bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaves as bottlenecks: The contribution of tree leaves to hydraulic resistance within the soil−plant−atmosphere continuum
Authors: Wolfe Brett T. , Detto Matteo , Zhang Yong‐Jiang , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , Brodribb Tim , Collins Adam D. , Crawford Chloe , Dickman L. Turin , Ely Kim S. , Francisco Jessica , Gurry Preston D. , Hancock Haigan , King Christopher T. , Majekobaje Adelodun R. , Mallett Christian J. , McDowell Nate G. , Mendheim Zachary , Michaletz Sean T. , Myers Daniel B. , Price Ty J. , Rogers Alistair , Sack Lawren , Serbin Shawn P. , Siddiq Zafar , Willis David , Wu Jin , Zailaa Joseph , Wright S. Joseph
Published: December 2022

Within vascular plants, the partitioning of hydraulic resistance along the soil‐to‐leaf continuum affects transpiration and its response to environmental conditions. In trees, the fractional contribution of leaf hydraulic resistance (Rleaf) to total soil‐to‐leaf hydraulic resistance (Rtotal), or fRleaf (=Rleaf/Rtotal), is thought to be large, but this has not been tested comprehensively. We compiled a multibiome data set of fRleaf using new and previously published measurements of pressure differences within trees in situ. Across 80 samples, fRleaf averaged 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46−0.57) and it declined with tree height. We also used the allometric relationship between field‐based measurements of soil‐to‐leaf hydraulic conductance and laboratory‐based measurements of leaf hydraulic conductance to compute the average fRleaf for 19 tree samples, which was 0.40 (95% CI = 0.29−0.56). The in situ technique produces a more accurate descriptor of fRleaf because it accounts for dynamic leaf hydraulic conductance. Both approaches demonstrate the outsized role of leaves in controlling tree hydrodynamics. A larger fRleaf may help stems from loss of hydraulic conductance. Thus, the decline in fRleaf with tree height would contribute to greater drought vulnerability in taller trees and potentially to their observed disproportionate drought mortality.
Redaporfin Development for Photodynamic Therapy and its Combination with Glycolysis Inhibitors†
Authors: Mendes Maria Inês P. , Arnaut Luis G.
Published: December 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) remains an underutilized treatment modality in oncology. Many efforts have been dedicated to the development of better photosensitizers, better formulations and delivery methods, rigorous planning of light dose distribution in tissues, mechanistic insight, improvement of treatment protocols and combinations with other therapeutic agents. Hopefully, progress in all these fields will eventually expand the use of PDT. Here we offer a brief review of our own contribution to the development of a photosensitizer for PDT – redaporfin – currently in Phase II clinical trials, and present data on its combination with two glycolysis inhibitors: 2‐deoxyglucose and 3‐bromopyruvate. We show that 3‐bromopyruvate is more cytotoxic to a carcinoma cell line (CT26) than to a normal fibroblast (3T3) cell line, and that this selectivity is maintained in the in vitro combination with redaporfin‐PDT. This combination was investigated in BALB/c mice with large subcutaneous CT26 tumors and it is shown that the cure rate in the combination is higher (33% cures) than in PDT (11% cures) or in 3‐bromopyruvate (no cures) alone. The combination of redaporfin‐PDT with 3‐bromopyruvate illustrates the potential of combination therapies and how PDT benefits can be enhanced by systemic drugs with complementary targets.
The feeding ecology of grass carp: A review
Authors: Li Lisen , Balto George , Xu Xiaoyan , Shen Yubang , Li Jiale
Published: December 2022

As an economically important herbivorous fish, the range of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) has expanded in the world and its ecological influences have become more evident. Currently, we have embarked on assessing the effect of grass carp on aquatic organisms and water quality by integrating the outcomes from previous ecological studies. Bibliographical data integration shows that aquatic plant preference is likely to be related to the cellulose proportion, calcium, sucrose and citric acid of the aquatic plant. Moreover, pharyngeal teeth and multiple gene copies of taste receptors could help reveal the feeding mechanism of grass carp. The expansion of the number of sweet‐detecting T1R2 genes, and the functional potential of Umami taste receptor T1R3 by calcium‐regulation was speculated on the basis of previous experimental observations of grass carp, suggesting that aquatic plant consumption by this species is tightly associated with the taste receptors. Apart from the competition in living space between grass carp and other fish, the effects of consuming zooplankton and zoobenthos were summarized to reveal general passive feeding of grass carp, as well as the feeding choice in the absence of aquatic plants. Water quality data were gleaned to make comparative analyses between groups stocking with and without grass carp to uncover changes in water physicochemical parameters in short‐ (<1 year) and long‐term impacts. This review provides insight into the grass carp feeding behaviour and mechanisms and it will help find a balance between ecological harmony and the industrial development of grass carp.
Grassland conservation and restoration in India: a governance crisis
Authors: Lahiri Sutirtha , Roy Anirban , Fleischman Forrest
Published: December 2022

Grasslands are contested ecosystems due to our scant understanding of their ecological and socioeconomic roles and also due to the ambiguity in understanding what exactly constitutes them. This problem escalates in the absence of proper governance. In this paper, we explore the historical accounts of Indian grasslands to trace how they have shaped contemporary grassland conservation and restoration policies. The paper draws from the concept of Biome Awareness Disparity and links it to grassland degradation through misleading nomenclature and flawed interventions rooted in misplaced governance. We found that Indian grasslands are negatively affected by India's commitment to global goals (with quantified targets of increasing tree cover) and the involvement of multiple government bodies in grassland management. This conundrum is fueled by the strong forest bias within government bodies and nongovernmental organizations. Based on the findings, we propose that India needs a more cohesive national policy framework and a robust ecosystem classification system to successfully conserve and restore grasslands.
Adriamycin‐loaded exosome with anti‐CD20 aptamers selectively suppresses human CD20+ melanoma stem cells
Authors: Chen Hairong , Jiang Yuxia , Li Xia
Published: December 2022

Background

Targeting CD20+ melanoma cancer stem cells (CSCs) subset is essential for treating melanoma. Anti‐CD20 aptamer‐modified exosomes (ACEXO) loaded with Adriamycin could be a therapeutic strategy for targeting CSCs.

Materials and methods

Exosomes loaded with Adriamycin were modified with anti‐CD20 aptamer and characterized by size and molecular markers using transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering. The uptake of ACEXO into CD20+ cells was checked, and its cytotoxicities in CD20+ melanoma cells, HEK 293T, and 3T3 cells were evaluated. At the same time, the in vivo distribution of ACEXO in the tumor‐bearing mice model was determined.

Results

The particle size of the exosome is about 80–100 nm. Western blot analysis showed that they expressed the characteristic exosome markers: CD9 and CD63. Quantitative analysis of the mean fluorescence intensity after 4 h incubation showed that ACEXO significantly improved Adriamycin uptake. Notably, the ACEXO killed only CD20+ melanoma cells. In addition, they exhibited good biocompatibility with both 293T and 3T3 cells at all doses. After intravenous injection, exosome distribution data showed that ACEXO's accumulation in the tumor is higher than anti‐CD20‐modified exosomes (AEXO)’s at all time points, and the accumulation increased as time prolonged. Addition of ACEXO reduces the number of tumorspheres in A375 or WM266‐4 cells compared to untreated controls or AEXO‐treated group. More important, while treating melanoma tumor‐bearing mice, ACEXO‐treated group showed the lowest tumor weight without body weight loss.

Conclusion

ACEXO loaded with Adriamycin could suppress tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo, probably by targeting CD20+ melanoma CSCs.
Improve the dupilumab therapy evaluation with dermoscopy and high‐frequency ultrasound in moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Liu Zhaorui , Niu Zihan , Zhang Dingding , Liu Jie , Zhu Qingli
Published: December 2022

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Monoclonal antibody dupilumab was approved to treat moderate‐to‐severe AD in recent years. An objective assessment of treatment response by skin imaging modality is adjuvant for clinical evaluations. This study aimed to explore the value of dermoscopy and high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) imaging characteristics in treatment evaluation for moderate‐to‐severe AD patients treated with dupilumab.

Methods

Moderate‐to‐severe AD patients refractory to conventional therapy were enrolled in the study. All patients went through at least a 16‐week standardized treatment of dupilumab. Clinical scores (eczema area scoring index [EASI], SCOARD, numerical rating scale of pruritus, dermatology life quality index), dermoscopy, and HFUS examinations were conducted at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of treatment. Erythema, scales, erosion, and pigmentation under dermoscopy were scored, and subepidermal low‐echogenic band (SLEB) thickness under HFUS was measured as quantitative indexes. Descriptive analysis and mixed effect linear regression models were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Sixteen patients were enrolled in the study and their average age was 45.63 ± 18.18 years. All clinical scores decreased with significant difference after 16‐week treatment compared with baseline. All patients achieved EASI 50 (EASI score decreased by 50% or more), and 9/16 patients reached EASI 75 after 16‐week treatment. Dermoscopy evaluation of erythema, scales and erosion scores were decreased, and the sign of pigmentation score was increased after treatment. For HFUS, the mean SLEB value was 0.51 ± 0.29 mm and decreased to 0.27 ± 0.15 mm after 16‐week treatment (p < 0.01). SLEB value decreased linearly with treatment time and correlated with clinical scores. However, SLEB values of two patients were 0.57 and 0.68 mm at week 16, respectively, which were higher than the average, and one of the patients showed EASI 75.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy and HFUS were able to reveal deeper inflammation response than clinical scores in AD and can be an effective method to evaluate and monitor clinical improvement during dupilumab treatment for AD patients. The preliminary value of imaging methods for predicting the treatment endpoint of dupilumab remains to be verified.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*02:01:204 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Aboishava Lizaveta , Dmitriev Oleg , Yakovleva Alika , Shagimardanova Elena
Published: December 2022

The novel HLA‐A*02:01:204 allele was characterized using next generation sequencing technology.
Association of immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy withHLApolymorphisms
Authors: Ohnuki Yuko , Suzuki Shigeaki , Uruha Akinori , Oyama Munenori , Suzuki Shingo , Kulski Jerzy K. , Nishino Ichizo , Shiina Takashi
Published: December 2022

Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a type of autoimmune myositis typically characterized clinically by proximal muscle weakness with elevated creatine kinase levels, pathologically by myofiber necrosis and regeneration with paucity of lymphocytic cell infiltration, and serologically by the presence of either of two myositis‐specific autoantibodies, anti‐SRP, and anti‐HMGCR antibodies. However, the HLA loci and alleles associated with IMNM are still not fully understood at least partly because IMNM was a relatively recently established condition. In this study, we genotyped the six HLA loci (HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1 and ‐DPB1) in 250 patients (237 patients over age 18 years and 13 juvenile patients) diagnosed with IMNM based on clinicopathological features and autoantibody information and performed a case control study with Japanese healthy subjects. In the adult patients, specific HLA alleles associated with IMNM were identified at all HLA loci, withDRB1*08:03showing the strongest association (OR = 2.5;p = 0.00000017). Furthermore, subgroup analysis with various clinical information showed thatC*03:04(OR = 3.7;p = 0.00012) was a higher risk allele for collagen disease in adult patients, andB*13:01(OR = 23.2;p = 0.021) andC*03:04(OR = 5.8;p = 0.0074) were higher risk for juvenile patients with anti‐HMGCR antibody‐positive IMNM. These findings will help to better understand the HLA genetic background and features of IMNM in designing future studies.
Full‐length characterization of the HLA‐DQB1*03:25:01 allele in two Amerindian individuals
Authors: Balas Antonio , Moreno‐Hidalgo Miguel‐Ángel , Alenda Raquel , García‐Sánchez Félix , Vicario José L.
Published: December 2022

Genomic full‐length characterization of the HLA‐DQB1*03:25:01 allele.
Learning statistics with interactive pictures using R Shiny: Generally preferred, but not generally advantageous
Authors: Zhao Fang , Schützler Lena , Christ Oliver , Gaschler Robert
Published: December 2022

Constructing interactive web apps has become more accessible for instructors, for example, by using the R package Shiny. Here we explored learners' preferences and the efficiency of interactive simulations versus static pictures in acquiring statistics knowledge of Cohen's d and standard normal distribution. Results revealed that students' spontaneous interaction with pictures was infrequent (pilot study, N = 26). While prompts (Exp. 1, N = 152) effectively ensured the manipulation of simulations, student exposure to interactive simulations led to longer learning times though similar test performance compared with student exposure to static pictures. Multiple interactive representations led to lower test performance than single interactive and static representations (Exp. 2, N = 117). Though no advantage was gained regarding learning outcomes, participants preferred the interactive variant (Exp. 3, N = 119). Taken together, this study demonstrates that the superiority of interactive pictures cannot be assumed to hold in general. Further work should evaluate how mental model construction can be effectively scaffolded by interactive simulations.
Cytosine base editing in cyanobacteria by repressing archaic Type IV uracil‐DNA glycosylase
Authors: Lee Mieun , Heo Yu Been , Woo Han Min
Published: December 2022

Base editing enables precise gene editing without requiring donor DNA or double‐stranded breaks. To facilitate base editing tools, a uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor (UGI) was fused to cytidine deaminase‐Cas nickase to inhibit uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG). Herein, we revealed that the bacteriophage PBS2‐derived UGI of the cytosine base editor (CBE) could not inhibit archaic Type IV UDG in oligoploid cyanobacteria. To overcome the limitation of the CBE, dCas12a‐assisted gene repression of the udg allowed base editing at the desired targets with up to 100% mutation frequencies, and yielded correct phenotypes of desired mutants in cyanobacteria. Compared with the original CBE (BE3), base editing was analyzed within a broader C4–C16 window with a strong TC‐motif preference. Using multiplexed CyanoCBE, while udg was repressed, simultaneous base editing at two different sites was achieved with lower mutation frequencies than single CBE. Our discovery of a Type IV UDG that is not inhibited by the UGI of the CBE in cyanobacteria and the development of dCas12a‐mediated base editing should facilitate the application of base editing not only in cyanobacteria, but also in archaea and green algae that possess Type IV UDGs. We revealed the bacteriophage‐derived UGI of the base editor did not repress Type IV UDG in cyanobacteria. To overcome the limitation, orthogonal dCas12a interference was successfully applied to repress the UDG gene expression in cyanobacteria during base editing occurred, yielding a premature translational termination at desired targets. This study will open a new opportunity to perform base editing with Type IV UDGs in archaea and green algae.
Research Possibilities of Self-Directed Learning
Authors: Dvořáková Miroslava
Published: December 2022

Self-directed learning as a topic began to become known to experts in the field of adult education in the 1960s. As well at that time, its relatively intensive research begins. The purpose of this text is to map the methods used in the empirical study of self-directed learning. For this purpose, the analysis of empirically focused articles published in the journal that is the only one specializing in the issue, the International Journal of Self-Directed Learning, was carried out, and two other journals Adult Education Quarterly (AEQ) and International Journal of Lifelong Education (IJLE). The result of the analysis of a total of 99 empirically focused texts published in the above mentioned journal is the basic overview of instruments that can be used in the study of self-directed learning, namely (a) in both quantitative and qualitative research design and (b) in the study of self-directed learning as a process and self-direction as a an attribute of a personality.
Assessing travel time-based accessibility to outdoor ice skating fields for children in Helsinki during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Van der Lijn Charlotte , Nurmi Marisofia , Hasanen Elina , Pyykönen Janne , Salmi Lotta , Salmikangas Anna-Katriina , Vehkakoski Kirsi , Virmasalo Ilkka , Toivonen Tuuli , Muukkonen Petteri
Published: December 2022

Informal sport is central to Finnish children’s leisure and physical activity time. This paper aims to build a better understanding of the travel time-based accessibility to informal sports facilities, specifically to ice skating fields, for children and adolescents (aged 7–19) in the city of Helsinki. We focused on the winter of 2020–2021 because COVID-19 restrictions on indoor activities resulted in ice skating fields being among the few public facilities that could remain open. Additionally, the weather was favourable for maintaining outdoor ice skating fields. We analysed if there would be a difference in children’s independent travel times by public transport or walking to ice skating fields due to the COVID-19 pandemic related recommendations by Helsinki Region Transport to avoid public transport. Children in Finland usually travel to and from school independently. Hence we focused on the transition from public transport to walking and omitted car usage, which would require an adult. We also looked at the potential differences in travel time to ice skating fields by analysing different types of fields separately. This difference would be of significance if climate change resulted in warmer winters in Finland. Helsinki has two types of ice skating fields: naturally frozen and mechanically frozen, of which only the mechanically frozen fields would be used during a warmer winter that is above zero degrees Celsius. We took a geographic information systems (GIS) analysis approach using travel time and population catchments. The study’s main findings show that during a milder winter and by walking, the accessibility for children is greatly reduced to 55.2%; that is, children face an increased travel time when naturally frozen ice skating fields are not in use. However, almost 100% of the child population can access both types of fields within a travel time of 30 minutes by public transport.
An overview of the Nordic Battery Belt: an emerging network for cooperation within the Nordic battery cluster
Authors: Okonkwo Ejike
Published: December 2022

There is an increasing global demand for batteries in the decarbonisation process and an attempt to increase its production within Europe, thereby reducing the dependency on the Asian market. Consequently, the battery industry cluster is emerging in the Nordic region with the requisite raw materials for battery production in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The industry will encounter medium- and long-term challenges in its supply value chain due to the envisaged transport connectivity issues in the region, especially as the industry begins experiencing growth. Regional networks will play a key role in mitigating these challenges by providing a space for cooperation among actors; however, how regional networks address these transport connectivity issues still needs to be explored. This paper introduces results from a qualitative study that adopts the network approach in examining the nature and the role of a novel network within the Nordic battery cluster. They show that the Nordic Battery Belt (NBB) is an emerging cross-border regional network established to proactively identify the prevailing and the envisaged connectivity challenges within the Nordic region. The NBB, therefore, contributes to the development of logistical strategies and inventories for sustainable and cost-effective transport systems, which will support the battery industry’s supply chain and reduce the industry’s carbon footprints. Overall, the paper advances the understanding of networks and their role in the regional energy transitions literature viz-a-viz the battery industry.
Cherishing the reproductive work within academia for securing emancipatory work outside academia – commentary to Refstie
Authors: Vela-Almeida Diana
Published: December 2022

This commentary to Refstie’s article for a more reflexive co-production of knowledge grounded in critical, rooted, explanatory and actionable imperatives aims to expand her critique on the role of an ethics of care in dismantling the neoliberal university. It highlights the need to build transformative practices that start in our workplaces and where reproductive labor is collectively rewarded. This can result in an inclusive space of care for one another, a conducive working environment for the radical production of knowledge and the joyful engagement in education as a truthfully transformative practice.
Moving policy out of time – commentary to Refstie
Authors: Lorne Colin
Published: December 2022

This paper is prompted by Hilde Refstie’s lecture on co-production and the role of academia in the search for sustainability in times of fast policymaking. My aim is to keep the conversation going by reflecting on how policy researchers negotiate all kinds of tensions and contradictions when traversing academic and policy worlds. It seems to me that those involved in making and researching fast policy are – in rather different ways – moving out of time: there is an urgent search for ‘solutions’ to the many, different crises we are now facing. Yet, the very existence of political alternatives requires holding open the possibility of interrupting the now all-too-familiar rhythms of fast policy. While calls for ‘slow scholarship’ may push back against the increasing tempo of the neoliberal academy, if we are not careful such appeals risk reproducing existing exclusions and inequalities, not least among those struggling by on temporary contracts. Confronting these dilemmas and antagonisms may help go some way towards reconfiguring research relevance in the present political moment.
'It’s the right thing to do': specificities of the Polish response to the Ukrainian crisis
Authors: Ruszczyk Hanna , Kallio Kirsi Pauliina , Riding James
Published: December 2022

Overwhelmingly, the Polish response to the 24 February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has been based on the moral imperative of ‘It is the right thing to do’. Within three months, Poland was hosting 3.3 million Ukrainian refugees. This is equivalent to 8.7% of Poland’s population of 38 million. The numbers are difficult to grasp. I have identified four specificities in the Polish response. Firstly, a collective intergenerational trauma and fear that Russia may not stop at Ukraine. Secondly, the attitude of the Polish state towards refugees is generally restrictive and hostile with the exception of Ukrainians. Thirdly, there were pre-existing Polish-Ukrainian relationships upon which Polish society’s response has been layered upon. Lastly, there has been sustained collective and grassroots response for over nine months. For how much longer can the humanitarian response be driven by local authorities, local organisations and civil society ‘to do the right thing’?
Expert Appraisal of the 2022 Canadian Para Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities
Authors: Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P. , Kuzik Nicholas , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Martin Ginis Kathleen A. , James Maeghan E. , Bassett-Gunter Rebecca L. , Ruttle Daniela , DaSilva Pinder , Disimino Katerina , Cameron Christine , Arthur Mike , Shikako Keiko , Latimer-Cheung Amy E.
Published: December 2022

This report provides an expert appraisal of the Canadian Para Report Card on physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents with disabilities. Thirteen indicators were graded by a panel of researchers, representatives from disability and PA organizations, and parents of children and adolescents with disabilities using benchmarks of the Global Matrix 4.0 and previous Canadian PA Report Cards. Facilitated panel discussions were used to appraise the available evidence based on data gaps, opportunities, and recommendations. The available data sources included four nationally generalizable or representative data sets. Grades were assigned to 8/13 indicators and ranged from B+ to F. Data gaps in measurement and national surveillance systems were identified. Ableism was an issue identified within some of the reporting benchmarks. The absence of PA from existing accessibility legislation in Canada was a policy gap of concern. Recommendations related to research, surveillance, and policy are provided to enhance PA among children and adolescents with disabilities in Canada.
Test–Retest Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change of the Athletic Trainers’ Self-Confidence Scale
Authors: Stedge Hannah L. , Cappaert Thomas , Herzog Valerie W. , Kinslow Beth , Martin Malissa
Published: December 2022

The Athletic Trainers’ Self-Confidence Scale (ATSCS) is a nine-item Likert-scale questionnaire assessing the respondent’s level of agreement with statements regarding confidence in recognizing and managing exertional heat illnesses. Test–retest reliability of this instrument has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and minimum detectable change score for the composite score of the ATSCS. A total of 18 professional master of science in athletic training students (nine first-year and nine second-year students) completed the ATSCS at three testing sessions with 48 hr between sessions. The nine items of the ATSCS demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .86; 95% confidence interval [.78, .94]). The composite scores of the ATSCS demonstrated moderate test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .75; 95% confidence interval [.497, .893]). The calculated minimal detectable change for the composite change score was 6.19. The ATSCS has good internal reliability as well as test–retest reliability. These results display that the tool will provide consistent, reliable results of changes in athletic training students’ self-confidence.
iPhone Accelerometry Provides a Sensitive In-Home Assessment of Age-Related Changes in Standing Balance
Authors: Coker Elizabeth , Lubetzky Anat V.
Published: December 2022

Remote health monitoring has become increasingly important, especially in aging populations. We aimed to identify tasks that are sensitive to age-related changes in balance during fully remote, at-home balance assessment. Participants were 12 healthy young adults (mean age = 26.08 years, range: 18–33) and 12 healthy older adults (mean age = 67.33 years, range: 60–75). Participants performed standing tasks monitored via video conference while their balance was quantified using a custom iPhone application measuring mediolateral center of mass acceleration. We included three stances (feet together, tandem, and single leg) with eyes open or closed, with or without a concurrent cognitive task. Older adults demonstrated significantly more variable center of mass accelerations in tandem (p = .04, ) and significantly higher (p < .01, ) and more variable (p < .01, ) center of mass accelerations in single leg compared with young adults. We also observed that as task challenge increased, balance dual-task cost diminished for older, but not young, adults.
The Assessment of Acute Chorioretinal Changes Due to Intensive Physical Exercise in Senior Elite Athletes
Authors: Szalai Irén , Csorba Anita , Jing Tian , Horváth Endre , Bosnyák Edit , Györe István , Zsolt Nagy Zoltán , DeBuc Delia Cabrera , Tóth Miklós , Somfai Gábor Márk
Published: December 2022

Regular physical exercise is known to lower the incidence of age-related eye diseases. We aimed to assess the acute chorioretinal alterations in older adults following intense physical strain. Seventeen senior elite athletes were recruited who underwent an aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer and macular scanning by optical coherence tomography. A significant thinning of the entire retina was observed 1 min after exercise, followed by a thickening at 5 min, after which the thickness returned to baseline. This trend was similar in almost every single retinal layer, although a significant change was observed only in the inner retina. Choroidal thickness changes were neither significant nor did they correlate with the thickness changes of intraretinal layers. The mechanism of how these immediate retinal changes chronically impact age-related sight-threatening pathologies that, in turn, result in a substantially reduced quality of life warrants further investigation on nontrained older adults as well.
Industry response to strengthened regulations: amount and themes of flavoured electronic cigarette promotion by product vendors and manufacturers on Instagram
Authors: Kostygina Ganna , Tran Hy , Schillo Barbara , Silver Nathan A , Emery Sherry L
Published: December 2022

Background

Social media discussion tends to follow news about proposed or enacted government policies. Thus, digital discourse surveillance may be an effective and unobtrusive way of understanding industry and public response to policies and regulations, including in the domain of tobacco control. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration restricted sales of flavoured cartridge and disposable vape products. Historically, the tobacco industry used modification of product characteristics, labelling or packaging to work around flavour restrictions. We aimed to characterise strategies used by nicotine product manufacturers and vendors to promote flavoured products on Instagram and to identify policy workaround tactics.

Methods

Keyword rules were used to collect flavoured electronic cigarette-related Instagram posts from CrowdTangle, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. Posts were coded for commercial content and promotional strategies using a combination of machine learning methods, keyword algorithms and human coding. Additional exploratory analyses were conducted to identify major discussion themes. Non-English posts were excluded from the analyses.

Results

Keyword filters captured 113 393 relevant posts from 391 unique accounts, with 46 076 posts referencing flavour promotion (40.6%) and 2124 (2%) posts mentioning alternatives to restricted flavoured products or strategies to evade flavour sales restrictions. Promotional messages featured non-characterising flavour references, ‘off-brand’ product substitutes, promotion of new flavoured product technologies, innovation, do-it-yourself appeals, global promotion, international delivery and encouraged flavoured product stockpiling. In addition, promotion of refillable devices, e-juice, tank systems and ‘box mod’ vaporizers was present.

Conclusion

Social media surveillance can enhance our understanding of public health needs and policy compliance, as well as inform strategies to prevent policy evasion. Examining evolving industry tactics to promote flavoured products in response to regulatory changes can help authorities and practitioners assess policy effectiveness and inform future design and implementation approaches.
Levels of menthol, nicotine and cooling agents measured in JUUL products purchased across a three-year period
Authors: Yassine Amira , El Hage Rachel , El-Hellani Ahmad , Salman Rola , Talih Soha , Eissenberg Thomas , Shihadeh Alan , Saliba Najat
Published: December 2022

Background

In response to the popularity of JUUL and other flavored ENDS products among youth, the US Food and Drug Administration issued in February 2020 an enforcement policy to remove all flavoured cartridge/pod-based e-cigarettes from the market except for tobacco and menthol. Subsequent studies found that some former users of the now-removed flavoured JUUL pods (especially cool mint) switched to menthol-flavoured JUUL pods with similar satisfaction.

Methods

We quantified menthol, nicotine, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerol (VG) in JUUL pod samples (Menthol, Classic Menthol and Cool Mint) that were purchased in 2017, 2018 and 2020 (only Menthol) to evaluate composition differences before and after the enforcement policy. We also analysed the samples to detect other cooling agents using a screening gas chromatography-mass spectrometry headspace method that we developed for this purpose.

Results

Nicotine and menthol concentrations were significantly higher in 2020 products than in products from prior years. Moreover, other cooling agents varied across pods. The PG/VG volume ratio was 27/63 in all pods examined.

Conclusion

This study shows that concentrations of nicotine and menthol in JUUL products procured over a three year period decreased over time. The findings highlight the challenges of reconstructing product characteristics at the time of manufacture and time of consumption, and suggests the utility of an ENDS product bank that could preserve samples for retrospective studies. They also underscore that manufacturers should be required to release to the public and the scientific community what they know about time- and temperature-dependent degradation of their products.
New Hubble parameter data and possibility of more than one deceleration–acceleration transition redshift
Authors: Salehi Amin , Hatami H.
Published: December 2022

It is quite believed that Universe has undergone a smooth transition from a decelerated phase to its present accelerated phase of expansion. There exists a wide consensus, based on robust observational indicating transition redshift $$z_{tr}$$

z

tr

around the unity. However our analysis on complete collection of reliable Hubble parameter H(z) data at intermediate redshift $$0.07<z <2.36 $$

0.07
<
z
<
2.36

, BAO, Pantheon data, give some hints that the universe may be transit more than one time from deceleration to acceleration phase in course of its evolution. Although we are agree with the results claimed by previous studies state the simplest cosmological models such as $$\Lambda CDM$$

Λ
C
D
M

and XCDM are consistent with Hubble data, but we doubt that they will be the best. We show that the chameleon cosmological model is more favored than the simple models and very well fits with the full Hubble data. Reconstructing the deceleration parameter based on best fitted parameters of the model indicates a new dynamic for the universe in which more than one transition occurs from deceleration to acceleration phase and the last transition occurs at $$z_{tr}\simeq .43\pm 0.04$$

z

tr

≃
.
43
±
0.04

which is close to that derived by the High-z Supernovae Search (HZSNS) team, $$z_{tr}=.43\pm 0.07$$

z

tr

=
.
43
±
0.07

(Riess et al. Astrophys. J. 659, 98–121, 2007).
Wakefield acceleration in the universe
Authors: Ebisuzaki Toshikazu , Tajima Toshiki , Barish Barry C.
Published: December 2022

The important role of magnetic fields in the phenomena in and evolution of the Universe is well appreciated. A salient example of this is to make (often episodic) large magnetic fields in AGN accretion disks and their emanation of well-collimated and longitudinally extended astrophysical jets. Such typical cases or related astrophysical processes, we find, provide a fertile ground for exciting large-amplitude oscillations in the magnetic fields that constitute the spine of the jets. The energy sources of these oscillations can be traced originally to the gravitational energy of the central object. During their long propagation along the jet, because of the gradual changes of the density and magnetic fields, these large magnetic pulsations turn into relativistic amplitude electromagnetic (EM) pulses, which in turn induce intense wakefields that are capable of acceleration of electrons, positrons, and ions to high energies. In this review, we survey a variety of astrophysical objects ranging from as large as the cosmic AGN accretion disks and their jets to as small as microquasars, to find or predict that there exist common astrophysical processes of emission of high-energy particles and gamma (and other EM) emissions. A variety of these objects will be ideally observed and studied in the multimessenger astrophysical observations. One example that already stuck out was the case of the simultaneous observations of gravitational wave emission and gamma-ray pulse from the collision of the two neutron stars and their subsequent structure formation (such as a disk) around them.
COVIDAL: A Machine Learning Classifier for Digital COVID-19 Diagnosis in German Hospitals
Authors: Bartenschlager Christina C. , Ebel Stefanie S. , Kling Sebastian , Vehreschild Janne , Zabel Lutz T. , Spinner Christoph D. , Schuler Andreas , Heller Axel R. , Borgmann Stefan , Hoffmann Reinhard , Rieg Siegbert , Messmann Helmut , Hower Martin , Brunner Jens O. , Hanses Frank , Römmele Christoph
Published: December 2022

For the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, it is particularly important to map the course of infection, in terms of patients who have currently tested SARS-CoV-2 positive, as accurately as possible. In hospitals, this is even more important because resources have become scarce. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and point of care (POC) antigen testing capacities have been massively expanded, they are often very time-consuming and cost-intensive and, in some cases, lack appropriate performance. To meet these challenges, we propose the COVIDAL classifier for AI-based diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 subjects in hospitals based on laboratory parameters. We evaluate the algorithm's performance by unique multicenter data with approximately 4,000 patients and an extraordinary high ratio of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients. We analyze the influence of data preparation, flexibility in optimization targets, as well as the selection of the test set on the COVIDAL outcome. The algorithm is compared with standard AI, PCR, POC antigen testing and manual classifications of seven physicians by a decision theoretic scoring model including performance metrics, turnaround times and cost. Thereby, we define health care settings in which a certain classifier for COVID-19 diagnosis is to be applied. We find sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies of the COVIDAL algorithm of up to 90 percent. Our scoring model suggests using PCR testing for a focus on performance metrics. For turnaround times, POC antigen testing should be used. If balancing performance, turnaround times, and cost is of interest, as, for example, in the emergency department, COVIDAL is superior based on the scoring model.
Design and Simulation of Class-E Powe Amplifier having Single Stage and 2-Stage at 2.4 GHz for IOT
Authors: Fatima Sana
Published: December 2022

In this project, we have designed a single-stage & 2-stage power amplifiers operated on 2.4 GHz. The purpose of this design is to provide better efficiency and high gain. This can be done by improving impedance matching techniques & by using harmonic suppression. In these two stages of power amplifiers, it consists of two inductors and two capacitors which are used to build harmonic suppression circuits. The basic purpose of these components is to increase the overall of efficiency of power amplifiers. In these circuits of power amplifier, VCC of 4.2 v is given and input & output impedances are matched to 50 ohms. In our project, we have simulated single and 2-stage amplifiers on ADS. We have observed the gain and power added efficiency for single stage power amplifier which are 16.932 dB and 45.496% respectively. While for the Two stage amplifier, the gain and power added efficiency are 28.625 dB and 42.285% respectively.
Mycosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with Silver using Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst and Its Evaluation of In Vitro Antidiabetic and Anticancer Potential
Authors: Ranjith Santhosh Kumar D. S. , Elango N. , Selvaraju Gayathri Devi , Matthew Paul A. , Palanisamy Senthilkumar , Cho Hayoung , Al Khattaf Fatimah S. , Hatamleh Ashraf Atef , Roy Amit Dutta
Published: December 2022

Nanotechnology is an evolving interdisciplinary field of research interspersing material science and nanobiotechnology. Nanoparticles are studied extensively for their specific catalytic, magnetic, electronic, optical, antimicrobial, theranostic, diagnosis, wound healing, and anti‐inflammatory properties. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have many applications owing to their unique characteristics, which include low cost, nontoxicity, abundance in nature, and the ability to prepare compounds with varying morphologies having different properties. The main aim of the study is to biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles coated with silver from the aqueous extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst and to evaluate its antidiabetic potential by performing alpha‐glucosidase inhibition and alpha‐amylase inhibition assays and to evaluate the anticancer potential by cytotoxicity (MTT) assay against human breast cancer MDA‐MB 231 cell lines. The biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles coated with Ag was characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. An increasing concentration in the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles coated with Ag produces strong antidiabetic activity through enzyme inhibition effect and anticancer activity through the reduction of cell viability. The present study recommended that the “Biological” method of biological nanoparticle production is a promising approach that allows synthesis in aqueous conditions, with low energy requirements and low costs. In the future, the mycosynthesized nanoparticles might be used in the medical arena to treat and prevent diseases.
Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease on Self-Augmented Datasets of Heart Patients Using Multiple Machine Learning Models
Authors: Ahmed Sumaira , Shaikh Salahuddin , Ikram Farwa , Fayaz Muhammad , Alwageed Hathal Salamah , Khan Faheem , Jaskani Fawwad Hassan
Published: December 2022

About 26 million people worldwide experience its effects each year. Both cardiologists and surgeons have a tough time determining when heart failure will occur. Classification and prediction models applied to medical data allow for enhanced insight. Improved heart failure projection is a major goal of the research team using the heart disease dataset. The probability of heart failure is predicted using data mined from a medical database and processed by machine learning methods. It has been shown, through the use of this study and a comparative analysis, that heart disease may be predicted with high precision. In this study, researchers developed a machine learning model to improve the accuracy with which diseases like heart failure (HF) may be predicted. To rank the accuracy of linear models, we find that logistic regression (82.76 percent), SVM (67.24 percent), KNN (60.34 percent), GNB (79.31 percent), and MNB (72.41) perform best. These models are all examples of ensemble learning, with the most accurate being ET (70.31%), RF (87.03%), and GBC (86.21%). DT (ensemble learning models) achieves the highest degree of precision. CatBoost outperforms LGBM, HGBC, and XGB, all of which achieve 84.48% accuracy or better, while XGB achieves 84.48% accuracy using a gradient-based gradient method (GBG). LGBM has the highest accuracy rate (86.21 percent) (hypertuned ensemble learning models). A statistical analysis of all available algorithms found that CatBoost, random forests, and gradient boosting provided the most reliable results for predicting future heart attacks.
Microleakage Evaluation of Two Methacrylate-Based Composites (GC Kalore and Luna SDI) in Class II Restorations: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Moradi Kooshan , Mahmoudinezhad Sadaf Sadat , Mapar Mehran
Published: December 2022

Objective. In recent years, dental composite resins such as tooth-colored restoration are frequently used to restore dental cavities, coronal fractures, and congenital defects. This study aimed to evaluate the microleakage of two methacrylate-based composites (GC Kalore and Luna SDI) in class II restorations. Materials and Methods. In this experimental study, a total of 18 intact human premolars previously extracted for periodontal and orthodontic reasons were randomly divided into two groups. Similar class II cavities (box only) were prepared on all teeth and restored with two different composites. In group 1, a bonding agent (Single Bond 2-SB2; 3M ESPE) and Luna SDI composite in mesial cavities and GC Kalore composite in distal cavities were used. In group 2, Single Bond 2 and GC Kalore composite in mesial cavities and Luna SDI composite in distal cavities were applied. They were then subjected to 2000 thermal cycles in a water bath between 5–55°C (dwell time: 30 seconds in every bath and transfer time: 10 seconds). Then, they were immersed in a 2% basic fuchsin dye solution for 24 hours. After rinsing with water, they were sectioned mesiodistally and evaluated for microleakage using a stereomicroscope. Results. Independent t-test (Mann–Whitney test) showed no statistically significant difference for microleakage in mesial and distal class II restorations between GC Kalore composite and Luna SDI composite (

p

 = 1.000) (

p

= 0.852). A total of 83.4% of the Luna SDI composite samples and 66.6% of the GC Kalore composite had a microleakage score of ≤3 in class II cavities. Conclusion. In the present study, marginal microleakage was found mainly at the gingival floor extending to 1/3 of the axial wall for the Luna SDI composite and GC Kalore composite. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was found between the microleakage of the Class II cavities restored with Luna SDI composite and GC Kalore composite.