, exemplified with
Shigella flexneri
O-antigen biosynthesis
Authors: Qin Jilong , Hong Yaoqin , Totsika Makrina
Published: May 2024

The O antigen (OAg) polysaccharide is one of the most diverse surface molecules of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The structural classification of OAg, based on serological typing and sequence analysis, is important in epidemiology and the surveillance of outbreaks of bacterial infections. Despite the diverse chemical structures of OAg repeating units (RUs), the genetic basis of RU assembly remains poorly understood and represents a major limitation in assigning gene functions in polysaccharide biosynthesis. Here, we describe a genetic approach to interrogate the functional order of glycosyltransferases (GTs). Using
Shigella flexneri
as a model, we established an initial glycosyltransferase (IT)-controlled system, which allows functional order allocation of the subsequent GT in a 2-fold manner as follows: (i) first, by reporting the growth defects caused by the sequestration of UndP through disruption of late GTs and (ii) second, by comparing the molecular sizes of stalled OAg intermediates when each putative GT is disrupted. Using this approach, we demonstrate that for RfbF and RfbG, the GT involved in the assembly of
S. flexneri
backbone OAg RU, RfbG, is responsible for both the committed step of OAg synthesis and the third transferase for the second L-Rha. We also show that RfbF functions as the last GT to complete the
S. flexneri
OAg RU backbone. We propose that this simple and effective genetic approach can be also extended to define the functional order of enzymatic synthesis of other diverse polysaccharides produced both by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

The genetic basis of enzymatic assembly of structurally diverse O antigen (OAg) repeating units (RUs) in Gram-negative pathogens is poorly understood, representing a major limitation in our understanding of gene functions for the synthesis of bacterial polysaccharides. We present a simple genetic approach to confidently assign glycosyltransferase (GT) functions and the order in which they act during assembly of the OAg RU. We employed this approach to determine the functional order of GTs involved in
Shigella flexneri
OAg assembly. This approach can be generally applied in interrogating GT functions encoded by other bacterial polysaccharides to advance our understanding of diverse gene functions in the biosynthesis of polysaccharides, key knowledge in advancing biosynthetic polysaccharide production.