bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Cancer Cell Mechanics by Measuring Active Deformation Behavior
Authors: Feng Jiantao , Sun Quanmei , Chen Peipei , Ren Keli , Zhang Yuanyuan , Shi Yahong , Gao Songkun , Song Zhiwei , Wang Jigang , Liao Fulong , Han Dong
Published: September 2023

Active deformation behavior reflects cell structural dynamics adapting to varying environmental constraints during malignancy progression. In most cases, cell mechanics is characterized by modeling using static equilibrium systems, which fails to comprehend cell deformation behavior leading to inaccuracies in distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells. Here, a method is introduced to measure the active deformation behavior of cancer cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the newly developed deformation behavior cytometry (DBC). During the measurement, cells are deformed and allows a long timescale relaxation (≈5 s). Two parameters are derived to represent deformation behavior: apparent Poisson's ratio for adherent cells, which is measured with AFM and refers to the ratio of the lateral strain to the longitudinal strain of the cell, and shape recovery for suspended cells, which is measured with DBC. Active deformation behavior defines cancer cell mechanics better than traditional mechanical parameters (e.g., stiffness, diffusion, and viscosity). Additionally, aquaporins are essential for promoting the deformation behavior, while the actin cytoskeleton acts as a downstream effector. Therefore, the potential application of the cancer cell active deformation behavior as a biomechanical marker or therapeutic target in cancer treatment should be evaluated.
Applications of Rare‐Earth‐Based Up‐Conversion and Down‐Conversion in Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review
Authors: Huang Chun , Li Peiyu , Li Xinwei , Gu Jiuling , Fu Nianqing , Zhang Wenfei
Published: September 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been considered as one of the most promising photovoltaics, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) has been boosted to 26.0% in 2023. Extending the spectral absorption range and improving the utilization rate of incident light is one of the effective strategies to further improve the PCE of PSCs. Up‐conversion (UC) and down‐conversion (DC) can convert low‐energy or high‐energy photons into visible light, and the luminesced visible light can be further absorbed by the photoactive layer to generate extra photocurrent. Therefore, UC and DC effects offer the potential of broadening the spectral absorption range and the possibility of overcoming the Shockley–Queisser limit for the single‐junction solar cell. In this review, the spectral‐converting mechanism underling the rare‐earth‐based UC/DC processes is first discussed. Then recent advances in UC/DC applications in PSCs are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, a concise summary and the challenges for the future development of UC/DC in PSCs are outlined.
Targeting immunometabolic pathways for combination therapy in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Erichsen Jennifer , Craft Suzanne
Published: September 2023

The recent success of disease‐modifying anti‐amyloid monoclonal antibodies in slowing Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptoms has been an exciting step forward for the field. Despite successfully clearing amyloid from the brain, however, only modest symptomatic improvement has been demonstrated, and treatment‐related side effects such as amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) limit use for some. These limitations suggest that fully efficacious AD treatment may require combination therapy regimens, as are used in other complex disorders such as cancer and HIV. One reasonable strategy may be to use agents that address the biological changes that predict future amyloid accumulation, or accompany amyloid accumulation in preclinical disease states. Immunometabolic pathways, including the insulin signaling pathway, are dysregulated at the earliest stages of AD, concomitant with amyloid accumulation. It is plausible that agents that target these pathways may work synergistically with anti‐amyloid therapies to halt AD progression. Insulin signaling is integrally involved in innate and adaptive immune systems, with pleiotropic effects that moderate pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory responses. Metabolic modulators that enhance insulin sensitivity and function, such as GLP‐1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and insulin itself have been shown to improve immune function and reduce chronic inflammation. Additional effects of insulin and metabolic modulators demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies of AD include increased clearance of amyloid‐β, slowed tau progression, improved vascular function and lipid metabolism, reduced synaptotoxicity, and improved cognitive and functional outcomes. A large number of compounds that treat metabolic disorders have been extensively characterized with respect to mechanism of action and safety, and thus are readily available to be repurposed for combination therapy protocols. Determining the most successful combination regimens of these agents together with disease‐modifying therapies, and the appropriate timing of treatment, are promising next steps in the quest to treat and prevent AD.
Adiposity as a risk factor for inflammatory bowel disease and the mediating effect of metabolic and inflammatory status: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: He Zixuan , Fu Tian , Lu Shiyuan , Sun Yuhao , Zhang Yao , Shi Wenming , Li Zhaoshen , Deng Minzi , Chen Jie , Bai Yu
Published: September 2023

Background

To examine whether general and abdominal adiposity was a risk factor for the new‐onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the potential mediating effect of metabolic and inflammation status.

Methods

A total of 492,998 individuals free of IBD recruited from 2006 to 2010 in the UK Biobank were included in our study, with ongoing follow‐up linking to the health‐related outcome. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate the associations between general adiposity (body mass index) and abdominal adiposity (waist circumference) and the subsequent risk of IBD and its subtype. We also investigated the potential mediating effects of metabolic and inflammation status by carrying out exploratory mediation analyses.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 12.5 years, we documented 2954 incident IBD cases (915 Crohn's disease [CD] and 2039 ulcerative colitis). After adjustment for important confounders, body mass index (hazard ratio [HR] highest quintile [Q5] vs. lowest quintile [Q1] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.32; P‐trend = 0.006) and waist circumference (HR Q5 vs. Q1 = 1.30, 95% CI 1.14–1.49; P‐trend <0.001) showed a positive association with the risk of IBD. The associations were partially mediated by metabolic status (24%; 15%), C‐reactive protein (36%; 19%) and inflammation score (82%; 46%).

Conclusions

Adiposity bore a risk factor for incident IBD, whereas unhealthy metabolism, especially inflammation, seemed to be an important intermediate condition between the association. Our findings provide evidence for possible mechanisms relating adiposity to IBD from an epidemiological perspective, and experimental studies are needed for further demonstration.
Bluetongue outbreak in a sheep flock from Iran
Authors: Jahanroshan Navid , Dalir‐Naghadeh Bahram , Lotfollahzadeh Samad , Abdollahi Mostafa , Azarmi Sareh , Moosakhani Farhad
Published: September 2023

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arthropodborne Orbivirus that belongs to the Reoviridae family. Bluetongue is one of the most important diseases of sheep. A flock of 300 Lacon sheep just arrived from France, located in the countryside of Qazvin city, Iran, was examined, in August 2022. In history taking and clinical examination, submandibular oedema (216/300, 72%), fever (216/300, 72%), inappetence (216/300, 72%), stomatitis (216/300, 72%), nasal discharge (90/300, 30%) and lameness (30/300, 10%) were recorded. Foot‐and‐mouth disease, bluetongue (BT), contagious ecthyma and peste des petits ruminants were the most important differential diagnosis with reference to clinical signs. Tongue scraping samples from four clinically affected sheep were sent to the laboratory for PCR tests and, in all of them, BTV was detected. The affected flock had a history of vaccination with an attenuated live vaccine in the previous 4 months. The morbidity rate, mortality rate and case fatality rate were 72% (216/300), 7% (21/300) and 9.7% (21/216), respectively. This report is the first documented clinical form of BT in sheep from Iran.
Disposing of Daily Life Resources by Active Modes
Authors: Hachette Maxime , Propeck-Zimmermann Eliane , L’Hostis Alain
Published: September 2023

Today, many cities are promoting sustainable mobility. Their policies have already reduced the car’s place, developed pedestrian and bicycle facilities, or renewed public transport. This raises the question of the effects of these policies on the conditions of access to everyday resources. Are the facilities for sustainable mobility configured in such a way as to enable the population’s needs to be met? Globally or selectively? Do active modes (walking and cycling) offer a credible alternative to the car in order to effectively provide the resources necessary for daily life throughout the urban agglomeration?

To answer these questions, this chapter presents a geographical analysis approach based on the concept of spatial ergonomics. The application to 12 test areas, using a geographic information system, has revealed cleavage situations within the Eurométropole de Strasbourg, to study finely differentiated situations and to put them in perspective with socio-demographic profiles to analyze socio-spatial disparities.

The various levels of information shed light on leeway available to inhabitants, wherever they are located, to change their mode of travel. The method makes it possible to produce territorial diagnoses and to help local authorities to promote effective sustainable development policies.
4 IR Technologies to Facilitate Planning in Smart Cities of the Future
Authors: Williams Densil A. , Charles Curtis B.
Published: September 2023

Urbanization is becoming a grave concern for city planners. Globally, as the urban population continues to grow and places greater demands on resources, citizens require quick, efficient, and cost-effective services, among other things. Critically, city planners must provide relevant infrastructural support to make their city run effectively. These include but are not limited to potable water, electricity, roads and bridges, housing, transportation, and information and communications technologies, among other things.

To address this increasing demand in their cities, planners have turned to the use of technology to better assist them in the delivery of services to improve the lives of their citizens and stimulate the growth of their local and national economies. This chapter provides an overview of the types of technological solutions that are available to planners to assist them in facilitating the fast and efficient delivery of services to their citizens. These technological solutions include but are not limited to big data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), as exemplars. City policymakers will be able to use the knowledge generated from this chapter to derive policies around the employment of 4IR technologies to assist their cities in delivering better and more efficient services to citizens.
Smart Energy Cities: The Role of Behavioral Interventions in Reducing Electricity Demand in Buildings in Principality of Monaco
Authors: Belaïd Fateh , Toumi Mira , Lazaric Nathalie
Published: September 2023

With energy powering the most attractive aspects of urban environments in modern society, from health, transportation, and comfort to information, business, and leisure, energy cities are perfectly positioned to design the smart city of the future by leveraging the energy foundations of the city. This chapter focuses on the emerging concept of energy cities through the lens of sustainable behaviors and their role in alleviating climate change. We use the results of a randomized control trial experiment implemented in Monaco to illustrate our arguments on the role of behavioral intervention in empowering citizens on the importance of saving energy. The results will offer a vision of what steps cities are taking to increase environmental awareness and the role of individual behaviors in tackling climate change.
Navigating the Implementation of the Curriculum Digital Education in Austrian Secondary Schools: Challenges and Teacher Perspectives
Authors: Hörmann Corinna , Schmidthaler Eva , Sabitzer Barbara
Published: September 2023

For a considerable period, there was only a single year of compulsory Computer Science (CS) education in Austria that was required as part of a student’s academic career. The mandatory curriculum “Digital Education” (Digitale Grundbildung) was launched in September 2018 for all students in lower secondary education, formally integrating 21st-century skills into upper grades. The school’s management could choose to offer “Digital Education” as a stand-alone course or to include it in other classes. The 2022/2023 academic year saw the addition of an altered curriculum, where the subject was added to the normal timetable. Nonetheless, schools continue to deal with the problem of who is teaching what and how due to a staffing shortfall and a lack of instructional materials. This paper reports on experiences with the 2022 curriculum by evaluating a survey that examines the implementation of the mandatory curriculum “Digital Education” in Austrian secondary schools and the challenges that teachers face in navigating this new landscape. Aiming to do so, the qualitative data were interpreted, summarized, and discussed, whereas the quantitative data were analyzed in former papers. Despite the obstacles that emerged, teachers recognized the importance of digital literacy skills for their students and expressed a desire for more support in implementing the curriculum. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers, school administrators, and teacher training programs as they work to ensure the successful integration of “Digital Education” in secondary schools.
Workshops Kreative Unterrichtspraxis
Authors: Ackermann Heike
Published: September 2023

Im „Projektbüro Kulturelle Bildung“ entstanden erste Fortbildungsformate für KulturSchule in einer Phase der Dezentralisierung der Lehrkräftefortbildung Orientiert am jeweiligen Entwicklungsstand des KulturSchul-Projekts sind erprobte und neue Konzepte integriert und am Qualifizierungsbedarf der KulturSchulen ausgerichtet worden. In den Kap. 4–7 werden auf der Basis von Programmbeschreibungen und Interviews vier Fortbildungsformate für die Lehrkräfte- und Schulleitungsqualifizierung rekonstruiert. In der Resonanz, die die Teilnehmer artikulieren, wird deutlich, wie die didaktischen Zielsetzungen ankommen und bewertet werden. Eine teilnehmende Beobachtung der Fachforen als jüngstes und zeitlich längstes Fortbildungsformat ermöglicht eine vertiefende Beschreibung und Analyse dieses neuartigen Workshops, in dem dem pädagogischen Personal an KulturSchulen ästhetische Erfahrung zugänglich gemacht werden. Den Erfahrungshintergrund für die Konzeption der Fachforen bilden die Workshops Kreative Unterrichtspraxis.
SLT-Reihe für Schulleitungen und KulturSchul-Teams
Authors: Ackermann Heike
Published: September 2023

Um schulische „Qualitätsentwicklung“ zu initiieren, entstand in Kooperation mit der Lehrkräfteakademie und dem „Projektbüro Kulturelle Bildung“ die »SLT-Reihe für Schulleitungsteams an KulturSchulen. Auf der Basis von Programmbeschreibungen in Form von Protokollen einer durchgeführten Pilot-Seminarreihe und Interviews mit ehemaligen Teilnehmern wurde dieser Ansatz einer Schulleitungsteamqualifizierung rekonstruiert. Es wird deutlich, welche Bedeutung der kommunikativen Durcharbeitung des KulturSchul-Programms zukommt und die Reflexion von Organisationsstrukturen und Einigung der Lehrkräfte auf das Ziel der kulturellen Schulentwicklung hat.
Passung und Funktionalität der Fortbildungsformate zur Förderung Kultureller Bildung in KulturSchulen
Authors: Ackermann Heike
Published: September 2023

Das Kapitel nimmt eine evaluative Zwischenauswertung hinsichtlich der Passung und Funktionalität der Fortbildungsformate vor. In konstruktiver Absicht werden mögliche Ansatzpunkte für eine, das KulturSchul-Programm stützende Weiterarbeit mit diesen Formaten aufgezeigt.
Physical Mutagenesis of Arabica Coffee Seeds and Seedlings
Authors: Ghanim Abdelbagi Mukhtar Ali , Bado Souleymane , Dada Keji
Published: September 2023

Coffee, a perennial tropical crop, can be grown from seed or from cloned plants in the form of cuttings, grafts or tissue cultured plants. Arabica coffee is most commonly grown from seeds while Canephora is mostly grown vegetatively from cuttings and other propagules. Improving Arabica coffee through conventional breeding is seriously limited by the lack of genetic variation within the cultivated and wild species. Mutation breeding provides great potential to induce the novel genetic variation needed for Arabica coffee improvement. Here we present protocols for mutation induction of coffee seed and seedlings using the FAO/IAEA in-house gamma (60Cobalt) and X-ray (RS2400 irradiator) sources. Methods for mutation induction using gamma- and X-ray mutagenesis techniques are described. Methods for the preparation, seed quality control and post-radiation treatment of materials are also provided along with example data for radio-sensitivity testing of Coffea arabica seed under laboratory conditions.
Chemical Mutagenesis of Mature Seed of Coffea arabica L. var. Venecia Using EMS
Authors: Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Goessnitzer Florian , Nielen Stephan , Ingelbrecht Ivan L. W.
Published: September 2023

Chemical mutagens are a major tool to generate novel genetic variation in crops, functional genomics and breeding. They are advantageous because they do not require any specialized equipment and can induce a high mutation frequency. Compared to physical methods, chemical mutagens cause point mutations rather than deletions or translocations. Point mutations can have varying effects on gene expression ranging from knockouts to changes in amino acids that may have subtle effects on protein function. Many important gene functions have been uncovered by evaluating the in vivo effect of mutated genes in a broad range of model and crop plants. Chemical mutagens have been successfully applied to induce tolerance to fungal diseases in cereals such as barley and wheat. Among the chemical mutagens used for plant mutagenesis, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is the most widely applied. This protocol chapter describes the utilization of EMS for establishing kill curves and generating a mutagenized population of Coffea arabica var. Venecia via treatment of mature seed. The different steps of the mutagenesis process are described, including quality control and preparation of the seed batches, procedures for determining Lethal Dose (LD) and Growth Reduction (GR) values, and for post-treatment handling of the chemically mutagenized seed, specific for Arabica coffee.
Chemical Mutagenesis of Coffee Seeds (Coffea arabica L. var. Catuaí) Using NaN3
Authors: Gatica-Arias Andrés , Vargas-Segura César
Published: September 2023

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is one of the most important crops in the world and one of the main export products in several developing countries. Coffee is a perennial crop threatened by multiple, serious diseases and pests. Induced mutagenesis of seeds is widely used for increasing the genetic diversity and improvement of annual seed crops and could equally be applied to Arabica coffee breeding and genetic studies. Here we describe protocols to induce genetic variability in Arabica coffee seeds through mutagenesis using sodium azide (NaN3). Methods for NaN3 chemical toxicity testing and bulk irradiation are described. Briefly, the coffee seeds were immersed for 4, 8 and 12 hours in a NaN3 solution at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100mM). Two controls were used: one with distilled water and the other with the phosphate buffer (KH2PO4). Effects of the chemical mutagen on seed germination, seedling height, and root length were evaluated. As the concentration of applied NaN3 increased, the germination, seedling height, and root length decreased. Eight hours
exposure was determined as an adequate immersion time. The LD50 values for NaN3 were between 50–75 mM. Our results indicate that NaN3 is an effective mutagen for Arabica coffee seeds and can be applied to coffee breeding and to study gene function in coffee.
A PCR-Based Assay for Early Diagnosis of the Coffee Leaf Rust Pathogen Hemileia vastatrix
Authors: Wu Weihuai , Li Le , Yi Kexian , He Chunping , Liang Yanqiong , Huang Xing , Lu Ying , Tan Shibei , Zheng Jinlong , Li Rui
Published: September 2023

Early detection and identification of plant pathogens is one of the most important strategies for sustainable plant disease management. Fast, sensitive, and accurate methods that are cost-effective are crucial for plant disease control decision-making processes. Coffee leaf rust (CLR) caused by Hemileia vastatrix is a devastating worldwide fungal disease which causes serious yield losses of coffee, especially relevant for Coffea arabica. A rapid PCR assay for detecting and characterizing H. vastatrix with high specificity, high sensitivity and simple operation has been developed based on specific amplification of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal genes. The specificity of the primers was determined using isolates DNA of H. vastatrix, Coleosporium plumeriae, and other fungal species that infect coffee plants and are common in coffee leaves, such as Lecanicillium sp (the H. vastatrix hyperparasite fungi), Cercospora coffeicola, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, amongst others. Results showed specific amplification of a 396-bp band from H. vastatrix DNA with a detection limit of 10 pg/μl of pure genomic DNA of the pathogen. The PCR assay described in the current chapter allows to detect H. vastatrix rapidly and reliably in naturally infected coffee tissues, vital for the early detection and diagnostics of H. vastatrix and CLR epidemiology.
Chemical Mutagenesis of Zygotic Embryos of Coffea arabica L. var. Catuaí Using EMS and NaN3
Authors: Gatica-Arias Andrés , Rodríguez-Matamoros Jorge
Published: September 2023

The genetic improvement of C. arabica L. is challenged by its low genetic diversity and autogamous reproductive biology. Induced mutagenesis offers an alternative approach to conventional cross-breeding to increase genetic variability in wild and cultivated Arabica coffee germplasm for further use in breeding programs and genetic studies. Here protocols are described for the preparation of zygotic embryos from C. arabica seed and for toxicity testing of zygotic embryos using two chemical mutagens, sodium azide (NaN3) and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Zygotic embryos were immersed for 10 min in a solution of NaN3 (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0 and 20. 0 mM) and for 2 h in a solution of EMS (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4 and 6 % v/v). The percentage survival was evaluated and the LD values for NaN3 and EMS were determined at 12.5 mM (51.6%) and 1 % v/v (48.3%), respectively. Our protocols indicate that coffee zygotic embryos are suitable propagules for NaN3 and EMS mutagenesis and expand the types of propagules suitable for induced mutagenesis, breeding and genetic studies in Arabica coffee.
Women Fighting Gender Stereotypes in a Gender Egalitarian Culture
Authors: Corneliussen Hilde G.
Published: September 2023

Despite the increased importance of technology, at current rates it will still take hundreds of years to achieve gender equality in technology across western countries, even in the Nordic countries, which are recognized as some of the most gender-egalitarian nations in the world. Challenging this situation requires knowledge about how women in fact come to participate in fields of information technology (IT), which is the topic of this book. This chapter presents the framework for the book, including the overview of the theoretical and methodological perspectives, the empirical material from a series of studies in Norway, and some of the relevant debates that the book engages in. The research presented here is rooted in a tradition of feminist technology studies and inspired by feminist studies of contexts where women face gender barriers and challenges in identifying their belonging.
Dark baryon from pure Yang-Mills theory and its GW signature from cosmic strings
Authors: Yamada Masaki , Yonekura Kazuya
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We point out that SO(2N) pure Yang-Mills theory provides a candidate for dark matter (DM) without the explicit need to impose any additional symmetry. The DM candidate is a particular type of glueball, which we refer to as a baryonic glueball, that is naturally stable and produced by a novel production mechanism for a moderately large N. In this case, the intercommutation probability of cosmic strings (or macroscopic color flux tubes) is quite low, which offers characteristic gravitational wave signals to test our model. In particular, our model can simultaneously account for both abundance of DM and the recently reported gravitational wave signals detected in pulsar timing array experiments, including NANOGrav.
Exceptionally simple integrated correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Dorigoni Daniele , Vallarino Paolo
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Supersymmetric localisation has led to several modern developments in the study of integrated correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills (SYM) theory. In particular, exact results have been derived for certain integrated four-point functions of superconformal primary operators in the stress tensor multiplet which are valid for all classical gauge groups, SU(N), SO(N), and USp(2N), and for all values of the complex coupling, τ = θ/(2π) + 4πi/$$ {g}_{YM}^2 $$

g
YM
2

. In this work we extend this analysis and provide a unified two-dimensional lattice sum representation valid for all simple gauge groups, in particular for the exceptional series Er (with r = 6, 7, 8), F4 and G2. These expressions are manifestly covariant under Goddard-Nuyts-Olive duality which for the cases of F4 and G2 is given by particular Fuchsian groups. We show that the perturbation expansion of these integrated correlators is universal in the sense that it can be written as a single function of three parameters, called Vogel parameters, and a suitable ’t Hooft-like coupling. To obtain the perturbative expansion for the integrated correlator with a given gauge group we simply need substituting in this single universal expression specific values for the Vogel parameters. At the non-perturbative level we conjecture a formula for the one-instanton Nekrasov partition function valid for all simple gauge groups and for general Ω-deformation background. We check that our expression reduces in various limits to known results and that it produces, via supersymmetric localisation, the same one-instanton contribution to the integrated correlator as the one derived from the lattice sum representation. Finally, we consider the action of the hyperbolic Laplace operator with respect to τ on the integrated correlators with exceptional gauge groups and derive inhomogeneous Laplace equations very similar to the ones previously obtained for classical gauge groups.
Metabolic cost and mechanical work of walking in a virtual reality emulator
Authors: Luciano Francesco , Minetti Alberto E. , Pavei Gaspare
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the metabolic cost (C), mechanical work, and kinematics of walking on a multidirectional treadmill designed for locomotion in virtual reality.

Methods

Ten participants (5 females, body mass 67.2 ± 8.1 kg, height 1.71 ± 0.07 m, age 23.6 ± 1.9 years, mean ± SD) walked on a Virtuix Omni multidirectional treadmill at four imposed stride frequencies: 0.70, 0.85, 1.00, and 1.15 Hz. A portable metabolic system measured oxygen uptake, enabling calculation of C and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET). Gait kinematics and external, internal, and total mechanical work (WTOT) were calculated by an optoelectronic system. Efficiency was calculated either as WTOT/C or by summing WTOT to the work against sliding frictions. Results were compared with normal walking, running, and skipping.

Results

C was higher for walking on the multidirectional treadmill than for normal walking, running, and skipping, and decreased with speed (best-fit equation: C = 20.2–27.5·speed + 15.8·speed2); the average MET was 4.6 ± 1.4. Mechanical work was higher at lower speeds, but similar to that of normal walking at higher speeds, with lower pendular energy recovery and efficiency; differences in efficiency were explained by the additional work against sliding frictions. At paired speeds, participants showed a more forward-leaned trunk and higher ankle dorsiflexion, stride frequency, and duty factor than normal walking.

Conclusion

Walking on a multidirectional treadmill requires a higher metabolic cost and different mechanical work and kinematics than normal walking. This raises questions on its use for gait rehabilitation but highlights its potential for high-intensity exercise and physical activity promotion.
Recovery kinetics following sprint training: resisted versus unresisted sprints
Authors: Liakou Christina A. , Fatouros Ioannis G. , Poulios Athanasios , Tsatalas Themistoklis , Karampina Evangeli , Karanika Panagiota , Kaloudi Despoina , Rosvoglou Anastasia , Tsimeas Panagiotis , Kamperi Anna , Syrou Niki , Gatsas Athanasios , Papanikolaou Konstantinos , Draganidis Dimitrios , Tsaklis Panagiotis , Giakas Giannis , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Deli Chariklia K.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To determine the recovery kinetics of performance and exercise-induced muscle damage following different sprint-training protocols.

Methods

In a crossover design, ten male and female athletes (20.6 ± 2.4 years) performed 2 × (3 × 20 m: 2 min rest) and 1× (3 × 30 m: 3 min rest) of: (a) unresisted sprints (UST), (b) resisted sprints with 10% of body mass (BM) load (RST10), (c) resisted sprints with 20% BM load (RST20), against a control trial (no-training).

Results

Blood lactate (mmol/L) increased post-training versus pre-training in all sprint-training trials (6.7 ± 2.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.2, 5.6 ± 2.4 vs 1.3 ± 0.3, 7.3 ± 2.7 vs 1.2 ± 0.3, in UST, RST10, RST20, respectively), as did creatine kinase (U/L) 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-training (UST: 251 ± 173, 238 ± 154, 209 ± 115 vs 155 ± 9, RST10: 252 ± 134, 240 ± 83, 218 ± 103 vs 164 ± 106; RST20: 237 ± 133, 323 ± 303, 262 ± 184 vs 179 ± 106, respectively). DOMS of knee-extensors (KE) and knee-flexors (KF) increased post-training up to 72 h in all sprint-training trials versus pre-training (ranging from 1.6 ± 1.3 to 3.8 ± 2.8 vs 1.0 ± 0, respectively). Eccentric torque (N m) of the KE of the non-dominant limb, decreased 24 h post-training versus pre-training in all sprint-training trials (UST: 249 ± 49 vs 266 ± 54; RST10: 229 ± 52 vs 273 ± 72; RST20: 253 ± 6 vs 262 ± 56), as did that of the KF of the dominant limb (UST: 135 ± 29 vs 144 ± 26; RST10: 130 ± 29 vs 140 ± 25; RST20: 139 ± 33 vs 142 ± 26). 10-m sprint-time (s) increased 48 h post-training versus pre-training (1.81 ± 0.15 vs 1.77 ± 0.11), and 30-m sprint-time increased 24 h, 48 h, 72 h post-training versus pre-training (4.35 ± 0.36, 4.40 ± 0.44, 4.33 ± 0.41 vs 4.21 ± 0.34, respectively), only in RST20.

Conclusions

Unresisted and resisted sprint-training induces prolonged reduction of muscle strength (24 h), and sprinting performance (72 h), associated with prolonged increase of DOMS and CK (72 h).
Nanozymes based on octahedral platinum nanocrystals with {111} surface facets: glucose oxidase mimicking activity in electrochemical sensors
Authors: Mazzotta Elisabetta , Di Giulio Tiziano , Mastronardi Valentina , Brescia Rosaria , Pompa Pier Paolo , Moglianetti Mauro , Malitesta Cosimino
Published: September 2023

The ability of shape-controlled octahedral Pt nanoparticles to act as nanozyme mimicking glucose oxidase enzyme is reported. Extended {111} particle surface facets coupled with a size comparable to natural enzymes and easy-to-remove citrate coating give high affinity for glucose, comparable to the enzyme as proven by the steady-state kinetics of glucose electrooxidation. The easy and thorough removal of the citrate coating, demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, allows a highly stable deposition of the nanozymes on the electrode. The glucose electrochemical detection (at −0.2 V vs SCE) shows a linear response between 0.36 and 17 mM with a limit of detection of 110 μM. A good reproducibility has been achieved, with an average relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 9.1% (n = 3). Similarly, a low intra-sensor variability has been observed, with a RSD of 6.6% (n = 3). Moreover, the sensor shows a long-term stability with reproducible performances for at least 2 months (RSD: 7.8%). Tests in saliva samples show the applicability of Pt nanozymes to commercial systems for non-invasive monitoring of hyperglycemia in saliva, with recoveries ranging from 92 to 98%.

Graphical Abstract
Biological properties of experimental dental alginate modified for self-disinfection using green nanotechnology
Authors: Singer Lamia , Karacic Sabina , Szekat Christiane , Bierbaum Gabriele , Bourauel Christoph
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Disinfection of alginate impression materials is a mandatory step to prevent cross-infection in dental clinics. However, alginate disinfection methods are time-consuming and exert a negative impact on accuracy and mechanical properties. Thus, this study aimed to prepare disinfecting agents (CHX and AgNO3) and silver nanoparticles reduced by a natural plant extract to produce a self-disinfecting dental alginate.

Methods

Conventional alginate impression material was used in this study. Silver nitrate (0.2% AgNO3 group) and chlorohexidine (0.2% CHX group) solutions were prepared using distilled water, and these solutions were later employed for alginate preparation. Moreover, a 90% aqueous plant extract was prepared from Boswellia sacra (BS) oleoresin and used to reduce silver nitrate to form silver nanoparticles that were incorporated in the dental alginate preparation (BS+AgNPs group). The plant extract was characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis while green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by UV-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An agar disc diffusion assay was used to test the antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains, and Micrococcus luteus. Agar plates were incubated at 37 ± 1 °C for 24 h to allow microbial growth. Diameters of the circular inhibition zones formed around each specimen were measured digitally by using ImageJ software.

Results

Chemical analysis of the plant extract revealed the presence of 41 volatile and semi-volatile active compounds. UV–Vis spectrophotometry, SEM, and EDX confirmed the formation of spherical silver nanoparticles using the BS extract. CHX, AgNO3, and the BS+AgNPs modified groups showed significantly larger inhibition zones than the control group against all tested strains. BS+AgNPs and CHX groups showed comparable efficacy against all tested strains except for Staphylococcus aureus, where the CHX-modified alginate had a significantly higher effect.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

CHX, silver nitrate, and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles could be promising inexpensive potential candidates for the preparation of a self-disinfecting alginate impression material without affecting its performance. Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using Boswellia sacra extract could be a very safe, efficient, and nontoxic way with the additional advantage of a synergistic action between metal ions and the phytotherapeutic agents of the plant extract.
Dual laser-assisted hatching: an effective technique to salvage low-grade cleavage-stage embryos and harvest day 7 blastocysts
Authors: Xu Weihai , Yu Yiqi , Li Shishi
Published: September 2023

To investigate whether repeating laser-assisted hatching (LAH) procedure on day 6 low-grade cleavage-stage embryos (LGCEs) helps blastulation. A total of 579 cycles with LGCEs from 2019 to 2022 was retrospectively reviewed. In 323 cycles, single LAH producing small holes (10 μm) was performed on LGCEs on day 4 (D4-LAH). In 256 cycles with persistent LGCEs despite D4-LAH, a repeat LAH procedure was performed on day 6 (Dual-LAH) with a bigger hole (30 μm). We compared day 7 blastocyst formation rate, usable blastocyst rate, and good grade blastocyst rate from these day 6 LGCEs between the two groups. Compared to the D4-LAH group, the Dual-LAH group had both higher day 7 blastocyst formation rate (9.4% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001) and higher day 7 usable blastocyst rates (7.4% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001). For persistent LGCEs despite single LAH, performing a repeat LAH on day 6 increased day 7 blastocyst formation rate.
Completion of high-tech M&As by chinese firms: knowledge distance, industry attractiveness and government involvement
Authors: Yang Monica , Ai Qi
Published: September 2023

This paper draws upon institutional theory to incorporate the multi-level influences of institutional environment (i.e., knowledge distance at the country level, industry attractiveness at the industry level, and government involvement at the firm level) in order to examine the determinants that affect acquisition completion. Based on a sample of 797 outward M&As in the high-tech industry initiated by Chinese firms from 1991 to 2018, we found that the likelihood of completing an acquisition increases when the knowledge distance between China and the host country decreases and in the presence of a high attractiveness of the Chinese high-tech industry involved. In addition, we found that government involvement in the acquiring firms has different influences from that in the target ones on the likelihood of acquisition completion. Specifically, we only found that the likelihood of acquisition completion decreases in the presence of government involvement in the target firm. The influence of government involvement in the acquiring firms on acquisition completion was not significant. The implications of this study of high-tech M&As enacted by firms from emerging markets are thus discussed.
The Impact of Educator Anxiety and Anxiety Literacy on Primary Educators’ Responses to Anxious Children
Authors: Byrne Jessica A. , Clark Laura H.
Published: September 2023

Background

Parental anxiety and over-involved parenting behaviour are consistently associated with an increase in child anxiety symptoms. Primary school aged children also often develop a strong and influential relationship with their class teacher and how educators respond to anxiety therefore warrants investigation. Preliminary research has shown that educators use anxiety-promoting techniques, such as avoidance. However, there has been little empirical investigation of the factors that influence the management of anxious children by primary school educators in the classroom setting.

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between the anxiety literacy of primary school educators, anxiety symptoms experienced by primary school educators and the management of anxious children by primary school educators.

Methods

A total of 73 primary school educators in the United Kingdom completed an online survey. The survey measured participant anxiety and anxiety knowledge, as well as utilising vignettes of hypothetical scenarios to measure the use of anxiety-promoting and autonomy-promoting responses.

Results

Educator anxiety literacy predicted a reduced likelihood of using anxiety-promoting responses but did not predict increased use of autonomy-promoting responses. Educators’ anxiety was not found to predict anxiety-promoting or autonomy-promoting responses when managing anxious children.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that promoting anxiety literacy in primary educators may reduce the frequency with which educators use anxiety promoting responses with anxious students. The findings highlight the importance of further clarifying the quality and forms of anxiety mental health knowledge and training which educators receive. This type of data may be useful in developing ways to equip educators with the skills to respond and manage anxiety in the classroom.
Data as Relation: Ontological Trouble in the Data-Driven Public Administration
Authors: Winthereik Brit Ross
Published: September 2023

This paper examines how the intense focus on data in political digitalization strategies takes effect in practice in a Danish municipality. Building on an ethnographic study of data-driven management, the paper argues that one of the effects of making data a driver for organizational decision-making is uncertainty as to what data are and can be taken to mean. While in political discourse and strategies, data are considered as a resource for collaboration across organizational units as well as for optimization of their performance, in practice, data are not this straightforward entity. The paper presents a kind of data work that identifies data as part of different worlds (ontologies). The management task that results from this is nurturing organizational spaces that articulate data as relational. The paper argues that being attentive to the troublesome experiences public sector employees have when encountering data may help mitigate some of the risks of seeing data merely as a resource. The paper concludes that as public sector managers learn to nurture spaces where differences in data can be articulated, they also protect core values of welfare bureaucracies. Acknowledging that data work is about what we take to be real and what not (ontological work) is a first step in this direction.
PD-L1 Blockade Improves Survival in Sepsis by Reversing Monocyte Dysfunction and Immune Disorder
Authors: Yang Li , Gao Qian , Li Qiujing , Guo Shubin
Published: September 2023

Monocyte dysfunction is critical to sepsis-induced immunosuppression. Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) has shown a close relationship with inflammatory disorder among animal models and patients. We aimed to investigate the potential beneficial immunologic mechanisms of anti-PD-L1 on monocyte dysfunction of mice with sepsis. Firstly, we assessed the potential association between PD-L1 expression on monocyte subsets and sepsis severity as well as 28-day mortality. In this study, 52 septic patients, 28 septic shock patients, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled and their peripheral whole blood was examined by flow cytometry. Then, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) were performed for establishing the mouse sepsis model. Subsequently, effects of anti-PD-L1 antibody on monocyte subset, major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) expression, cytokine production, and survival were investigated. PD-L1 expression on the classical monocytes (CD14 + + CD16 −) was significantly upregulated among septic shock patients and the 28-day death group than non-septic shock group and 28-day survival group (P < 0.05). Compared to septic mice, anti-PD-L1-treated mice had significantly elevated percentages of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II on peripheral Ly6chi monocyte at 24 h after CLP. Our results showed that the anti-PD-L1 antibody markedly decreased the level of serum inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10 in sepsis mice at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, respectively (P < 0.05). The survival rate of CLP mice was significantly improved by anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment. Classical monocytes with high expression of PD-L1 were thought to be connected with sepsis progression. The PD-L1 blockade protects from sepsis, at least partially by inhibiting the reversal of monocyte dysfunction.
Particle size-dependent structural and magnetic properties of Pr0.6-xBixSr0.4MnO3 (x = 0.10 and 0.25)
Authors: Souza Anita D. , Sahoo Jayaprakash , Vagadia Megha , Rayaprol Sudhindra , Mendonca Lozil Denzil , Daivajna Mamatha D.
Published: September 2023

Nanoparticles of Pr0.6-xBixSr0.4MnO3 (x = 0.10 and 0.25) have been prepared using the swift and cost-effective top-down approach in a high-energy planetary ball mill without any chemical processing and environmental impacts resulting due to pollutants arising from nanoparticle synthesis. The work investigates the role of particle size reduction on the structural and magnetic properties. An increase in milling time from 0 to 240 min results in the drastic reduction of particle size which drops significantly in the initial phase of ball milling i.e., 0–60 min while the microstrain and dislocation densities show nearly monotonic increase. Interestingly the magnetism and size reduction demonstrate a clear one to one correspondence. In both compositions, the paramagnetic (PM) to ferromagnetic (FM) transition, TC decreases and the magnetic transitions broaden both as function Bi and size reduction. The Curie–Weiss analysis of the inverse magnetic susceptibility ($${\chi }^{-1}$$

χ

-
1

) shows a deviation from linearity indicating the presence of the short-range FM interactions above TC which has been understood as Griffith’s phase like singularity. The size reduction can effectively reduce TC, enabling a significant control over tuning of transition temperature and net magnetization. The field dependent magnetization for x = 0.10 demonstrate dominant FM state whereas for x = 0.25, metamagnetic magnetization highlights competitive coexistence of FM and antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions in the system. With ball milling, the net magnetization decreases, and the metamagnetic behaviour is suppressed. The M–H loops of ball milled nanoparticles are highly unsaturated indicating the enhanced surface disorder in the nanoparticles which can be understood using the core–shell structure.
Sociopolitical economy and spatial accentuation of neighbourhood gentrification in East Malaysia
Authors: Bamgbade Jibril Adewale , Golly Geilson Neville ak , Ohueri Chukwuka Christian
Published: September 2023

The rapid displacement and land expropriation from property owners are generating an imbalance between lower-income households and the developers in many communities in the central area of large cities worldwide. While the need to prevent urban decline, rejuvenate declining/dilapidating neighbourhoods and promote sustainable urban development has always been at the forefront of neighbourhood gentrification, developers are the major beneficiaries of the rapid rise in property prices. This study examines the important drivers of gentrification in East Malaysia from political, economic, social and spatial lenses. This research was analysed using a questionnaire survey data collected from housing developers and other allied professionals with relevant experience in neighbourhood gentrification in East Malaysia. Then, the hierarchical clustering technique followed by the Relative importance index (RII) computation was used to determine the relationship between the identified driving factors, the grouping of drivers into relatable clusters, as well as to determine the most influential cluster and drivers encouraging the course of neighbourhood gentrification. The study uncovers a compelling insight: although political factors exert the greatest influence on neighbourhood gentrification, it is crucial to acknowledge the substantial roles played by economic, social, and spatial drivers in its emergence, albeit to a somewhat lesser degree. Our findings emphasise the pivotal importance of eight political derivatives, which shape and contribute to the complex dynamics of gentrification, underscoring their significance in understanding its multifaceted nature. The findings of this research are a valid reference point for the relevant stakeholders to garner greater insight into the particularities of neighbourhood gentrification in East and Malaysia and many urban communities around the globe.