bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production conditions and fine structure parameters of metallic glasses based on light rare-earth elements
Authors: Lysenko A B , Kalinina T V , Tomina A-M V , Vishnevskaya Y V , Popil O.I.
Published: October 2022

Thermal regimes of formation and parameters of the fine structure of amorphous alloys based on light rare-earth elements (E-La, Ce, Pr) with normal metals (M-Al, Cu, Ag) obtained by rapid cooling of melt layers on the inner surface of a rotating cylindrical heat receiver are studied. It has been shown that the alloys under study belong to materials with an average level of glass-forming ability (GFA), whichsolidify without crystallization in cross sections from 35 to 65 μm during quenching from a liquid state. Based on the correlation between the sizes of coherent scattering regions and the shortest interatomic distances found by X-ray diffraction for E-M amorphous alloys with the corresponding characteristics of metallic glasses of other classes, a conclusion was made about a close analogy of the atomic structure of noncrystalline phases fixed by quenching metallic melts.
Fuzzy set decision-making system for determining the technological parameters of the laser cutting process
Authors: Blaga F S , Cristea A , Nastor G , Pop A , Buidos T , Lucaciu I
Published: October 2022

The technology of laser cutting of metallic and non-metallic materials is more and more frequently used in the industrial environment. Under these conditions there is a permanent concern to improve the quality of the parts obtained, more precisely the quality of the surfaces resulting from cutting. Cutting process parameters: power, cutting speed significantly influences the quality of cut parts. The paper presents how a decision-making system based on fuzzy sets was developed to determine the technological parameters of the laser cutting process. Input parameters were defined: material thickness and roughness. Output parameters have been defined: cutting power and speed. Next, the specific steps of elaborating a decision system based on fuzzy sets were completed. A user interface has also been created. Validation of the decision system based on fuzzy sets was achieved through experimental research.
Influence of drone’s nacelle conicity on the air flow dynamics
Authors: Sirca A.A. , Szabo I. , Mariaşiu F. , Moldovanu D. , Cărăuşan H.
Published: October 2022

Humankind is facing more and more specific problems in technology area and the concept of using controlled or autonomous air systems knows as drone is present in several industries caused by the variety of options they provide. To connect the problems with the drone usage and to achieve a reliable solution drones needs optimization and technical characteristics to be changed. In the agriculture field they must offer an accurate construction of the nacelle so the air flow can be controlled properly so the process of phytosanitary treatment can offer more precision and efficiency. The paper suggests the research of air flow dynamics according to the geometry (conicity) of 4 different nacelle construction at different angles (55°, 65°, 75° and 85°) by numerical analysis method and parameters as velocity, pressure and airspeed.
System analysis of Pick and Place Control in Education
Authors: Hruskova E , Matusova M
Published: October 2022

Pneumatic and electro-pneumatic mechanisms are a necessary component in the operation of production machinery and equipment. Their great development and wide application, especially in the last few years, have contributed to their advantageous characteristics, but also to their affordability. Reliability, safety at work, but also speed of operation together with control issues are such facts which are important to fully respect nowadays when designing assembly. With the progressive development of new processes, more sophisticated automation elements and, last but not least, management and control systems are associated. When designing a pick and place application, it is necessary to analyse the possibility and availability of using collaborative robots. This paper discusses the preliminary stages of the process of optimizing work movements and defines the "pick and place" of collaborative robots with the design of pneumatic and electro-pneumatic control.
Implementation of controlling in conditions of micro, small and medium industrial enterprises
Authors: Bestvinová Viera
Published: October 2022

This paper deals with the implementation of controlling in a group of small and medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs) in Slovakia. The business environment characterized by rapid and abrupt changes forces enterprises to innovate not only products, but also internal processes and management system. Enterprises therefore implement controlling, whose role is to support the management of the enterprise in making important decisions. This paper will analyse the application of controlling in SMEs based on interviews with business managers and a questionnaire survey. Large enterprises have implemented controlling, but SMEs face the task of implementing it. Therefore, the paper will describe the tasks that need to be accomplished in the different phases of building controlling in SMEs. It will conclude by highlighting the benefits of implementing controlling for the management of SMEs.
LGBTQ Youth Cultures and Social Media
Authors: Jenzen Olu
Published: October 2022

Research has established that access to the Internet and social media is vital for many lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer + (LGBTQ+) young people. LGBTQ+ social media youth cultures form across platforms and are shaped by a range of media affordances and vernaculars. LGBTQ+ youth use social media for self-expression, connecting with other LGBTQ+ young people, entertainment, activism, and collecting and curating information. Through a digital cultural studies approach, the essay discusses themes of LGBTQ+ youth identity work, communities and networked publics, and youth voice to explore how digital and social media imaginaries and practices produce new forms of socialites. It situates LGBTQ+ youth social media practices in relation to the affective economy and algorithmic exclusion of platforms, as well as in relation to neoliberal paradigms of gender and sexuality and homotolerance.
Approaches to Contraceptive Methods for Men
Authors: Wang Christina , Swerdloff Ronald S.
Published: October 2022

Unlike female contraception methods, male contraception has had no new approved approaches since the introduction of no-scalpel vasectomy over 40 years ago. Men who wish to share family planning responsibilities have withdrawal or condoms as available reversible methods of contraception. These methods have a high failure rate and are user dependent. While a vasectomy can be surgically reversed, it should be considered a form of permanent contraception because pregnancy in the partner cannot be guaranteed after reversal. Experimental methods, including chemicals to block the vas deferens, are undergoing testing.

Since the 1970s, hormonal male contraception using testosterone alone and testosterone combined with a progestin demonstrated high efficacy and few short-term adverse effects. Long-term adverse effects cannot be determined until a hormonal male contraceptive method is approved, allowing safety studies to be performed. Contraceptive efficacy studies have shown failure rates comparable to those of hormonal female contraception. Current studies focus on user-controlled methods such as daily transdermal gels, oral pills, and long-acting injectables. Large-scale population studies performed in the early 2000s confirmed that over 50% of men surveyed would try a new male contraceptive, preferring an oral pill over injections or implants. These surveys also showed that over 80% of the women welcomed a new method of contraception, and over 90% of them would trust their partner to use the male method consistently. With changes in gender roles and gender equity in relationships, it is anticipated that male participation in family planning methods will be enhanced. Successful efficacy, safety, and reversibility with hormonal male-directed methods may pave the way new, targeted nonhormonal approaches. Once the testicular target is selected, new compounds can be identified based on structure function analyses or high-throughput screening to identify agonists or antagonists of the target.
Transboundary Water Governance and Small Basin Councils in Central Asia
Authors: Xenarios Stefanos , Yakubov Murat , Baubekova Aziza , Alshagirov Olzhas , Zhalgas Zhassulan , Araral Eduardo Jr
Published: October 2022

Central Asia (CA) hosts some of the world’s most complex and most extensive water management infrastructures allocated in the two major transboundary basins of the Amudarya and Syrdarya Rivers. The upstream countries of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan mainly utilize the rivers for hydropower and irrigation, whereas the downstream countries of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan primarily use them for irrigation purposes. The governance of the two river basins has been contested since Soviet times, and more so after the independence of the CA countries. The scheme of Small Basin Councils (SBCs) has been introduced in the region from 2010 to 2022 to improve local and transboundary water governance at a sub-basin and catchment level. Implementing SBCs in CA is still in the experimental phase, and its contribution to river basin management is insufficiently explored. However, there are indications that SBCs play a significant role in raising awareness of and engagement with local communities and improving local and transboundary governance management and coordination. Most important, SBCs can help resolve critical issues in agricultural water allocation, one of the most contentious issues for transboundary water governance in CA. The basin councils could become significant leverage for improving water governance on national and transboundary systems in CA by actively engaging local communities in management, planning, and administration.
Changing patterns of multidisciplinary team treatment, early mortality, and survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Layfield David M , Flashman Karen G , Benitez Majano Sara , Senapati Asha , Ball Christopher , Conti John A , Khan Jim S , O’Leary Daniel P
Published: October 2022

Background

This study reports early mortality and survival from colorectal cancer in relation to the pattern of treatments delivered by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting at a high-volume institution in England over 14 years.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and discussed during MDT meetings from 2003 to 2016 at a single institution were reviewed. Three time intervals (2003–2007, 2008–2012, and 2013–2016) were compared regarding initial surgical management (resection, local excision, non-resection surgery, and no surgery), initial oncological therapy, 90-day mortality, and crude 2-year survival for the whole cohort. Sub-analyses were performed according to age greater or less than 80 years.

Results

The MDT managed 4617 patients over 14 years (1496 in the first interval and 1389 in the last). Over this time, there was a reduction in emergency resections from 15.5 per cent to 9.0 per cent (P < 0.0001); use of oncological therapies increased from 34.6 per cent to 41.6 per cent (P < 0.0001). The 90-day mortality after diagnosis of colorectal cancer dropped from 14.8 per cent to 10.7 per cent (P < 0.001) and 2-year survival improved from 58.6 per cent to 65 per cent (P < 0.001). Among patients aged 80 years or older (425 and 446, in the first and last intervals respectively) there was, in addition, a progressive increase in ‘no surgery’ rate from 33.6 per cent to 50.2 per cent (P < 0.0001) and a reduction in elective resections from 42.4 per cent to 33.9 per cent (P = 0.010). The 90-day mortality after elective resection fell from 10.0 per cent (18 of 180) to 3.3 per cent (5 of 151; P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Survival from colorectal cancer improved significantly over 14 years. Among patients aged ≥80 years, major changes in the type of treatment delivered were associated with a decrease in postoperative mortality.
Brain-wide connectivity map of mouse thermosensory cortices
Authors: Bokiniec Phillip , Whitmire Clarissa J , Leva Tobias M , Poulet James F A
Published: October 2022

In the thermal system, skin cooling is represented in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and the posterior insular cortex (pIC). Whether S1 and pIC are nodes in anatomically separate or overlapping thermal sensorimotor pathways is unclear, as the brain-wide connectivity of the thermal system has not been mapped. We address this using functionally targeted, dual injections of anterograde viruses or retrograde tracers into the forelimb representation of S1 (fS1) and pIC (fpIC). Our data show that inputs to fS1 and fpIC originate from separate neuronal populations, supporting the existence of parallel input pathways. Outputs from fS1 and fpIC are more widespread than their inputs, sharing a number of cortical and subcortical targets. While, axonal projections were separable, they were more overlapping than the clusters of input cells. In both fS1 and fpIC circuits, there was a high degree of reciprocal connectivity with thalamic and cortical regions, but unidirectional output to the midbrain and hindbrain. Notably, fpIC showed connectivity with regions associated with thermal processing. Together, these data indicate that cutaneous thermal information is routed to the cortex via parallel circuits and is forwarded to overlapping downstream regions for the binding of somatosensory percepts and integration with ongoing behavior.
Hippocampal blood flow rapidly and preferentially increases after a bout of moderate-intensity exercise in older adults with poor cerebrovascular health
Authors: Palmer Jacqueline A , Morris Jill K , Billinger Sandra A , Lepping Rebecca J , Martin Laura , Green Zachary , Vidoni Eric D
Published: October 2022

Over the course of aging, there is an early degradation of cerebrovascular health, which may be attenuated with aerobic exercise training. Yet, the acute cerebrovascular response to a single bout of exercise remains elusive, particularly within key brain regions most affected by age-related disease processes. We investigated the acute global and region-specific cerebral blood flow (CBF) response to 15 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in older adults (≥65 years; n = 60) using arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging. Within 0–6 min post-exercise, CBF decreased across all regions, an effect that was attenuated in the hippocampus. The exercise-induced CBF drop was followed by a rebound effect over the 24-minute postexercise assessment period, an effect that was most robust in the hippocampus. Individuals with low baseline perfusion demonstrated the greatest hippocampal-specific CBF effect post-exercise, showing no immediate drop and a rapid increase in CBF that exceeded baseline levels within 6–12 minutes postexercise. Gains in domain-specific cognitive performance postexercise were not associated with changes in regional CBF, suggesting dissociable effects of exercise on acute neural and vascular plasticity. Together, the present findings support a precision-medicine framework for the use of exercise to target brain health that carefully considers age-related changes in the cerebrovascular system.
Anthropomorphism in human–robot interactions: a multidimensional conceptualization
Authors: Kühne Rinaldo , Peter Jochen
Published: October 2022

With robots increasingly assuming social roles (e.g., assistants, companions), anthropomorphism (i.e., the cognition that an entity possesses human characteristics) plays a prominent role in human–robot interactions (HRI). However, current conceptualizations of anthropomorphism in HRI have not adequately distinguished between precursors, consequences, and dimensions of anthropomorphism. Building and elaborating on previous research, we conceptualize anthropomorphism as a form of human cognition, which centers upon the attribution of human mental capacities to a robot. Accordingly, perceptions related to a robot’s shape and movement are potential precursors of anthropomorphism, while attributions of personality and moral value to a robot are potential consequences of anthropomorphism. Arguing that multidimensional conceptualizations best reflect the conceptual facets of anthropomorphism, we propose, based on Wellman’s (1990) Theory-of-Mind (ToM) framework, that anthropomorphism in HRI consists of attributing thinking, feeling, perceiving, desiring, and choosing to a robot. We conclude by discussing applications of our conceptualization in HRI research.
Coffee tastes bitter: education and the coffee economy in Colombia in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries
Authors: Fuentes-Vásquez María José , España-Eljaiek Irina
Published: October 2022

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, coffee became the main Colombian export, turning the country into one of the world’s leading coffee producers. This agrarian commodity provided resources for coffee-growing areas, favouring the rise of mass education. However, this paper suggests that coffee led to children ceasing to attend school to work in coffee production, thus affecting the demand for education adversely. We test this hypothesis by using different empirical strategies. We conduct panel regressions and instrumental variable cross-sectional estimates. The results show that increasing coffee production negatively affects the demand for the education of primary school-age children.
Cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and opiates increase the risk of incident atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lin Anthony L , Nah Gregory , Tang Janet J , Vittinghoff Eric , Dewland Thomas A , Marcus Gregory M
Published: October 2022

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is now regarded as a preventable disease, requiring a search for modifiable risk factors. With legalization of cannabis and more lenient laws regarding the use of other illicit substances, investigation into the potential effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, opiate, and cannabis exposure on incident AF is needed.

Methods and results

Using Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development databases, a longitudinal analysis was performed of adult Californians ≥18 years of age who received care in an emergency department, outpatient surgery facility, or hospital from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2015. Associations between healthcare coding for the use of each substance and a new AF diagnosis were assessed. Among 23,561,884 patients, 98 271 used methamphetamine, 48 701 used cocaine, 10 032 used opiates, and 132 834 used cannabis. Of the total population, 998 747 patients (4.2%) developed incident AF during the study period. After adjusting for potential confounders and mediators, use of methamphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and cannabis was each associated with increased incidence of AF: hazard ratios 1.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.81–1.92], 1.61 (95% CI 1.55–1.68), 1.74 (95% CI 1.62–1.87), and 1.35 (95% CI 1.30–1.40), respectively. Negative control analyses in the same cohort failed to reveal similarly consistent positive relationships.

Conclusion

Methamphetamine, cocaine, opiate, and cannabis uses were each associated with increased risk of developing incident AF. Efforts to mitigate the use of these substances may represent a novel approach to AF prevention.
Sports-related sudden cardiac arrest in young adults
Authors: Bohm Philipp , Meyer Tim , Narayanan Kumar , Schindler Matthias , Weizman Orianne , Beganton Frankie , Schmied Christian , Bougouin Wulfran , Barra Sergio , Dumas Florence , Varenne Olivier , Cariou Alain , Karam Nicole , Jouven Xavier , Marijon Eloi
Published: October 2022

Aims

Data on sports-related sudden cardiac arrest (SrSCA) among young adults in the general population are scarce. We aimed to determine the overall SrSCA incidence, characteristics, and outcomes in young adults.

Methods and results

Prospective cohort study of all cases of SrSCA between 2012 and 2019 in Germany and Paris area, France, involving subjects aged 18–35 years. Detection of SrSCA was achieved via multiple sources, including emergency medical services (EMS) reporting and web-based screening of media releases. Cases and aetiologies were centrally adjudicated. Overall, a total of 147 SrSCA (mean age 28.1 ± 4.8 years, 95.2% males) occurred, with an overall burden of 4.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.85–6.68] cases per million-year, including 12 (8.2%) cases in young competitive athletes. While bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated in 114 (82.6%), automated external defibrillator (AED) use by bystanders occurred only in a minority (7.5%). Public AED use prior to EMS arrival (odds ratio 6.25, 95% CI 1.48–43.20, P = 0.02) was the strongest independent predictor of survival at hospital discharge (38.1%). Among cases that benefited from both immediate bystander CPR and AED use, survival rate was 90.9%. Coronary artery disease was the most frequent aetiology (25.8%), mainly through acute coronary syndrome (86.9%).

Conclusion

Sports-related sudden cardiac arrest in the young occurs mainly in recreational male sports participants. Public AED use remains disappointingly low, although survival may reach 90% among those who benefit from both bystander CPR and early defibrillation. Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent cause of SrSCA in young adults.
Moderators of an intervention on emotional and behavioural problems: household- and school-level parental education
Authors: Horoz Nil , Buil J Marieke , Koot Susanne , van Lenthe Frank J , Houweling Tanja A J , Oude Groeniger Joost , Koot Hans M , van Lier Pol A C
Published: October 2022

Background

Children of lower-educated parents and children in schools with a relatively high percentage of peers with lower-educated parents (lower parental education schools) are more likely to develop emotional and behavioural problems compared to children in higher-educated households and schools. Universal school-based preventive interventions, such as the Good Behaviour Game (GBG), are generally effective in preventing the development of emotional and behavioural problems, but information about potential moderators is limited. This study examined whether the effectiveness of the GBG in preventing emotional and behavioural problems differs between children in lower- and higher-educated households and schools.

Methods

Using a longitudinal multi-level randomized controlled trial design, 731 children (Mage=6.02 towards the end of kindergarten) from 31 mainstream schools (intervention arm: 21 schools, 484 children; control arm: 10 schools, 247 children) were followed annually from kindergarten to second grade (2004–2006). The GBG was implemented in first and second grades.

Results

Overall, the GBG prevented the development of emotional and behavioural problems. However, for emotional problems, the GBG-effect was slightly more pronounced in higher parental education schools than in lower parental education schools (Bhigher parental education schools =−0.281, P <0.001; Blower parental education schools =−0.140, P = 0.016). No moderation by household-level parental education was found.

Conclusions

Studies into universal school-based preventive interventions, and in particular the GBG, should consider and incorporate school-level factors when studying the effectiveness of such interventions. More attention should be directed towards factors that may influence universal prevention effectiveness, particularly in lower parental education schools.
Microbial ecology of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Castillo Diego J , Dithugoe Choaro D , Bezuidt Oliver K , Makhalanyane Thulani P
Published: October 2022

The Southern Ocean (SO) distributes climate signals and nutrients worldwide, playing a pivotal role in global carbon sequestration. Microbial communities are essential mediators of primary productivity and carbon sequestration, yet we lack a comprehensive understanding of microbial diversity and functionality in the SO. Here, we examine contemporary studies in this unique polar system, focusing on prokaryotic communities and their relationships with other trophic levels (i.e. phytoplankton and viruses). Strong seasonal variations and the characteristic features of this ocean are directly linked to community composition and ecosystem functions. Specifically, we discuss characteristics of SO microbial communities and emphasise differences from the Arctic Ocean microbiome. We highlight the importance of abundant bacteria in recycling photosynthetically derived organic matter. These heterotrophs appear to control carbon flux to higher trophic levels when light and iron availability favour primary production in spring and summer. Conversely, during winter, evidence suggests that chemolithoautotrophs contribute to prokaryotic production in Antarctic waters. We conclude by reviewing the effects of climate change on marine microbiota in the SO.
Modern yeast development: finding the balance between tradition and innovation in contemporary winemaking
Authors: Gardner Jennifer M , Alperstein Lucien , Walker Michelle E , Zhang Jin , Jiranek Vladimir
Published: October 2022

A key driver of quality in wines is the microbial population that undertakes fermentation of grape must. Winemakers can utilise both indigenous and purposefully inoculated yeasts to undertake alcoholic fermentation, imparting wines with aromas, flavours and palate structure and in many cases contributing to complexity and uniqueness. Importantly, having a toolbox of microbes helps winemakers make best use of the grapes they are presented with, and tackle fermentation difficulties with flexibility and efficiency. Each year the number of strains available commercially expands and more recently, includes strains of non-Saccharomyces, strains that have been improved using both classical and modern yeast technology and mixed cultures. Here we review what is available commercially, and what may be in the future, by exploring recent advances in fermentation relevant strain improvement technologies. We also report on the current use of microbes in the Australian wine industry, as reported by winemakers, as well as regulations around, and sentiment about the potential use of genetically modified organisms in the future.
Fine mapping and marker development for the wheat leaf rust resistance gene Lr32
Authors: Sharma Jyoti Saini , McCartney Curt A , McCallum Brent D , Hiebert Colin W
Published: October 2022

Wheat leaf rust is caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia triticina and is one of the wheat diseases of concern globally. Among the known leaf rust resistance genes (Lr) genes, Lr32 is a broadly effective gene derived from the diploid species Aegilops tauschii coss. accession RL5497-1 and has been genetically mapped to chromosome arm 3DS. However, Lr32 resistance has not been utilized in current cultivars in part due to the lack of modern, predictive DNA markers. The goals of this study were to fine map the Lr32 region and develop SNP-based kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction markers. The genomic analysis was conducted by using doubled haploid and F2-derived mapping populations. For marker development, a 90K wheat chip array, 35K and 820K Axiom R SNPs, A. tauschii pseudomolecules v4.0 and International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium ReqSeq v2.1 reference genomes were used. Total 28 kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and 2 simple sequence repeat markers were developed. The Lr32 region was fine mapped between kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction markers Kwh142 and Kwh355 that flanked 34–35 Mb of the diploid and hexaploid reference genomes. Leaf rust resistance mapped as a Mendelian trait that cosegregated with 20 markers, recombination restriction limited the further resolution of the Lr32 region. A total of 10–11 candidate genes associated with disease resistance were identified between the flanking regions on both reference genomes, with the majority belonging to the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat gene family. The validation analysis selected 2 kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction markers, Kwh147 and Kwh722, for marker-assisted selection. The presence of Lr32 along with other Lr genes such as Lr67 and Lr34 would increase the resistance in future wheat breeding lines and have a high impact on controlling wheat leaf rust.
Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Differences in a Deficit Accumulation Frailty Index in the Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Anna H , Setiawan V Wendy , Stram Daniel O , Crimmins Eileen M , Tseng Chiu-Chen , Lim Unhee , Park Song-Yi , White Kami K , Cheng Iona , Haiman Christopher A , Wilkens Lynne R , Le Marchand Loïc
Published: October 2022

Background

Frailty status has been sparsely studied in some groups including Native Hawaiians and Asian Americans.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire-based deficit accumulation frailty index (FI) in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) and examined frailty status (robust, FI 0 to <0.2, prefrail, FI 0.2 to <0.35, and frail FI ≥ 0.35) among 29 026 men and 40 756 women.

Results

After adjustment for age, demographic, lifestyle factors, and chronic conditions, relative to White men, odds of being frail was significantly higher (34%–54%) among African American, Native Hawaiian, and other Asian American men, whereas odds was significantly lower (36%) in Japanese American men and did not differ in Latino men. However, among men who had high school or less, none of the groups displayed significantly higher odds of prefrail or frail compared with White men. Relative to White women, odds of being frail were significantly higher (14%–33%) in African American and Latino women, did not differ for other Asian American women and lower (14%–36%) in Native Hawaiian and Japanese American women. These racial and ethnic differences in women were observed irrespective of education. Risk of all-cause mortality was higher in prefrail and frail men than robust men (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.69, 1.59–1.81; HR = 3.27, 3.03–3.53); results were similar in women. All-cause mortality was significantly positively associated with frailty status and frailty score across all sex, race, and ethnic groups,

Conclusions

Frailty status differed significantly by race and ethnicity and was consistently associated with all-cause mortality. The FI may be a useful tool for aging studies in this multiethnic population.
Blueprint for Future Research Advancing the Study of Sexuality, Gender, and Equity in Later Life: Lessons Learned From Aging With Pride, The National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS)
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen
Published: October 2022

While interest in sexuality\research is growing, in the past, it has been largely invisible in gerontology. By exploring the full range and dimensions of sexuality and their interrelationships with multiple factors, this article presents conceptual, substantive, and methodological advances for the field of sexuality in later life. Based on the Sexual Equity Framework, an extension of the Health Equity Promotion Model, this article highlights the heterogeneity and intersectionality of sexuality across the life course, examining how historical and contemporary contexts frame key dimensions of sexuality at multiple levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, sociocultural, and structural) and their relationship with sexual quality of life. Utilizing findings from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging and Sexuality/Gender Study, the heterogeneity and intersectionality of age, gender, race, and ethnicity are critical to understanding sexuality and its dimensions in later life. Many adults experience changes in sexual and gender identities over time. Affirming sexual and gender identities, social connections, and health-promoting behaviors are positively associated with sexual quality of life, while sexual stigma and marginalization have adverse consequences. The study of sexuality needs to be fully integrated into gerontology. The Sexual Equity Framework explicates the potential deleterious effect of historical and contemporary structures on sexuality as well the important roles of affirmation, agency, and resilience among older adults, and recognizes the important role of human rights to advance sexual quality of life. Important directions for future research, practices, and policies are outlined.
Investigation of carbon fiber anode materials for collector-free lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Jian , Cheng Wenjie , Zhang Ruiming , Zeng Tingwei , Lei Yuban , Zhao Hailei , Luo Dawei
Published: October 2022

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) play a key role in grid-scale energy storage, making the development of LIBs with higher gravimetric energy density a necessity. Reducing the mass of the inactive collector component or even removing the collector altogether is important for improving energy density. This work proposes a 3D network electrode constructed based on the linear structure of carbon fiber (CF), which is directly used as an anode material without using a copper foil collector, and compared with the existing graphite anode material. The results show that CF has better rate performance, and the specific capacity of CF at high loading (1.3 mg/cm2) increases to a different degree along with the initial cycle. The comprehensive performance of the full battery assembled with CF electrode as the anode and LiFePO4 as the cathode shows that its overall energy density is higher than that of the graphite/LiFePO4 battery. The energy densities of CF/LiFePO4 and Graphite/LiFePO4 after 10 cycles at 0.1A/g current density were 198.7 Wh/kg and 132.7 Wh/kg, respectively. The energy density and power density of CF/LiFePO4 at other current densities are also greater than those of Graphite/LiFePO4.
Security, Terrorism, and Territorial Withdrawal: Critically Reassessing the Lessons of Israel's “Unilateral Disengagement” from the Gaza Strip
Authors: Geist Pinfold Rob
Published: October 2022

In contemporary Israel, the apparently negative consequences of the 2005 “unilateral disengagement” from the Gaza Strip have fueled a perception that leaving territory harms national security. Three claims underlie this framing: (1) domestic Israeli political considerations—not national security concerns—caused the disengagement; (2) Israel abandoned territory without receiving any compensation; and (3) leaving Gaza only precipitated further terrorist attacks. This article challenges these claims. It argues that domestic dynamics alone do not explain the withdrawal. Instead, Israel withdrew to mitigate its casualties, yield foreign policy gains, deter and deny terrorist groups, and avert a perceived demographic threat. The disengagement did not seek to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Instead, through a limited territorial exit, it sought to stabilize the conflict and stymie negotiations with the Palestinians. In contrast to dominant perceptions, Israel achieved all of these objectives. Furthermore, it was Israel's post-disengagement policies that precipitated most of the recent security threats, not the withdrawal itself. These findings reassess the disengagement's goals and efficacy. They demonstrate that in contrast to popular perceptions in Israel today, the Gaza disengagement neither was a strategic blunder nor does it exemplify that territorial withdrawal constitutes a flawed policy choice.
Liposomal amikacin and Mycobacterium abscessus: intimate interactions inside eukaryotic cells
Authors: Le Moigne Vincent , Blouquit-Laye Sabine , Desquesnes Aurore , Girard-Misguich Fabienne , Herrmann Jean-Louis
Published: October 2022

Background

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs), a rapidly growing Mycobacterium species, is considered an MDR organism. Among the standard antimicrobial multi-drug regimens against Mabs, amikacin is considered as one of the most effective. Parenteral amikacin, as a consequence of its inability to penetrate inside the cells, is only active against extracellular mycobacteria. The use of inhaled liposomal amikacin may yield improved intracellular efficacy by targeting Mabs inside the cells, while reducing its systemic toxicity.

Objectives

To evaluate the colocalization of an amikacin liposomal inhalation suspension (ALIS) with intracellular Mabs, and then to measure its intracellular anti-Mabs activity.

Methods

We evaluated the colocalization of ALIS with Mabs in eukaryotic cells such as macrophages (THP-1 and J774.2) or pulmonary epithelial cells (BCi-NS1.1 and MucilAir), using a fluorescent ALIS and GFP-expressing Mabs, to test whether ALIS reaches intracellular Mabs. We then evaluated the intracellular anti-Mabs activity of ALIS inside macrophages using cfu and/or luminescence.

Results

Using confocal microscopy, we demonstrated fluorescent ALIS and GFP-Mabs colocalization in macrophages and epithelial cells. We also showed that ALIS was active against intracellular Mabs at a concentration of 32 to 64 mg/L, at 3 and 5 days post-infection. Finally, ALIS intracellular activity was confirmed when tested against 53 clinical Mabs isolates, showing intracellular growth reduction for nearly 80% of the isolates.

Conclusions

Our experiments demonstrate the intracellular localization and intracellular contact between Mabs and ALIS, and antibacterial activity against intracellular Mabs, showing promise for its future use for Mabs pulmonary infections.
Emodin coupled with high LET neutron beam—a novel approach to treat on glioblastoma
Authors: Kim Jeong-Yub , Jung Chan-Woong , Lee Won Seok , Jeong Hyeon-Jeong , Park Myung-Jin , Jang Won Il , Kim Eun Ho
Published: October 2022

The primary motivation of this investigative study is trying to find an alternative treatment that can be used to slow down or treat glioblastoma due to the witnessed toxic side effects of the current drugs coupled with limited effectiveness in overall treatment. Consequently, a Chinese plant extract emodin proves to play a critical role in this investigative study since results from the Western blot and the other accompanying assays for anti-cancer effects indicate that it cannot work a lot to suppress cell migration and possible invasion, but rather emodin can be combined with radiation to give desired outcomes. Our result shows that the kind of radiation which acts well with emodin is neutron radiation rather than gamma radiation. Emodin significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of LN18 and LN428 cells to γ-rays through MTT assay and cell counting. Accordingly, exposure to neutron radiation in the presence of emodin induced apoptotic cell death and autophagic cell death to a significantly higher extent, and suppressed cell migration and invasiveness more robustly. These effects are presumably due to the ability of emodin to amplify the effective dose from neutron radiation more efficiently. Thus, the study below is one such trial towards new interventional discovery and development in relation to glioblastoma treatment.
GhROP6 GTPase modulates auxin accumulation in cotton fibers by regulating cell-specific GhPIN3a localization
Authors: Xi Jing , Zeng Jianyan , Fu Xingxian , Zhang Liuqin , Li Gailing , Li Baoxia , Yan Xingying , Chu Qingqing , Xiao Yuehua , Pei Yan , Zhang Mi
Published: October 2022

PIN-FORMED- (PIN) mediated polar auxin transport plays a predominant role in most auxin-triggered organogenesis in plants. Global control of PIN polarity at the plasma membrane contributes to the essential establishment of auxin maxima in most multicellular tissues. However, establishment of auxin maxima in single cells is poorly understood. Cotton fibers, derived from ovule epidermal cells by auxin-triggered cell protrusion, provide an ideal model to explore the underlying mechanism. Here, we report that cell-specific degradation of GhPIN3a, which guides the establishment of the auxin gradient in cotton ovule epidermal cells, is associated with the preferential expression of GhROP6 GTPase in fiber cells. In turn, GhROP6 reduces GhPIN3a abundance at the plasma membrane and facilitates intracellular proteolysis of GhPIN3a. Overexpression and activation of GhROP6 promote cell elongation, resulting in a substantial improvement in cotton fiber length.
Evolutionary and functional analysis reveals the crucial roles of receptor-like proteins in resistance to Valsa canker in Rosaceae
Authors: Yu Hongqiang , Sun E , Mao Xia , Chen Zhongjian , Xu Tong , Zuo Longgang , Jiang Daji , Cao Yanan , Zuo Cunwu
Published: October 2022

Rosaceae is an economically important plant family that can be affected by a multitude of pathogenic microbes, some of which can cause dramatic losses in production. As a type of pattern-recognition receptor, receptor-like proteins (RLPs) are considered vital regulators of plant immunity. Based on genome-wide identification, bioinformatic analysis, and functional determination, we investigated the evolutionary characteristics of RLPs, and specifically those that regulate Valsa canker, a devastating fungal disease affecting apple and pear production. A total of 3028 RLPs from the genomes of 19 species, including nine Rosaceae, were divided into 24 subfamilies. Five subfamilies and seven co-expression modules were found to be involved in the responses to Valsa canker signals of the resistant pear rootstock Pyrus betulifolia ‘Duli-G03’. Fourteen RLPs were subsequently screened as candidate genes for regulation of resistance. Among these, PbeRP23 (Chr13.g24394) and PbeRP27 (Chr16.g31400) were identified as key resistance genes that rapidly enhance the resistance of ‘Duli-G03’ and strongly initiate immune responses, and hence they have potential for further functional exploration and breeding applications for resistance to Valsa canker. In addition, as a consequence of this work we have established optimal methods for the classification and screening of disease-resistant RLPs.
Rotation measure structure functions with higher-order stencils as a probe of small-scale magnetic fluctuations and its application to the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Seta Amit , Federrath Christoph , Livingston Jack D , McClure-Griffiths N M
Published: October 2022

Magnetic fields and turbulence are important components of the interstellar medium (ISM) of star-forming galaxies. It is challenging to measure the properties of the small-scale ISM magnetic fields (magnetic fields at scales smaller than the turbulence driving scale). Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate how the second-order rotation measure (RM, which depends on thermal electron density, ne, and magnetic field, b) structure function can probe the properties of small-scale b. We then apply our results to observations of the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds (SMC and LMC). First, using Gaussian random b, we show that the characteristic scale, where the RM structure function flattens is approximately equal to the correlation length of b. We also show that computing the RM structure function with a higher-order stencil (more than the commonly-used two-point stencil) is necessary to accurately estimate the slope of the structure function. Then, using Gaussian random b and lognormal ne with known power spectra, we derive an empirical relationship between the slope of the power spectrum of b, ne, and RM. We apply these results to the SMC and LMC and estimate the following properties of small-scale b: correlation length (160  ± 21 pc for the SMC and 87  ±  17 pc for the LMC), strength (14  ± 2 $\mu {\rm G}$ for the SMC and 15  ± 3 $\mu {\rm G}$ for the LMC), and slope of the magnetic power spectrum (−1.3  ±  0.4 for the SMC and −1.6  ±  0.1 for the LMC). We also find that ne is practically constant over the estimated b correlation scales.
A general relativistic mass-to-distance ratio for a set of megamaser AGN black holes
Authors: Villaraos D , Herrera-Aguilar A , Nucamendi U , González-Juárez G , Lizardo-Castro R
Published: October 2022

In this work, we perform a Bayesian statistical fit to estimate the mass-to-distance ratio and the recessional redshift of 10 different black holes hosted at the centre of active galactic nuclei, namely the galaxies NGC 5765b, NGC 6323, UGC 3789, CGCG 074−064, ESO 558−G009, NGC 2960, NGC 6264, NGC 4388, J0437+2456, and NGC 2273. Our general relativistic method makes use of the positions in the sky and frequency shift observations of water megamasers circularly orbiting the central black hole on their accretion discs. This approach also allows us to quantify the gravitational redshift that is not considered in a Newtonian analysis. The gravitational redshift of the megamasers closest to the black hole is found to be within the range 1–6 km s−1. The order of the fitted black hole masses corresponds to supermassive black holes and lies on the range 106−107M⊙.
Dynamics and Mechanisms of ERK Activation after Different Protocols that Induce Long-Term Synaptic Facilitation in Aplysia
Authors: Zhang Yili , Liu Rong-Yu , Smolen Paul , Cleary Leonard J , Byrne John H
Published: October 2022

Phosphorylation of the MAPK family member extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) is required to induce long-term synaptic plasticity, but little is known about its persistence. We examined ERK activation by three protocols that induce long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF) of the Aplysia sensorimotor synapse – the standard protocol (five 5-min pulses of 5-HT with interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 20 min), the enhanced protocol (five pulses with irregular ISIs, which induces greater and longer-lasting LTF) and the two-pulse protocol (two pulses with ISI 45 min). Immunofluorescence revealed complex ERK activation. The standard and two-pulse protocols immediately increased active, phosphorylated ERK (pERK), which decayed within 5 h. A second wave of increased pERK was detected 18 h post-treatment for all protocols. This late phase was blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase A, TrkB and TGF-β. These results suggest that complex interactions among kinase pathways and growth factors contribute to the late increase of pERK. ERK activity returned to basal 24 h after the standard or two-pulse protocols, but remained elevated 24 h for the enhanced protocol. This 24-h elevation was also dependent on PKA and TGF-β, and partly on TrkB. These results begin to characterize long-lasting ERK activation, plausibly maintained by positive feedback involving growth factors and PKA, that appears essential to maintain LTF and LTM. Because many processes involved in LTF and late LTP are conserved among Aplysia and mammals, these findings highlight the importance of examining the dynamics of kinase cascades involved in vertebrate long-term memory.