bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Եգիպտահայ «Ժողովուրդ» պարբերականը (1903–1904)
Authors: Եսոյան Մյասնիկ Ա.
Published: June 2023

Являясь периодическим изданием национальнодемократической направленности, «Жоговурд» обратил внимани на плачевное социальноэкономическое и политическое положение армянского народа и предложил способы выхода из него. В центре внимания издания находилось освещение важных событий, происходящих в общественной и культурной жизни армянской общины Египта, также в журнале периодически звучали призывы обеспечить трудоустройство бедных слоёв египетских армян. Кроме того, данное издание уделяло большое внимание освещению борьбы армян после принятия закона 12 июня 1903 года и призывало объединиться вокруг католикоса и продолжить борьбу в рамках закона. Египетскоармянское периодическое издание было озабочено также существующим в Западной Армении положением, передавая сообщения о Сасунском восстании 1904 года. В отличие от других египетскоармянских общественнополитических изданий, резко критиковавших антиармянскую политику османских властей, «Жоговурд» довольствовался лишь сообщением некоторых сведений о положении западных армян.
As a periodical with a national democratic orientation, “Joghovurd” referred to the deplorable social, economic and political situation of Armenian people and proposed measures to get them out of that situation. The magazine focused on the coverage of important events in the social and cultural life of the Egyptian-Armenian community and regularly called for the employment of poor Egyptian-Armenians. In addition, the magazine focused on the struggle of the Armenians after the adoption of the law of 12 June 1903, calling on them to unite around the Catholicos and continue the struggle within the law. The Egyptian-Armenian periodical was also concerned with the situation in Western Armenia, reporting on the Sasun uprising in 1904. Unlike other Egyptian-Armenian socio-political periodicals, which severely criticized the anti-Armenian policy of the Ottoman authorities, “Joghovurd” was content to report only some information about the situation of Western Armenians.
Surprising implications of differences in locations versus differences in means
Authors: Trafimow David , Roth Nathaniel , Xu Lina , Toomasian Deborah , Perrello Audrey , Tong Tingting , Wang Tonghui , Choy S. T. Boris , Chen Xiangfei , Wang Cong , Hu Liqun
Published: June 2023

Social science researchers depend on differences in means between experimental and control conditions to draw substantive conclusions. However, an alternative is to use differences in locations. For normal distributions, means and locations are the same, but for skew normal distributions, means and locations are different. If a difference in means and locations are similar, and in the same direction, the resulting substantive story may be similar. However, if a difference in means and locations are dissimilar, especially if they oppose directionally, the resulting substantive story may differ dramatically. We collected 51 data sets from online data repositories to check how often the differences in means versus locations are substantially different or are in different directions. Although the values depend on what one counts, the overall conclusion is that the two types of differences have a larger than trivial chance of disagreeing substantially. We suggest that when researchers report normal statistics (mean and standard deviation), they should report skew normal statistics (location, scale, and shape) too, against the nontrivial chance that the skew normal statistics imply a substantive story in opposition to that implied by the normal statistics.
Estimation quality and required sample sizes in three-level contextual analysis models
Authors: Kerkhoff Denny , Nussbeck Fridtjof W.
Published: June 2023

In multilevel analysis, Level-1 predictors that also explain variance at a higher level are called contextual predictors. In the multilevel manifest covariate model, the Level-2 component is modeled as the average of the Level-1 predictor scores within a cluster. In the multilevel latent covariate model, the predictor is decomposed into two latent variables at Level-1 and Level-2. Performance conditions of these modeling approaches for three-level models are largely unexplored. We investigate the two approaches’ performance with respect to bias, coverage, and power in a three-level random intercept model. Results reveal differences in estimation quality and required sample sizes. We provide sampling recommendations for both approaches.
flexCDMs: A Web-based Platform for Cognitive Diagnostic Data Analysis
Authors: Tu Dongbo , Gao Xuliang
Published: June 2023

Cognitive diagnosis is an important component of modern measurement theory and has received widespread attention from researchers in the fields of education and psychological measurement. Existing cognitive diagnosis analysis tools rely on professional software packages (such as R packages), which creates significant challenges for users, especially those who are not familiar with computer programming. To remove this technical barrier, our team has developed a web-based, user-friendly platform, named flexCDMs, for cognitive diagnosis data analysis. This article describes the features of the platform, the functional modules, the implemented cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) and algorithms, and illustrates the operations of the platform. This platform can be used to analyze data based on various cognitive diagnosis models, carry out Q-matrix theory, model-data fit tests, parameter estimation, quality analysis of cognitive diagnostic tests, differential item functioning (DIF) detection, and Q-matrix modification. It produces various charts and graphs to report results. It is a powerful, yet easy to use cognitive diagnosis data analysis tool. The website for the flexCDMs platform is: http://111.230.233.68:1001/?Id=false&Block
flexCDMs：认知诊断数据分析平台
Authors: Tu Dongbo , Gao Xuliang
Published: June 2023

认知诊断是现代测量理论的重要内容，在教育、心理测量中受到了研究者的广泛关注。现有的认知诊断分析工具依赖于专业的软件包（如R包），增加了应用者（尤其是不了解计算机编程的应用者）的使用门槛。为此，我们团队开发了一个基于网络版、可视化、易操作的认知诊断数据分析平台（flexCDMs）。本文重点分析了flexCDMs平台的特点、功能模块、相关模型与算法、及其操作。该平台可用于分析基于各类认知诊断模型的数据，包括Q矩阵理论、模型-资料拟资料拟合检验、参数估计、认知诊断测验质量分析、DIF侦查、Q矩阵修正、以及各类图表结果输出等功能模块，是一款操作简单，功能强大的认知诊断数据分析工具。flexCDMs平台的网址为：http://111.230.233.68:1001/?Id=false&Block
A Connected farm Metamodeling Using Advanced Information Technologies for an Agriculture 4.0
Authors: Rabhi Loubna , Jabir Brahim , Falih Noureddine , Afraites Lekbir , Bouikhalene Belaid
Published: June 2023

The agriculture 4.0 revolution is an opportunity for farmers to meet the challenges in food production. It has become necessary to adopt a set of agricultural practices based on advanced technologies following the agriculture 4.0 revolution. This latter enables the creation of added value by combining innovative technologies: precision agriculture, information and communication technology, robotics, and Big Data. As an enterprise, a connected farm is also highly sensitive to strategic changes like organizational changes, changes in objectives, modified variety, new business objects, processes, etc. To strategically control its information system, we propose a metamodeling approach based on the ISO/IS 19440 enterprise meta-model, where we added some new constructs relating to new advanced digital technologies for Smart and Connected agriculture.
Communs et autogestion : redécouvrir les pratiques émancipatoires du Québec des années 1960-1980
Authors: Lachapelle Marc D. , Furukawa Marques Dan
Published: June 2023

Communs et autogestion sont des formes d’expérimentation d’organisations collectives qui émergent en réponse aux différentes crises que nous vivons. Cet article présente différentes approches des communs et en dégage les éléments qui nous semblent essentiels à une articulation avec la tradition de l’autogestion, notamment telle qu’elle s’est manifestée au Québec dans les années 1960 à 1980. En nous appuyant sur le travail de recherche sur les pratiques émancipatoires mené par Gabriel Gagnon et Marcel Rioux dans les années 1980, nous faisons ressortir les pratiques et enjeux organisationnels qui caractérisent les communs et l’autogestion à cette époque. De plus, nous mobilisons leur concept de transférabilité afin d’illustrer le potentiel émancipatoire des organisations autogérées. Nous démontrons que les agencements organisationnels observés (configurations, pratiques, conventions) sont une dimension essentielle et singulière dans la gestion des tensions internes et externes engendrées par la relation conflictuelle entre l’autogestion/les communs et le capitalisme.
L’Utopie (très) concrète du Bâtiment 7 : un commun face aux défis de son autonomie financière
Authors: Lefèvre Sylvain A. , Grant-Poitras David
Published: June 2023

Cet article se propose d’explorer une facette peu étudiée des communs, et pourtant essentielle à leur émergence, à leur pérennité et à leur accessibilité : l’opérationnalisation de leur financement. C’est à travers le cas du Bâtiment 7, une fabrique d’autonomie collective située dans un quartier populaire de Montréal, que nous défendons l’hypothèse selon laquelle le chemin vers la viabilité financière ne se résume pas à un enjeu managérial, mais constitue un travail intrinsèquement politique qui s’inscrit au coeur du processus de mise en commun. À cette fin, notre analyse se déroule en deux temps. D’une part, par souci de contextualisation, nous nous réapproprions la littérature scientifique sur les communs pour caractériser le projet du Bâtiment 7. Cela nous permet d’identifier certaines de ses singularités qui ont des répercussions économiques déterminantes sur le plan de sa faisabilité. D’autre part, nous mobilisons les données d’une recherche partenariale en cours avec le Bâtiment 7 et des bailleurs de fonds pour mettre en scène les tensions structurantes qui résultent de ce que nous appelons la micropolitique du financement. Ce terme désigne tant les choix politiques qui fondent les orientations financières que les expérimentations par lesquelles sont mises en cohérence les modalités de financement et la mission de l’organisme.
Communs culturels territoriaux et COVID-19 : le cas du quartier Saint-Michel à Montréal
Authors: Dambre-Sauvage Laurent , Klein Juan-Luis , Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle
Published: June 2023

Depuis le début des années 2000, la culture est devenue un élément important des stratégies de développement du quartier Saint-Michel. Ces stratégies ont fait émerger un mode de gouvernance des dynamiques culturelles associant acteurs culturels, politiques et communautaires. Coordonnés par une « table culture », des évènements de la vie culturelle du quartier sont ainsi produits et gérés en commun. La crise de la COVID-19 a fait apparaitre une arène d’action qui a infléchi les dynamiques culturelles du quartier. Elle a été une source d’innovations pour les acteurs michelois. La réponse culturelle communalisée aux problèmes induits par la pandémie a constitué une opportunité d’enrichissement du capital « socioterritorial » du quartier. La notion de commun culturel territorial (CCT) permet de mieux comprendre ce processus. Les CCT génèrent des dynamiques capables d’agir sur les dimensions matérielles et symboliques des environnements urbains pour concourir à la qualité et à la revitalisation des milieux de vie.
Transformation du mode d’organisation vers un modèle autogéré : le cas de la Coopérative de solidarité Temps libre
Authors: Tadjine Nadim , Dazé Émilie
Published: June 2023

Cette étude de cas se propose de retracer la transformation qu’a connue la Coopérative de solidarité Temps libre depuis sa création jusqu’à la mise en place progressive par ses membres d’un modèle d’organisation autogéré. Par cette enquête, nous tentons de comprendre de quelles façons les transformations et les pratiques autogérées observables à Temps libre remettent en question les théories sur les modes d’organisation des coopératives et peuvent contribuer à leur renouvellement à la fois théorique et pratique en économie sociale. Le travail de périodisation permet de suivre les changements sur le plan tant des valeurs et des idées que des outils et des pratiques d’autogestion. Nous avançons que cette transformation n’inclut pas la création de pratiques inédites, mais plutôt un changement progressif vers un modèle autogéré, jalonné d’une succession de découvertes et d’apprentissages.
Habermas ante el siglo XXI. La proyección de la teoría de la acción comunicativa, por César Ortega Esquembre
Authors: Herreras Maldonado Enrique
Published: June 2023

Ressenya / Reseña / Review 
Ortega Esquembre, César 2021, Habermas ante el siglo XXI. La proyección de la teoría de la acción comunicativa, Madrid: Tecnos. ISBN 978-84-309-8159-5, 416 páginas
Salvador Feliu y el "problema" de la filosofía española
Authors: Ferrer García Alberto
Published: June 2023

Obituari / Obituario / Obituary
Salvador Feliu Castelló, In Memoriam
Urban Tourism Traffic Analysis Zone Division Based on Floating Car Data
Authors: Gao Yueer , Liao Yanqing
Published: June 2023

Tourism traffic has a considerable influence on the state of urban traffic in tourist cities. To consider tourism traffic demand in the division of conventional traffic analysis zones (TAZ), a spatial analysis method combining dynamic traffic state features with static land use and road network characteristics is proposed to define tourism traffic analysis zones (TTAZs). Taking Xiamen Island as an example, first, point of interest (POI) data for the tourism elements on Xiamen Island and kernel density estimation (KDE) are applied to determine the core zones impacted by tourism traffic. Second, within the impacted zones, this paper studies the dynamic distribution of the tourism traffic for peak hours during holidays and non-tourism period by employing spatial autocorrelation method based on floating car data (FCD) and determines the area of slow traffic agglomeration of tourism traffic. In view of the distribution of tourism infrastructure, land use, tourism traffic state distribution and road network, this study identified the characteristics of slow traffic agglomeration in the area near Siming Road and divided four TAZs into six TTAZs. By further dividing the urban TTAZs, this paper hopes to provide a reference for urban traffic planning and management, tourism planning and land use planning.
Identification of Candidate Mitochondrial Inheritance Determinants Using the Mammalian Cell-Free System
Authors: Zuidema Dalen , Jones Alexis , Song Won-Hee , Zigo Michal , Sutovsky Peter
Published: June 2023

The degradation of sperm-borne mitochondria after fertilization is a conserved event. This process known as post-fertilization sperm mitophagy, ensures exclusively maternal inheritance of the mitochondria-harbored mitochondrial DNA genome. This mitochondrial degradation is in part carried out by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In mammals, ubiquitin-binding pro-autophagic receptors such as SQSTM1 and GABARAP have also been shown to contribute to sperm mitophagy. These systems work in concert to ensure the timely degradation of the sperm-borne mitochondria after fertilization. We hypothesize that other receptors, cofactors, and substrates are involved in post-fertilization mitophagy. Mass spectrometry was used in conjunction with a porcine cell-free system to identify other autophagic cofactors involved in post-fertilization sperm mitophagy. This porcine cell-free system is able to recapitulate early fertilization proteomic interactions. Altogether, 185 proteins were identified as statistically different between control and cell-free treated spermatozoa. Six of these proteins were further investigated, including MVP, PSMG2, PSMA3, FUNDC2, SAMM50, and BAG5. These proteins were phenotyped using porcine
in vitro
fertilization, cell imaging, proteomics, and the porcine cell-free system. The present data confirms the involvement of known mitophagy determinants in the regulation of mitochondrial inheritance and provides a master list of candidate mitophagy co-factors to validate in the future hypothesis-driven studies.
Molecular portraits of colorectal cancer morphological regions
Authors: Budinská Eva , Hrivňáková Martina , Ivkovic Tina Catela , Madrzyk Marie , Nenutil Rudolf , Bencsiková Beatrix , Al Tukmachi Dagmar , Ručková Michaela , Dubská Lenka Zdražilová , Slabý Ondřej , Feit Josef , Dragomir Mihnea-Paul , Linhartova Petra Borilova , Tejpar Sabine , Popovici Vlad
Published: June 2023

Heterogeneity of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) represents a major hurdle towards personalized medicine. Efforts based on whole tumor profiling demonstrated that the CRC molecular subtypes were associated with specific tumor morphological patterns representing tumor subregions. We hypothesize that whole-tumor molecular descriptors depend on the morphological heterogeneity with significant impact on current molecular predictors.We investigated intra-tumor heterogeneity by morphology-guided transcriptomics to better understand the links between gene expression and tumor morphology represented by six morphological patterns (morphotypes): complex tubular, desmoplastic, mucinous, papillary, serrated, and solid/trabecular. Whole-transcriptome profiling by microarrays of 202 tumor regions (morphotypes, tumor-adjacent normal tissue, supportive stroma, and matched whole tumors) from 111 stage II-IV CRCs identified morphotype-specific gene expression profiles and molecular programs and differences in their cellular buildup. The proportion of cell types (fibroblasts, epithelial and immune cells) and differentiation of epithelial cells were the main drivers of the observed disparities with activation of EMT and TNF-α signaling in contrast to MYC and E2F targets signaling, defining major gradients of changes at molecular level. Several gene expression-based (including single-cell) classifiers, prognostic and predictive signatures were examined to study their behavior across morphotypes. Most exhibited important morphotype-dependent variability within same tumor sections, with regional predictions often contradicting the whole-tumor classification.The results show that morphotype-based tumor sampling allows the detection of molecular features that would otherwise be distilled in whole tumor profile, while maintaining histopathology context for their interpretation. This represents a practical approach at improving the reproducibility of expression profiling and, by consequence, of gene-based classifiers.
Natural variation in the Caenorhabditis elegans egg-laying circuit modulates an intergenerational fitness trade-off
Authors: Mignerot Laure , Gimond Clotilde , Bolelli Lucie , Bouleau Charlotte , Sandjak Asma , Boulin Thomas , Braendle Christian
Published: June 2023

Evolutionary transitions from oviparity to viviparity are frequent across diverse taxa. Some species also display intraspecific variation in parity mode, or they exhibit an intermediate mode by laying eggs containing embryos at variable, often advanced stages of development. How such natural quantitative variation in egg retention arises through differences in genetics, behaviour, and physiology – and how this variation ultimately connects to variation in specific fitness components – is not well-understood. Here, we study this problem by characterizing intraspecific variation in constitutive retention of fertilized eggs of the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
. Analysing a panel of ∼300 wild strains, we find highly variable intra-uterine retention of fertilized eggs, with a fraction of strains showing either strongly reduced or increased egg retention with partial viviparity. We provide evidence for multiple evolutionary origins of such phenotypic extremes and we identify candidate loci explaining this natural variation. Characterizing a subset of wild strains, we confirm that natural variation in egg-laying behaviour contributes to observed differences in egg retention. Using multiple neuromodulatory agents and controlled CRISPR-
Cas9-
mediated genetic manipulation of endogenous serotonin levels in 10 wild strains, we then show that this behavioural variation arises through an evolutionarily divergent neuromodulatory architecture of the egg-laying circuitry. Intraspecific variation in
C. elegans
neural circuit activity therefore connects with variation in reproductive strategy, including transitions from oviparity to partial viviparity. In a second objective, we asked why natural variation in
C. elegans
egg retention might be maintained. Examining potential fitness costs and benefits of this natural variation, we show that strong egg retention reduces maternal fertility and survival, mostly due to detrimental larval hatching
in utero
. On the other hand, such genotypes with strong egg retention can benefit from improved offspring protection against environmental insults and by gaining a competitive advantage as offspring exhibit a shortened extra-uterine developmental time to reproductive maturity. Observed natural variation in
C. elegans
egg-laying behaviour may therefore reflect modifications of a trade-off between alternative fitness components expressed across generations. Our study uncovers underappreciated natural diversity in the
C. elegans
egg-laying circuit and provides insights into the fitness consequences of this behavioural variation. We propose that intraspecific variation in nematode egg-laying behaviour can serve as an ideal system to pinpoint the molecular changes underlying evolutionary transitions between invertebrate ovi- and viviparity.
Effects of Leadership on Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in Meru County
Authors: Kiriinya Ivy Gatwiri , Nyariki Kennedy
Published: June 2023

The emergence of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies has been hailed as one of highly captivating financial sector in the world as a result of offering an alternative to financial intermediary and economic growth.  However, over and above all the poor financial performance of these SACCOs has been subject of concern and it’s hinged on inadequate corporate governance. As a result, the purpose of this research is to establish the influence of leadership on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Meru County. In this study, Stakeholders theory has been chosen to guide the study. The population of interest in this study will comprise of 12 DT- SACCOs with a target population of 120 participants drawn from the 12 DT- SACCOs in Meru County, the study population will comprise of CEOs, Executive Board Members, and operational Managers of the SACCOs. The study will employ census and purposively sample all the120 to participate in the study. Structured questionnaires with a five-point non-comparative Likert scale will be used to collect primary data. Data collected will be both qualitative and quantitative and will be analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used to analyze the data. The findings were presented using tables, charts, percentages, tabulations, means and other measures of central tendency. Tables were used to summarize responses for further analysis and facilitate comparison. This generated quantitative reports through tabulations, percentages, and measures of central tendency. The findings of this study established a strong positive correlation between board composition and financial performance of SACCOs. Academic qualification and occupation had the highest influence on SACCO’s financial performance with r (33) = 0.851, p < 0.05 and r (33) = 0.845, p< 0.005 respectively. It was however noted that there was a weak positive correlation between gender and SACCO’s financial performance, r (33) = 0.432, p < 0.05. It was also established that there is a strong negative correlation between size of board and SACCO’s financial performance, r (33) = - 0.784, p < 0.05. This means that the fewer the board members the better the financial performance of SACCOs. Besides, a strong positive correlation between board leadership and SACCO’s financial performance was determined, r (33) = 0.812, p < 0.05. A strong positive correlation between transparency and accountability and SACCO’s financial performance, r (33) = 0.884, p < 0.05 existed. The coefficient of determination R square was 0.542 which implied that 54.2% of variation in the dependent variable is determined by the independent variables (predictors). It also means the goodness of fit test is fulfilled. This also means that all the factors (board composition, board size, leadership, transparency and disclosure) significantly predict financial performance of SACCOs, with transparency and accountability having the highest prediction (ß = 2.208).
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review for Optimizing Food Production and Environmental Conservation
Authors: Saikanth D. R. K. , Supriya  , Singh Bal Veer , Rai Avinash Kumar , Bana Sita Ram , Sachan Dhruvendra Singh , Singh Barinderjit
Published: June 2023

Advances in sustainable agriculture are essential for simultaneously optimizing food production and preserving the environment. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth study of the current state and future possibilities of sustainable farming practices. With the ever-increasing global population, ensuring food security has become a paramount issue. Conventional farming techniques, though effective for mass food production, pose serious threats to environmental sustainability due to excessive resource utilization, pollution, and degradation of biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture promotes practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially equitable. This involves the application of advanced technologies, including precision farming, genetically modified crops for higher yield and disease resistance, and integrating renewable energy sources in farming practices. Importantly, the study also emphasizes agroecological practices which include crop rotation, organic farming, and agroforestry that contribute to enhancing soil fertility, reducing synthetic pesticide use, and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, sustainable agriculture supports the use of local resources and traditional knowledge to maintain ecological balance while ensuring food production. This review also highlights the crucial role of policy support and education in promoting sustainable farming. Farmer training and public awareness campaigns can increase understanding and acceptance of sustainable practices, leading to wider adoption. Overall, this review suggests that the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is not just a choice but a necessity for ensuring food security and environmental conservation in the future.
The etymology of Gender Violence (SDG-5) in Anthropocene: India
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad , Mishra Durga Prasad , Mishra Saswat
Published: June 2023

Gender equality measures the human right of a nation. Feminist encounters are common in modern society and gender inequality is mounting in India during the present Anthropocene epoch (1950 onwards).  Gender-based violence (GBV) has a myriad of adverse effects but is under-reported in India. The Paris Protocols of Agenda-2030 stipulate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for all sex and age groups of Hom sapiens. The present investigation emphasizes the theoretical perceptions and statistical approaches to comprehending GBVs (SDG-5) in India.

The present work involves the qualitative investigation of the frequency, physical appearance, and socio-demographic factors that correlate with gender equality and girl-child empowerment (SDG-5) during the Anthropocene epoch and finding means for both social and legal achievement. Feministic violence is mainly grounded upon childhood marriage, humane trafficking, female genital mutilation, etc. Achieving gender equality, and empowering all girls under hunger, war, climate challenges (CC), men dominance, and environmental exploitation, during the Anthropocene epoch. 

India has recently ranked top in population than China. The pandemic COVID 19 has challenged the life/livelihood of Indians. Peculiar results of women and girl child atrocities are unexpectedly high in states like Assam, Odisha, and Delhi. During the last decade, the dowery and rapes reduced but intimate partner violence and kidnapping are mounting during biological disasters. The transformation of males' outlook toward their partners must be changed to achieve the SDG-5 goals.
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology
Authors: Carlson Laura M. , Chiang Catheryne , Hotchkiss Andrew K. , Lizarraga Lucina , Luben Tom , Makris Susan L. , Radke Elizabeth , Weitekamp Chelsea A. , Yost Erin E.
Published: June 2023

This chapter provides a practical overview of reproductive and developmental toxicology, with a focus on considerations for human health risk assessment. It provides a brief overview of normal reproduction and development, as well as examples of how toxic agents may impact these processes. Default assumptions for risk assessment of reproductive and developmental toxicants are discussed, and the types of endpoints typically evaluated in animal toxicology studies and epidemiology studies are summarized. A brief overview is also provided of other data that can be useful for hazard identification of reproductive and developmental toxicants, including mechanistic and new approach methodologies, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and considerations for the risk assessment of mixtures. Testing procedures and guidelines for reproductive and developmental toxicants (including pharmaceuticals and industrial or environmental chemicals) are summarized.
Immunotoxicology in Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Exposures
Authors: Anderson Stacey E. , Sulentic Courtney E. W. , Kaplan Barbara L. F.
Published: June 2023

Immunotoxicology is the study of drugs and chemicals that produce adverse effects on the immune system. Adverse immune effects include suppression, leading to compromised ability to fight infections, or enhancement, which could be involved in hypersensitivity (allergy) or autoimmunity. It has been appreciated for hundreds of years that diseases are associated with various occupations, such as respiratory diseases in those working with grains, coal, metals, or animals. We now understand that many of these occupational diseases are the result of an unregulated immune response to a specific agent. Similarly, occupational exposures to various chemicals can produce dermatitis, again due in part to unregulated immune responses in the skin. Additionally, occupational chemical exposures have been demonstrated to induce immune suppression. This chapter provides an overview of the immune system, a synopsis of standard assays to evaluate immunotoxic potential of occupational chemicals, and descriptions of effects of several occupational immunotoxicants with a focus on human exposures and doses. Consideration is given to current data gaps and potential use of novel technologies to more precisely define effects and mechanisms of occupational immunotoxicants.
Effects of Parkin on the Mitochondrial Genome in the Heart and Brain of Mitochondrial Mutator Mice
Authors: Lichter Eliezer Z. , Trease Andrew J. , Cooper Kathryn , Stauch Kelly L. , Fox Howard S.
Published: June 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigates the role of Parkin, a protein involved in mitochondrial quality control, and strongly linked to PD, in the context of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. Mitochondrial mutator mice (PolgD257A/D257A) (Polg) are used and bred with Parkin knockout (PKO) mice or mice with disinhibited Parkin (W402A). In the brain, mtDNA mutations are analyzed in synaptosomes, presynaptic neuronal terminals, which are far from neuronal soma, which likely renders mitochondria there more vulnerable compared with brain homogenate. Surprisingly, PKO results in reduced mtDNA mutations in the brain but increased control region multimer (CRM) in synaptosomes. In the heart, both PKO and W402A lead to increased mutations, with W402A showing more mutations in the heart than PKO. Computational analysis reveals many of these mutations are deleterious. These findings suggest that Parkin plays a tissue‐dependent role in regulating mtDNA damage response, with differential effects in the brain and heart. Understanding the specific role of Parkin in different tissues may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of PD and potential therapeutic strategies. Further investigation into these pathways can enhance the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Large‐Scale Molecular Dynamics Elucidates the Mechanics of Reinforcement in Graphene‐Based Composites
Authors: Suter James L. , Vassaux Maxime , Coveney Peter V.
Published: June 2023

Using very large‐scale classical molecular dynamics, the mechanics of nano‐reinforcement of graphene‐based nanocomposites are  examined. Simulations show that significant quantities of large, defect‐free, and predominantly flat graphene flakes are required for successful enhancement of materials properties in excellent agreement with experimental and proposed continuum shear‐lag theories. The critical lengths for enhancement are approximately 500 nm for graphene and 300 nm and for graphene oxide (GO). The reduction of Young's modulus in GO results in a much smaller enhancement of the composite's Young's modulus. The simulations reveal that the flakes should be aligned and planar for optimal reinforcement. Undulations substantially degrade the enhancement of materials properties.
Programmable Patterned Dynamic Scattering of Liquid Crystals/Epoxy‐based Polymer Composite Film Sandwiched between Two Fully Covered Electrodes
Authors: Chen Gang , Zhang Jianying , Ren Yunxiao , Sun Chang , Hu Wei , Yang Huai , Yang Deng‐Ke
Published: June 2023

Dynamic scattering has been a prominent technique in the display industry for several years. However, conventional approaches have required the use of tailored conductive layers to enable modular control in display panels. This has resulted in an increase in process complexity and device cost. To overcome these limitations, the present work proposes a novel method for fabricating a patterned dynamic scattering film using masked photopolymerization of liquid crystalline epoxy in negative liquid crystals. Specifically, the film is sandwiched between two fully covered electrodes, and an electric field is applied causing dynamic scattering only in the area that had been exposed to ultraviolet light during the preparation process. The remaining area remained transparent. The underlying mechanism is attributed to the formation of polymer solely in the UV‐exposed region via masked photopolymerization. This polymer is capable of absorbing ions, resulting in the formation of a concentration gradient of ions between the UV‐exposed and unexposed areas. The low concentration of ions in the unexposed area prevents the induction of dynamic scattering under an electric field, leading to the patterned dynamic scattering phenomenon. Building on this mechanism, the researchers are able to achieve several multilevel patterned dynamic scattering films sandwiched between two fully covered electrodes.
Hierarchical Nanomaterials by Selective Deposition of Noble Metal Nanoparticles: Insight into Control and Growth Processes
Authors: Baranov Oleg , Belmonte Thierry , Levchenko Igor , Bazaka Kateryna , Košiček Martin , Cvelbar Uroš
Published: June 2023

Complex hierarchical metamaterials are currently the focus of many cutting‐edge studies due to their potential to advance such critically important areas of technology as energy storage and transformation, sensing, photovoltaics, nano‐medicine, antibacterial and self‐regenerating materials. However, the deterministic design of novel hierarchical metamaterials remains problematic due to the lack of efficient, highly reliable methods for controlling the internal structure and architecture of materials. A comprehensive advanced model is proposed to simulate the formation of complex hierarchical metamaterials with a controllable structure. The control is achieved via selective deposition of noble metal nanoparticles (Au, Au, Pd, Pt). Moreover, the novel method for the nanofabrication is theoretically examined and experimentally verified. This approach allows for the sophisticated spatiotemporal control of growth conditions and, as a result, achieving the targeted internal structure of metamaterials. This opens a way to the deterministic design and formation of complex multi‐material metamaterials on the basis of metal oxides and noble metal nanoparticles. Moreover, a fundamental insight related to the longstanding question about the prevalence of bottom‐up versus top‐down growth for various materials and systemswhich is challenging to directly verify experimentally is presented.
Electrical and Structural Analysis of β‐Ga2O3/GaN Wafer‐Bonded Heterojunctions with a ZnO Interlayer
Authors: Jian Zhe (A.) , Sun Kai , Kosanovic Stefan , Clymore Christopher J. , Mishra Umesh , Ahmadi Elaheh
Published: June 2023

Wafer bonding of β‐Ga2O3 and N‐polar GaN single crystal substrates is demonstrated by adding ZnO as a “glue” interlayer. The wafers are fully bonded such that Newton rings are not observed. Temperature‐dependent current‐voltage (I–V) measurements are conducted on the as‐bonded Ga2O3/ZnO/N‐polar GaN test structure and after annealing at 600 °C and 1100 °C. The impact of post‐annealing temperature on the electrical and structural characteristics of the bonded samples is investigated. A consistently ohmic‐like characteristic is obtained by annealing the bonded wafers at 1100 °C in N2, which is in part due to crystallization of ZnO and diffusion of Ga into ZnO which makes it n‐type doped. The wafer bonding of β‐Ga2O3 and GaN achieved in this work is promising to combine the material merits of both GaN and Ga2O3 targeting breakthrough high‐frequency and high‐power device performances.
Optimizing agronomic practices for hard winter wheat production in the Great Plains with respect to seeding rate, row spacing, and variety
Authors: Sciencia Maria C. M. , Creech Cody F. , Frels Katherine A. , Easterly Amanda C.
Published: June 2023

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in dryland areas is optimized by the improvement of genetics in combination with ideal production practices. Different combinations of seeding rate and row spacing can influence the development of wheat plants, impacting wheat yield and its components. To determine the influence of these practices, yield components, water use efficiency (WUE), biomass, and subsequent grain yield were evaluated in an experiment conducted at the High Plains Agricultural Laboratory, Sidney, NE, from 2019 until 2022, using a split‐plot randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments consisted of four different row spacings (19, 25, 31, and 51 cm), three seeding rates (1.05, 2.1, and 3.1 million seeds ha−1), and two high performing winter wheat varieties—‘Ruth’ and ‘Robidoux’. Row spacing showed differences in wheat yield (p < 0.0001) across all years, with a significant effect of seeding rate only in 1 year and an interaction effect of the three factors in 2022 alone. Higher wheat yield was achieved with the two narrower row spacings (19 and 25 cm) compared to the wider row spacings of 38 and 51 cm. The treatment combining the 19 cm row spacing and either 2.1 or 3.1 million seed ha−1 seeding rate had the greatest yields in most years. Narrower row spacings had improved WUE in drier years as compared to wider row spacings.
Abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to a large retroperitoneal hematoma caused by ruptured gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysms in a patient with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yamazaki Maiko , Nagao Tsuyoshi , Kono Kaori , Kanda Tomoki , Tomonaga Ayumi , Ito Kaori
Published: June 2023

Background

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a known complication of severe acute pancreatitis. It is typically secondary to visceral edema and aggressive fluid resuscitation, but rarely caused by a retroperitoneal hematoma due to ruptured visceral pseudoaneurysms.

Case Presentation

A 49‐year‐old man presented in shock with a history of heavy alcohol use and was transferred to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography scan on hospital day 2 revealed a large retroperitoneal hematoma due to ruptured gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysms. Despite adequate resuscitation, the patient developed ACS, which required decompressive laparotomy on hospital day 10. Open abdominal management was continued until multiorgan failure resolved. He was eventually discharged to a rehabilitation hospital 3 months after presenting.

Conclusion

We report a patient with severe acute pancreatitis who underwent decompressive laparotomy for ACS secondary to a large retroperitoneal hematoma due to ruptured gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysms.
Learning by drawing and modeling: Teaching modalities for spinal anatomy in medical students
Authors: Beach Isidora R. , D'Agostino Erin N. , Thakrar Raj , Lunardini David J.
Published: June 2023

Ongoing research has attempted to discern the optimal way to teach surgical anatomy. This study investigated the relative effectiveness of drawing and clay modeling on learning spinal anatomy among medical students. Participants were recruited from a first‐year medical school class to participate in an optional educational session in their regular course schedule. Seventy‐eight students participated, and 62 completed pre‐ and post‐session tests. Participants were randomized to one of three groups, either learning spinal anatomy by (1) drawing, (2) clay modeling, or (3) reviewing a 3D anatomy application (control). All groups referenced the anatomy application; the control group had no additional learning modality. Students had 15 min to learn major anatomical structures in the lumbar spine according to their assigned modality. Learning was evaluated in terms of score differential on pre‐ and post‐session anatomy tests, with questions focused on anatomy applied in different contexts such as pathophysiology and radiology. Improved pre‐ to posttest scores were expected for the drawing and modeling groups compared to control. On average, the drawing group's scores significantly improved by 11% from pre‐ to posttest. Scores in the clay and control groups did not significantly improve. Drawing is thus an effective strategy for learning basic and applied spinal anatomy, and drawing and clay modeling (with adequate time) may be useful for teaching medical students to apply surgical anatomical knowledge in various contexts. These modalities are generalizable to any surgical anatomical education, and should be further explored among surgical residents given their efficacy, feasibility, and minimal use of resources.
Health conditions in autism: Defining the trajectory from adolescence to early adulthood
Authors: Malow Beth A. , Qian Yinge , Ames Jennifer L. , Alexeeff Stacey , Croen Lisa A.
Published: June 2023

Autistic adults, as compared to non‐autistic adults, have increased rates of nearly all medical and psychiatric conditions. Many of these conditions begin in childhood, although few longitudinal studies have been conducted to examine prevalence rates of these conditions from adolescence into early adulthood. In this study, we analyze the longitudinal trajectory of health conditions in autistic youth, compared to age and sex‐matched non‐autistic youth, transitioning from adolescence into early adulthood in a large integrated health care delivery system. The percent and modeled prevalence of common medical and psychiatric conditions increased from age 14 to 22 years, with autistic youth having a higher prevalence of most conditions than non‐autistic youth. The most prevalent conditions in autistic youth at all ages were obesity, neurological disorders, anxiety, and ADHD. The prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia rose at a faster rate in autistic youth compared to non‐autistic youth. By age 22, autistic females showed a higher prevalence of all medical and psychiatric conditions compared to autistic males. Our findings emphasize the importance of screening for medical and psychiatric conditions in autistic youth, coupled with health education targeted at this population, to mitigate the development of adverse health outcomes in autistic adults.
Anxiety, depression, and well‐being in autistic adults and adults with other developmental disabilities: A longitudinal cross‐lagged analysis
Authors: Schiltz Hillary , Sterrett Kyle , Singer Hannah , Lord Catherine
Published: June 2023

Autistic people and people with other developmental disabilities (DD) are at high likelihood for anxiety and depression, which can negatively affect adult life. Therefore, this study sought to understand temporal links between anxiety and depression over time in autistic adults and adults with DDs, and how these conditions impact specific aspects of positive well‐being. A sample of 130 adults with autism or other DDs and their caregivers were drawn from a longitudinal study. Participants complete measures of anxiety (Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory, 2nd Edition), and well‐being (Scales of Psychological Well‐Being). Cross‐lagged panel analyses revealed significant autoregressive effects for anxiety and depressive symptoms over time, based on both caregiver and self‐report (all p < 0.01). Additionally, although findings differed across reporter, cross‐lagged links between anxiety and depression emerged over time. Based on caregiver‐report, anxiety symptoms predicted later depressive symptoms (p = 0.002) but depressive symptoms did not predict later anxiety (p = 0.10); the opposite pattern was identified for self‐report. Aspects of positive well‐being (purpose in life, self‐acceptance, personal growth) demonstrated differential links with anxiety and depression (p = 0.001–0.53). These findings highlight the utility of a transdiagnostic approach to mental health services for autistic adults and adults with DDs, and the need to monitor for anxious or depressive symptoms in autistic adults and adults with DDs presenting with depression or anxiety, respectively.
Sample size calculation for one‐armed clinical trials with clustered data and binary outcome
Authors: Pilz Maximilian
Published: June 2023

The formula of Fleiss and Cuzick (1979) to estimate the intraclass correlation coefficient is applied to reduce the task of sample size calculation for clustered data with binary outcome. It is demonstrated that this approach reduces the complexity of sample size calculation to the determination of the null and alternative hypothesis and the formulation of the quantitative influence of the belonging to the same cluster on the therapy success probability.
A novel viscosity‐sensitive fluorescent probe for monitoring the changes of mitochondrial viscosity
Authors: Li Xiaoya , Guo Rui , Gong Xi , Yang Yingjie , Lin Weiying
Published: June 2023

As a fundamental physical parameter, viscosity influences the diffusion in biological processes. The changes in intracellular viscosity led to the occurrence of relevant diseases. Monitoring changes in cellular viscosity is important for distinguishing abnormal cells in cell biology and oncologic pathology. Here, we devised and synthesized a viscosity‐sensitive fluorescent probe LBX‐1. LBX‐1 showed high sensitivity, providing a large Stokes shift as well as an enhancement in fluorescent intensity (16.1‐fold) from methanol solution to glycerol solution. Furthermore, the probe LBX‐1 could localize in mitochondria because of the ability of the probe to penetrate the cell membrane and accumulate in mitochondria. These results suggested that the probe could be utilized in monitoring the changes in mitochondrial viscosity in complex biological systems.