bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical performance of volumetric finger‐prick sampling for the monitoring of tacrolimus, creatinine and haemoglobin in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Vethe Nils Tore , Åsberg Anders , Andersen Anders Mikal , Heier Skauby Ragnhild , Bergan Stein , Midtvedt Karsten
Published: August 2023

Aims

Finger‐prick sampling has emerged as an attractive tool for therapeutic drug monitoring and associated diagnostics. We aimed to validate the clinical performance of using two volumetric devices (Capitainer® qDBS and Mitra®) for monitoring tacrolimus, creatinine and haemoglobin in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. Secondarily, we evaluated potential differences between finger‐prick sampling performed by healthcare professionals vs. self‐sampling, and differences between the two devices.

Methods

We compared finger‐prick and venous sampling in three settings: microsampling performed by healthcare personnel, self‐sampling under supervision, unsupervised self‐sampling. The finger‐prick samples were analysed with adapted methods and results compared to routine method analysis of the venous blood samples.

Results

Twenty‐five KTx recipients completed the main study and 12 KTx recipients completed a post hoc validation study. For tacrolimus measurements and predicted area under the curve, the proportions within ±20% difference were 79%–96% for Capitainer and 77%–95% for Mitra. For creatinine and haemoglobin, the proportions within ±15% were 92%–100% and 93%–100% for Capitainer and 79%–96% and 67%–92% for Mitra, respectively. Comparing sampling situations, the success rate was consistent for Capitainer (92%–96%), whereas Mitra showed 72%–88% and 52%–72% success rates with samples collected by healthcare personnel and the patients themselves.

Conclusions

Capitainer and Mitra are technically feasible for measuring tacrolimus, creatinine and haemoglobin. In the context of self‐sampling, Capitainer maintained consistent sampling success and analytical quality. Implementing volumetric finger‐prick self‐sampling for the monitoring of tacrolimus, creatinine and haemoglobin may simplify and improve the follow‐up of KTx recipients.
Factors associated with wearing a facemask in shops in England following removal of a legal requirement to do so during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Smith Louise E. , West Robert , Potts Henry W. W. , Amlôt Richard , Fear Nicola T. , Rubin G. James , Michie Susan
Published: August 2023

Objectives

We aimed to identify psychological factors associated with the use of facemasks in shops in England following removal of legal requirements to do so, and to compare associations with and without legal restrictions.

Design

Repeated cross‐sectional online surveys (n ≈ 2000 adults) between August 2020 and April 2022 (68,716 responses from 45,682 participants) using quota sampling.

Methods

The outcome measure was whether those who had visited a shop for essentials in the previous seven days reported always having worn a facemask versus sometimes or not at all. Psychological predictor variables included worry, perceived risk and severity of COVID‐19 and the perceived effectiveness of facemasks. Socio‐demographic variables and measures of clinical vulnerability were also measured. For the period following removal of legal restrictions, multivariable regression was used to assess associations between the primary outcome variable and predictors adjusting for socio‐demographic and clinical vulnerability measures. The analysis was repeated including interactions between psychological predictors and presence versus absence of legal restrictions.

Results

Worry about COVID‐19, beliefs about risks and severity of COVID‐19 and effectiveness of facemasks were substantially and independently associated with the use of facemasks. Removal of legal obligations to wear facemasks was associated with a 25% decrease in wearing facemasks and stronger associations between psychological predictors and wearing facemasks.

Conclusions

Legal obligations increase rates of wearing a facemask. Psychological factors associated with wearing a facemask could be targets for interventions aiming to alter rates of wearing a facemask. These interventions may be more effective when there are no legal obligations to wear a face covering in place.
Auction design by an informed seller: A foundation of reserve price signalling
Authors: Zhao Xin
Published: August 2023

This paper studies mechanism design by a seller privately informed of the (continuous) quality of an indivisible object. An important solution to this informed‐principal problem, the Rothschild–Stiglitz–Wilson mechanisms, which correspond to the least‐cost separating allocations in the signalling literature, is characterized. The characterization reveals that reserve prices are the least costly device to separate sellers of different qualities: In the RSW mechanisms, the lowest‐quality seller adopts her public‐information optimal selling procedure, and each higher‐quality seller adopts a selling procedure that differs from her public‐information optimal one only in that the reserve prices are higher. This finding provides a mechanism‐design foundation for reserve‐price signalling studied in the literature.
When confessing sin feels good
Authors: Graff‐Kallevåg Kristin , Kaufman Tone Stangeland
Published: August 2023

This paper draws on a qualitative study of how young people engaged in two youth ministries in the Church of Norway reflect on sin and shame in relation to their existential dilemmas . The authors analyze this practice through the lens of Hartmut Rosa's concept of resonance, arguing that there is consonance between how young people in the study express shame and the Lutheran understanding of sin as being curved in on oneself. Both sin and shame prevent the subject from being open to the world, thus constituting resistance to resonance. Yet, the practice of confessing sin may be a remedy to this closing in on oneself, as confession affords a resonant space, countering feelings of existential inadequacy caused by both sin and shame.

Bringing the concept of vulnerability into the discussion, the paper further argues that confessing sin may prove healing and liberating also for experiences of shame as long as it does not violate the subject's ability to speak with her own voice or involve harmful god‐images or harmful power dynamics.
D2 dopamine receptor‐mediated mechanisms of dopaminergic system modulation in in vivo and in vitro experimental models of migraine
Authors: Baranoglu Kilinc Yasemin , Torun Ibrahim Ethem , Kilinc Erkan
Published: August 2023

The dopaminergic system is implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We explored the effects and mechanisms of dopaminergic system modulation in the in vivo and in vitro rat models of migraine. Dopaminergic agonist apomorphine, D2 receptor antagonists metoclopramide and haloperidol and 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron alone and together were tested in nitroglycerin‐induced migraine model, in vivo. Likewise, the combinations of drugs were also tested on basal calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) release in vitro hemiskull preparations. Mechanical allodynia was tested by von Frey filaments. CGRP concentrations in trigeminovascular structures and in vitro superfusates and c‐Fos levels in the brainstem were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Meningeal mast cells were evaluated with toluidine blue staining. Apomorphine further enhanced nitroglycerin‐induced mechanical allodynia, brainstem c‐fos expression, trigeminal ganglion and brainstem CGRP concentrations and meningeal mast cell degranulation, in vivo. Haloperidol completely antagonised all apomorphine‐induced effects and also alleviated changes induced by nitroglycerin without apomorphine. Metoclopramide and ondansetron partially attenuated apomorphine‐ or nitroglycerin‐induced effects. A combination of haloperidol and ondansetron decreased basal CGRP release, in vitro, whereas the other administrations were ineffective. Apomorphine‐mediated dopaminergic activation exacerbated nitroglycerin‐stimulated nociceptive reactions by further enhancing c‐fos expression, CGRP release and mast cell degranulation in strategical structures associated with migraine pain. Metoclopramide partially attenuated the effects of apomorphine, most likely because it is also a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist. Haloperidol with pure D2 receptor antagonism feature appears to be more effective than metoclopramide in reducing migraine‐related parameters in dopaminergic activation‐ and/or NTG‐induced migraine‐like conditions.
Expression pattern of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit transcripts in neurons and astrocytes in the ventral tegmental area and locus coeruleus
Authors: Gao Runbo , Schneider Amelia M. , Mulloy Sarah M. , Lee Anna M.
Published: August 2023

Acetylcholine is the endogenous agonist for the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) system, which is involved in attention, memory, affective behaviours and substance use disorders. Brain nAChRs are highly diverse with 11 different subunits that can form multiple receptor subtypes, each with distinct receptor and pharmacological properties. Different neuronal cell types can also express different nAChR subtypes, resulting in highly complex cholinergic signalling. Identifying which nAChR subunit transcripts are expressed in cell types can provide an indication of which nAChR combinations are possible and which receptor subtypes may be most pharmacologically relevant to target. In addition to differences in expression across cell types, nAChRs also undergo changes in expression levels from adolescence to adulthood. In this study, we used fluorescent in situ hybridization to identify and quantify the expression of α4, α5, α6, β2 and β3 nAChR subunit transcripts in dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic and noradrenergic neurons and astrocytes in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and locus coeruleus (LC) in adult and adolescent, male and female C57BL/6J mice. There were distinct differences in the pattern of nAChR subunit transcript expression between the two brain regions. LC noradrenergic neurons had high prevalence of α6, β2 and β3 expression, with very low expression of α4, suggesting the α6(non‐α4)β2β3 receptor as a main subtype in these neurons. VTA astrocytes from adult mice showed greater prevalence of α5, α6, β2 and β3 transcript compared with adolescent mice. These data highlight the complex nAChR expression patterns across brain region and cell type.
Determination of nuclear magnetic resonance T2 cutoff in remoulded loess by the freezing point
Authors: Liu Jialiang , Xu Qiang , Li Pinliang , Pu Chuanhao , Zhao Kuanyao , Peng Dalei , Lei Mingyu
Published: August 2023

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is widely applied to characterize the microscopic properties of hydrogen‐containing porous media. The transverse relaxation time cutoff (T2c) value is the crucial parameter for the quantitative analysis of NMR data. Currently, there is no universal method for the determination of the T2c in clayey soils. This study aimed to develop a laboratory method for determining the T2c of remoulded loess by the freezing point of loosely bound water. Malan loess, a kind of typical clayey silt, was used as test material. Based on the soil freezing characteristic, NMR measurements were performed on remoulded loess with different macro‐parameter controls during the cooling process to obtain the T2 spectrum at each target temperature. By analysing the variation of unfrozen water content with temperature reduction, the freezing point of loosely bound water and the T2c value within the freezing‐point range was determined. The freezing point of loosely bound water in remoulded loess is about −3 to −5°C and that of firmly bound water is less than −5°C. Accordingly, the T2c value of remoulded loess is determined to be 1.5–1.8 ms. The assessment of heating and cooling process and different methods for determining the T2c shows that the laboratory method by the freezing point is effective and reliable, and the T2c determined by statistical methods is worthy of further study and improvement. The saturated permeability of remoulded loess is evaluated according to the determined T2c, and two NMR‐based permeability equations can well reflect pore water distribution in remoulded loess, but to a certain extent, both equations ignore soil microstructure, pore connectivity and chemical effects of pore solution. The laboratory method by the freezing point and the determined T2c value of remoulded loess fill the gap of NMR measurement in loess analysis and are of great significance for low‐plastic clays and clay types.
E2730, an uncompetitive γ‐aminobutyric acid transporter‐1 inhibitor, suppresses epileptic seizures in a rat model of chronic mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Ali Idrish , Silva Juliana , Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Braine Emma , Yamakawa Glenn R. , Hudson Matthew R. , Brady Rhys D. , Major Brendan , Thergarajan Peravina , Haskali Mohammad B. , Wright David K. , Jupp Bianca , Vivash Lucy , Shultz Sandy R. , Mychasiuk Richelle , Kwan Patrick , Jones Nigel C. , Fukushima Kazuyuki , Sachdev Pallavi , Cheng Jocelyn Y. , O'Brien Terence J.
Published: August 2023

Objective

More than one third of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients are resistant to current antiseizure medications (ASMs), and half experience mild‐to‐moderate adverse effects of ASMs. There is therefore a strong need to develop and test novel ASMs. The objective of this work is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and neurological toxicity of E2730, a novel uncompetitive inhibitor of γ‐aminobutyric acid transporter‐1, and to test its seizure suppression effects in a rat model of chronic MTLE.

Methods

We first examined plasma levels and adverse neurological effects of E2730 in healthy Wistar rats. Adult male rats were implanted with osmotic pumps delivering either 10, 20, or 100 mg/kg/day of E2730 subcutaneously for 1 week. Blood sampling and behavioral assessments were performed at several timepoints. We next examined whether E2730 suppressed seizures in rats with chronic MTLE. These rats were exposed to kainic acid‐induced status epilepticus, and 9 weeks later, when chronic epilepsy was established, were assigned to receive one of the three doses of E2730 or vehicle for 1 week in a randomized crossover design. Continuous video‐electroencephalographic monitoring was acquired during the treatment period to evaluate epileptic seizures.

Results

Plasma levels following continuous infusion of E2730 showed a clear dose‐related increase in concentration. The drug was well tolerated at all doses, and any sedation or neuromotor impairment was mild and transient, resolving within 48 h of treatment initiation. Remarkably, E2730 treatment in chronically epileptic rats led to seizure suppression in a dose‐dependent manner, with 65% of rats becoming seizure‐free at the highest dose tested. Mean seizure class did not differ between the treatment groups.

Significance

This study shows that continuous subcutaneous infusion of E2730 over 7 days results in a marked, dose‐dependent suppression of spontaneous recurrent seizures, with minimal adverse neurological effects, in a rat model of chronic MTLE. E2730 shows strong promise as an effective new ASM to be translated into clinical trials.
A Latin American Perspective on the Leuenberg Agreement
Authors: Skupch Sonia
Published: August 2023

Among the 104 churches signatory to the Leuenberg Agreement of 1973, which created ecclesial communion between Lutheran, Reformed, and United churches in Europe, are six churches from Latin America, five of them from the Southern Cone. This article reviews how the Protestant churches in the Southern Cone came to be signatories of the Leuenberg Agreement and its significance for their life and witness. Two elements in particular have proven significant over the years. The first is the theological and ecumenical platform the Leuenberg Agreement provided, which gave visibility to a phenomenon already taking place. The second is the fact that the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe has a regional group in South America: this was the case almost from the beginning, which also poses an interesting theological and contextual challenge.
Life after paediatric brain tumour; the perspectives of the survivors and their parents
Authors: Aalykkja Anette , Larsen Elna Hamilton , Larsen Marie Hamilton , Ruud Ellen , Puhr Anita , Lie Hanne Cathrine
Published: August 2023

Aims

To explore how long‐term and late effects of paediatric brain tumours influence the everyday lives of survivors at various ages and their parents.

Design

A qualitative interview study using reflexive thematic analysis.

Methods

We conducted individual interviews and focus groups with 14 paediatric brain tumour survivors aged 9–52 years and 16 parents, which were audiorecorded and transcribed. We inductively analyzed the data using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Inductively derived themes were then mapped onto the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework to examine the survivors' everyday functioning.

Results

All survivors experienced ongoing long‐term and late effects but with considerable variations in how these restricted the survivors' functioning and thus their ability to participate in everyday life activities (e.g. social, educational and work activities). All survivors expressed an explicit focus on and use of different strategies to manage their perceived functional limitations and participation restrictions. Many survivors expressed discrepancies between their own goals, expectations and actual abilities post‐cancer; making them very aware of their limitations. In addition, many survivors and parents experienced ongoing concerns about the survivors’ future, including the risk of late effects, relapse or other complications.

Conclusion

A wide range of long‐term and late effects continue to affect the survivors and their parents' functioning and everyday lives. Their ongoing needs emphasize the importance of comprehensive, life‐long follow‐up care, as recommended.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The complex challenges across the biopsychosocial realms faced by the survivors supports the call for multidisciplinary survivorship care. Nurses are well positioned to lead such care, as they are trained to provide holistic care and thereby support survivors' functioning and activity participation in everyday life.

Reporting Method

We used the COREQ guidelines when reporting the study.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two user representatives (one young adult PBT survivor and one mother of a PBT survivor) ensured the relevance and quality of the semi‐structured interview guides prior to the interviews with the survivors and parents. The guides were sent to the user representatives by mail, and they provided their written feedback by mail to the first author.
Learning computer algorithms through dynamic visualizations: Benefits of ‘AlgoRythmics’ videos
Authors: Katai Zoltan , Osztian Erika
Published: August 2023

Background

This study is the first to address the topic of schematic versus realistic dynamic visualization with particular focus on the human movement effect (HME) when the content to be learned takes the form of a computer algorithm. An AlgoRythmics dance choreography illustration (HM‐realistic) was compared with an abstract computer animation (schematic). Previous research in the field of dynamic visualizations found schematic illustrations to be more effective, but the examined realistic representations did not include HME.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore the process of comprehension of computer algorithms from these two types of representations (abstract animation vs. dance choreography illustration).

Methods

The experiment (pre‐test, study phase, post‐test) involved 84 undergraduate students and included the following conditions (2 × 2 between‐participants‐design): HM‐realistic → HM‐realistic, schematic → schematic, HM‐realistic → schematic, schematic → HM‐realistic.

Results and Conclusions

The results reveal that: (i) the group of participants who saw the dance choreography twice outperformed those who saw the computer animation twice; (ii) dance choreography illustration is only beneficial if it is presented as the second visualization. These findings are apparently contrary to the conclusions of some relevant previous research in the field, but they are in line with recent results regarding the HME.

Takeaways

Realistic dynamic visualizations can be more effective than schematic ones if they involve human movement. To benefit maximally from realistic visualization, students need to have previously viewed it or to have previously viewed the isomorphic schematic presentation of it.
Metabolomic profiles of obesity and subgingival microbiome in periodontally healthy individuals: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khocht Ahmed , Paster Bruce , Lenoir Leticia , Irani Crissy , Fraser Gary
Published: August 2023

Aim

Since blood metabolomic profiles of obese individuals are known to be altered, our objective was to examine the association between obesity‐related metabolic patterns and subgingival microbial compositions in obese and non‐obese periodontally healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐nine periodontally healthy subjects were enrolled. Based on body mass index scores, 20 subjects were categorized as lean and 19 as obese. A comprehensive periodontal examination was performed. Subgingival plaque and blood samples were collected. Plaque samples were analysed for bacteria using 16S rDNA sequencing. Untargeted metabolomic profiling (mass spectrometry) was used to quantify metabolites in serum.

Results

Obese subjects were statistically associated with several periodontopathic taxa includingDialister invisus,Prevotella intermedia,Prevotella denticola,Fusobacterium nucleatum_subsp.vincentii,Mogibacterium diversum,Parvimonas micraandShuttleworthia satelles. In obese individuals, an amino acid‐related metabolic pattern was elevated; however, there was a decrease in metabolic patterns related to lipids and cofactor/vitamins. These metabolic perturbations were associated with multiple subgingival bacterial species that differentiated lean from obese individuals.

Conclusions

Obesity‐related perturbations in circulating blood metabolites are associated with the development of periodontopathic bacterial colonization in the subgingival microbiome and consequently may increase the risk for periodontal disease in obese individuals.
Circadian aspects in the aetiology and pathophysiology of insomnia
Authors: Lack Leon C. , Micic Gorica , Lovato Nicole
Published: August 2023

Because the endogenous circadian pacemaker is a very strong determinant of alertness/sleep propensity across the 24 h period, its mistiming may contribute to symptoms of insomnia (e.g., difficulties initiating sleep and maintaining sleep) and to the development of insomnia disorder. Despite the separation of insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders in diagnostic nosology implying independent pathophysiology, there is considerable evidence of co‐morbidity and interaction between them. Sleep onset insomnia is associated with later timed circadian rhythms and can be treated with morning bright light to shift rhythms to an earlier timing. It is also possible that the causal link may go in both directions and that having a delayed circadian rhythm can result in enough experiences of delayed sleep onset to lead to some conditioned insomnia or insomnia disorder further exacerbating a delayed circadian rhythm. Early morning awakening insomnia is associated with an advanced circadian phase (early timing) and can be treated with evening bright light resulting in a delay of rhythms and an improved ability to sleep later in the morning and to obtain more sleep. There is some evidence suggesting that sleep maintenance insomnia is associated with a blunted amplitude of circadian rhythm that may be treated with increased regularity of sleep and light exposure timing. However, this is an insomnia phenotype that requires considerably more circadian research as well as further insomnia clinical research with the other insomnia phenotypes incorporating circadian timing measures and treatments.
A Clinical Comparative Study on Percutaneous and Open Approaches for Screw Internal Fixation in Treating Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Xu Yafei , Sun Yapeng , Shi Ruiqing , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Fei , Guo Lei , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

Objective

Conventional open internal fixation surgery for thoracolumbar fractures has many complications and long recovery time. There are few clinical studies on the minimally invasive percutaneous injured vertebrae screw internal fixation. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the application value of minimally invasive percutaneous injured vertebrae screw internal fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures (TF).

Methods

A total of 98 patients with TF admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the surgical method, the patients were divided into the study group (n = 49, treated with minimally invasive percutaneous injured vertebrae screw internal fixation) and the control group (n = 49, treated with traditional open internal fixation surgery). The two groups were compared in the perioperative period, the degree of pain at different periods, the percentage of the height of the anterior edge of the injured vertebra, the Cobb angle of the injured vertebra body and the wedge angle of the injured vertebra body at the first week and the last follow‐up, and the postoperative complications and the occurrence of the cone shell after the operation were recorded. Then, statistical analysis such as Student's t test or Chi‐Square test was performed.

Results

The operation time (p = 0.002), intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001), postoperative drainage volume (p = 0.011), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.003) in the study group were significantly lower than that in the control group. The VAS in the study group (3.38 ± 1.02) was significantly lower than that in the control group (4.56 ± 1.04) on the 7th day after the operation, with a significant difference (p < 0.001). The correction values of the percentage of leading edge height (LEH), Cobb angle, wedge angle in the study group were significantly lower than that in the control group at 1 week after surgery (all ps < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications in the study group (one case, 2.04%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (seven cases, 14.29%) (p = 0.031). At 1 month, 6 months, 10 months, and the last follow‐up, the incidence of “empty shell” on CT scan in the study group were lower than that in the control group with a significant difference (all ps < 0.05).

Conclusion

Applying minimally invasive percutaneous injured vertebrae screw internal fixation is more beneficial to shorten the operation time and hospital stay, with fewer postoperative complications.
Feasibility of Anterior Fixation with Single Screw for Odontoid Fractures in Pediatrics: A Computed Tomographic Study
Authors: Lin Junyu , Ji Wei , Huang Zucheng , Huang Zhiping , Zhu Qingan , Liu Junhao
Published: August 2023

Objective

Although it is an effective fixation technique for an unstable odontoid, anterior fixation remains challenging in pediatric populations. Our study measures the anatomical parameters of the odontoid to identify the feasibility of anterior fixation with a single screw for children.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 112 normal male and female children (aged between 2 and 18) in our institute from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Subjects were divided into a youth group (2–6 years old), a juvenile group (7–12 years old), and an adolescent group (13–18 years old). Sagittal and coronal computed tomography images of the upper cervical spine were used to measure the screw length, angle, and inner and outer diameters of the odontoid. One‐way analysis of variance with the Tukey test was used to analyze the parameters among the groups, while the t‐test was used to analyze gender differences. Correlations between parameters and age were assessed using Pearson's test.

Results

There were significant differences between male and female subjects in screw length and inner and outer diameters (of both sagittal and coronal views) but not in screw angle. The narrowest diameter of the odontoid was 4.0 ± 1.5 mm in the youth group, 5.5 ± 1.5 mm in the juvenile group, and 5.6 ± 1.1 mm in the adolescent group, respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups in screw length (p < 0.0001). The screw angle of the adolescent group was significantly smaller than that of the youth and juvenile groups. More than 90% of children aged 7–18 years old had an odontoid diameter greater than 4 mm, while only half of the youth group had an odontoid with diameter >4 mm. Screw length and inner and outer diameters in lateral view were positively correlated with age, and screw angle was negatively correlated with age.

Conclusion

It is feasible to insert a standard single screw (Φ 3.5 mm) into the odontoid of children aged 7–18 years old but not those aged 2–6 years old. How the anatomical parameters of the odontoid change with age, especially the narrowest diameters, is worthy of attention.
Nutrient resorption responses of female and male Populus cathayana to drought and shade stress
Authors: Tang Shuanglei , Lin Xiazhen , Li Wen , Guo Chengjin , Han Jungang , Yu Lei
Published: August 2023

Nutrient resorption can increase nutrient use and play important roles in terrestrial plant nutrient cycles. Although several studies have reported individual responses of plant nutrient resorption to drought or shade stress, the interaction of drought and shade remains unclear, especially for dioecious plants. This study explored whether nutrient resorption is correlated to growth characteristics (such as biomass and root/shoot ratio [R/S ratio]) and leaf economics (such as leaf thickness, leaf mass per area [LMA] and leaf vein density [LVD]) in female and male Populus cathayana across different conditions. We found that drought stress significantly increased nitrogen (N) resorption efficiency (NRE) in both sexes, but shade and interactive stress decreased NRE in P. cathayana females. Under drought stress, nutrient resorption was sexually dimorphic such that P. cathayana males have higher NRE than females. Furthermore, NRE and phosphorous (P) resorption efficiency (PRE) were positively related to R/S ratio, leaf thickness, LMA, and LVD in both sexes across different treatments. Our study is the first to present how nutrient resorption is related to biomass accumulation and allocation, and leaf economics, suggesting that nutrient uptake may be modulated by R/S ratio and leaf economics, which is important for understanding the conservation mechanism of plant nutrients.
Where you live matters: Roadways, air pollution and lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Goobie Gillian C.
Published: August 2023

See relatedarticle
Establishment of a reference interval for 12‐hour fasted serum gastrin concentration in adult dogs
Authors: Vose Julieann , Brudvig Jean , Bassiouny Enass , Petroff Brian , Jaffey Jared , Cridge Harry
Published: August 2023

Background

Adherence to traditional 24‐h fasting periods for serum gastrin concentration in dogs can be challenging and may delay the institution of therapies for suspected hypergastrinemia. Peer‐reviewed publications regarding serum gastrin reference intervals (RI) are lacking. Hypercalcemia is associated with hypergastrinemia in people; limited data exist in dogs.

Objective

The objective of the study was to generate a RI for a 12‐h fasted serum gastrin concentration in dogs and to investigate whether correlations exist with age, weight, sex, and total calcium concentration.

Methods

Fifty‐five healthy adult dogs (>1 year of age). The screening included: medical history, physical examination, CBC (15 dogs), and serum chemistry (55 dogs). Gastrin was measured via a commercial radioimmunoassay. The RI for 12‐h fasted serum gastrin concentration was calculated according to the recommendations of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. Additionally, data were evaluated for correlation with selected variables.

Results

The RI for serum gastrin following a 12‐h fasting period was 15.1–78.9 ng/L with 90% confidence intervals for the lower and upper limits of 14.0–22.9 and 68.3–83.0 ng/L, respectively. A generalized linear model did not detect significant relationships between gastrin and age (P = 0.48), sex (P = 0.30), weight (P = 0.93), or total calcium concentration (P = 0.84).

Conclusions

A 12‐h fasted serum gastrin concentration RI has been established. Given the limited range of serum calcium concentrations in our healthy study population, additional investigations are needed to determine the effects of hypercalcemia on serum gastrin concentrations in dogs and for any potential clinical consequences thereof.
The geographic distributions and complex genetic relationships among four Sorghum taxa identified in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Wei‐Hsun , Liao Hsien‐Chun , Chin Han‐Shiuan , Kuo Yi‐Tzu , Chen Chih‐Hui , Tsai Yuan‐Ching , Paterson Andrew H. , Lin Yann‐Rong
Published: August 2023

The genus Sorghum consists of 25 species, including Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, one of the top five cereal crops cultivated globally, and S. halepense, one of the most noxious weeds. Weedy Sorghum possesses outstanding adaptability and drought tolerance thrives in diverse environments and becomes an invasive plant worldwide. Taiwan is a unique place possessing suitable habitats for four Sorghum taxa, S. bicolor ssp. bicolor, var. technicum, ssp. verticilliflorum and S. halepense, which were identified by key morphological features. The four Sorghum taxa showed distinct geographic distributions, revealing that invasiveness was influenced by their own characteristics and human activities. The sporadic distributions of cultivated S. bicolor ssp. bicolor and var. technicum may be attributed to human disturbance and agricultural activities. The rhizomatous S. halepense was widely distributed and showed the highest genetic diversity (He > 0.776) among the four taxa, with its strong adaptation to various environments threatening the agricultural practices and ecosystem in Taiwan. In contrast, the newly naturalised S. bicolor ssp. verticilliflorum was confined to and dominant in southern Taiwan, with the lowest genetic diversity (He < 0.272). Significant genetic differentiation (FST = 0.5207) between the two ssp. verticilliflorum subpopulations was associated with natural geographic isolation. This study concretely elucidated the geographic distributions, genetic diversity and relatedness of invasive and escaped Sorghum taxa, indicating the potential aggressiveness and hazard of weedy Sorghum in Taiwan.
Dirk Lauwaert. Selected Writings, 1983-2008
Authors: Lauwaert Dirk
Published: August 2023

Radically subjective. Radically unapologetic. Radically demanding. These are the hallmarks of Dirk Lauwaert’s skill, attitude, and sensitivity, which are the result of radical attention. Belgian writer and critic Dirk Lauwaert (1944–2013) wrote about images, be they moving or still, historical or contemporary, overfamiliar or unseen. He experienced them intensely, studied them attentively, and connected them to ethical, philosophical, or social issues in texts that invited readers to do the same, whether they were leaving the movie theater browsing a photo book, or visiting an exhibition. This selection presents the depth and scope of Lauwaert’s immense output through 15 key texts in which the Belgian author unfolds his central ideas and motifs, displaying his kaleidoscopic thinking and essayistic ability. The texts span 25 years – from 1983 to 2008 – and were originally published in various contexts over the course of three decades.
An Opaque Mirror For Trajan
Authors: van der Wiel Laurens
Published: August 2023

Plutarch’s Regum et imperatorum apophthegmata (Sayings of Kings and Commanders) holds a peculiar position in his oeuvre. This collection of almost 500 anecdotes of barbarian, Greek, and Roman rulers and generals is introduced by a dedicatory letter to Trajan as a summary of the author’s well known and widely read Parallel Lives. The work is therefore Plutarch’s only text that explicitly addresses a Roman emperor and is likely to shed light on his biographical technique. Yet the collection has been understudied, because its authenticity has been generally rejected since the nineteenth century. This book restores its reputation and provides a first full literary analysis of the letter and collection as a genuine work of Plutarch, wherein he attempts to educate his ruler by means of great role models of the past. Plutarch’s thinking about the function of role models (exempla) is not only relevant for Plutarchan research, but also for our knowledge of exemplarity, a key feature both in Greek and Latin literature in the early imperial period in general. Therefore An Opaque Mirror for Trajan is also of interest for literary and historical scholars who study the broader context of ancient literature of the first centuries CE.
Georges Bizet. Les Pêcheurs de Perles
Authors: Bruls Willem
Published: August 2023

Les Pêcheurs de perles ofwel De parelvissers uit 1863 is een bijzonder jeugdwerk van de Franse componist Georges Bizet. Deze opera zit vol prachtige melodieën, pakkende scènes, emotionele confrontaties én het allermooiste duet voor tenor en bariton. Wat het werk extra interessant maakt, is de oriëntaalse en exotische situering, die zowel het verhaal als de muziek een bijzondere glans verlenen. De opera speelt zich af in Ceylon, het huidige Sri Lanka, waar de mooie Leïla, een priesteres in een hindoeïstische tempel van Brahma, verstrikt raakt in een onmogelijke keuze tussen plicht en liefde, en tussen twee mannen: de parelvissers Nadir en Zurga. Bizet schreef deze opera ruim tien jaar voor zijn laatste meesterwerk Carmen, maar met Les Pêcheurs de perles legde hij een belangrijk fundament voor de exotische opera’s van de tweede helft van de negentiende eeuw in Europa. In samenwerking met Opera Ballet Vlaanderen
Cross-Domain Transfer Learning for Galvanized Steel Strips Defect Detection and Recognition
Authors: Chen Hao , Lin Hongbin , Xu Qingfeng , Li Yaguan , Zheng Yiming , Fei Jianghua , Yang Kang , Fan Wenhui , Nie Zhenguo
Published: August 2023

Defect detection is a crucial direction of deep learning, which is suitable for industrial inspection of product quality in strip steel. As the strip steel production line continuously outputs products, it is necessary to take corresponding measures for the type of defect, once a subtle quality problem is found on steel strips. We propose a new defect area detection and classification method for automation strip steel defect detection. In order to eliminate the way of insufficient data in industrial production line scenarios, we design a transfer learning scheme to support the training of defect region detection. Subsequently, in order to achieve a more accurate classification of defect categories, we designed a deep learning model that integrated the detection results of defect regions and defects feature extraction. After applying our method to the test set and production line, we can achieve extremely high accuracy, reaching 87.11%, while meeting the production speed of the production line compared with other methods. The accuracy and speed of the model realize automatic quality monitoring in the manufacturing process of strip steel.
Process optimization for shallow trench isolation etch using computational models
Authors: Huang Shuo , Panneerchelvam Prem , Huard Chad M. , Sridhar Shyam , Ventzek Peter L. G. , Smith Mark D.
Published: August 2023

The critical dimensions of advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes have decreased to a few tens of nanometers while the aspect ratios have increased beyond 100. The performance of plasma etch patterning processes as well as the cost and time of the development cycle are critical to the success of ramping a new technology node toward profitable high-volume manufacturing. In this paper, a computational patterning software, ProETCH®, has been developed with rigorous physics and advanced algorithms for modeling the etch patterning process, with the featured capabilities in calibrating the reaction mechanisms and optimizing the etch process. A shallow trench isolation etch process using self-aligned double patterning was investigated. A reaction mechanism of silicon etch by Ar/Cl2 plasma was developed to address the surface reactions, and a plasma hypermodel was introduced to correlate process operating conditions to plasma parameters at the wafer surface. The parameters of the reaction mechanism and the plasma hypermodel were calibrated with experimental data obtained from cross-sectional scanning electron microscope (XSEM) images. The calibrated model is used to identify the different fundamental pathways that contribute to the observed profile metrics in XSEMs. The model was then used for process development and optimization by solving the forward and inverse problems. In the forward problem, the model is used to predict the etching profile at different process conditions. Predictions for both interpolation conditions (process parameters within the range used for developing the model) and extrapolation conditions (process parameters outside of the range used for developing the model) agree well with the experimental data with the root mean square error less than 4 nm (1 nm resolution used for the mesh). In the inverse problem, the developed model is used to search for process conditions (e.g., values of bias power and pressure), which could result in desirable profiles. The solutions to the inverse problem demonstrate a degeneracy in process space of the etching process for a given target profile.
The 2-Point Method: Theoretical Basis, Methodological Considerations, Experimental Support, and Its Application Under Field Conditions
Authors: García-Ramos Amador
Published: August 2023

The “2-point method,” originally referred to as the “2-load method,” was proposed in 2016 by Prof Slobodan Jaric to characterize the maximal mechanical capacities of the muscles to produce force, velocity, and power. Two years later, in 2018, Prof Jaric and I summarized in a review article the scientific evidence showing that the 2-point method, compared with the multiple-point method, is capable of providing the outcomes of the force–velocity (F–V) and load–velocity (L–V) relationships with similar reliability and high concurrent validity. However, a major gap of our review was that, until 2018, the feasibility of the 2-point method had only been explored through testing procedures based on multiple (more than 2) loads. This is problematic because (1) it has misled users into thinking that implementing the 2-point method inevitably requires testing more than 2 conditions and (2) obtaining the data from the same test could have artificially inflated the concurrent validity of the 2-point method. To overcome these limitations, subsequent studies have implemented in separate sessions the 2-point method under field conditions (only 2 different loads applied in the testing protocol) and the standard multiple-point method. These studies consistently demonstrate that while the outcomes of the 2-point method exhibit comparable reliability, they tend to have slightly higher magnitudes compared with the standard multiple-point method. This review article emphasizes the practical aspects that should be considered when applying the 2-point method under field conditions to obtain the main outcomes of the F–V and L–V relationships.
Decoding the spermatogonial stem cell niche under physiological and recovery conditions in adult mice and humans
Authors: Jin Cheng , Wang Zhipeng , Li Pengyu , Tang Jielin , Jiao Tao , Li Yiran , Ou Jinhuan , Zou Dingfeng , Li Mengzhen , Mang Xinyu , Liu Jun , Ma Yanni , Wu Xiaolong , Shi Jie , Chen Shitao , He Manman , Lu Yan , Zhang Ning , Miao Shiying , Sun Fei , Wang Linfang , Li Kai , Yu Jia , Song Wei
Published: August 2023

The intricate interaction between spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) and testicular niche is essential for maintaining SSC homeostasis; however, this interaction remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, to characterize the underlying signaling pathways and related paracrine factors, we delineated the intercellular interactions between SSC and niche cell in both adult mice and humans under physiological conditions and dissected the niche-derived regulation of SSC maintenance under recovery conditions, thus uncovering the essential role of C-C motif chemokine ligand 24 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 in SSC maintenance. We also established the clinical relevance of specific paracrine factors in human fertility. Collectively, our work on decoding the adult SSC niche serves as a valuable reference for future studies on the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of male infertility.
Killing of
Staphylococcus aureus
persisters by a multitarget natural product chrysomycin A
Authors: Jia Jia , Zheng Mingxin , Zhang Chongwen , Li Binglei , Lu Cai , Bai Yuefan , Tong Qian , Hang Xudong , Ge Yixin , Zeng Liping , Zhao Ming , Song Fuhang , Zhang Huawei , Zhang Liang , Hong Kui , Bi Hongkai
Published: August 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
poses a severe public health problem as one of the vital causative agents of healthcare- and community-acquired infections. There is a globally urgent need for new drugs with a novel mode of action (MoA) to combat
S. aureus
biofilms and persisters that tolerate antibiotic treatment. We demonstrate that a benzonaphthopyranone glycoside, chrysomycin A (ChryA), is a rapid bactericide that is highly active against
S. aureus
persisters, robustly eradicates biofilms in vitro, and shows a sustainable killing efficacy in vivo. ChryA was suggested to target multiple critical cellular processes. A wide range of genetic and biochemical approaches showed that ChryA directly binds to GlmU and DapD, involved in the biosynthetic pathways for the cell wall peptidoglycan and lysine precursors, respectively, and inhibits the acetyltransferase activities by competition with their mutual substrate acetyl-CoA. Our study provides an effective antimicrobial strategy combining multiple MoAs onto a single small molecule for treatments of
S. aureus
persistent infections.
Climate system asymmetries drive eccentricity pacing of hydroclimate during the early Eocene greenhouse
Authors: Walters Andrew P. , Tierney Jessica E. , Zhu Jiang , Meyers Stephen R. , Graves Katherine , Carroll Alan R.
Published: August 2023

The early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO) represents the peak of Earth’s last sustained greenhouse climate interval. To investigate hydroclimate variability in western North America during the EECO, we developed an orbitally resolved leaf wax δ2H record from one of the most well-dated terrestrial paleoclimate archives, the Green River Formation. Our δ2Hwaxresults show ∼60‰ variation and evidence for eccentricity and precession forcing. iCESM simulations indicate that changes in the Earth’s orbit drive large seasonal variations in precipitation and δ2H of precipitation at our study site, primarily during the summer season. Our findings suggest that the astronomical response in δ2Hwaxis attributable to an asymmetrical climate response to the seasonal cycle, a “clipping” of precession forcing, and asymmetric carbon cycle dynamics, which further enhance the influence of eccentricity modulation on the hydrological cycle during the EECO. More broadly, our study provides an explanation for how and why eccentricity emerges as a dominant frequency in climate records from ice-free greenhouse worlds.
Toddler's T cells are taught in muco-school
Authors: Khani-Habibabadi Fatemeh , O’Connor Kevin C.
Published: August 2023

Tissue-resident memory T cells accumulate in mucosal sites during infancy and then mature through childhood.
Supplemental Material: Large negative δ238U anomalies in endogenic-type travertine systems
Authors: Polyak Victor J , al. et
Published: August 2023

Supplemental text including methods, Figures S1, S2, and S3, and Tables S1 and S2.  