bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor network reorganization after motor imagery training in stroke patients with moderate to severe upper limb impairment
Authors: Wang Hewei , Xiong Xin , Zhang Kexu , Wang Xu , Sun Changhui , Zhu Bing , Xu Yiming , Fan Mingxia , Tong Shanbao , Guo Xiaoli , Sun Limin
Published: December 2022

Background

Motor imagery training (MIT) has been widely used to improve hemiplegic upper limb function in stroke rehabilitation. The effectiveness of MIT is associated with the functional neuroplasticity of the motor network. Currently, brain activation and connectivity changes related to the motor recovery process after MIT are not well understood.

Aim: We aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms of MIT in stroke rehabilitation through a longitudinal intervention study design with task‐based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis.

Methods

We recruited 39 stroke patients with moderate to severe upper limb motor impairment and randomly assigned them to either the MIT or control groups. Patients in the MIT group received 4 weeks of MIT therapy plus conventional rehabilitation, while the control group only received conventional rehabilitation. The assessment of Fugl‐Meyer Upper Limb Scale (FM‐UL) and Barthel Index (BI), and fMRI scanning using a passive hand movement task were conducted on all patients before and after treatment. The changes in brain activation and functional connectivity (FC) were analyzed. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between neural functional changes and motor improvement.

Results

The MIT group achieved higher improvements in FM‐UL and BI relative to the control group after the treatment. Passive movement of the affected hand evoked an abnormal bilateral activation pattern in both groups before intervention. A significant Group × Time interaction was found in the contralesional S1 and ipsilesional M1, showing a decrease of activation after intervention specifically in the MIT group, which was negatively correlated with the FM‐UL improvement. FC analysis of the ipsilesional M1 displayed the motor network reorganization within the ipsilesional hemisphere, which correlated with the motor score changes.

Conclusions

MIT could help decrease the compensatory activation at both hemispheres and reshape the FC within the ipsilesional hemisphere along with functional recovery in stroke patients.
1040. SORBUS AUCUPARIA: Rosaceae
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Barlow Gillian , Brown Andrew P. , Rich Tim C. G.
Published: December 2022

Sorbus aucuparia subsp. aucuparia, ROWAN or MOUNTAIN ASH, is described and illustrated. Details of its distribution, genetic variability, cultural history and use by humans and animals are provided.
Trajectories of parental burnout in the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Piotrowski Konrad
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The main objective of the study was to identify developmental trajectories of parental burnout during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study was designed to assess whether changes in parental burnout were related to levels of perfectionism, sense of parental identity, and COVID‐related stress.

Background

Parental burnout is a consequence of chronic stress associated with the role of a parent. However, little is still known about how parental burnout changes over time and which factors are responsible for it.

Method

Parents (N = 376; 67% women) aged 19 to 30 years (M = 26.85 years, SD = 2.52) participated in all three waves of a longitudinal study spanning 12 months. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) was used to determine parental burnout change trajectories. The R3STEP procedure was used to analyze the relationship between developmental trajectories identified and the other variables studied.

Results

Three different trajectories of parental burnout were identified: high and stable (7%), low and stable (63%), and average and increasing (30%). Trajectories were associated with perfectionistic concerns, a sense of parental identity, and COVID‐related stress.

Conclusion

The results revealed that most parents did not experience changes in parental burnout during the first year of the pandemic. However, up to one third of parents may have experienced a significant increase in symptoms during the study period.

Implications

The findings from this study may be applicable to planning support programs for emerging adult parents at risk of burnout.
A novel farmland wildflower seed mix attracts a greater abundance and richness of pollinating insects than standard mixes
Authors: Nichols Rachel N. , Holland John M. , Goulson Dave
Published: December 2022

Wildflower strips are a popular agri‐environment scheme (AES) implemented on farmland to provide forage for insect pollinators. The standard seed mixtures were often formulated without a clear evidence base, and subsequent field trials to assess their attractiveness to insects are commonly carried out at low taxonomic resolution (e.g., pooling all ‘solitary’ bees).

We created two novel wildflower mixes: a wild bee mix based on primary research (WB) and one on literature‐based evidence (LT). We trialled our novel mixes against two standard AES wildflower mixes: a Fabaceae‐heavy mix (FAB); a diverse wildflower mix (WF); plus a fallow plot (control). Our aim was to determine which mix attracted the highest overall insect pollinator abundance and highest species richness for wild bees.

Our WB mix attracted both the highest number of total insect visitors, and the highest wild bee abundance and richness. WB attracted significantly more bumblebees (abundance and richness) than the typical low diversity, Fabaceae‐heavy mix (FAB); and significantly greater solitary bee abundance, than all other treatments.

Only 11 ‘key’ wildflower species were required to cater to all wild bee species recorded during the study, eight of which were sown species. Taraxacum officinale agg., Cirsium vulgare, Daucus carota and Geranium pyrenaicum received the highest numbers of wild bee species visits.

In conclusion, we suggest a novel wildflower seed mix based on primary research has the potential to provide more attractive forage for both wild bees and other insect pollinators compared to current AES mixes.
Changes in predator biomass may mask the negative effects of neonicotinoids on primary consumers in field settings
Authors: Harmon Gabriel T. , Harmon‐Threatt Alexandra N. , Anderson Nicholas L.
Published: December 2022

The non‐target effects of pesticides, particularly those that are long‐lasting and move easily through the environment, could have community‐level impacts on beneficial arthropods and hinder conservation efforts in agrolandscapes

We assessed the impacts of a neonicotinoid insecticide, clothianidin, and possible synergisms with a fungicide by quantifying predator, herbivore, and pollinator biomass and morphospecies richness in simulated prairie restorations.

Predator biomass was 66% lower in plots treated with clothianidin compared to controls and this effect persisted across the growing season.

Herbivore biomass was 51% lower in clothianidin‐treated plots in June, but the effect waned over the growing season, and no difference was detected in July or August. There was a synergistic effect of clothianidin and fungicide in lowering herbivore morphospecies richness by 12%.

Pollinators appeared unaffected by clothianidin. Instead, pollinator biomass increased by 71% with added fungicide in the absence of clothianidin.

The results of this study underscore the complexity of pesticide effects in field settings. Additional studies are necessary to understand how pesticide dissipation and predator release may interactively affect late‐season herbivore populations.
Coastal sand mining of heavy mineral sands: Contestations, resistance, and ecological distribution conflicts at HMS extraction frontiers across the world
Authors: Bisht Arpita , Martinez‐Alier Joan
Published: December 2022

Coastal sand mining for metals involves extraction of heavy mineral sands (HMS), which are sedimentary deposits of dense minerals that accumulate in coastal environments. HMS are localized concentrations of ores such as ilmenite, rutile, leucoxene, and iron, which are sources of metals such as titanium, zircon, iron, sillimanite/kyanite, staurolite, monazite, and garnet. The applications of these metals range from everyday products such as ceramics, paint, and pigments, as well as technologically advanced applications in the airline, shipbuilding, medicine, and defense industries. HMS extraction implies strip mining of coastal areas, which are often unique biodiversity ecosystems, or fragile ecosystems built up on sandy soils or dunes. The loss of such spaces has impacts such as loss of biodiversity and habitats, salt‐water intrusion into agricultural lands and increased exposure to sea level rise. As a result of the serious ecological and socioeconomic transformations at such extraction frontiers, these operations cause resistance movements across the world. This article identifies and documents 24 cases of resistance against such operations. It presents the first comprehensive database and analysis of HMS related ecological distribution conflicts.
Liquiritigenin reverses skin aging by inhibiting UV‐induced mitochondrial uncoupling and excessive energy consumption
Authors: Lu Qi , Zou Lin‐feng , Gao Yuan‐zhen , Ye Ting , Li Meng‐jiao , Zhang Yu‐Kun , Liang Bing , Sun Wenshe , Xing Dong‐ming
Published: December 2022

Background

The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation can lead to lipid, protein, nucleic acid, and organelle damage, one of the core mechanisms mediating skin aging. In the photoaging process, how ROS drives the imbalance of the body's complex repair system to induce senescence‐like features is not fully understood.

Methods

We irradiated human epidermal keratinocytes with 12 J/cm2 of UVA to establish an in vitro photoaging model. Then we employed whole‐transcriptome sequencing and O2K mitochondrial function assay to reveal the photoprotective mechanisms of liquiritigenin (LQ).

Discussion

We found that skin reduces endogenous ROS by promoting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling in response to UVA‐induced damage. However, this also causes excessive consumption and idling of nutrients, leading to the inhibition of cell proliferation, and ultimately accelerating the skin aging process. Here, we demonstrated that LQ can reduce stress in keratinocytes, increase oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production efficiency, and block the massive loss of skin nutrients and net energy stress. Furthermore, LQ can promote collagen synthesis and keratinocyte proliferation through the PI3K‐AKT pathway, thereby reversing photoaging.

Conclusion

This work provides a new skin aging mechanism and solution strategy with high clinical translation value.
Effects of dietary β‐alanine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, carnosine content, amino acid composition and muscular antioxidant capacity in Chinese indigenous Ningxiang pig
Authors: Wang Fang , Yin Yexin , Wang Qiye , Xie Junyan , Fu Chenxing , Guo Henghua , Chen Jiashun , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2022

β‐alanine has been demonstrated to improve carcass traits and meat quality of animals. However, no research has been found on the effects of dietary β‐alanine in the meat quality control of finishing pigs, which are among the research focus. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary β‐alanine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, carnosine content, amino acid composition and muscular antioxidant capacity of Chinese indigenous Ningxiang pigs. The treatments contained a basal diet (control, CON) and a basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg β‐alanine. Each treatment group consisted of five pens, with five pigs per pen. Results showed that compared with CON, supplemental β‐alanine did not affect the final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake and the feed‐to‐gain ratio of pigs. Dietary β‐alanine supplementation tended to increase the pH45 min (p = 0.071) while decreasing the shear force (p = 0.085) and the drip loss (p = 0.091). Moreover, it improved (p < 0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase and lessened (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentration. Added β‐alanine in diets of finishing pigs could enhance the concentrations of arginine, alanine, and glutamate (p < 0.05) in the longissimus dorsi muscle and tended to raise the levels of cysteine, glycine and anserine (p = 0.060, p = 0.098 and p = 0.091 respectively). Taken together, our results showed that dietary β‐alanine supplementation contributed to the improvement of the carcass traits, meat quality and anserine content, the amelioration of muscle antioxidant capacity and the regulation of amino acid composition in Chinese indigenous Ningxiang pigs.
Identifying validity evidence for uncertainty tolerance scales: A systematic review
Authors: Stephens Georgina C. , Lazarus Michelle D. , Sarkar Mahbub , Karim M. Nazmul , Wilson Adam B.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Uncertainty tolerance (UT) is increasingly valued as a medical graduate attribute and broadly measured among medical student populations. However, the validity evidence underpinning UT scale implementation has not been summarised across studies. The present work evaluates UT scale validity evidence to better inform when, why and how UT scales ought to be used and to identify remaining validity evidence gaps.

Methods

A literature search for psychometric studies of UT scales was completed in 2022. Records were included if they implemented one of the four most cited UT scales (i.e. Physicians' Reactions to Uncertainty scale 1990 [PRU1990] or 1995 [PRU1995], Tolerance for Ambiguity [TFA] scale or Tolerance of Ambiguity in Medical Students and Doctors scale [TAMSAD]) in a population of physicians and/or medial students and presented validity evidence according to the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing framework. Included studies were rated and analysed according to evidence for test content, response processes, internal structure, relations to other variables and consequences of testing.

Results

Among the investigated scales, ‘relations to other variables’ and ‘internal structure’ were the most commonly reported forms of validity evidence. No evidence of ‘response processes’ or ‘consequences of testing’ was identified. Overall, the PRU1990 and PRU1995 demonstrated the strongest validity evidence, although evidence primarily related to physician populations.

Conclusions

None of the studied scales demonstrated evidence for all five sources of validity. Future research would benefit from assessing validity evidence for ‘response processes’ and ‘consequences of testing’ among physicians and medical students at different training/career stages to better understand UT construct conceptualisation in these populations. Until further and stronger validity evidence for UT scales is established, we caution against implementing UT scales outside of research settings (e.g. for higher stakes decision making).
Combination of Intravenous and Intra‐Articular Application of Tranexamic Acid and Epsilon‐Aminocaproic Acid in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zheng Che , Ma Jun , Xu Jiawen , Si Haibo , Liu Yuan , Li Mingyang , Shen Bin
Published: December 2022

Objective

There were limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of epsilon‐aminocaproic acid (EACA) versus tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of TXA and EACA in the combination of intravenous (IV) and intra‐articular (IA) administration on reducing blood loss in patients following primary TKA.

Methods

From January 2020 to January 2021, a total of 181 patients undergoing a primary unilateral TKA were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients in the TXA group (n = 90) received 20 mg/kg of intravenous TXA preoperatively, 1 g of intra‐articular TXA intraoperatively, and three doses of 20 mg/kg intravenous TXA at 0, 3, 6 h postoperatively. Patients in the EACA group (n = 91) received 120 mg/kg of intravenous EACA preoperatively, 2 g of intra‐articular EACA intraoperatively, and three doses of 40 mg/kg intravenous EACA at 0, 3, 6 h postoperatively. The primary outcomes were total blood loss (TBL), transfusion rates and drop of hemoglobin (HB) level. The secondary outcomes included postoperative hospital stays and postoperative complications. The chi‐square tests and Fisher's exact tests were utilized to compare categorical variables, while the independent‐samples t‐tests and Mann–Whitney tests were used to compare continuous variables.

Results

The patients who received TXA averaged less TBL than the patients who received EACA (831.83 ml vs 1065.49 ml, P = 0.015), and HB drop in TXA group was generally less than that of EACA group on postoperative day 1 and 3 (20.84 ± 9.48 g/L vs 24.99 ± 9.40 g/L, P = 0.004; 31.28 ± 11.19 vs 35.46 ± 12.26 g/L, P = 0.047). The length of postoperative stays in EACA group was 3.66 ± 0.81 day, which is longer than 2.62 ± 0.68 day in TXA group (P < 0.001). No transfusions were required in either group. The risk of nausea and vomiting in TXA group was significantly higher than that in EACA group (11/90 vs 0/91, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Although the TBL and HB drop were slightly greater in EACA group, these results were not clinically important, given that no transfusions were required. EACA could be an alternative to TXA, especially for patients with severe nausea and vomiting after using TXA postoperatively. Further studies are needed to adjust dosage of EACA to make better comparison of the two drugs.
Recognition of glycoside hydrolase 12 proteins by the immune receptor RXEG1 confers Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat
Authors: Wang Zongkuan , Yang Bo , Zheng Wenyue , Wang Lei , Cai Xingxing , Yang Jie , Song Rongrong , Yang Sen , Wang Yuyin , Xiao Jin , Liu Huiquan , Wang Yan , Wang Xiue , Wang Yuanchao
Published: December 2022

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a devastating disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum) that results in substantial yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Reliable genetic resources for FHB resistance in wheat are lacking. In this study, we characterized glycoside hydrolase 12 (GH12) family proteins secreted by F. graminearum. We established that two GH12 proteins, Fg05851 and Fg11037, have functionally redundant roles in F. graminearum colonization of wheat. Furthermore, we determined that the GH12 proteins Fg05851 and Fg11037 are recognized by the leucine‐rich‐repeat receptor‐like protein RXEG1 in the dicot Nicotiana benthamiana. Heterologous expression of RXEG1 conferred wheat responsiveness to Fg05851 and Fg11037, enhanced wheat resistance to F. graminearum and reduced levels of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol in wheat grains in an Fg05851/Fg11037‐dependent manner. In the RXEG1 transgenic lines, genes related to pattern‐triggered plant immunity, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and anti‐oxidative homeostasis signalling pathways were upregulated during F. graminearum infection. However, the expression of these genes was not significantly changed during infection by the deletion mutant ΔFg05851/Fg11037, suggesting that the recognition of Fg05851/Fg11037 by RXEG1 triggered plant resistance against FHB. Moreover, introducing RXEG1 into three other different wheat cultivars via crossing also conferred resistance to F. graminearum. Expression of RXEG1 did not have obvious deleterious effects on plant growth and development in wheat. Our study reveals that N. benthamiana RXEG1 remains effective when transferred into wheat, a monocot, which in turn suggests that engineering wheat with interfamily plant immune receptor transgenes is a viable strategy for increasing resistance to FHB.
When leaders heed the lessons of mistakes: Linking leaders’ recall of learning from mistakes to expressed humility
Authors: Hu Jia (Jasmine) , Zhang Shuxia , Lount Robert B. , Tepper Bennett J.
Published: December 2022

Making mistakes is an inevitable part of leadership, but little is known about how and when leaders benefit from reflecting on their missteps. In this paper, we propose that mistakes, when reflected upon, have the potential to increase a leader's expressed humility. We detail how having leaders recall past mistakes can help them formulate plans for learning and encourage them to express humility. We also argue that this positive relationship is strengthened when leaders have a promotion focus. We detail downstream benefits, as increased levels of leaders’ expressed humility are expected to increase their teams’ improvement‐oriented behaviors and, subsequently, team performance. Across multiple studies and using varied methods (i.e., scenario‐based experiments with 955 managerial leaders, a laboratory experiment with 210 student leaders and team members, and a daily field experiment with 85 managers), we empirically test the proposed relationships. Our studies contribute to the literature by identifying leaders’ recall of learning from mistakes as an important intervention to elicit their expressed humility.
Discrepancy in ingroup bias among different self‐construal individuals: The moderating role of group types
Authors: Zilun Xiao , Yufang Zhao , Yingcan Zheng , Yan Bao , Chao Zhang , Bing Chen , Weiyang Xiong , Weichao Wang
Published: December 2022

Although ingroup bias is well confirmed in various groups, the extent of the bias is affected by culture. Using a point‐assignment task and implicit association task (IAT) paradigm, we conducted research to explore the influence of independent/interdependent self‐construal ingroup bias in live and minimal group situations from both explicit and implicit aspects. The results showed that no matter which construal style was used (independent or interdependent self‐construal), participants showed ingroup bias in both live and minimal groups. In the minimal group condition, the ingroup bias of individuals with independent self‐construal was significantly higher than that of individuals with interdependent self‐construal. Conversely, in the live group condition, the ingroup bias of individuals with interdependent self‐construal was significantly higher than that of individuals with independent self‐construal. This study showed the influence of independent/interdependent self‐construal on ingroup bias and group type is a moderating variable. Results indicate that group categorization may play an essential role in ingroup bias of different group types.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:03:07 allele using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Lee So Jin , Hong Jun Young , Jung Sunmi , Lee Jina , Park Younhee
Published: December 2022

The HLA‐DQA1*01:03:07 allele differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:03:01:01 allele by a single nucleotide in codon −8.
From consistency to flexibility: Handling spatial information schema thanks to a middleware in a 3D city modeling context
Authors: Nys Gilles‐Antoine , Billen Roland
Published: December 2022

Twinning elements of reality gains a growing interest in support of decision‐making, learning, and simulations: a single and shared model should provide a unique integrative basis for managing assets of any replica of the real world. From a technical viewpoint, sharing and opening information requires both an exchange format and a high degree of freedom and flexibility. It should allow an important number of users to manage this information, to modify it, etc. Storing and manipulating spatial information concerning the urban built context currently focuses on ensuring consistency thanks to relational databases and predefined schemas. Following a paradigm shift from a relational database to a NoSQL database, a schema validation middleware is proposed to improve the flexibility of storage by conceding a share of its consistency. The flexibility improvements thus provide users a common basis that is able to evolve all along the lifecycle of their models and applications as required for twinning things. It allows users and their applications to take advantage of new storage features such as common: versioning, partitioning, prioritization, applications profiles, etc. The middleware and their new capabilities are illustrated thanks to the CityJSON encoding and its simplified schema for a document‐oriented database.
The Consequences of Ukraine-Russia Crisis: The Case of International Trade and Prices’ Behavior in Egypt
Authors: Elsafty Ashraf , Mahmoud Islam
Published: December 2022

This research aims to measure the impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflicts on the international trade and thus on the prices’ behavior in Egypt. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and observe prices’ behavior during the ongoing crisis. The literature review defined the real determinant of prices and what are the factors affecting prices in the market. This research is quantitative research with a descriptive then correlational research design and the type of investigation is non-contrived research. Observational method and questionnaire are used in data collection gathering a number of quantitative data. The questionnaires are to be directed to expert respondents whether consumers or wholesale merchants via emails or online questionnaire. The questionnaire focuses on the defining the prices’ behavior and level before, after and during the war crisis. The measuring scale used is ratio scale. The IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software was used to analyze the questionnaire responses collected from respondents. Descriptive analysis section of all questionnaire responses, followed by hypothesis testing performed to answer the research questions.This paper shows that the anticipated shortage of supply in strategic goods and Ukraine-Russia War significantly affect prices behavior. In addition, the Ukraine-Russia war has a moderating effect on the prices’ behavior in Egypt in relation to the fear of supply shortage.Future researches are recommended to analyze the macro and micro effects of the Russia-Ukraine war over longer time horizons; the increase in pricing in the Egyptian market is thought to be caused by a wide range of factors that are not all covered in this study. It is also advised that future researchers employ a large sample size for sake of generalization.
PRESENTATION OF ANUÁRIO DO INSTITUTO DE GEOCIÊNCIAS, Volume 45
Authors: Dereczynski Claudine Pereira
Published: December 2022

It is a great honor to deliver to our readers the Volume 45 (Year 2022) of the Anuário do Instituto de Geociências (AIGEO) just when the Institute of Geosciences (IGEO) of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) turns 55. The cover of this volume, created by the IGEO’s communication advisor, Suhelem de Moura Dias Oliveira, is a tribute of this date.The Volume 45, composed by 55 scientific articles of excellente quality, demonstrate the importance of Journal, especially in the Area of Geology, but also in the areas of Meteorology, Geography, Oceanography and other Environmental Sciences. Results of research developed mainly in Brazil, but also in some foreign Universities (Algeria, Cameroon, Colombia, Indonesia and Mexico) are published in this volume.From this year on, several changes were implemented in the format of the articles in order to make the journal aligned with the concept of open science. We now publish information about: i) data availability, computer program codes and other materials underlying the articles; ii) author’s conflict of interest; iii) funding information and iv) author’s specific contributions. In addition to produce articles in portable document format (pdf), we started to structure the files in eXtensible Markup Language (XML), as required by indexing and citing agencies.From January 01, 2022, thanks to the financial support of the National Council for Scientific and Tecnological Development (CNPq) and the Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of Rio de Janeiro State (FAPERJ), it was possible to extinguish the publication rate of the articles. So, now the Journal is open access and free of any charge. This gratuity of the AIGEO allowed its submission to the Redalyc Scientic Writing System – Network of Scientifc Journals (https://www.redalyc.org/), having been accepted in September this year.We would like to thank everyone who supported us this year, specially to CNPq and FAPERJ, for their financial support.To our readers, as always, we wish a pleasant and fruitful reading.
Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of WO3-SiO2 films using a heteronuclear precursor
Authors: Mullapudi Kamesh , Holden Konner E. K. , Peterson Jessica L. , Dezelah Charles L. , Moser Daniel F. , Kanjolia Ravindra K. , Tweet Douglas J. , Conley John F.
Published: December 2022

Tungsten oxide–silicon dioxide (WOx–SiOy) composite thin films were deposited for the first time via the remote oxygen plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) process using a novel metal-organic heteronuclear and heteroleptic precursor, bis(tert-butylimido)bis(trimethylsilylmethyl)tungsten. Self-limiting ALD growth was demonstrated over a wide temperature window of 203–328 °C with growth per cycle decreasing with increasing temperature from 0.75 to 0.4 Å/cycle, respectively. Residual gas analysis revealed ligand competition and showed that ligand reaction during ALD nucleation and growth was a function of deposition temperature, thereby affecting the film composition. As the temperature increased from 203 to 328 °C, the film composition [W/(Si + W)] ranged from 0.45 to 0.53. In addition, the carbon impurity content was reduced and the refractive index increased from 1.73 to 1.96, the density increased from 4.63 to 5.6 g/cm3, and the optical bandgap decreased from 3.45 to 3.27 eV. Grazing angle x-ray diffraction indicated that as-deposited films were amorphous. Upon annealing in O2 at 500 °C or higher, depending on deposition temperature, films are crystalized into the triclinic WO3 phase. At the same time, WO3 is sublimed from the surface and films are reduced in thickness.
Thermal Tide Detection: A Case Study to Introduce Open Data Analysis in High School
Authors: Bussani Andrea , Comici Cinzia
Published: December 2022

Data analysis and interpretation has always played a fundamental role in the scientific curricula of high school students. The spread of digitalization has further increased the number of learning environments whereby this topic can be effectively taught: as a matter of fact, the ever-growing diffusion of data science across diverse sectors of academic research and economy has profoundly affected the orientation of the educational systems in many countries. In addition to this, the number and effectiveness of learning activities using data analysis and interpretation have been considerably enhanced by the diffuse availability of open data. In this paper, we propose a learning activity to introduce high school students to data analysis and interpretation; the aim is to detect the presence of atmospheric thermal tides starting from the analysis of surface pressure data obtained from open data sets available online. The activity is focused on three main educational goals: Pedagogical goal: developing a stronger awareness of the importance of scientific data literacy.Citizenship goal: fostering the access to free open data resources, hosted by national and international institutions.Learning goal: contributing to the acquisition of the basic skills to analyze experimental data, with particular regard to the time series analysis of environmental data.
A Room-Size Model of Lunar Phases
Authors: Andereck Barbara
Published: December 2022

The nature and cause of the phases of the moon are widely misunderstood. Perhaps the problem is a general decline in scientific literacy, or maybe it is the loss of direct and regular observation of the moon in society generally. Many people do not see the moon as a half-illuminated sphere. Adults are often surprised to realize that the moon can be seen during the day, even though young children, who do not have preconceptions, often spot the moon in a bright sky. The procession of the phases of the moon throughout the month is at best a mystery and at worst a boring set of facts to be memorized for an exam. To provide a first-hand, three-dimensional experience of the phases of the moon, I developed a three-dimensional, room-size model and accompanying questions to supplement a textbook, available simulations, and my lectures.
Extending angles into the vastness of space
Authors: Smith Donald A.
Published: December 2022

Students often struggle to grasp the vast distances that the study of astronomy demands. Obviously, we cannot travel these distances, so direct experience is limited. We must peer out at the universe through our eyes (or substitute technology). This adds a further complication, because we do not see linear sizes—we perceive angular sizes—but our brains get so good at translating these perceptions into linear interpretations that students often struggle to recognize and interpret the meaning of angular sizes. I present here a sequence of simple activities that can get students more comfortable in working with angular size measurements, starting with simply holding up their pinky finger at arm’s length. Step by step, the students can extend the angular size of their finger out into their environment, to measure nearby objects, the Moon, the Sun, and even distant galaxies.
Evaluation of Physical Activity Indicators for French Children and Adolescents With Disabilities: National Para Report Card and SWOT Analysis
Authors: Aubert Salomé , Verdot Charlotte , Thöni Gilles , Vanhelst Jérémy
Published: December 2022

The objectives of this work were (a) to adopt the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Report Card methodology to evaluate the state of physical activity (PA) for French children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) and (b) to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) perceived by French PA experts for promoting PA among CAWD. The harmonized Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Report Card development process was used to assign a grade to the 10 common PA indicators. SWOT templates were completed by PA experts and then collapsed in a summary figure. Despite increasing efforts to provide active opportunities to CAWD, concerning low grades were assigned to behavioral indicators. SWOT analysis provided important insights for the promotion of PA in CAWD. This work highlighted the need for the inclusion of CAWD in a comprehensive national PA surveillance system and for more efficient strategies promoting PA specifically targeting CAWD in France.
Talent Identification in Youth Basketball: Talent Scouts’ Perceptions of the Key Attributes for Athlete Development
Authors: Larkin Paul , Sanford Madison , Talpey Scott , Gorman Adam D. , Reeves Matthew J.
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study is to understand the attributes youth coaches and talent scouts perceive as important when identifying skilled youth basketball players. Youth coaches and talent scouts (n = 40) from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and United States with an average of 14.09 (±9.77) years of experience completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire asked participants to rank and justify attributes for identifying potentially talented youth basketball players according to their perceived importance. In addition, five youth coaches and talent scouts completed a semistructured interview that elaborated on how they identify these attributes in national-level youth players. Results from the questionnaire indicate a hierarchy of attributes coaches/scouts perceive as important for youth basketball performance, including tactical (i.e., decision-making ability), technical (i.e., layup, shooting in the paint, jump shot, rebounding), and psychological attributes (i.e., composure, concentration, adaptability). In addition, the results from the interviews provided more detailed justification for the importance of these attributes within the talent identification process. It is believed talent scouts apply a holistic multidisciplinary approach to talent identification, with the current findings potentially providing evidence to suggest coaches/scouts consider a wide range of tactical, technical, psychological, and physical attributes when identifying youth players.
Erratum to: Rheoreaction in Danio rerio (Cyprinidae): Influence of Flow Velocity and Availability of Still Water Zones
Authors: Pavlov D. S. , Parshina V. Yu. , Kostin V. V.
Published: December 2022

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0032945222960013
Ginsenoside Re Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Intestinal Toxicity via Suppressing GSK-3β-Dependent Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Wang Jian-Qiang , Dong Yu , Feng Zi-Meng , Fan Mei-Ling , Yang Jia-Yu , Hu Jun-Nan , Cai En-Bo , Zhu Hong-Yan , Li Wei , Wang Zi
Published: December 2022

Previous reports have confirmed that crude saponins (ginsenosides) in Panax ginseng have a preventive effect on chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury. However, the protective effects and possible mechanisms of ginsenoside Re (G-Re, a maker saponin in ginseng) against chemotherapy-induced intestinal damage have not been thoroughly studied. In this work, a series of experiments in vivo and in vitro on the intestinal toxicity caused by cisplatin have been designed to verify the improvement effect of G-Re, focusing on the levels of Wnt3a and [Formula: see text]-catenin. Mice were intragastric with G-Re for 10 days, and intestinal injury was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Histopathology, gastrointestinal digestive enzyme activities, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative status were evaluated to investigate the protective effect. Furthermore, in IEC-6 cells, G-Re statistically reverses cisplatin-induced oxidative damage and cytotoxicity. The TUNEL and Hoechst 33258 staining demonstrated that G-Re possesses protective effects in cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Additionally, pretreatment with G-Re significantly alleviated the apoptosis via inhibition of over-expressions of B-associated X (Bax), as well as the caspase family members, such as caspase 3 and 9, respectively, in vivo and in vitro. Notably, western blotting results showed that G-Re treatment decreased Wnt3a, Glycogen synthase kinase [Formula: see text] (GSK-[Formula: see text]), and [Formula: see text]-catenin expression, suggesting that nuclear accumulation of [Formula: see text]-catenin was attenuated, thereby inhibiting the activation of GSK-[Formula: see text]-dependent Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signaling, which was consistent with our expected results. Therefore, the above evidence suggested that G-Re may be a candidate drug for the treatment of intestinal injury.
Synthesis of bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene-fused 5,15-diazaporphyrin and 10-azacorrole with meso-imine bridges
Authors: Okujima Tetsuo , Ueda Yuki , Inoue Manami , Mori Shigeki , Ohara Keishi , Takase Masayoshi , Uno Hidemitsu , Naito Toshio
Published: December 2022

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene(BCOD)-fused 5,15-diazaporphyrins were synthesized via a metal-template aza-annulation of dipyrrin-metal complexes as a soluble precursor of tetrabenzodiazaporphyrin. 10-Azacorrole copper complex with a meso-imine bridge was serendipitously obtained via the same reaction using dimethylBCOD-fused dipyrrin-copper complex.
Meso-functionalized BODIPYs: Synthesis, molecular docking and photodynamic efficiency on breast cancer cells
Authors: Chavda Jaydeepsinh , Chavda Vatsalsinh , Janaagal Anu , Singh Udisha , Bhatia Dhiraj , Gupta Iti
Published: December 2022

The synthesis and biological studies of meso-functionalized BODIPYs (BD-1 and BD-2) are reported. A pharmacophoric group (2-methyl-4-nitro-[Formula: see text]-phenylaniline) was introduced at the meso-position of the BODIPYs. The substitution resulted in the red-shifted emission from BD-1 and BD-2as compared to the parent meso-aryl BODIPY. Molecular docking studies on PARP (Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase) protein indicated efficient binding affinity of BD-2(-5.287) compared to BD-1. The cytotoxicity studies on triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) showed excellent photodynamic behavior of both compounds. Compound BD-2 showed excellent anti-proliferative activity in light with an IC[Formula: see text] value of 38 nm. However, in the dark condition both the compounds exhibited non-toxic behavior with 75–80% cell viability. The bioimaging studies indicated the cytoplasmic distribution of BD-1 and BD-2in the breast cancer cells.
Brown adipose tissue is not associated with cachexia or increased mortality in a retrospective study of patients with cancer
Authors: Eljalby Mahmoud , Huang Xiaojing , Becher Tobias , Wibmer Andreas G. , Jiang Caroline S. , Vaughan Roger , Schöder Heiko , Cohen Paul
Published: December 2022

This study finds that brown fat is not linked to cancer-associated cachexia. Moreover, this work shows that brown fat does not worsen overall survival in patients with cachexia.
B7‐H3: A Useful Emerging Diagnostic Marker for Colon Cancer
Authors: Bostanci Ozgur , Sayin Pinar , Kiziltan Remzi , Algul Sermin , Aydin Mehmet Akif , Kemik Ozgur
Published: December 2022

Background. Colon cancer is the second most common malignancy causing the majority of cancer‐related deaths. B7‐H3 concentrations have drawn major interest as possible diagnostic biomarkers of cancer. The aim of this study was to measure the preoperative serum B7‐H3 levels and to determine those that are replaced in colon cancer. Method. We measured preoperative serum B7‐H3 concentrations of 90 patients aged 57‐69 years diagnosed with colon cancer and 50 age‐matched healthy individuals. B7‐H3 levels were determined using the sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were categorized by stage based on the TNM staging system, and the serum levels of B7‐H3 were compared between patients with different TNM stages. Result. No statistically significant difference was found between the patient and control groups in terms of age and gender. Preoperative serum B7‐H3 levels were statistically significantly higher in patients with colon cancer than in the healthy group (p < 0.001). Preoperative serum B7‐H3 concentration of the stage IV patients was significantly higher than those of the patients with stage I and stage II disease. In addition, higher serum B7‐H3 levels were associated with lymph node status and distant metastasis in colon cancer. Conclusion. We showed that B7‐H3 is highly expressed in colon cancer and can be used as a candidate diagnostic biomarker and a potential target in colon cancer in future.
Analyses of the Design of Multirows Vaneless Staggered Counter-Rotating Turbine
Authors: Wu Zhongye , Zhang Yukun , Ma Qingfen , Li Jingru
Published: December 2022

Compared with a conventional turbine, counter rotating turbine has larger thrust weight ratio, shorter axial distance, and higher efficiency. It has been widely used in high-performance aviation. In conventional counter-rotating turbine, HPT is located in the front of LPT, and only a stator row can be eliminated. The layout limits the turbine weight and efficiency. Therefore, the staggered counter rotating turbine is proposed, and the staggered counter rotating turbine can eliminate the all-internal stators, which can greatly improve the turbine weight and efficiency. The staggered counter rotating turbine is the development and improvement of counter rotating turbine. Due to the elimination of the all-internal stators, the downstream rotor will suffer from the insufficient inlet swirl, which is the main question in staggered counter rotating turbine design. Furthermore, the turbine outlet angle is also an important parameter to evaluate the turbine design. The coordination of inlet swirl and outlet Mach number and the outlet angle is discussed by the theoretical method. In order to verify the design method, two-dimensional throughflow design, blade design, and three-dimensional numerical analysis are performed. Expansion ratios and efficiency at the speed combinations of the 80% to 105% are discussed to reveal the turbine characteristics at off-design conditions. An adiabatic total-to-total efficiency of 92.1% with expansion ratio of 4.47 at design point is obtained and achieves the initial design goal very well. The paper is aimed at providing a technical approach to improve the thrust weight ratio, efficiency of high bypass turbofan engines, and provide new ideas for the development of aeroengines.
Study and Numerical Analysis on Seismic Performance of Concrete U-Shaped Shear Wall
Authors: Li Jiuyang , Chen Li , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Fangqi
Published: December 2022

Rectangular, L-shaped, and T-shaped section concrete shear walls in high-rise buildings are more frequently used in engineering and are widely studied. However, there are few studies related to the load-bearing performance of concrete shear walls with U-shaped sections. In this article, the seismic performance and damage mechanisms are analyzed in a systematic manner. In addition, a finite element model was developed using ABAQUS software, and numerical simulation was carried out. The damage forms and load-carrying capacity of shear walls with U-shaped sections were validated. Finally, reasonable suggestions and construction measures are given for the design of shear walls with U-shaped sections, and a benchmark is provided for relevant engineering applications.
Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome by a Quercus Serrata Extract and Isolation of the Component Compounds for the Treatment of Arthritis
Authors: Seonu Seo Yeon , Kim Min Ji , Lee Min Won
Published: December 2022

Quercus serrata belongs to the Fagaceae family. There are 600 known species of Quercus worldwide. Q. serrata is distributed nationally in Korea, Japan, and China and grows to a height of 10–15 m. It exhibits a light grey bark with longitudinal furrows; the leaves are 6–12 cm long and 2.5–5 cm wide. The Quercus genus reportedly exhibits several types of bioactivity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. Additionally, it has been reported that Quercus produces diverse phytochemicals, including tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Herein, we describe the column chromatographic isolation of five compounds from a Q. serrata extract. The compounds included caffeic acid (1), myricetin-3-O-cellobioside (2), phloroglucinol (3), (S)-2,3-HHDP-D-glucopyranoside (4), and pedunculagin (5). We assessed the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, antioxidant activity, NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome (including NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) inhibitory effects, and collagenase inhibition activity of the Q. serrata extract and its constituent compounds. Our results indicated that the Q. serrata extract and the isolated constituent compounds showed inhibitory activity with reference to nitric oxide production, inflammasome component expression, and collagenase activity. Our findings imply that the Q. serrata extract and the isolated constituent compounds are potential candidates for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.