bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health and quality of life among women after participation in a CBPR-informed physical activity intervention: with a pandemic perspective
Authors: Ramji Rathi , Rämgård Margareta , Carlson Elisabeth , Shleev Sergey , Awad Eman , Cirovic Stefan , Kottorp Anders
Published: October 2023

The lack of culturally and contextually oriented interventions promoting physical activity (PA) has led to increased physical inactivity among women living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Sweden. In this study one such intervention informed by community-based participatory research (CBPR) has been evaluated among 34 women from a disadvantaged neighbourhood before and during COVID-19. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL), behavioural and biomedical outcomes were assessed directly prior and post-intervention, followed by evaluations at 6-months and 18-months follow-up during COVID-19. The results revealed that HRQOL, particularly psychological, social, and environmental health significantly increased post-intervention compared to prior to intervention but reversed back at 6-months follow-up. Perceived health satisfaction and environmental health increased at 18-months follow-up during COVID-19. Participation in PA improved post-intervention and at 6-months follow-up. Everyday activities and fruit and vegetable intake continued to increase through all timepoints. Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased post-intervention and 6-months follow-up; blood flow rate increased significantly at all timepoints. Overall, the findings underscores the potential effectiveness of CBPR approaches in promoting and sustaining healthy lifestyles, even during acute situations such as the COVID-19. It may even serve as a future model for promoting health and addressing health disparities in similar groups.
Investigation of crack recognition and spatio-temporal evolution pattern in coal samples damage
Authors: Chen Zeng , Wang Ping , Shi Feng
Published: October 2023

Understanding the evolution mechanism of cracks helps to evaluate the behavior and performance of rock masses and provides a theoretical basis for the mechanism of crack propagation and instability. For this purpose, a rock mechanics testing system and an acoustic emission monitoring system were used to conduct acoustic emission positioning experiments on coal samples under uniaxial compression. According to clustering theory, the distribution pattern of microcracks and the dynamic evolution process of multiple cracks were studied. Subsequently, the reasons for the change in the spatio-temporal entropy (H) and fractal dimension (D) of a single crack were revealed. The research results show that microcracks present a statistical equilibrium distribution, the Gaussian distribution model is applicable to cluster crack distribution patterns, and a machine learning method can effectively identify cracks. The fractal dimension reflects the spatial characteristics of three-dimensional elliptical cracks, and low-dimensional cluster cracks are more likely to develop into macroscopic cracks. The change of H is related to the formation process of cracks, and an abnormal H (sudden increase and sudden decrease) could provide precursor information for the instability of coal samples. This research provides a new method to study crack distributions and formations and shows the competitiveness of the method in evaluating the damage state of coal.
A transdermal drug delivery system based on dissolving microneedles for boron neutron capture therapy of melanoma
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Wang Xueyi , Wang Zhaoshuo , Zhao Yu , Zhang Ziyang , Li Lanya , Ding Dandan , Guo Junshu , Zhang Jinchao , Liu Huifang , Li Zhenhua
Published: October 2023

A transdermal drug delivery system based on PVA/F-BPA microneedles for BNCT of melanoma.
FeCl3-catalyzed AB2 three-component [3 + 3] annulation: an efficient access to functionalized indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles
Authors: Jan Gowsia , Rajput Diksha , Gupta Anish , Tsering Dolma , Karuppasamy Muthu , Kapoor Kamal K. , Sridharan Vellaisamy
Published: October 2023

An FeCl3-catalyzed AB2 three-component reaction of indole-2-carbaldehydes and 5-aminopyrazoles was established for the synthesis of indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles.
Ultrasonic irradiation-assisted MnFe2O4 nanoparticles catalyzed solvent-free selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde at room temperature
Authors: Kalita Babul , Iraqui Saddam , Borgohain Xavy , Rashid Md. Harunar
Published: October 2023

A room temperature ultrasonic irradiation-assisted solvent-free protocol for MnFe2O4 nanoparticles catalysed selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde is reported.
Cobalt-assisted route to rare carbocyclic C-ribonucleosides
Authors: Ojeda-Porras A. C. , Roy V. , Bourzikat O. , Favetta P. , Agrofoglio L. A.
Published: October 2023

Twelve rare carbocyclic C-nucleosides bearing non-canonical nucleobases were obtained by a cobalt assisted-route starting from the optically pure (−)-cyclopentenone.
Pressure threshold for inhibition of dense granular film opening
Authors: Retailleau Nabil , Khidas Yacine , Rouyer Florence
Published: October 2023

When a soap film densely loaded with grains is ruptured, it can either burst or its opening is inhibited. The transition is driven by the decrease in liquid pressure and scales inversely with grain size.
Highly sensitive and selective detection of triphosgene with a 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole derived fluorescent probe
Authors: Bi Wen-Zhu , Geng Yang , Zhang Wen-Jie , Li Chen-Yu , Ni Chu-Sen , Ma Qiu-Juan , Feng Su-Xiang , Chen Xiao-Lan , Qu Ling-Bo
Published: October 2023

A C4′ amino substituted 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole probe (4-AHBI) was designed and synthesized for highly selective and sensitive detection of triphosgene with low detection limit (0.08 nM) over range of 0–0.5 μM.
Green one-step synthesis of mushroom-derived carbon dots as fluorescent sensors for Fe3+ detection
Authors: Klongklaw Kodchakorn , Phiromkaew Bunyarak , Kiatsuksri Praeploy , Kankit Bantita , Anantachaisilp Suranan , Wechakorn Kanokorn
Published: October 2023

Blue photoluminescent carbon dots from Lentinus polychrous Lèv. mushrooms was synthesized as the turn-off probes for Fe3+ in both solution-based and paper-based systems.
Metal–organic gels: recent advances in their classification, characterization, and application in the pharmaceutical field
Authors: Cao Wei , Lin Zezhi , Zheng Daoyi , Zhang Jianjun , Heng Weili , Wei Yuanfeng , Gao Yuan , Qian Shuai
Published: October 2023

As a new multifunctional soft substance, MOGs have been used as excellent carriers or smart materials in the pharmaceutical field.
A convergent finite volume scheme for the stochastic barotropic compressible Euler equations
Authors: Chaudhary Abhishek , Koley Ujjwal
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we analyze a semi-discrete finite volume scheme for the three-dimensional barotropic compressible Euler equations driven by a multiplicative Brownian noise. We derive necessary a priori estimates for numerical approximations, and show that the Young measure generated by the numerical approximations converge to a dissipative measure-valued martingale solution to the stochastic compressible Euler system. These solutions are probabilistically weak in the sense that the driving noise and associated filtration are integral part of the solution. Moreover, we demonstrate strong convergence of numerical solutions to the regular solution of the limit systems at least on the lifespan of the latter, thanks to the weak (measure-valued)–strong uniqueness principle for the underlying system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to prove the convergence of numerical approximations for the underlying system.
Preface: 22nd Conference on Power System Engineering
Authors: Vacková Michaela , Frank Jiri , Volf Michal , Žitek Pavel
Published: October 2023

The Conference on Power System Engineering has a long-term tradition. It is an annual meeting of professors and experts from departments and universities where power system engineering is taught. The 22nd year of this event was held in Pilsen (Czech Republic) between 15th and 16th June 2023 and was hosted by the Department of Power System Engineering of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen.
Hydraulic characteristics of the convergent-divergent nozzle with the inner electrode in cavitating conditions
Authors: Balko Marek , Monková Paulína , Rudolf Pavel
Published: October 2023

The knowledge of hydraulic characteristics of convergentdivergent nozzles will lead to the optimal design of a nozzle for generating a cavitation cloud. Such a nozzle is a crucial component of the CaviPlasma device, which aims to tackle the ever-growing water treatment and purification issue. To measure the characteristics, a closed hydraulic circuit was used to measure pressure differences before and behind the nozzle, and the flow rate. The characteristics were then developed based on the calculated loss coefficient ξ and the cavitation number σ. Three different nozzle designs were tested (with diameters of necks 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm respectively), and multiple positions of the inner electrode were set for each design. This resulted in several characteristic curves for each design and electrode position. The study will contribute to the development of an optimal nozzle for the CaviPlasma device, enhancing its efficiency in water treatment and purification.
A Study of the coarse droplet formation from the liquid film in steam turbines
Authors: Bartoš Ondřej , Huněk Adam , Antoš Pavel
Published: October 2023

For all the deployment of the non-fossil energy sources the steam turbine remains the most important energy transforming device. In the current situation when the daily operation of the turbines is not predictable due to electricity supply from the photovoltaic and the wind power plants, the turbines work in the non-design conditions, the danger of the blade’s erosion caused by the coarse droplets is assumed. The purpose of this paper is to suggest the possible formation process of the coarse droplets in the steam turbine. The current studies were focused mostly on the measurement or identification of the coarse droplets in the steam turbine, but the explanation of the archived results was not sufficient. An analysis of the droplets formed in the wind tunnel indicates, for the majority of the measurements, the part of the formed droplets is bigger than the critical Weber number limit. Similar, but less detail, experience was achieved for measurement in the steam turbine. This paper introduces simple analysis of the optically measured coarse droplets size distribution with the modelled flow field behind the blade fitted by measured velocity field. A detailed hot wire measurement was performed in the vicinity of the trailing edge where the liquid film is disrupted to the coarse droplets.
Experimental and numerical research of compressor performance parameters
Authors: Knížat Branislav , Olšiak Róbert , Mlkvik Marek , Golha Miroslav
Published: October 2023

The development of hydraulic parts of a compressor is based on a simplified flow model (often one-dimensional), the methodology of which is externally supported by CFD simulations. The designed geometry is then verified on a scaled model using a different model gas than the working gas. The experiment on the model is able to provide a basis for assessing compliance with the required parameters and possibly for further optimization and refinement of the geometrical shapes of the hydraulic design. The experimental data and the calculated data are compared on the isentropic workflow and isentropic efficiency as a function of the volumetric flow rate at the machine intake.
Computationally efficient model of an electric motor thermal field
Authors: Kreuzova Terezie , Polansky Jiri
Published: October 2023

In this work a computationally efficient transient model of an electric motor thermal field is proposed. This model is based on discretized heat equation complemented by analytical-empirical relations, that are used to compute heat fluxes between selected nodes of interest and to set boundary conditions of the whole system.

Stability issues of numerical solution of the set of ODEs arising from the discretization are addressed. Validation is performed using known analytical solution of simple heat transfer cases such as heat conduction in plane wall with volumetric heat source.

The model can be utilized as a stand-alone tool for an initial estimate of temperatures reached in a newly developed device. It can also be tuned by data from measurements or large CFD simulations. Then it can serve for prediction of behaviour of the device in longer time frames or under different operating conditions than those measured or simulated by CFD.
Numerical optimization of the taper a vertically cast plate
Authors: Mauder Tomas , Kavicka Frantisek , Katolicky Jaroslav , Klimes Lubomir , Stetina Josef
Published: October 2023

The temperature field of the studied plate was analyzed with different angles of widening in its cross section (in the range from 0° to 4.4°). From the inclined side, the plate was either insulated or uninsulated. Plastizol was used as an insulator. An uninsulated plate has a calculated optimum angular expansion of 3°. A widening of 2° is the minimum angle at which internal defects (e.g. shrinkage voids) begin to disappear. The insulated plate has an optimum angle of 2°. Using numerical calculations, it is possible to predict that after crystallization without insulation, the plate itself with a widening of 3° will have the same internal quality as a widening of 2° with insulation. The knowledge gained from this study can lead to a reduction in the volume of liquid metal used and also to a reduction in machining costs. These research results have already been successfully applied to the design of the technology for casting nodular cast iron cylinder liners.
Valve seat angle influence on losses in valves for steam turbines
Authors: Slama Vaclav , Simurda David , Kollross Petr
Published: October 2023

Losses in valve assemblies have a significant influence on turbines´ efficiency. Therefore, performing pressure loss analysis to enhance the valve design has always been one of the traditional issues. Valves can differ in many ways in terms of their design. This paper aims to show the influence of the valve seat angle, which is one of the characteristic design dimensions. In order to achieve this, different results from a wide range of measurements on two different models are used. Regarding the first model with a 60° valve seat angle, the measurement was performed in the Aerodynamic laboratory of the Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The measurement of the second model with a 90° valve seat angle was performed in the Doosan Skoda Power experimental lab. Differences are described in the form of a total loss coefficient and a flow contraction coefficient. The results are complemented by flow fields from numerical simulations performed on both valve models using a package of ANSYS software tools.
La carte des métiers du nucléaire en tension
Authors: Dupin Ludovic
Published: October 2023

En mai dernier, l’Université des métiers du nucléaire (UMN) dévoilait le plan d’actions « compétences » mis au point grâce à l’étude Match du Groupement des industriels français de l’énergie nucléaire (Gifen). Métier par métier, il fait le point sur les besoins en recrutement dans les années à venir.
Rapport Match : embaucher, former, fidéliser
Authors: Le Gros Gaïc
Published: October 2023

Court, moyen, long terme… Pour mener à bien tous ses programmes, la filière nucléaire française va devoir recruter et fidéliser une main-d’œuvre qualifiée. Le syndicat professionnel du nucléaire a en conséquence réalisé le rapport Match, une feuille de route pour la performance de la filière.
Le nucléaire et ses « externalités »
Authors: Hanine Ilyas
Published: October 2023

Le coût des externalités des moyens de production électrique permet de mesurer l’impact environnemental de chaque technologie. La méthodologie n’est pas simple et nourrit abondamment la littérature scientifique. Une étude de la Sfen, présentée à l’AIEA, souligne l’écart majeur qui existe entre les énergies bas carbone, dont fait partie le nucléaire, et les énergies fossiles.
Designing conservative solar inverter standards to increase resilience
Authors: Palivela Ananya
Published: October 2023

New industrial standard designs for inverters could manage spikes in solar radiation events caused by cloud enhancement.
Studies on the structure and the magnetic properties of high-entropy spinel oxide (MgMnFeCoNi)Al2O4
Authors: Krysko Evan , Min Lujin , Wang Yu , Zhang Na , Barber John P. , Niculescu Gabriela E. , Wright Joshua T. , Li Fankang , Burrage Kaleb , Matsuda Masaaki , Robinson Robert A. , Zhang Qiang , Katzbaer Rowan , Schaak Raymond , Terrones Mauricio , Rost Christina M. , Mao Zhiqiang
Published: October 2023

The study of high-entropy materials has attracted enormous interest since they could show new functional properties that are not observed in their related parent phases. Here, we report single crystal growth, structure, thermal transport, and magnetic property studies on a novel high-entropy oxide with the spinel structure (MgMnFeCoNi)Al2O4. We have successfully grown high-quality single crystals of this high-entropy oxide using the optical floating zone growth technique for the first time. The sample was confirmed to be a phase pure high-entropy oxide using x-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Through magnetization measurements, we found (MgMnFeCoNi)Al2O4 exhibits a cluster spin glass state, though the parent phases show either antiferromagnetic ordering or spin glass states. Furthermore, we also found that (MgMnFeCoNi)Al2O4 has much greater thermal expansion than its CoAl2O4 parent compound using high resolution neutron Larmor diffraction. We further investigated the structure of this high-entropy material via Raman spectroscopy and extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) measurements. From Raman spectroscopy measurements, we observed (MgMnFeCoNi)Al2O4 to display a combination of the active Raman modes in its parent compounds with the modes shifted and significantly broadened. This result, together with the varying bond lengths probed by EXAFS, reveals severe local lattice distortions in this high-entropy phase. Additionally, we found a substantial decrease in thermal conductivity and suppression of the low temperature thermal conductivity peak in (MgMnFeCoNi)Al2O4, consistent with the increased lattice defects and strain. These findings advance the understanding of the dependence of thermal expansion and transport on the lattice distortions in high-entropy materials.
Low-frequency heat waves transport in graded Si–Ge alloys
Authors: Rivera Iván , Salgado-García Raúl , Vázquez Federico
Published: October 2023

In this work, we consider a rigid heat conductor graded material subjected to an oscillating thermal signal applied on its boundary. We use a recently proposed novel concept, the so-called spectral diffusivity, to characterize the response of the material to an externally applied variable temperature difference. The spectral diffusivity has the physical meaning of an effective transport coefficient. We found a frequency window between 10−2 and 102 Hz wherein the spectral diffusivity increases, showing a maximum. The transport equation was numerically solved to calculate the average heat flowing through the material. We found that it also increased having a maximum in the mentioned range of frequencies. We then investigated the thermal rectification of the material finding a maximum in the same frequency range. The thermal rectification, as well as the spectral diffusivity, improved as the inhomogeneity of the heat conductivity of the material was higher. The spectral diffusivity enables a more in-depth analysis of heat wave transfer, and it contributes to a better understanding of the material response in front of periodic thermal disturbances.
The pragmatics of royal discourse in William Shakespeare’s Henry vi
Authors: Kizelbach Urszula
Published: October 2023

Politeness (Brown and Gilman 1989; Rudanko 1993; Kopytko 1995) and impoliteness (Culpeper 1996, 2001; Bousfield 2007) have a prominent place in the reading of Shakespearean drama and serve as a means of characterisation.
In this study, I utilise (im)politeness and face theory to characterise the royal discourse in 1, 2, 3 Henry
vi
. The study aims to analyse the linguistic behaviour of King Henry vi to see how well his royal
discourse reflects his kingship and how his linguistic inadequacy contributes to his political failures. I investigate Henry’s use
of (im)politeness and facework to handle political negotiations and I evaluate his level of awareness of the “political face”,
which is the king’s desire to preserve a positive public image and to save face in social interactions. I look at the examples of
Henry’s inadequate linguistic behaviour and try to establish why this behaviour was inefficient in a given scene and context.
Tricuspid edge-to-edge repair for tricuspid valve prolapse and flail leaflet: feasibility in comparison to patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Dannenberg Varius , Bartko Philipp E , Andreas Martin , Bartunek Anna , Goncharov Arseniy , Gerçek Muhammed , Friedrichs Kai , Hengstenberg Christian , Rudolph Volker , Ivannikova Maria
Published: October 2023

Aims

Transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has gained widespread use for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in symptomatic patients with high operative risk. Although secondary TR is the most common pathology, some patients exhibit primary or predominantly primary TR. Characterization of patients with these pathologies in the T-TEER context has not been systematically performed.

Methods and results

Patients assigned to T-TEER by the interdisciplinary heart team were consecutively recruited in two European centres over 4 years. Echocardiographic images were evaluated to distinguish between primary and secondary causes of TR. Both groups were compared concerning procedural results. A total of 339 patients were recruited, 13% with primary TR and 87% with secondary TR. Patients with primary TR had a smaller right ventricle (basal diameter 45 vs. 49 mm, P = 0.004), a better right ventricular function (fractional area change 45 vs. 41%, P = 0.001), a smaller right (28 vs. 34 cm2, P = 0.021) and left (52 vs. 67 mL/m2, P = 0.038) atrium, and a better left ventricular ejection fraction (60 vs. 52%, P = 0.005). The severity of TR was similar in primary and secondary TR at baseline (TR vena contracta width pre-interventional 13 ± 4 vs. 14 ± 5 mm, P = 0.19), and T-TEER significantly reduced TR in both groups (TR vena contracta width post-interventional 4 ± 3 vs. 5 ± 5 mm, P = 0.10). These findings remained stable after propensity score matching. Complications were similar between both groups.

Conclusion

T-TEER confers equally safe and effective reduction of TR in patients with primary and secondary TR.
Evolution and the Study of Animal Behaviour
Authors: Nordell Shawn E. , Valone Thomas J.
Published: October 2023

This chapter notes the evolution and study of animal behavior. Evolution by natural selection favors behavioral adaptation and this improves fitness. The chapter also explains how heritability can be quantified through parent-offspring regression and selection experiments. Directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection describe the frequency and changes of traits in populations. Adaptation is referred to the traits resulting from natural selection. Additionally, sexual selection focuses on the reproductive fitness of species and the evolution of sexual dimorphic traits. The chapter discusses the cost-benefit approach as a common method to study behavioral adaptations through identifying fitness costs and benefits of various traits.
Learning, Neuroethology, and Cognition
Authors: Nordell Shawn E. , Valone Thomas J.
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses the learning, neuroethology, and cognition of animals. Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior which comes about as a result of experience, thus allowing animals to adapt to their environment. According to theory, environmental stability and the usefulness of experience are factors affecting the evolution of learning. Another important form of learning is imprinting, wherein young animals rapidly learn amidst a short, sensitive period with long-lasting effects. Learning is often associated with either neurological changes, stimuli, responses, animal traditions, or culture. The chapter also expounds on the concept of operant conditioning and classical conditioning. Cognition is the acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use of information for decision-making.
Mating Behaviour
Authors: Nordell Shawn E. , Valone Thomas J.
Published: October 2023

This chapter examines the mating behavior of animals. It also uses the Parker model to expound on the evolution of anisogamy. On the other hand, parental investment theory predicts that the sex investing more time and energy on the offspring can benefit by being selective in its choice of mates. On the other hand, sexual selection can happen after mating via sperm competition and mate guarding of animals. The chapter also notes mate choice copying wherein the choice is impacted by the decision of other animals' mating decisions. Additionally, mating choice can evolve as an indirect benefit to offspring.
Mating Systems
Authors: Nordell Shawn E. , Valone Thomas J.
Published: October 2023

This chapter looks into the evolution of mating systems, which relate to social associations and the number of sexual partners of an animal during a breeding season. It explains how animals showcase different mating systems and their selection of mates to maximize their fitness. Sexual conflict and environmental conditions influence the evolution of mating systems. The evolution of monogamy is favored by biparental care in line with territorial cooperation and mate guarding hypotheses. Polygyny and polyandry, on the other hand, evolve when one sex can defend multiple mates or resources. Additionally, the chapter establishes the differences between polygynandry and promiscuity in terms of the existence of social associations before tackling the conditions needed for scramble competition.
The Developmental and Molecular Bases of Behavior
Authors: Rubenstein Dustin R.
Published: October 2023

Behavior Requires Genes and the Environment

Behavioral Ontogeny

Gene Regulation Influences Behavior

The Evolutionary Development of Behavior

The Evo-Devo Approach to Understanding Behavior

Molecular Toolkits and the Development of Behavior

The Development of Behavioral Variation

Early Life Developmental Conditions

Alternative Behavioral Phenotypes...
The Neural Basis of Behavior
Authors: Rubenstein Dustin R.
Published: October 2023

Responding to Stimuli

Complex Behavioral Responses to Simple Stimuli

How Moths Avoid Bats

Sensory Stimuli and Nervous System Control

Decision Making in the Brain

Alternative Sensory Modalities

Translating Sensory Stimuli into Behavior

Neural Mechanisms of Information Transfer

Stimulus Filtering

Evaluate the...
The Physiological and Endocrine Bases of Behavior
Authors: Rubenstein Dustin R.
Published: October 2023

Endogenous Rhythms and Changing Behavioral Priorities

Endogenous versus Exogenous Control of Behavioral Priorities

Mechanisms of Changing Behavioral Priorities

Cues that Entrain Cycles of Behavior

Predictable Environmental Cues

Unpredictable Environmental Cues

Hormones and Behavior

Activational Effects of Hormones

Hormonal Causes and Consequences of...
Mating Systems
Authors: Rubenstein Dustin R.
Published: October 2023

Monogamy: A Lack of Multiple Mating

Why Be Monogamous?

Monogamy and Biparental Care

Polyandry: Multiple Mating by Females

Female versus Male Control of Mating

Indirect versus Direct Benefits

Polygyny: Multiple Mating by Males

Female Defense Polygyny

Resource Defense Polygyny

Lek Polygyny

Scramble...
Social Behavior and Sociality
Authors: Rubenstein Dustin R.
Published: October 2023

Forms of Social Behavior

Mutual Benefit

Altruism and Reciprocity

Selfishness and Spite

The Evolution of Cooperative Breeding

Direct versus Indirect Benefits

Costs of Breeding Cooperatively

Individual Differences in Cooperative Behavior

Reproductive Conflict

Social Organization and Reproductive Skew

Reproductive Suppression and Senescence
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
Authors: Cooper Geoffrey M. , Adams Kenneth W.
Published: October 2023

3.1 Heredity, Genes, and DNA

3.2 Expression of Genetic Information

3.3 Recombinant DNA Technology

3.4 Techniques to Detect and Examine Nucleic Acids and Proteins

3.5 Techniques to Study Gene Function in Eukaryotes

KEY EXPERIMENT

The DNA Provirus Hypothesis

KEY EXPERIMENT

CRISPR-Cas9 as a Programmable Tool...
Replication, Maintenance, and Rearrangements of Genomic DNA
Authors: Cooper Geoffrey M. , Adams Kenneth W.
Published: October 2023

5.1 DNA Replication

5.2 DNA Repair

5.3 DNA Rearrangements and Gene Amplification

KEY EXPERIMENT

Telomerase Is a Reverse Transcriptase

MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Colon Cancer and DNA Repair

The fundamental biological process of reproduction requires the faithful transmission of genetic information from parent to offspring. Thus, the...
RNA Synthesis and Processing
Authors: Cooper Geoffrey M. , Adams Kenneth W.
Published: October 2023

6.1 Transcription in Bacteria

6.2 Transcription in Eukaryotes

6.3 RNA Processing and Turnover

KEY EXPERIMENT

The Discovery of snRNPs

MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Splicing Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Chapters 4 and 5 discussed the organization and maintenance of genomic DNA, which can be...
Protein Synthesis, Processing, and Regulation
Authors: Cooper Geoffrey M. , Adams Kenneth W.
Published: October 2023

8.1 Translation of mRNA

8.2 Protein Folding and Processing

8.3 Regulation of Protein Function and Stability

MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Alzheimer’s Disease

KEY EXPERIMENT

The Discovery of Tyrosine Kinases

Transcription and RNA processing are followed by translation, the synthesis of proteins as directed by mRNA templates. Proteins...
Cancer
Authors: Cooper Geoffrey M. , Adams Kenneth W.
Published: October 2023

19.1 The Development and Causes of Cancer

19.2 Oncogenes

19.3 Tumor Suppressor Genes

19.4 Molecular Approaches to Cancer Treatment

KEY EXPERIMENT

The Discovery of Proto-Oncogenes

MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Imatinib: Cancer Treatment Targeted against the bcr/abl Oncogene

Cancer is a particularly appropriate topic for the concluding chapter...
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Authors: Futuyma Douglas J. , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: October 2023

A marvel of adaptation: the sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) is adapted to reach nectar deep in the long, tubular flowers of passion vines (Passifloraceae) and other plants. Its extraordinary bill evolved by natural selection.
Species and Speciation
Authors: Futuyma Douglas J. , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: October 2023

Fishes in the family Cichlidae are highly diverse in the fresh waters of eastern Africa and South America. Here, a male blue discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) from the Amazon basin guards his young. In many cichlids, the male broods the eggs in his mouth...
Evolution and Development
Authors: Futuyma Douglas J. , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: October 2023

How did the precisely arranged pattern of stripes of this plains zebra (Equus zebra) evolve? This is a question for evolutionary developmental biology: accounting for the evolution of processes that specify which hair follicles will develop to be white or black.
Phylogeny: The Unity and Diversity of Life
Authors: Futuyma Douglas J. , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: October 2023

Phylogenetic analyses of DNA show that water lilies (Nymphaeaceae) are one of the oldest lineages of flowering plants, branching off separately from almost all other families. This relationship had been postulated by botanists before DNA could be sequenced, based on the lilies’ ancestral flower characteristics....
The Evolutionary Story of Homo sapiens
Authors: Futuyma Douglas J. , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: October 2023

After some 3,800,000 years of evolution, art first appeared on Earth. These exquisite paintings of animals in a cave in Lascaux, France, are about 17,000 years old, and carvings have been found that are much older. The evolution of art, language, and other aspects of...
The German Code of Crimes Against International Law at Twenty
Authors: Bock Stefanie
Published: October 2023

More than 20 years ago — on 30 June 2002 and thus one day prior to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court — the German Code of Crimes Against International Law (CCAIL) entered into force and since then allows for the national prosecution of the international core crimes. The most far-reaching innovation of the CCAIL is its broad jurisdictional reach. It is based on the principle of universal jurisdiction and empowers the German judicial authorities to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes even when they are committed abroad and have no specific link to Germany. After some initial hesitation, Germany today plays an active role in the international fight against impunity for core crimes. Prominent examples are the Koblenz torture trial against former members of the Assad Regime, the conviction of Taha Al-J. for genocide against members of the Yazidi community by the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt and the decision of the Federal Court of Justice on the irrelevance of functional immunities. Sometimes, however, the Higher Regional Courts do not seem to be sufficiently aware of the international dimension and meaning of the cases. This negatively affects the trial management and the communication of the Courts with the (international) public.
EBV-Encoded MicroRNA-BART17-3p Targets DDX3X and Promotes EBV Infection in EBV-Associated T/Natural Killer–Cell Lymphoproliferative Diseases
Authors: Jin Jin , Sun Ting , Zhang Man , Cheng Jiali , Gu Jia , Huang Liang , Xiao Min , Zhou Jianfeng , Luo Hui
Published: October 2023

Background

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) persistently infects T/natural killer (NK) cells causing an array of refractory EBV-associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. EBV-encoded microRNAs are important regulators for EBV latent infection and tumorigenesis. However, the roles of most EBV microRNAs in EBV-infected T/NK cells remain poorly understood.

Methods

On the basis of a search of the doRiNA database and the BiBiServ2-RNAhybrid website, we predicted that EBV-miR-BART17-3p targeted DDX3X, and we verified the hypothesis by dual-luciferase reporter assay and cell function experiments. In addition, we collected 50 EBV-positive T-, B-, and NK-cell samples from the peripheral blood of EBV-positive cases to examine the role of EBV-miR-BART17-3p in the disease.

Results

We found that EBV-miR-BART17-3p directly targeted DDX3X and downregulated DDX3X expression. By analyzing EBV-positive cell samples from cell lines and patients, we found that EBV-miR-BART17-3p was highly expressed only in EBV-positive NK cells and that the overexpression was significantly related to high EBV loads in EBV-infected NK cells. Furthermore, we found that EBV-miR-BART17-3p downregulated the RIG-I–like receptor antiviral pathway and promoted the expression of EBV-encoded proteins in EBV-infected NK cells by targeting DDX3X.

Conclusions

Our study showed that EBV-miR-BART17-3p was abundantly expressed in EBV-infected NK cells and inhibited the important antivirus immune responses of hosts by targeting DDX3X of the RIG-I–like receptor pathway. These findings could help us gain insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying EBV-associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and find the potential therapeutic target.
Transonic galactic wind model including stellar feedbacks and application to outflows in high/low-z galaxies
Authors: Igarashi Asuka , Mori Masao , Nitta Shin-ya
Published: October 2023

Galactic winds play a crucial role in the ejection of the interstellar medium (ISM) into intergalactic space. This study presents a model that classifies possible transonic solutions of galactic winds in the gravitational potential of the dark matter halo and stellar component under spherically symmetric and steady assumptions. Our model includes injections of mass and energy resulting from supernova feedback along a flow line. The mass flux in galactic winds is a critical factor in determining the acceleration process of the flow and revealing the impact of galactic winds on galaxy evolution. We apply the transonic galactic wind model to the observed outflow velocities of star-forming galaxies to estimate the mass flux. Dividing the mass flux by the star formation rate (SFR) yields the mass loading rate (and mass loading factor), which indicates the entrainment effect of the ISM by the hot gas flow. Our results demonstrate that the mass loading rate is inversely correlated with galaxy mass and SFR. In less massive galaxies (stellar mass ∼107−8 M⊙), the mass loading rate exceeds unity, indicating effective ejection of the ISM into intergalactic space. However, in massive galaxies (stellar mass ∼1010−11 M⊙), the mass loading rate falls below unity, meaning that the mass flux cannot exceed the injected mass by supernovae, thus resulting in ineffective ejection of the ISM.
Phenomenal Concepts, Direct Reference, and the Problem of Double Aspect
Authors: Zhong Lei
Published: October 2023

Synthetic physicalism—understood as the view that while mental concepts are distinct from physical concepts, mental properties are nonetheless identical to physical properties—is the dominant type of reductive physicalism in the philosophy of mind. With a focus on phenomenal concepts, this article examines two competing versions of synthetic physicalism: the demonstrative approach and the constitutive approach, both of which attempt to cash out the common idea that phenomenal concepts directly refer to phenomenal properties. I aim to argue that the synthetic physicalist is impaled on a dilemma in addressing what I call the problem of double aspect: the mental-physical conceptual distinction seems to imply property dualism at a new level. Either she adopts the demonstrative approach or she goes for the constitutive approach, but neither option is acceptable.
Erectile dysfunction in copper and cobalt miners: a cross-sectional study in the former Katanga province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Musa Obadia Paul , Pyana Kitenge Joseph , Carsi Kuhangana Trésor , Kalenga Ilunga Georges , Billen Jaak , Kayembe-Kitenge Tony , Haufroid Vincent , Mukalay wa Mukalay Abdon , Ris Laurence , Banza Lubaba Nkulu Célestin , Nemery Benoit , Enzlin Paul
Published: October 2023

Background

The African Copperbelt is a site of intense artisanal and industrial mining and refining of copper and cobalt.

Aim

We aimed to investigate factors that are possibly associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) in metal miners in the former Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study of 138 miners and 139 controls (bakers), we administered questionnaires to obtain sociodemographic and occupational data and to assess male sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]) and marital relation quality (Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale). Furthermore, we measured trace metals in blood and urine, as well as testosterone and thyroid hormones in serum.

Outcomes

Outcomes included the prevalence of questionnaire-derived ED and the relation of ED with individual characteristics, serum testosterone, and environmental factors.

Results

Miners were on average 4 years older than bakers (mean ± SD, 37.5 ± 6.9 vs 33.3 ± 5.7 years). Miners had significantly lower scores than bakers on the IIEF (median [IQR], 66 [49-73] vs 73 [66-74]) and the 3 domains of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (consensus, satisfaction, cohesion). Free testosterone was significantly lower in miners than bakers (ng/dL; 8.11 [6.90–10.10] vs 10.52 [8.83-12.58]; P ˂ .001). In miners, sex hormone–binding globulin correlated positively with blood Pb and urinary Cd. In a multivariable analysis, mild to moderate ED or moderate ED (IIEF–erectile function score ≤18) was significantly associated with having a mining-related job (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.3), work seniority ˃5 years (aOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6), alcohol consumption (aOR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.7), and aphrodisiacs use (aOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.2-8.0). Mediation analysis showed that marital relationship partially mediated the relation between work seniority >5 years in mining and ED.

Clinical Implications

The high prevalence of ED found in artisanal mine workers indicates that work-related factors should be considered as possibly contributing, directly or indirectly, to sexual dysfunction in men.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths include being the first epidemiologic study documenting ED with validated questionnaires and its possible determinants, including exposure to toxic metals, among young artisanal miners vs a suitable control group. Limitations are the cross-sectional design with convenience sampling and absence of objective confirmation of ED.

Conclusion

As compared with controls, miners reported poorer sexual function and lower quality of their marital relationship, and they had lower free testosterone levels, which may be due to their high exposure to trace metals.
Prevalence and Impact of Feeding-Related Events on Hospital Stay in Preterm and Term Newborns
Authors: Macias Rebecca , Peterson Debora , Korkis Leah , Edson Rachel , Gall Robert
Published: October 2023

Background:

Nursing assessment of milk flow regulation and associated apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation (ABD events) contribute to considerations for the discharge of newborns from the acute care setting. Research regarding infant feeding-related (FR) events (sucking and swallowing difficulties) and ABD events in moderate to late-preterm and full-term infants is lacking.

Purpose:

This study observes the impact of FR and ABD events during feeding on hospital length of stay (LOS) and healthcare utilization (cost) in moderate-to-late preterm newborns, as well as full-term infants.

Methods:

In a retrospective study, bottle-fed infants admitted to the level II specialty care nursery of an academic community hospital in Southern California were observed for FR and ABD events. Statistical analyses were used to determine the impact of FR events on adjusted LOS, to evaluate the interaction between FR event status and adjusted LOS on total hospital charges, and to assess the statistical independence between FR events and diagnostic-related group severity.

Results:

The full sample of patient records included 308 infants born between 32- and 44-week gestational age between April 1, 2018, and October 31, 2022. LOS was twice as long in infants who had FR events. Total median charges were higher in the group with FR events at $160,165 versus $64,380 with non-FR events.

Implications for Practice and Research:

Increased knowledge in the epidemiology and nursing care of infants experiencing milk flow regulation and associated ABD events is critical for informing practices and guidelines related to the prevention of related morbidities.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Related Skin Injury in Patients with a Chest Tumor: Characteristics and Risk Factors
Authors: Wang Yan , Miao Miao , Xu Min-Shan , Wan Guang-Ming
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of skin injury in patients with chest tumors who have peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

METHODS

This study included a total of 252 patients with chest tumors with PICC placement who were treated from March 2018 to December 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Investigators used univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression to identify the risk factors.

RESULTS

Among the included patients, 40.8% had skin injuries (n = 103). Skin injury occurred between 2 and 361 days after PICC placement, with a median time of 56.0 days (interquartile range, 20.75–99.25 days). Skin injury may occur during catheter retention and be concentrated in the first 3 months after PICC placement; the occurrence trajectory of skin injury exhibits a downward trend. Logistic regression analysis shows that skin injury is more likely to occur if the patient has a history of smoking, allergy history, use of recombinant human endostatin, or an excessive duration of catheter retention.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PICC-related skin injury in patients with chest tumors remains high. Medical practitioners should be aware of its characteristics and risk factors and adopt effective solutions early to mitigate the occurrence of skin injury and improve patients’ safety.
Personal Protective Equipment-Related Problems Experienced by Healthcare Workers, Solutions, and Recommendations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Çakar Vildan , Karadağ Ayişe , Bugan Berna , Kılıç Havanur , Demir Ayşe Sılanur
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

To understand the problems experienced by healthcare workers (HCWs) who used personal protective equipment (PPE) on their face during the COVID-19 pandemic, their interventions to prevent these problems, and their recommendations for improving the quality of PPE.

METHODS

This descriptive and qualitative study included HCWs (N = 29) from health institutions at different levels in Turkey. Researchers collected data using a semistructured data collection form (13 items) and in-depth individual interviews. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and qualitative inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 29 participants, 15 (51.7%) were women, and 18 (62.1%) were nurses. Participants’ answers regarding problems related to PPE use were grouped into four main categories, answers regarding the prevention of these problems were grouped into three main categories, and answers regarding improving the quality of PPE were grouped into three main categories. Skin concerns were the most commonly reported problems related to PPE, and interventions to prevent these problems primarily related to skin protection and care. Recommendations to improve the quality of PPE focused on using materials for masks and face shields that reduce pressure and friction; participants also suggested that face shields be produced in sterile and disposable packages.

CONCLUSIONS

This research indicates that HCWs need support and they are able to create individual solutions for the problems with PPE that they experience. Skin-friendly PPE that ensures the safety and comfort of HCWs should be produced, and hospitals should develop policies for institutional use to prevent PPE injury.