bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Foreign Languages through Live Interaction Can Facilitate Children’s Acceptance of Multiple Labeling Conventions across Languages
Authors: LEE Hyuna , SONG Hyun-joo
Published: November 2022

The current research examined whether children’s expectations about labeling conventions can be influenced by limited exposure to a foreign language. Three- to four-year-old Korean children were presented with two speakers who each assigned a novel label either in Korean or Spanish to a novel object. Children were asked whether both labels were acceptable for the object. Children who had more exposure to a foreign language through live social interaction, but not through media, were more likely to accept both Korean and Spanish labels. These findings indicate the influence of social interaction in foreign language exposure on children’s understanding of different labeling conventions.
A scoping review: urinary markers of metabolic maturation in infants with CHD and the relationship to growth
Authors: Marino Luise V. , Paulson Simone , Ashton James J. , Weeks Charlotte , Young Aneurin , Pappachan John V.P. , Swann John R. , Johnson Mark J. , Beattie R. Mark
Published: November 2022

Background:

Growth failure in infants born with CHD is a persistent problem, even in those provided with adequate nutrition.

Objective:

To summarise the published data describing the change in urinary metabolites during metabolic maturation in infants with CHD and identify pathways amenable to therapeutic intervention

Design:

Scoping review.

Eligibility criteria:

Studies using qualitative or quantitative methods to describe urinary metabolites pre- and post-cardiac surgery and the relationship with growth in infants with CHD.

Sources of evidence:

NICE Healthcare Databases website was used as a tool for multiple searches.

Results:

347 records were identified, of which 37 were duplicates. Following the removal of duplicate records, 310 record abstracts and titles were screened for inclusion. The full texts of eight articles were reviewed for eligibility, of which only two related to infants with CHD. The studies included in the scoping review described urinary metabolites in 42 infants. A content analysis identified two overarching themes of metabolic variation predictive of neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with anaerobic metabolism and metabolic signature associated with the impact on gut microbiota, inflammation, energy, and lipid digestion.

Conclusion:

The results of this scoping review suggest that there are considerable gaps in our knowledge relating to metabolic maturation of infants with CHD, especially with respect to growth. Surgery is a key early life feature for CHD infants and has an impact on the developing biochemical phenotype with implications for metabolic pathways involved in immunomodulation, energy, gut microbial, and lipid metabolism. These early life fingerprints may predict those individuals at risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
First Activation of the WHO Emergency Medical Team Minimum Data Set in the 2019 Response to Tropical Cyclone Idai in Mozambique
Authors: Kubo Tatsuhiko , Chimed-Ochir Odgerel , Cossa Matchecane , Ussene Isse , Toyokuni Yoshiki , Yumiya Yui , Kayano Ryoma , Salio Flavio
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

During a disaster, comprehensive, accurate, timely, and standardized health data collection is needed to improve patient care and support effective responses. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Minimum Data Set (MDS) as an international standard for data collection in the context of disasters and public health emergencies. The EMT MDS was formally activated for the first time in 2019 during the response to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.

Study Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze data collected through the EMT MDS during Cyclone Idai of 2019 and to identify the benefits of and opportunities for its future use.

Methods:

The EMT MDS was used for data collection. All 13 international EMTs deployed from March 27 through July 12 reported data in accordance with the EMT MDS form. The collected data were analyzed descriptively.

Results:

A total of 18,468 consultations, including delivery of 94 live births, were recorded. For children under-five and those five-years and older, the top five reasons for consultation were minor injuries (4.5% and 10.8%, respectively), acute respiratory infections ([ARI] 12.6% and 4.8%, respectively), acute watery diarrhea (18.7% and 7.7%, respectively), malaria (9.2% and 6.1%, respectively), and skin diseases (5.1% and 3.1%, respectively). Non-disaster-related health events accounted for 84.7% of the total health problems recorded. Obstetric care was among the core services provided by EMTs during the response.

Conclusion:

Despite of challenges, the EMT MDS reporting system was found to support the responses and coordination of EMTs. The role of the Mozambican Ministry of Health (MOH), its cooperation with EMTs, and the dedicated technical support of international organizations enabled its successful implementation.
Inventing History: An Iconoclastic Conception of Historical Memory
Authors: Martínez de Codes Rosa María
Published: November 2022

When the political needs of governments, political parties, armed groups, etc., demand the making up of a past that justifies their specific present, their respective organs often seek to propagate a discourse that permeates the national social structure and allows the memory of the causes of past violence to be reinvented, through a strong perversion of history. In these situations, a trend known as historical presentism tends to emerge, i.e., the malformation of history and historical knowledge in the service of totalitarian projects, such as those of the Nazi and Soviet regimes in twentieth-century Europe, or identity-based nationalisms, sponsored by violent guerrillas, as in the case of the FARC-EP in Colombia. Two scenarios that exemplify singular manifestations of historical presentism in Europe and Latin America are given.
Linking Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) scores with item response theory
Authors: Simons Mary U. , Nelson Lindsay D. , McCrea Michael A. , Balsis Steve , Hoelzle James B. , Magnus Brooke E.
Published: November 2022

Objective:

Despite the public health burden of traumatic brain injury (TBI) across broader society, most TBI studies have been isolated to a distinct subpopulation. The TBI research literature is fragmented further because often studies of distinct populations have used different assessment procedures and instruments. Addressing calls to harmonize the literature will require tools to link data collected from different instruments that measure the same construct, such as civilian mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and sports concussion symptom inventories.

Method:

We used item response theory (IRT) to link scores from the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) symptom checklist, widely used instruments for assessing civilian and sport-related mTBI symptoms, respectively. The sample included data fromn= 397 patients who suffered a sports-related concussion, civilian mTBI, orthopedic injury control, or non-athlete control and completed the SCAT and/or RPQ.

Results:

The results of several analyses supported sufficient unidimensionality to treat the RPQ + SCAT combined item set as measuring a single construct. Fixed-parameter IRT was used to create a cross-walk table that maps RPQ total scores to SCAT symptom severity scores. Linked and observed scores were highly correlated (r= .92). Standard errors of the IRT scores were slightly higher for civilian mTBI patients and orthopedic controls, particularly for RPQ scores linked from the SCAT.

Conclusion:

By linking the RPQ to the SCAT we facilitated efforts to effectively combine samples and harmonize data relating to mTBI.
The perceptions of cancer health-care practitioners in New Zealand and the USA toward psychedelic-assisted therapy with cancer patients: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Reynolds Lisa M. , Barnett Brian , Weleff Jeremy , Morunga Eva , Wells Alesha , Stack Aideen , Akroyd Amelia , Hoeh Nicholas , Sundram Frederick , Muthukumaraswamy Suresh , Lawrence Nicola , Evans William J.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

A resurgence of research investigating the administration of psychedelic compounds alongside psychotherapy suggests that this treatment is a promising intervention for anxiety, depression, and existential distress in people with cancer. However, psychedelic treatment that induces a mind-altering experience potentially poses barriers to vulnerable cancer patients, and health-care practitioners may have concerns about referring their patients to trials investigating this approach. The aim of the current study was to investigate the perceptions of cancer health-care practitioners based in New Zealand and the USA related to psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Methods

This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of cancer health-care practitioners in New Zealand and the USA via convenience sampling to identify their perceptions about the concept of conducting psychedelic-assisted therapy with cancer patients.

Results

Participants perceived that (1) psychedelic-assisted therapy has the potential to provide benefit for cancer patients, (2) research in this area across a variety of domains is important, (3) work should consider spiritual and indigenous perspectives of health, and (4) there was willingness to refer patients to trials in this area, especially patients with advanced disease who were no longer going through curative treatment. Participants in the USA had greater awareness of psychedelics than the New Zealand sample; however, New Zealand participants more strongly believed that spiritual/indigenous factors should be considered in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Significance of results

Cancer health-care practitioners in our sample considered research investigating the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapies to be important and may be more open to studies that start in palliative and end-of-life contexts.
The Real Manchurian Candidates: Chinese war criminals in the postwar, prisoners of history
Authors: Kushner Barak
Published: November 2022

The Manchurian Candidate myth that Americans could be psychologically manipulated and turned into secret agents of a foreign power emerged in the early Cold War. The belief combined fears that Soviet/Chinese mind manipulators were so adept that they could transform honorable American soldiers into turncoats. However, while disquiet about the efficacy of communist brainwashing remained palpable in the aftermath of World War II, the result of China's communist treatment of prisoners of war did not create, as was greatly feared, actual Manchurian candidates capable of misleading their native publics once repatriated. If brainwashing in the American understanding of the term did not occur, what was the actual outcome and what sort of processes were used on Asians who were not part of the communist masses? We need to unravel the PRC's take on the processes of “thought reform” to understand why it kept returning to a policy designed to “re-educate” prisoners of war, often doubly labeled as war criminals. These policies not only reveal how the CCP aimed to render justice beyond the conclusion of its war with Japan but also demonstrate how this practice then grew into a later catalyst for unification plans in PRC-ROC relations during the 1970s.
Treatment with topiramate in rats during childhood causes testicular structural impairment at adulthood
Authors: Borges Lorena Ireno , Forcato Simone , do Nascimento Olanda Lays Cristine , Frigoli Giovanna Fachetti , Vidigal Camila Borecki , Moura Kawane Fabrício , Fernandes Glaura Scantamburlo A. , Franco Maria do Carmo Pinho , Ceravolo Graziela Scalianti , Gerardin Daniela Cristina Ceccatto
Published: November 2022

Topiramate (TOP) is a psychotropic drug prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy in children older than 2 years of age and for migraine prophylaxis in adolescents. There is evidence that TOP promotes negative effects on the reproductive system of male rats. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and late treatment effects of TOP during childhood and adolescence on the male rat reproductive system. Two experimental groups received 41 mg/kg of TOP daily, by gavage, from postnatal day (PND) 16 to 28 (TOPc group) or from PND 28 to 50 (TOPa group). Control groups (CTRc group or CTRa group) received water daily. Half of the anim–als were evaluated 24 h after the end of treatment (PND 29 and PND 51, respectively) and the remainder were evaluated in adulthood (PND120). The following parameters were determined: anogenital distance, sperm evaluation, testis’ histomorphometry and plasma testosterone concentration. At PND 120, the volume (CTRc:62.58 ± 2.13; TOPc: 54.54 ± 2.10*%, p = 0.018) and total length (CTRc: 25.48 ± 1.61; TOPc: 18.94 ± 2.41*, p = 0.035) of seminiferous tubules were decreased and the volume of interstitial tissue (CTRc:37.41 ± 2.13; TOPc: 45.45 ± 2.09*%, p = 0.018) and number of Leydig cells/testis (CTRc: 277.00 ± 36.70; TOPc: 400.20 ± 13.23*, p = 0.013) were increased in the TOPc group. The other parameters remained similar between the groups. Therefore, the present study contributes to our understanding that childhood treatment with TOP has an impact on the rat reproductive system in adulthood, suggesting that this period is more sensitive to TOP exposure than adolescence.
The Healthy Context Paradox: When Reducing Bullying comes at a Cost to Certain Victims
Authors: Lucas-Molina Beatriz , Pérez-Albéniz Alicia , Fonseca-Pedrero Eduardo
Published: November 2022

Bullying remains one of the most serious problems affecting school systems around the world. The negative consequences of bullying in the short and long term have been widely documented, showing that victimized students are at greater risk of suffering psychosocial distress. In this paper, we first summarize the current situation of bullying prevention, adopting a contextual perspective, and briefly highlighting the characteristics of the most effective prevention programs. Secondly, we address a disturbing phenomenon detected in classrooms where bullying has been reduced through interventions and which has been termed “the healthy context paradox”. In these healthier contexts, students who remain in a situation of victimization have been found to present poorer psychological adjustment after the intervention. Understanding the causes of this phenomenon may offer clues for the prevention of bullying. In this regard, we present three hypotheses recently proposed to explain the phenomenon. Finally, we offer some implications for the study and prevention of bullying derived from “the healthy context paradox”.
A Large Database of Lightning‐Induced Electron Precipitation Events
Authors: Pailoor Nikhil , Cohen Morris
Published: November 2022

Lightning‐induced Electron Precipitation (LEP) events represent a known loss mechanism for radiation belt electrons. The quantitative role LEP events play in the radiation belt dyanmics, however, is not fully understood. Direct measurements of the D region of the ionosphere, where LEP electrons are deposited, are very limited. However, Very Low Frequency (VLF) remote sensing has for a long time been used to detect perturbations in the D region, in particular using the narrow‐frequency signals of VLF transmitting beacons. We present an automated neural‐network based search for LEP events using our network of VLF receivers in the continental US detecting, seeded by National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) lightning strokes. We arrive at a database of nearly 26000 LEP events over a span of 18 months within the continental USA. We find several notable patterns in the occurrence and behavior of events, such as 30.1% of events only containing disturbances in phase, and a substantially greater probability of perturbations in phase and major axis amplitude being negative.
Observed Impact of Typhoon Mangkhut (2018) on a Continental Slope in the South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Han , Xie Xiaohui , Yang Chenghao , Qi Yongfeng , Tian Di , Xu Jiexin , Cai Shuqun , Wu Renhao , Ma Yunlong , Ni Xiaobo , Chen Dake
Published: November 2022

Mooring observations of nearly the full water column on the continental slope in the South China Sea revealed the ocean's response to Typhoon Mangkhut (2018). Mangkhut induced sea surface cooling ∼4°C that was biased to the right side of its track, which recovered with an e‐folding time after approximately 1 week. Mangkhut was a relatively fast‐moving typhoon and caused a fast near‐inertial response throughout the entire depth in its lee. The typhoon‐induced upper ocean (deep‐water) near‐inertial current velocities were >1.5 m/s (∼0.08 m/s), with an e‐folding time of approximately a week (2 weeks) and frequency of 1.04f (1.08f, where f is the local inertial frequency). The near‐inertial currents were near‐circular polarized in the upper ocean and near‐rectilinear polarized with the main axis in the across‐slope direction in deep water. The deep‐water near‐inertial waves amplified the vertical excursions of isotherms from ∼120 to ∼200 m, reduced the stratification, elevated vertical current shears, and enhanced turbulent dissipation rate, especially during 14–17 September when the effects of near‐inertial waves and diurnal spring tides overlapped. A net cooling ∼0.15°C and salinity increase ∼0.05 psu were observed in the deep ocean after Mangkhut. Typhoon‐induced near‐inertial waves may further contribute to the intensification of southwestward along‐slope mean near‐bottom currents. This study indicates the immediate influence of typhoon in deep‐water through near‐inertial waves and their contribution to the bottom mixing on the continental slope.
Atmospheric Deposition Over the Caribbean Region: Sea Salt and Saharan Dust Are Sources of Essential Elements on the Island of Guadeloupe
Authors: Xu‐Yang Yangjunjie , Dessert Céline , Losno Rémi
Published: November 2022

Dust emitted from North Africa is transported over long distances and has a strong impact on large areas over the North Tropical Atlantic Ocean. Sea salt emitted by the sea surface is the second source of essential elements transported in the atmosphere and plays a major role in the cycles of alkaline‐earth metals in the ecosystems of tropical North Atlantic Islands. The total atmospheric deposition fluxes were continuously sampled on a weekly basis in Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles, from March 2015 to August 2018 (41 months). Elemental deposition fluxes, including Al, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Na, P, S, and Zn, were measured for all samples to provide the first long time series of atmospheric elemental deposition fluxes over the Lesser Antilles region. It is shown that: (a) the three sources of atmospheric deposits in Guadeloupe for the presented elements are sea salt (for K, Ca, Mg, Na, and S), long‐range transported Saharan dust (for Al, Ca, K, and Fe), and biogenic particles (for P and Zn); (b) the average deposition mass fluxes of sea salt and Saharan dust are 17.4 and 11.2 g.m−2.year−1, respectively, without noticeable inter‐annual variations; (c) a pronounced seasonality is found for the Saharan dust deposition, for which maximum flux values are observed between June and July each year and 85% of the annual deposition flux occurs between April and September; (d) the deposition flux of sea salt is strongly correlated to local wind speed, without seasonality.
Blockage of PPARγ T166 phosphorylation enhances the inducibility of beige adipocytes and improves metabolic dysfunctions
Authors: Yang Nanfei , Wang Yuxin , Tian Qiang , Wang Qiuping , Lu Yan , Sun Luchen , Wang Sijie , Bei Yuncheng , Ji Jianguo , Zhou Hu , Yang Wei , Yao Pengju , Zhu Wenyuan , Sun Lingyun , Huang Zhifeng , Li Xiaokun , Shen Pingping
Published: November 2022

Beige adipocytes in mammalian white adipose tissue (WAT) can reinforce fat catabolism and energy expenditure. Promoting beige adipocyte biogenesis is a tantalizing tactic for combating obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Here, we report that a previously unidentified phosphorylation pattern (Thr166) in the DNA-binding domain of PPARγ regulates the inducibility of beige adipocytes. This unique posttranslational modification (PTM) pattern influences allosteric communication between PPARγ and DNA or coactivators, which impedes the PPARγ-mediated transactivation of beige cell-related gene expression in WAT. The genetic mutation mimicking T166 phosphorylation (p-T166) hinders the inducibility of beige adipocytes. In contrast, genetic or chemical intervention in this PTM pattern favors beige cell formation. Moreover, inhibition of p-T166 attenuates metabolic dysfunction in obese mice. Our results uncover a mechanism involved in beige cell fate determination. Moreover, our discoveries provide a promising strategy for guiding the development of novel PPARγ agonists for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
American election results at the precinct level
Authors: Baltz Samuel , Agadjanian Alexander , Chin Declan , Curiel John , DeLuca Kevin , Dunham James , Miranda Jennifer , Phillips Connor Halloran , Uhlman Annabel , Wimpy Cameron , Zárate Marcos , Stewart Charles
Published: November 2022

We describe the creation and quality assurance of a dataset containing nearly all available precinct-level election results from the 2016, 2018, and 2020 American elections. Precincts are the smallest level of election administration, and election results at this granularity are needed to address many important questions. However, election results are individually reported by each state with little standardization or data quality assurance. We have collected, cleaned, and standardized precinct-level election results from every available race above the very local level in almost every state across the last three national election years. Our data include nearly every candidate for president, US Congress, governor, or state legislator, and hundreds of thousands of precinct-level results for judicial races, other statewide races, and even local races and ballot initiatives. In this article we describe the process of finding this information and standardizing it. Then we aggregate the precinct-level results up to geographies that have official totals, and show that our totals never differ from the official nationwide data by more than 0.457%.
Difficulty with the preceding visual search affects brain activity in the following resting period
Authors: Takemoto Ayumi , Iwaki Sunao , Duo Zhoumao , Yasumuro Shinobu , Kumada Takatsune
Published: November 2022

It has been well-documented that brain regions related to a task are activated during the task performance. We investigated whether brain activity and functional connectivity during the rest period are affected by the preceding task. Participants performed visual search tasks with three search conditions, which were followed by a rest period. During the rest period, participants were asked to look at the display that did not show any visual stimuli. In the result, brain activity in occipital and superior parietal regions would be deactivated by the preceding task during the rest period after visual search tasks. However, the activity of the inferior frontal gyrus during the rest period, which is also part of the attention network, was not affected by the brain activity during the preceding visual search task. We proposed a new model for explaining how the cognitive demands of the preceding visual search task regulate the attention network during the rest period after the task. In this model, the cognitive demand changes with task difficulty, which affects the brain activity even after removing the visual search task in the rest phase.
Conspiratorial thinking as a precursor to opposition to COVID-19 vaccination in the US: a multi-year study from 2018 to 2021
Authors: Romer Daniel , Jamieson Kathleen Hall
Published: November 2022

Despite widespread availability of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines in the US, only about 66% of the eligible US population had taken the recommended initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccines as of April 2022. Explanations for this hesitancy have focused on misinformation about the vaccines, lack of trust in health authorities, and acceptance of conspiracy theories about the pandemic. Here we test whether those with a conspiratorial mindset, which distrusts a wide range of institutions, were poised to reject COVID vaccines before the pandemic even began. To answer that question, we reinterviewed members of a national US panel that we had previously surveyed beginning in 2018. As hypothesized, having a conspiratorial mindset in 2019 predicted COVID-vaccination hesitancy in 2021 better than prior trust in health authorities or acceptance of vaccine misinformation. Those with the mindset were also more likely to consume media that bolstered belief in pandemic conspiracies. Research is needed on the determinants of conspiratorial mindset and ways to minimize the likelihood that consequential health decisions will be influenced by it.
Direct observation of positron capture process at the positron source of the superKEKB B-factory
Authors: Suwada Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2022

A direct simultaneous detection of electron ($$e^-$$e-) and positron ($$e^+$$e+) bunches was successfully performed using wideband beam monitors and a detection system at the$$e^+$$e+capture section of the SuperKEKB B-factory. The time intervals between the secondary-generated$$e^-$$e-and$$e^+$$e+bunches were measured to investigate their dynamical capture process. The results show that the time intervals were measured in the range of 20–280 ps on average, and the line-order switch of the$$e^-$$e-and$$e^+$$e+bunches and their dynamical phase-slip process in the axial direction were clearly observed as a function of the capture phase of accelerating structures. In this report, the dynamical capture and phase-slip process for the$$e^-$$e-and$$e^+$$e+bunches under the two-bunch acceleration scheme is described in detail. This study opens up a new window for direct observation of the$$e^-$$e-and$$e^+$$e+capture process at any present and future$$e^+$$e+sources.
The comprehensive characterization of Prosopis juliflora pods as a potential bioenergy feedstock
Authors: Gayathri G. , Uppuluri Kiran Babu
Published: November 2022

The production of renewable and sustainable biofuels using inevitable wastes is a promising alternative to the alarming depletion of fossil fuels. Significantly, the sustainable biorefinery of lignocellulosic waste, as an alternative fuel source, is a prognosticating approach to tackle many agricultural/forestry residues and offers a circular economy as well as environmental benefits. But, the heterogeneity of lignocellulosic biomass is one of the major bottlenecks in lignocellulosic biorefinery. Thus the characterization of lignocellulosic biomass is essential to understanding the feedstock's nature, composition and suitability for biofuel production. The present study taps evergreen spiny non-edible pods ofProsopis juliflora(Pj) as an energy feedstock. Proximate, ultimate and biochemical characterization of Pj pods were conducted, and thermal behaviour and calorific values were determined. Cellulose and hemicellulose were isolated and characterized by reliable methods. The overall characterization has revealed the Pj pods as a potential feedstock for bioenergy. The collected Pj pods contain (% w/w) moisture 7.89 ± 0.002, volatile matter 87.67 ± 0.002, ash 0.21 ± 0.002, fixed carbon 4.23 ± 0.002 with a calorific value of 17.62 kg/MJ. The CHNS content was (w/w %) carbon 41.77, nitrogen 3.58, sulfur 26.3 and hydrogen 6.55. The biochemical composition analysis yields (% w/w) on a dry basis; cellulose 26.6 ± 0.18, hemicellulose 30.86 ± 0.27, lignin 4.71 ± 0.12, protein 11.63 ± 0.12 and starch 1.1 ± 0.06 and extractives 30.56 ± 0.008. The isolated cellulose and hemicellulose were analyzed and confirmed by CP/MAS &1H NMR, FTIR, TG-DSC, SEM, XRD, and TGA. The present results revealed that the tested biomass,Prosopis juliflora, could be used as a feedstock in biorefinery for bioenergy.
Heavy metals in children's blood from the rural region of Popokabaka, Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study and spatial analysis
Authors: Mbunga Branly Kilola , Gjengedal Elin L. F. , Bangelesa Freddy , Langfjord Mina M. , Bosonkie Marc M. , Strand Tor A. , Mapatano Mala Ali , Engebretsen Ingunn M. S.
Published: November 2022

Exposure to heavy metals can affect cell differentiation, neurocognitive development, and growth during early life, even in low doses. Little is known about heavy metal exposure and its relationship with nutrition outcomes in non-mining rural environments. We carried out a community-based cross-sectional study to describe the distribution of four heavy metal concentrations [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg)] in the serum of a representative population of children aged 12 to 59 months old from the rural region of Popokabaka, Democratic Republic of Congo. The four metals were measured in 412 samples using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). Limits of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) were set. Percentiles were reported. Statistical and geospatial bivariate analyses were performed to identify relationships with other nutrition outcomes. Arsenic was quantified in 59.7%, while Cd, Hg, and Pb were quantified in less than 10%, all without toxicities. The arsenic level was negatively associated with the zinc level, while the Hg level was positively associated with the selenium level. This common detection of As in children of Popokabaka requires attention, and urgent drinking water exploration and intervention for the profit of the Popokabaka community should be considered.
Imaging a microfocus X-ray focal spot with a thin coded aperture
Authors: Davis Graham R. , Beckenbach Thomas , Meyer Pascal
Published: November 2022

Imaging of the focal spot size in X-ray generators can be achieved by means of a pinhole in a highly attenuating material, such as gold. For microfocus generators with spot sizes of only around 10 microns or less, the material must be very thin to avoid an impractical aspect ratio. With a 90 kV source, only 11% attenuation is attained with 5 µm gold. For a pinhole that is smaller than the focal spot, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) may be less than 1. To image the focal spot of a medical X-ray generator, a coded aperture has been used previously to reduce the exposure time required, however the same technique does not appear to have been used to increase the SNR when the attenuation is very low. Such a method is used here, using a no-two-holes-touching variation of a modified uniformly redundant array (MURA). In a prototype sample, with only 5 µm gold having 2.75 µm holes, the focal spot of a microfocus X-ray generator used in a micro-CT system could be clearly visualised and quantified. Directionality of the aberrations made focussing of the X-ray spot more intuitive and reduced the time required to obtain an optimal, quantifiable focus.
Topographical anatomy of the albino rat’s ischiotrochanteric muscle group
Authors: Pretterklieber Bettina , Pretterklieber Michael L. , Kerschan-Schindl Katharina
Published: November 2022

The obturator internus, gemelli, and quadratus femoris muscles are thought to be postural muscles. Thus, they are in the focus of research. Although these muscles are described in other species, detailed descriptions are still lacking for the albino rat. We hypothesized that the rat’s ischiotrochanteric muscle group is comparable to that of humans. We aimed to provide a detailed description, and to compare the rat’s condition with other species including humans. Both hind limbs of 30 adult male formalin-fixed albino rats were carefully dissected and photo documented. Our results were then compared with data for other species and descriptions of human anatomy. The gemellus muscle was one single muscle mass, originating from the lesser sciatic notch and an unnamed groove on the dorsal aspect of the ischium. The obturator internus muscle arose from the inner aspect of the tabula of ischium. Both muscles formed a continuum and inserted as one complex on the medial aspect of the greater trochanter. The quadratus femoris muscle originated from the outer aspect of the tabula of ischium and inserted on the distal portion of the intertrochanteric crest, and the dorsal aspect of the lesser trochanter. Despite minor differences, the topographical conditions of these muscles are comparable between rats and other mammals including humans.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels are associated with disease activity and possible complications in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Ding Na , Li Peng-Lei , Wu Kai-Li , Lv Tie-Gang , Yu Wen-Lu , Hao Jian
Published: November 2022

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the deposition of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complementary components in the epithelium of the glomerular capillary wall. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory mediator released by macrophages. MIF plays a key regulatory function in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis. This study aimed to investigate whether MIF level could be associated with the activity of MN. Plasma and urine samples from 57 MN patients and 20 healthy controls were collected. The MIF levels in plasma and urine were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The expression of MIF in the renal specimens from 5 MN patients was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The associations of the plasma and urinary levels of MIF and glomerular MIF expression with clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed. It was revealed that with the increase of MIF levels in plasma and urine, the severity of renal pathological injury in MN patients gradually increased. Correlation analysis showed that the MIF levels in plasma were positively correlated with the platelet (PLT) count (r = 0.302, P = 0.022), and inversely correlated with the prothrombin time (PT) (r =  − 0.292, P = 0.028) in MN patients. The MIF levels in plasma were positively correlated with the C-reactive protein (CRP) level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r = 0.651, P < 0.0001; r = 0.669, P < 0.0001) in MN patients. The urinary levels of MIF were positively correlated with ESR (r = 0.562, P < 0.0001). IHC suggested that MIF was expressed in glomerular basement membrane and tubulointerstitial areas. MIF levels in plasma and urine could reflect the severity of MN, and MIF levels in plasma and urine could be associated with venous thrombosis and infectious complications in MN patients. The glomerular MIF expression could be used to indicate the activity of MN.
Prevalence, risk factors, and potential symptoms of hyponatremia after spinal surgery in elderly patients
Authors: Kinoshita Yuki , Tamai Koji , Oka Makoto , Habibi Hasibullah , Terai Hidetomi , Hoshino Masatoshi , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Suzuki Akinobu , Takahashi Shinji , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: November 2022

Old age and spinal surgery significantly increase the risk of postoperative hyponatremia. However, detailed analyses of postoperative hyponatremia after spinal surgery in elderly patients are lacking. Therefore, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 582 consecutive patients aged > 60 years who underwent spinal surgery to evaluate the frequency, risk factors, and symptoms of postoperative hyponatremia after spinal surgery in the elderly population. Postoperative hyponatremia was defined as a postoperative blood sodium level < 135 meq/L at postoperative day (POD)1, POD3, and/or after POD6. A total of 92 (15.8%) patients showed postoperative hyponatremia. On a multivariate analysis, a diagnosis of a spinal tumor/infection, decompression and fusion surgery, and lower preoperative sodium levels were significant independent factors of postoperative hyponatremia (p = 0.014, 0.009, and < 0.001, respectively). In total, 47/92 (51%) cases could have been symptomatic; vomiting was noted in 34 cases (37%), nausea in 19 cases (21%), headache in 14 cases (15%), and disturbances in consciousness, including delirium, in ten cases (21%); all incidences of these symptoms were significantly higher in elderly patients with postoperative hyponatremia than in the matched control group without postoperative hyponatremia (p < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, the length of stay was 2 days longer in patients than in the matched controls (p = 0.002).
How to detect CRISPR with CRISPR – employing SHERLOCK for doping control purposes
Authors: Paßreiter Alina , Naumann Nana , Thomas Andreas , Grogna Nicolas , Delahaut Philippe , Thevis Mario
Published: November 2022

The capabilities of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated (CRISPR/Cas) tool kit are of added value in the context of potential gene doping scenarios, and new detection techniques are in demand to enable adequate anti-doping analysis.
Identification of two SPRY isoforms SPRY1 and SPRY3 by atomic force microscopy at the single-molecule level
Authors: Yang Xiaomei , Li Zhirong , Zhang Jun , Zhao Wenjie
Published: November 2022

SPRY1 can form flower-like complexes with BSA, but SPRY3 cannot. The isomers can be identified and separated using AFM with BSA.
Pd(ii)-catalyzed annulation of terminal alkynes with 2-pyridinyl-substituted p-quinone methides: direct access to indolizines
Authors: Ahmad Feroz , Ranga Pavit K. , Pankhade Yogesh A. , Fatma Shaheen , Gouda Ashrumochan , Anand Ramasamy Vijaya
Published: November 2022

A Pd-catalysed 100% atom-economical method has been developed for the synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted indolizine derivatives in good yields through a regiospecific formal [3 + 2]-annulation from 2-pyridinyl-substituted p-quinone methides and terminal alkynes.
Convergent synthesis of tetrahydropyranyl side chain of verucopeptin, an antitumor antibiotic active against multidrug-resistant cancers
Authors: Sun Yuanjun , Tang Wenhao , Ni Huxin , Wang Mei , Huang Bin , Long Ya-Qiu
Published: November 2022

A concise synthesis of the tetrahydropyranyl side chain of verucopeptin, an antitumor antibiotic cyclodepsipeptide efficacious against multidrug-resistant cancerin vivo, is achieved using 12 steps in the longest linear sequence.
Triple dehydrofluorination as a route to amidine-functionalized, aromatic phosphorus heterocycles
Authors: Coles Nathan T. , Groth Lucie J. , Dettling Lea , Frost Daniel S. , Rigo Massimo , Neale Samuel E. , Müller Christian
Published: November 2022

Hitherto unknown amidine-functionalized phosphabenzenes selectively form by a cascade of dehydrofluorination reactions.
Plasmonic characteristics of the structure with double graphene layers immersed in chiral media and applications in detection of chirality
Authors: Zhao Rui , Liu Xingguang , Li Junqing , Zhang Yingjie
Published: November 2022

The propagating behavior of surface plasmons in chiral media is different from that in achiral media.
Osmolyte effect on enzymatic stability and reaction equilibrium of formate dehydrogenase
Authors: Gajardo-Parra Nicolás F. , Akrofi-Mantey Harold , Ascani Moreno , Cea-Klapp Esteban , Garrido José Matias , Sadowski Gabriele , Held Christoph
Published: November 2022

The effect of osmolytes was studied on FDH properties: termal stability, initial enzyme activity, long-term stability and reaction equilibrium by experimental methods (UV-VIS and fluorimetrics) supported by theory (PC-SAFT and MD simulations).
Simulating action-2D electronic spectroscopy of quantum dots: insights on the exciton and biexciton interplay from detection-mode and time-gating
Authors: Bruschi Matteo , Gallina Federico , Fresch Barbara
Published: November 2022

Exciton/biexciton detection-time dynamics and detection-mode change the lineshape of action-2DES spectra.
Perovskite La1−xKxCoO3−δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5): a novel bifunctional OER/ORR electrocatalyst and supercapacitive charge storage electrode in a neutral Na2SO4 electrolyte
Authors: Mondal Rakesh , Mishra Neeraj Kumar , Singh Mahatim , Gupta Asha , Singh Preetam
Published: November 2022

La1−xKxCoO3−δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) display a remarkable pseudocapacitive charge storage capacitance in a neutral 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte and superior electrocatalytic activities for the OER and ORR in a 1 M KOH electrolyte.
Probabilistic health risk assessment of zinc oxide nanoparticles from consumer products in adult populations
Authors: Mu Yunsong , Li Xiang , Chen Peihan , Pang Chengfang , Wu Fengchang , Giesy John P. , Chang Huazhen , Zeng Fangang
Published: November 2022

A probabilistic approach is established to estimate the risks of n-ZnO from consumer products to human health and associated uncertainties, which provides a foundation for supporting democratic decision-making in governing emerging technologies.
Tuning the degree of CO2 activation by carbon doping Cun− (n = 3–10) clusters: an IR spectroscopic study
Authors: Lushchikova Olga V. , Szalay Máté , Höltzl Tibor , Bakker Joost M.
Published: November 2022

Carbon-doped anionic copper clusters exhibit a size- and dopant-loading dependent activity towards CO2, resulting in activation and dissociation.
Brønsted acidic ionic liquid-catalyzed tandem reaction: an efficient and sustainable approach towards the regioselective synthesis and molecular docking studies of 4-hydroxycoumarin-substituted indoles bearing lower E-factors
Authors: Samanta Satyajit , Chatterjee Rana , Sarkar Subhankar , Pal Satyajit , Mukherjee Anindita , Butorin Ilya I. , Konovalova Olga A. , Choudhuri Tathagata , Chakraborty Koushik , Santra Sougata , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath
Published: November 2022

1-Butane sulfonic acid-3-methylimidazolium tosylate, [BSMIM]OTs, is a remarkable catalyst for the cascade synthesis of coumarin-functionalized indole derivatives via a tandem cyclization reaction of aniline and phenylglyoxal monohydrate.
Evidence for reversible light-dependent transitions in the photosynthetic pigments of diatoms
Authors: Tselios Charalampos , Varotsis Constantinos
Published: November 2022

A reversible light-intensity behavior of Dds and Fxs composition in the cells of T. pseudonana. The observed LL to HL reversible transitions are accompanied by structural modifications of Chls a/c and the lack of the red-shifted Fxs.
Cellular micromasonry: biofabrication with single cell precision
Authors: Ellison S. Tori , Duraivel Senthilkumar , Subramaniam Vignesh , Hugosson Fredrik , Yu Bo , Lebowitz Joseph J. , Khoshbouei Habibeh , Lele Tanmay P. , Martindale Mark Q. , Angelini Thomas E.
Published: November 2022

In many tissues, cell type varies over single-cell length-scales, creating detailed heterogeneities fundamental to physiological function.
Object‐meta and MSGAE‐MP: Multi‐dimensional video anomaly detection
Authors: Zhang Shunyao , Song Xuehua , Wang Changda , Gu Yinwu , Ma Yiming , Ma Hailiang
Published: November 2022

Autoencoders have been widely used in video anomaly detection, and there are many variants. However, since these Autoencoders use frames as the input of the reconstruction network, they can only learn the pixel information in the frame and lack other key information. In addition, complete reconstruction of the frame will lead to memory consumption and waste of resources. In order to learn multi‐dimensional information and reduce memory usage, we propose to use the Object‐meta instead of video frames, and the Memory Search Guided Autoencoder with Memory Pools (MSGAE‐MP) to reconstruct. Every Object‐meta comes from the object and is composed of the type mask, position mask, optical flow, and pixels of the object. In this way, the multi‐dimensional information carried by the input can be strengthened. After generating Object‐meta, the MSGAE‐MP will use the high‐dimensional information to guide search in memory modules during the reconstruction, and it will construct multi‐level memory pools, so as to reconstruct Object‐meta in different dimensions. Experiments show that our method is feasible and has achieved excellent results.
Research on optimization strategy of urban medium voltage direct current distribution network construction considering application scenarios
Authors: Ouyang Sen , Xin Xi , Wang Fengxue , Huang Yi , Yang Moyuan
Published: November 2022

In the distribution network planning work, taking into account the constraints of funds and construction annual plan, there is always the prioritization problem of multiple MVDC distribution networks. Aiming at the problem, this paper proposes a method for the optimization analysis of MVDC distribution network planning objects. Firstly, a comprehensive evaluation index system of urban MVDC distribution network planning and optimization is established from three aspects of improving power supply reliability and the quality of voltage, MVDC distribution network scenario types and distribution network social benefits. Then, the qualitative indexes are quantified based on the cloud model, and the comprehensive evaluation values of each distribution network are calculated and sorted by the hierarchical additive weighting of Delphi entropy weight method. Taking the maximum comprehensive evaluation value of the scheme as objective function and the annual total investment as constraint, the construction priority of multiple MVDC distribution networks is determined. Finally, taking several distribution networks in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China as examples, the simulation results show that the optimal objects of distribution network based on the urban scenario demands are X4, X8 and X1, with the lowest total investment cost of 19,180 yuan, thus verifying the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Distributed model predictive control of all‐dc offshore wind farm for short‐term frequency support
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Kou Peng , Zhang Yuanhang , Liang Deliang
Published: November 2022

From technical and economical viewpoints, an all‐dc offshore wind farm (OWF) with a high‐voltage direct‐current (HVDC) connection, which is also known as HVDC‐connected all‐dc OWF, is the future trend for offshore wind energy applications. However, due to the decoupling effect of power converters, all‐dc OWF cannot directly provide short‐term frequency support for the onshore ac gird, that is, primary frequency response and inertia support. To address this issue, this paper presents a distributed model predictive control (DMPC) scheme for all‐dc OWF. By directly suppressing the voltage deviation and the rate of change of voltage of the offshore dc collection network, this scheme indirectly decreases the frequency deviation and the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF) of the onshore ac grid. Meanwhile, the scheme ensures the stability of wind turbines in all‐dc OWF during the frequency events. Considering a large number of wind turbines in the OWF, the corresponding optimization problem is solved in a distributed way using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), thus reducing the computational burden. Simulations including the performance comparison with droop control validate the effectiveness of this scheme.