bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical menthol, a pharmacological cold mimic, induces cold sensitivity, adaptive thermogenesis and brown adipose tissue activation in mice
Authors: Sankina Polina , Lal Roshan , Khare Pragyanshu , von Hörsten Stephan , Fester Lars , Aggarwal Vaishali , Zimmermann Katharina , Bishnoi Mahendra
Published: July 2024

Aim

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis has profound energy‐expanding potential, which makes it an attractive target tissue to combat ever‐increasing obesity and its other associated metabolic complications. Although it is fairly accepted that cold is a potent inducer of BAT activation and function, there are limited studies on the mechanisms of pharmacological cold‐mimicking agents, such as the TRPM8 agonist, menthol, on BAT thermogenesis and activation.

Methods

Herein, we sought to determine the effect of topical application of menthol (10% w/v [4 g/kg] cream formulation/day for 15 days) on temperature sensitivity behaviour (thermal gradient assay, nesting behaviour), adaptive thermogenesis (infrared thermography, core body temperature), BAT sympathetic innervation (tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry) and activation (18F‐FDG PET‐CT analysis, Uncoupling Protein 1 immunohistochemistry and BAT gene expression), whole‐body energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry) and other metabolic variables in male C57BL/6N mice.

Results

We show that male C57BL/6N mice: (a) develop a warm‐seeking and cold‐avoiding thermal preference phenotype; (b) display increased locomotor activity and adaptive thermogenesis; (c) show augmented sympathetic innervation in BAT and its activation; (d) exhibit enhanced gluconeogenic capacity (increased glucose excursion in response to pyruvate) and insulin sensitivity; and (e) show enhanced whole‐body energy expenditure and induced lipid‐utilizing phenotype after topical menthol application. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings highlight that pharmacological cold mimicking using topical menthol application presents a potential therapeutic strategy to counter weight gain and related complications.
Ichthyoplankton dynamics in the Brazilian Pantanal: Contribution of an important tributary and maintenance of connectivity
Authors: de Souza Mateus Babichi Veiga , Tondato‐Carvalho Karina Keyla , Bialetzki Andréa
Published: July 2024

In order to investigate the reproductive dynamics of the ichthyofauna in the Brazilian Pantanal, this study examines the spatial and temporal distribution of ichthyoplankton, taxonomic composition, and its correlation with environmental factors within one of the most important sub‐basins, the Taquari River. Egg and larvae collections were conducted at 11 sampling points between October and March of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Significant differences were observed between collection points, months, and years, with higher ichthyoplankton densities in the Coxim and Taquari rivers, particularly between November and January. Twenty‐eight genera and/or species of fish were identified, including 10 long‐distance migratory species. Egg density showed a negative correlation with water temperature and rainfall. For larvae, water transparency and rainfall were both significant, negatively influencing larval abundance. However, different species tend to occur in environments with distinct abiotic qualities. Yolk‐sac, preflexion, and flexion larval development stages were distributed throughout the sub‐basin, especially near the Pantanal. Considering the data and analyses presented in this study, the importance of connectivity between these environments, specifically between the plateau and Pantanal, is evident, highlighting the significance of the entire sub‐basin for fish reproductive processes. Therefore, research focusing on the ecological processes influencing the distribution of ichthyoplankton offers valuable insights for ecosystem conservation and aids in effective environmental management.
Overlap of obsessive compulsive and psychosis risk symptoms in a specialized clinic
Authors: West Michelle L. , Green James , Barber Madison E. , Sharif Shadi , Lisowski Victoria , Friedman‐Yakoobian Michelle
Published: July 2024

Aim

Psychotic disorders and obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) commonly co‐occur. Likewise, subthreshold psychosis symptoms (clinical high risk for psychosis; CHR) and obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS) often overlap and may be difficult to differentiate. This study aimed to replicate research investigating the prevalence of OCD in a CHR clinic sample, validate and investigate factor structure of a self‐report OCS measure in a CHR sample, explore how OCS may relate to CHR and co‐occurring symptoms, and investigate whether real‐world CHR treatment improves OCS and CHR symptoms.

Method

This study analysed archival clinical data from baseline and 6‐month follow‐up assessments collected by a specialist outpatient CHR clinic. Data included assessments of CHR symptoms, OCS, and clinician‐rated diagnosis. Exploratory factor analysis examined the OCS measure.

Results

Within this CHR clinic sample, 13.5% experienced co‐morbid OCD. The self‐report OCS measure had two factors: (1) checking and counting behaviours and (2) intrusive thoughts and images of harm/guilt. The checking and counting factor correlated with depression and social anxiety. The intrusive thoughts and images of harm/guilt factor significantly correlated with unusual thought content and social anxiety. Between baseline to 6‐month follow‐up, clients exhibited CHR symptom improvement regardless of OCD diagnosis. However, OCS did not change.

Conclusions

These findings support validity of a self‐report OCS measure in a CHR clinic sample and that types of OCS experiences may exhibit different clinical patterns. Additionally, it appears that individuals with comorbid OCD responded similarly to CHR treatment compared to those without OCD.
Adult education in the European Union since 1993
Authors: Nuissl Ekkehard , Sava Simona , Farkas Éva
Published: July 2024

For about 30 years, the European Union has been politically active in the field of Education and Training with a broad set of aims, measures and tools. All member states were involved in these politics, creating a kind of European profile. Adult education was an important pillar. A number of adult educators involved in various organisations at both the European and national levels carried out the activities. Many of them were recognised for their contributions and were inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame. In this qualitative review, the reflections of 16 of these experts on a number of key issues, including achievements, challenges and obstacles in this period are presented. They evaluate European policy‐making in adult education and training, including the systems, the funding, the participation and the professional developments, in a structured way. A common understanding of adult education and its prerequisites can be noticed, as well as critical reflections on achievements, and further needs.
Distributed pedagogical leadership practice for sustainable pedagogical improvement: A literature review (2010–2023)
Authors: Okiri Peter Ochieng , Hercz Mária
Published: July 2024

Leadership from a distributed pedagogical perspective involves engaging multiple professionals in implementing shared responsibilities. In educational organizations, leadership responsibility structures have changed, with researchers advancing a more decentralized leadership system for sustainable pedagogical improvement. These global changes in education systems have informed the demand for sustainable quality teaching, the desire for 21st‐century learning skills, and rapid progress in education. As a result, traditional individual ‘heroic leadership’ is no longer tenable in any learning environment that intends to achieve quality pedagogical outcomes. Therefore, this narrative review paper aims to examine the essence of distributing pedagogical leadership responsibilities among multiple professionals to understand how the concept is perceived in diverse educational contexts and settings. This study reviewed relevant empirical research studies conducted to investigate the concept of distributed pedagogical leadership in Finland, Norway and Singapore. The findings revealed some gaps that informed our understanding of the concept and recommended further research studies.
Tropical root responses to global changes: A synthesis
Authors: Yaffar Daniela , Lugli Laynara F. , Wong Michelle Y. , Norby Richard J. , Addo‐Danso Shalom D. , Arnaud Marie , Cordeiro Amanda L. , Dietterich Lee H. , Diaz‐Toribio Milton H. , Lee Ming Y. , Ghimire Om Prakash , Smith‐Martin Chris M. , Toro Laura , Andersen Kelly , McCulloch Lindsay A. , Meier Ina C. , Powers Jennifer S. , Sanchez‐Julia Mareli , Soper Fiona M. , Cusack Daniela F.
Published: July 2024

Tropical ecosystems face escalating global change. These shifts can disrupt tropical forests' carbon (C) balance and impact root dynamics. Since roots perform essential functions such as resource acquisition and tissue protection, root responses can inform about the strategies and vulnerabilities of ecosystems facing present and future global changes. However, root trait dynamics are poorly understood, especially in tropical ecosystems. We analyzed existing research on tropical root responses to key global change drivers: warming, drought, flooding, cyclones, nitrogen (N) deposition, elevated (e) CO2, and fires. Based on tree species‐ and community‐level literature, we obtained 266 root trait observations from 93 studies across 24 tropical countries. We found differences in the proportion of root responsiveness to global change among different global change drivers but not among root categories. In particular, we observed that tropical root systems responded to warming and eCO2 by increasing root biomass in species‐scale studies. Drought increased the root: shoot ratio with no change in root biomass, indicating a decline in aboveground biomass. Despite N deposition being the most studied global change driver, it had some of the most variable effects on root characteristics, with few predictable responses. Episodic disturbances such as cyclones, fires, and flooding consistently resulted in a change in root trait expressions, with cyclones and fires increasing root production, potentially due to shifts in plant community and nutrient inputs, while flooding changed plant regulatory metabolisms due to low oxygen conditions. The data available to date clearly show that tropical forest root characteristics and dynamics are responding to global change, although in ways that are not always predictable. This synthesis indicates the need for replicated studies across root characteristics at species and community scales under different global change factors.
Spectral histology of hair and hair follicle using infrared microspectroscopy
Authors: Christophe Sandt , Lucien Bildstein , Thomas Bornschlögl , Nawel Baghdadli , Sébastien Thibaut , Pauline Fazzino , Ferenc Borondics
Published: July 2024

Objective

Today, there is only limited knowledge of the spatial organization of hair chemistry. Infrared microspectroscopy is a well‐established tool to provide such information and has significantly contributed to this field. In this study, we present new results combining multiple infrared microspectroscopy methods at different length scales to create a better chemical histology of human hair, including the hair follicle, hair shaft, hair medulla and hair cuticle.

Methods

We used hyperspectral IR imaging & spectroscopy (HIRIS) and synchrotron‐radiation FTIR microspectroscopy (SR‐μFTIR) to measure transversal hair sections and SR‐μFTIR to obtain high‐resolution maps of longitudinal sections from the hair shaft and from the hair follicle. We used optical photothermal IR microspectroscopy (OPTIR) to analyse the cuticle surface of intact hairs.

Results

By mapping longitudinal sections of the human hair follicle with confocal SR‐μFTIR, we report the first demonstration of glycogen presence in the outer root sheath of the hair follicle by spectroscopy, and its quantification at the micron scale. Spectral maps, combined with machine learning‐based analysis, enabled us to differentiate the various layers of the hair follicle and provided insights into the chemical changes that occur during hair formation in the follicle.

Using HIRIS and SR‐μFTIR to analyse the hair medulla in transversal sections of human hairs, we report here, for the first time by vibrational spectroscopy methods, the detection of unsaturated lipids at very low concentrations in the medulla.

By analysing longitudinal sections of the hair shaft with SR‐μFTIR, we found that calcium carboxylates are present in large regions of the hair cuticle, and not just in small focal areas as previously thought. We then use OPTIR to analyse the hair cuticle of intact hairs at submicron resolution without sectioning and report the distribution of calcium carboxylates at the surface of intact hair for the first time.

Conclusion

These new findings illustrate the potential of infrared microspectroscopy for imaging the chemical composition of human hair and may have implications for biomedical research or cosmetology.
Association between a single‐nucleotide polymorphism of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in the Hainanese population of China
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhuang Yanping , Zhang Xuan , Lin Guiling , Wu Huitao , He Ziman , Wang Zhe , Xu Wenlu , Yin Xiyu , Su Linglan , Jia Xiaokang , Gong Aimin
Published: July 2024

The angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene plays a significant role in regulating immune responses and inflammatory processes, thus impacting the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Understanding how single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the ACE gene contribute to the genetic susceptibility to SLE is essential for comprehending the disease's aetiology. Therefore, exploring this relationship in the Hainan region of China is crucial for gaining insights into the pathogenesis of SLE. This study comprised 428 participants, including 214 SLE patients and 214 healthy controls. Clinical data were gathered, and blood samples were collected. Genotyping of three SNPs (rs4459609, rs4309, rs1987692) within the ACE gene was performed using SNaPshot technology. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of these three SNPs were compared between the SLE and control groups. Combining different genetic models and haplotype analysis, the correlation between ACE gene polymorphisms and SLE was investigated. Both study groups exhibited conformity with the Hardy–Weinberg genetic equilibrium (p > .05). Significant differences were observed in the genotype frequency distributions of ACE genes rs4459609, rs4309 and rs1987692 between the SLE and control groups (p = .009, .008, .032, respectively). The frequency of allele T at rs4309 was significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group, correlating significantly with increased SLE risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.527, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.147–2.035). Associations among ACE rs4459609, rs4309 and rs1987692 polymorphisms and increased susceptibility to SLE were found under co‐dominant and dominant models (p < .05, with OR values and 95% CI greater than 1). Linkage disequilibrium was observed among rs4459609, rs4309 and rs1987692, and haplotype analysis revealed a significantly higher frequency of the CCA haplotype in the control group compared to the SLE group (p < .001). The ACA and ATA haplotypes showed significantly higher frequencies in the SLE group than in the control group (p = .014, p = .013, respectively). ACE gene polymorphisms are associated with the genetic susceptibility to SLE. The AC and AA genotypes at the rs4459609 locus, the TT genotype and T allele at the rs4309 locus and the AC and CC genotypes at the rs1987692 locus may serve as risk factors for the development of SLE.
Language environment and early language production in Slovenian infants: An exploratory study using daylong recordings
Authors: Ferjan Ramírez Naja , Marjanovič Umek Ljubica , Fekonja Urška
Published: July 2024

Daylong recordings provide an ecologically valid option for analyzing language input, and have become a central method for studying child language development. However, the vast majority of this work has been conducted in North America. We harnessed a unique collection of daylong recordings from Slovenian infants (age: 16–30 months, N = 40, 18 girls), and focus our attention on manually annotated measures of parentese (infant‐directed speech with a higher pitch, slower tempo, and exaggerated intonation), conversational turns, infant words, and word combinations. Measures from daylong recordings showed large variation, but were comparable to previous studies with North American samples. Infants heard almost twice as much speech and parentese from mothers compared to fathers, but there were no differences in language input to boys and girls. Positive associations were found between the social‐interactional features of language input (parentese, turn‐taking) and infants' concurrent language production. Measures of child speech from daylong recordings were positively correlated with measures obtained through the Slovenian MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventory. These results support the notion that the social‐interactional features of parental language input are the foundation of infants' language skills, even in an environment where infants spend much of their waking hours in childcare settings, as they do in Slovenia.
Compressibility, diffusivity, and elasticity in relationship with ionic conduction: An atomic scale description of densified Li2S${\rm Li}_2{\rm S}$–SiS2${\rm SiS}_2$ glasses
Authors: Micoulaut M. , Poitras L.‐M. , Sørensen S. S. , Flores‐Ruiz H. , Naumis G. G.
Published: July 2024

We examine the dynamic and ionic properties of a typical sulfide glass electrolyte 50–50 using molecular dynamics simulations and a previously parameterized force‐field able to describe both the crystalline phase and the corresponding glass. We especially focus on the effect of moderate pressures on the glassy and supercooled state since the design of all‐solid state batteries use molding conditions at moderate pressures in order to achieve contact between the electrolyte and the electrodes. The behavior of the conductivity with pressure permits to define an activation volume and to infer the role of compressibility and diffusivity, the latter contributing dominantly to ionic conduction, whereas temperature does not seem to impact the structural properties. These features are linked with the underlying dynamics of the Li ions as studied here by computing the longitudinal and transversal atomic species current correlations. The resulting elasticity is found to be close to experimental values.
Micro/nanostructure constructed by in situ growth of SiC nanowires in porous Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Zhang Lizhi , Ma Wenwen , Ren Zhongkan , Tang Huaguo , Yu Yuan , Wang Lujie , Li Tongyang , Qiao Zhuhui
Published: July 2024

Implant materials with micro/nanostructures bear a closer resemblance with the features of natural bone, which influences the wettability, bone differentiation, and vascularization of materials. However, it is still technically challenging to design the inner wall and surface micro/nanostructures on macroporous bioceramics due to their brittleness. In this work, micro/nanostructured composites with Si3N4 whiskers as a framework, and the (inner) surface covered with SiC nanowires were prepared, denoted as SiC‐nw@Si3N4‐w bioceramics. The synthesis, adopting the green chemistry concept, was utilized from environmental products (carbon evaporated in the furnace at high temperature) and reaction impurities (carbon obtained by polymer pyrolysis and silicon obtained by Si3N4 decomposition) to synthesize SiC nanowires via a vapor‐solid growth mechanism. The prepared SiC‐nw@Si3N4‐w bioceramics have potential applications in bone repair due to their cell adhesion and proliferation.
Mn‐doped Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3‐Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3‐PbTiO3 relaxor ferroelectric ceramics for high‐power piezoelectric applications
Authors: Zhao Weijia , Yang Shuai , Wang Chao , Wang Mingwen , Gao Xiangyu , Li Jinglei , Li Fei
Published: July 2024

Achieving comprehensive improvement in both piezoelectric coefficient (d33) and mechanical quality factor (Qm) has become a key issue in the research of high‐power piezoelectric ceramics. Here, we focused on Mn‐doped Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3‐Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3‐PbTiO3 (PIN‐PSN‐PT) relaxor ferroelectric ceramics, where Mn‐doping is employed to enhance Qm. The effects of doping concentration and PT content on phase structure, ferroelectric, dielectric, and electromechanical properties were systematically studied. The well radius matching between Mn ions and B‐site ions facilitates the ion substitution and significantly increases the concentration of oxygen vacancies, thereby enhancing the domain wall pinning effect. A significantly weakened mutual constraint relationship between d33 and Qm is observed in the 2 mol% Mn‐doped PIN‐PSN‐PT ceramics with tetragonal phase, which exhibits Qm exceeding 3000 while maintaining d33 higher than 320 pC/N and Curie temperature higher than 300°C, leading to the vibration velocity over 1.15 m/s. Rayleigh analysis reveals the higher intrinsic piezoelectric response in high PT components compared to that in low PT components, which was thought to be the origin for the weakened mutual constraint relationship between d33 and Qm in tetragonal Mn‐doped PIN‐PSN‐PT ceramics.
5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy protects against UVB‐induced skin photoaging: A DNA‐repairing mechanism involving the BER signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Jing , Gu Li , Shi Zhinan , Xu Zhiyi , Zhai Xiaoyu , Zhou Shu , Zhao Jingting , Gu Liqun , Chen Lin , Ju Linling , Zhou Bingrong , Hua Hui
Published: July 2024

Low‐dose 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) has been used to cope with skin photoaging, and is thought to involve DNA damage repair responses. However, it is still unknown how low‐dose ALA‐PDT regulates DNA damage repair to curb skin photoaging. We established a photoaging model using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and rat skin. RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HDFs before and after low‐dose ALA‐PDT treatment, followed by bioinformatics analysis. Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining was employed to assess skin aging‐related manifestations and Western blotting to evaluate the expression of associated proteins. A comet assay was used to detect cellular DNA damage, while immunofluorescence to examine the expression of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐oxo‐dG) in cells and skin tissues. In both in vivo and in vitro models, low‐dose ALA‐PDT alleviated the manifestations of ultraviolet B (UVB)‐induced skin photoaging. Low‐dose ALA‐PDT significantly reduced DNA damage in photoaged HDFs. Furthermore, low‐dose ALA‐PDT accelerated the clearance of the photoproduct 8‐oxo‐dG in photoaged HDFs and superficial dermis of photoaged rat skin. RNA‐seq analysis suggested that low‐dose ALA‐PDT upregulated the expression of key genes in the base excision repair (BER) pathway. Further functional validation showed that inhibition on BER expression by using UPF1069 significantly suppressed SA‐β‐gal activity, G2/M phase ratio, expression of aging‐associated proteins P16, P21, P53, and MUTYH proteins, as well as clearance of the photoproduct 8‐oxo‐dG in photoaged HDFs. Low‐dose ALA‐PDT exerts anti‐photoaging effects by activating the BER signalling pathway.
The role of miR‐128 and MDFI in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure: Mechanistic
Authors: Yanjun Sun , Yunfen Gu , Haoyi Yao , Zhe Wang , Jiapei Qiu
Published: July 2024

Heart failure (HF) prognosis depends on various regulatory factors; microRNA‐128 (miR‐128) is identified as a regulator of cardiac fibrosis, contributing to HF. MyoD family inhibitor (MDFI), which is reported to be related with Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, is supposed to be regulated by miR‐128. This study investigates the interaction between miR‐128 and MDFI in cardiomyocyte development and elucidates its role in heart injury. Gene expression profiling assessed miR‐128's effect on MDFI expression in HF using qPCR and Western blot analysis. Luciferase assays studied the direct interaction between miR‐128 and MDFI. MTT, transwell, and immunohistochemistry evaluated the effects of miR‐128 and MDFI on myocardial cells in mice HF. Genescan and luciferase assays validated the interaction between miR‐128 and MDFI sequences. miR‐128 mimics significantly reduced MDFI expression at mRNA and protein levels with decrease rate of 55%. Overexpression of miR‐128 promoted apoptosis with the increase rate 65% and attenuated cardiomyocyte proliferation, while MDFI upregulation significantly enhanced proliferation. Elevated miR‐128 levels upregulated Wnt1 and β‐catenin expression, whereas increased MDFI levels inhibited these expressions. Histological analysis with haematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that miR‐128 absorption reduced MDFI expression, hindering cell proliferation and cardiac repair, with echocardiography showing corresponding improvements in cardiac function. Our findings suggest miR‐128 interacts with MDFI, playing a crucial role in HF management by modulating the Wnt1/β‐catenin pathway. Suppression of miR‐128 could promote cardiomyocyte proliferation, highlighting the potential value of the miR‐128/MDFI interplay in HF treatment.
Effect of low‐dose terazosin on arterial stiffness improvement: A pilot study
Authors: Guan Yuqi , Zhang Yucong , Chen Liangkai , Ren Yazhi , Nie Hao , Ji Tianyi , Yan Jinhua , Zhang Cuntai , Ruan Lei
Published: July 2024

Arterial stiffness, a prominent hallmark of ageing arteries, is a predictor of all‐cause mortality. Strategies for promoting healthy vascular ageing are encouraged. Here we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the potential effects of low‐dose Terazosin on arterial stiffness. We enrolled patients aged over 40 with elevated arterial stiffness, defined as a brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) ≥1400 cm/s, who were administered Terazosin (0.5 and 1.0 mg/day) from December 2020 to June 2023. Treatment responses were assessed every 3 months. Linear regression analysis was used to characterise the improvement. We matched cases who took Terazosin for 1 year with Terazosin‐free controls using propensity score matching (PSM). Our findings demonstrate that Terazosin administration significantly affected arterial stiffness. (1) Arterial stiffness significantly improved (at least a 5% reduction in baPWV) in 50.0% of patients at 3 months, 48.6% at 6 months, 59.3% at 9 months, and 54.4% at 12 months, respectively. (2) Those with higher baseline baPWV and hypertension exhibited a significantly reduced risk of non‐response. (3) Terazosin was associated with a reduction of baPWV at 1‐year follow‐up (linear regression: β = −165.16, p < 0.001). This pilot study offers valuable insights into the potential significance of Terazosin in improving arterial stiffness and paves the way for future randomised clinical trials in combating vascular ageing.
From silicon shield to carbon lock‐in? The environmental footprint of electronic components manufacturing in Taiwan (2015–2020)
Authors: Roussilhe Gauthier , Pirson Thibault , Xhonneux Mathieu , Bol David
Published: July 2024

Taiwan plans to rapidly increase its industrial production capacity of electronic components while concurrently setting policies for its ecological transition. Given that the island is responsible for the manufacturing of a significant part of worldwide electronics components (including the most advanced CMOS technology nodes), the sustainability of the Taiwanese electronics industry is of critical interest. In this paper, we survey the environmental footprint of 16 Taiwanese electronic components manufacturers (ECMs) using corporate sustainability responsibility reports. Based on data from 2015 to 2020, we find out that the sample of ECMs in this study increased its greenhouse gas emissions by 7.5% per year, its final energy and electricity consumption by 8.8% and 8.9%, and its water usage by 6.1%. We show that the volume of manufactured electronic components and the environmental footprint compiled in this study are strongly correlated, which suggests that relative efficiency gains are not sufficient to curb the overall environmental footprint of ECMs on the island. Given the critical nature of the electronics industry for Taiwan's geopolitics and economics, the observed increase of energy consumption, and the slow renewable energy roll‐out, Taiwan could face a carbon lock‐in situation which will most likely prevent the achievement of carbon reduction goals and sustainability policies on the island.
The Availability of Midwifery Care in Rural United States Communities
Authors: Sheffield Emily C. , Fritz Alyssa H. , Interrante Julia D. , Kozhimannil Katy Backes
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Access to pregnancy‐related and childbirth‐related health care for rural residents is limited by health workforce shortages in the United States. Although midwives are key pregnancy and childbirth care providers, the current landscape of the rural midwifery workforce is not well understood. The goal of this analysis was to describe the availability of local midwifery care in rural US communities.

Methods

We developed and conducted a national survey of rural US hospitals with current or recently closed childbirth services. Maternity unit managers or administrators at 292 rural hospitals were surveyed from March to August 2021, with 133 hospitals responding (response rate 46%; 93 currently offering childbirth services, 40 recently closed childbirth services). This cross‐sectional analysis describes whether rural hospitals with current or prior childbirth services had midwifery care with certified nurse‐midwives available locally and whether rural communities with and without midwifery care differed by hospital‐level and county‐level characteristics.

Results

Among hospitals surveyed, 55% of those with current and 75% of those with prior childbirth services reported no locally available midwifery care. Of the 93 rural communities with current hospital‐based childbirth services, those without midwifery care were more likely to have lower populations (37% vs 33%); majority populations that were Black, Indigenous, and people of color (24% vs 10%); and hospitals where at least 50% of births were Medicaid funded (77% vs 64%), compared with communities with midwifery care. Conversely, communities with midwifery care more often had greater than 30% of patients traveling more than 30 miles for hospital‐based childbirth services (38% vs 28%).

Discussion

More than half of rural hospitals surveyed reported no locally available midwifery care, and availability differed by hospital‐level and county‐level characteristics. Efforts to ensure pregnancy and childbirth care access for rural birthing people should include attention to the availability of local midwifery care.
The Mortgage‐Cash Premium Puzzle
Authors: REHER MICHAEL , VALKANOV ROSSEN
Published: July 2024

All‐cash homebuyers account for one‐third of U.S. home purchases between 1980 and 2017. We use multiple data sets and research designs to robustly estimate that mortgaged buyers pay an 11% premium over all‐cash buyers to compensate home sellers for mortgage transaction frictions. A dynamic, representative‐seller model implies only a 3% premium, which would suggest an 8% puzzle. Accounting for heterogeneity in selling conditions explains half of this difference, but a puzzle holds in conditions with high transaction risk. An experimental survey of U.S. homeowners replicates these patterns and suggests that belief distortions can explain the puzzle in these high‐risk states.
Oral hypofunction and social aspects in older adults visiting frailty outpatient clinic
Authors: Kawamura Koki , Maeda Keisuke , Miyahara Shuzo , Shimizu Akio , Sakaguchi Tatsuma , Ishida Yuria , Kagaya Hitoshi , Matsui Yasumoto , Arai Hidenori , Mori Naoharu
Published: July 2024

Background

Oral and social problems can exacerbate long‐term care. Understanding the relationship between social aspects and oral hypofunction can help identify high‐risk factors for long‐term care.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the social aspects of oral hypofunction among medical outpatients.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study included patients who visited an outpatient clinic for frailty. The oral function was assessed using seven items: oral hygiene, occlusal force, masticatory function, tongue‐lip motor function, tongue pressure, oral dryness and swallowing function. Participants with three or more functional declines were classified as having ‘oral hypofunction’. Social aspects were assessed using 21 items in four categories: general resources, basic social needs, social resources and social behaviours/activities. We analysed the relationship between oral hypofunction and each social aspect.

Results

A total of 316 participants (age 78.5 ± 6.4 years) were included, and 128 (41%) had oral hypofunction. Participants with oral hypofunction were significantly more likely to have limited education, require long‐term care, not use transportation, depend on others for shopping, not participate in events, lack association membership and not engage in charity or volunteer work. After logistic regression analysis, ‘long‐term care’ and ‘no association membership’ remained significantly associated with oral hypofunction (odds ratios 2.3, 2.3; 95% CI 1.1–5.0, 1.1–4.7, respectively).

Conclusion

Participants with oral hypofunction faced challenges in ‘general resources’ and ‘social behaviour/activities’, which were linked to oral function issues. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to further investigate this relationship.
Syntactic Adaptation and Word Learning in 3‐ to 4‐Year‐Olds
Authors: Yu Yukun , Havron Naomi , Fisher Cynthia
Published: July 2024

In a recent study, preschoolers adapted their syntactic expectations about a familiar phrase in French; this adaptation affected later word learning. In two experiments, we probed the generality of this finding by replicating the experiment and extending it to a different expression in English. We examined the ambiguous phrase the baby, which can be followed by nouns (the baby monkeys) or verbs (the baby sleeps). In induction trials, the baby consistently preceded either familiar nouns (noun condition) or verbs (verb condition). In later novel‐word trials, children in the verb condition were more likely to interpret novel words following the baby (The baby gorps!) as verbs than were children in the noun condition. In Experiment 2, a modified design isolated the effect of experience with the critical phrase from possible effects of task structure, and an added baseline condition showed the adaptation effect to be asymmetrical, suggesting frequency or surprisal effects on adaptation.
Chromosomal inversions harbour excess mutational load in the coral, Acropora kenti, on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Zhang Jia , Schneller Nadja M. , Field Matt A. , Chan Cheong Xin , Miller David J. , Strugnell Jan M. , Riginos Cynthia , Bay Line , Cooke Ira
Published: July 2024

The future survival of coral reefs in the Anthropocene depends on the capacity of corals to adapt as oceans warm and extreme weather events become more frequent. Targeted interventions designed to assist evolutionary processes in corals require a comprehensive understanding of the distribution and structure of standing variation, however, efforts to map genomic variation in corals have so far focussed almost exclusively on SNPs, overlooking structural variants that have been shown to drive adaptive processes in other taxa. Here, we show that the reef‐building coral, Acropora kenti, harbours at least five large, highly polymorphic structural variants, all of which exhibit signatures of strongly suppressed recombination in heterokaryotypes, a feature commonly associated with chromosomal inversions. Based on their high minor allele frequency, uniform distribution across habitats and elevated genetic load, we propose that these inversions in A. kenti are likely to be under balancing selection. An excess of SNPs with high impact on protein‐coding genes within these loci elevates their importance both as potential targets for adaptive selection and as contributors to genetic decline if coral populations become fragmented or inbred in future.
Multicategory fire damage detection of post‐fire reinforced concrete structural components
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Liu Caiwei , Wang Xinyu , Tian Libin , Miao Jijun , Liu Yanchun
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces an enhanced you only look once (YOLO) v5s‐D network customized for detecting various categories of damage to post‐fire reinforced concrete (RC) components. These damage types encompass surface soot, cracks, concrete spalling, and rebar exposure. A dataset containing 1536 images depicting damaged RC components was compiled. By integrating ShuffleNet, adaptive attention mechanisms, and a feature enhancement module, the capability of the network for multi‐scale feature extraction in complex backgrounds was improved, alongside a reduction in model parameters. Consequently, YOLOv5s‐D achieved a detection accuracy of 93%, marking an 11% enhancement over the baseline YOLOv5s network. Comparison and ablation tests conducted on different modules, varying dataset sizes, against other state‐of‐the‐art networks, and on public datasets validate the resilience, superiority, and generalization capability of YOLOv5s‐D. Finally, an application leveraging YOLOv5s‐D was developed and integrated into a mobile device to facilitate real‐time detection of post‐fire damaged RC components. This application can integrate diverse fire scenarios and data types, expanding its scope in future. The proposed detection method compensates for the subjective limitations of manual inspections, providing a reference for damage assessment.
Rapid clearance of extensive juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris with ixekizumab
Authors: Kim Eun Jae , Corey Kristen , Damji Yasin
Published: July 2024

Juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare inflammatory skin disorder currently without any FDA‐approved treatments, and lesions can be refractory to conventional treatment with topical corticosteroids, methotrexate, and oral retinoids. We herein present a case of a 6‐year‐old boy who attained clearance of extensive juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris within 2 weeks of starting ixekizumab therapy. Therapeutic effect has been durable at 6 months, and patient continues on therapy without adverse effects. Our case highlights a new, rapidly effective treatment option for pediatric patients with this rare condition.
Apremilast treatment for pediatric inverse psoriasis
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhao Yilu , Zhang Ruzhi
Published: July 2024

A 10‐year‐old boy presented with persistent genital erythematous plaques unresponsive to traditional topical treatments. Apremilast, an underexplored option in pediatric cases, was initiated and resulted in a significant reduction in pruritus and resolution of the lesions. This case provides insight into the potential efficacy of apremilast in refractory pediatric inverse psoriasis and underscores the necessity for further research in this specific population.
Settling moth pollination of a rare orchid in the Habenaria clade revealed with close‐focusing camera traps
Authors: Johnson S. D. , Balducci M. G.
Published: July 2024

It is challenging to make nocturnal observations of the natural behaviour of flower‐visiting moths as they are highly sensitive to visible artificial light sources. One solution, implemented here, is to use specially‐adapted close‐focusing camera traps that rely on infrared wavelengths for detection and illumination of small insect subjects. We investigated the pollination system of Bonatea saundersiodes, a rare African terrestrial orchid that is phylogenetically nested in the large Habenaria clade.

We used modified camera traps and direct observations to study the pollination system of B. saundersioides. We quantified floral traits, including morphology, nectar, spectral reflectance and scent chemistry.

Flowers of this orchid species were found to be pollinated exclusively by settling noctuid moths. Moth visits to the orchid were recorded throughout the night, with peaks of activity after dusk and just before dawn. Pollinaria of the orchid are attached between the palps of visiting moths. Floral traits generally consistent with settling moth pollination include the relatively short floral spurs (ca. 20 mm) containing small amounts of nectar, white and green perianth segments, and the floral scent which is produced at night and is dominated by β‐ocimene and other terpenoid compounds.

This study demonstrates that close‐focusing camera traps have tremendous potential to improve our understanding of plant–pollinator interactions which are not easy to study using traditional methods.
From de jure to de facto transparency: Analyzing the compliance gap in light of freedom of information laws
Authors: Trautendorfer Julia , Hohensinn Lisa , Hilgers Dennis
Published: July 2024

Freedom of information (FOI) laws empower citizens to access public information from public organizations, enhancing government transparency and accountability. Previous studies have evaluated government transparency and FOI compliance based on the proactive release of information and governments' responses to citizens' requests. This study extends prior research by focusing on regulatory compliance mechanisms in German public organizations. Specifically, it investigates how these organizations respond to information requests under varying legislative frameworks across Germany's 16 states (Länder). Based on six legal elements (de jure provisions), we examine FOI law stringency and investigate their association with government responsiveness to approximate de facto regulatory compliance. Based on an analysis of over 100,000 requests directed at more than 7000 German public sector organizations, we find that not all six legal elements are directly associated with responsiveness. Only those elements that signify a broader organizational commitment to transparency are linked to higher responsiveness. This study contributes to public sector transparency literature by highlighting the complex interplay between variations in FOI laws and actual compliance, and underscores the need for further research on the assumed causal relationship between FOI law stringency and transparency outcomes.
Riemann–Hilbert method to the Ablowitz–Ladik equation: Higher‐order cases
Authors: Liu Huan , Shen Jing , Geng Xianguo
Published: July 2024

We focus on the Ablowitz–Ladik equation on the zero background, specifically considering the scenario of pairs of multiple poles. Our first goal was to establish a mapping between the initial data and the scattering data, which allowed us to introduce a direct problem by analyzing the discrete spectrum associated with pairs of higher‐order zeros. Next, we constructed another mapping from the scattering data to a matrix Riemann–Hilbert (RH) problem equipped with several residue conditions set at pairs of multiple poles. By characterizing the inverse problem on the basis of this RH problem, we are able to derive higher‐order soliton solutions in the reflectionless case.
A new topical biotechnological phytocomplex for truncal mild‐moderate acne restores skin microbiota balance
Authors: Guerra‐Tapia Aurora , Martínez Helena , Nieto Carlos , Ruiz Alonso Carlos , Bermejo Rafael , Carrón Nerea , Garcia‐Segura Sergio , Gonzalez‐Torres Pedro , Palacios‐Martínez David , Bou Lola , Pérez Montse , De Lucas Raul
Published: July 2024

Background

The disruption of the microbial community or dysbiosis alters the functional composition, metabolic activity, and local distribution of the microbiota leading the development of acne. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a lotion containing a biotechnological phytocomplex, niacinamide, and succinic acid in the bacterial diversity of subjects with truncal mild‐moderate acne and its clinical benefits due to microbiota changes.

Materials and Methods

Open, clinical study in 43 subjects with truncal mild‐moderate acne treated with a lotion for 8 weeks. Bacterial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of skin samples. Clinical effects were evaluated through IGA acne severity scale, biometric measurements, and safety.

Results

After 56 days of product's use, an increase in richness alpha diversity was found (p = 0.005), with a decrease in Cutibacterium acnes relative abundance (66.43% vs. 58.11%, p = 0.009). The clinical results showed a decrease in IGA score (27.59% decrease; p = 0.001), the inflammatory lesions (52.12% decrease, p = 0.006) and erythema (18.33% decrease, p = 0.007), and desquamation index (63.83% decrease, p = 0.02). The responder analysis of the IGA score showed that 60.47% of patients improved by at least one point at day 56. The product was well tolerated along the study.

Conclusion

The use of the lotion on acneic skin was effective on rebalancing the microbiota, inhibiting biofilm formation and other virulence factors, reducing erythema and desquamation, and improving acne's severity.
Menstrual-Cycle Symptoms and Sleep Characteristics in Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Halson Shona L. , Johnston Rich D. , Pearson Madison , Minahan Clare
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To determine whether menstrual-cycle symptoms are associated with sleep in elite female athletes. Methods: Sleep was assessed for a minimum of 25 nights (range = 25–31) using activity monitoring and sleep diaries. Menstrual-cycle symptoms were collected over the same duration in 12 elite female professional soccer players. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the relationship between the day of the menstrual cycle (from day 1) and total menstrual-cycle symptoms on sleep characteristics. Results: There was a significant relationship between sleep duration and the day of the menstrual cycle (P = .042) and total symptoms reported that day (P < .001), with sleep duration increasing by 21 minutes for every symptom reported. There was a negative day × symptom interaction on sleep duration (P = .004), indicating that with increased symptoms, the day of the menstrual cycle had a smaller relationship with sleep duration. Sleep efficiency (P = .950), wake after sleep onset (P = .217), and subjective sleep quality (P = .080) were not related to the day of the menstrual cycle. The total symptoms reported had no relationship with sleep efficiency (P = .220), subjective sleep quality (P = .502), or sleep latency (P = .740) but did significantly relate to wake after sleep onset (P < .001), with a significant day × symptom interaction (P < .001). Conclusions: Sleep duration increased from day 1 of the menstrual cycle and was associated with the number of menstrual-cycle symptoms reported. All other sleep metrics remained unchanged; however, total symptoms reported were related to wake after sleep onset. Monitoring and managing menstrual-cycle symptoms should be encouraged due to a potential relationship with sleep characteristics.