bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin C compounds mixture prevents skin barrier alterations and inflammatory responses upon real life multi pollutant exposure
Authors: Ferrara Francesca , Pecorelli Alessandra , Pambianchi Erika , White Stacy , Choudhary Hina , Casoni Alice , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Cutaneous tissues is among the main target of outdoor stressors such as ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), and ultraviolet radiation (UV) all involved in inducing extrinsic skin aging. Only a few reports have studied the multipollutant interaction and its effect on skin damage. In the present work, we intended to evaluate the ability of pollutants such as O3 and PM to further aggravate cutaneous UV damage. In addition, the preventive properties of a cosmeceutical formulation mixture (AOX mix) containing 15% vitamin C (L‐ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) and 0.5% ferulic acid was also investigated. Skin explants obtained from three different subjects were exposed to 200 mJ UV light, 0.25 ppm O3 for 2 h, and 30 min of diesel engine exhaust (DEE), alone or in combination for 4 days (time point D1 and D4). The results showed a clear additive effect of O3 and DEE in combination with UV in terms of keratin 10, Desmocollin and Claudin loss. In addition, the multipollutant exposure significantly induced the inflammatory response measured as NLRP1/ASC co‐localization suggesting the activation of the inflammasome machinery. Finally, the loss of Aquaporin3 was also affected by the combined outdoor stressors. Furthermore, daily topical pre‐treatment with the AOX Mix significantly prevented the cutaneous changes induced by the multipollutants. In conclusion, this study is among the first to investigate the combined effects of three of the most harmful outdoor stressors on human skin and confirms that daily topical of an antioxidant application may prevent pollution‐induced skin damage.
Extracellular vimentin as a modulator of the immune response and an important player during infectious diseases
Authors: Suprewicz Łukasz , Zakrzewska Magdalena , Okła Sławomir , Głuszek Katarzyna , Sadzyńska Alicja , Deptuła Piotr , Fiedoruk Krzysztof , Bucki Robert
Published: January 2024

Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein primarily recognized for its intracellular role in maintaining cellular structure, has recently garnered increased attention and emerged as a pivotal extracellular player in immune regulation and host–pathogen interactions. While the functions of extracellular vimentin were initially overshadowed by its cytoskeletal role, accumulating evidence now highlights its significance in diverse physiological and pathological events. This review explores the multifaceted role of extracellular vimentin in modulating immune responses and orchestrating interactions between host cells and pathogens. It delves into the mechanisms underlying vimentin's release into the extracellular milieu, elucidating its unconventional secretion pathways and identifying critical molecular triggers. In addition, the future perspectives of using extracellular vimentin in diagnostics and as a target protein in the treatment of diseases are discussed.
Clinicoradiologic features of ameloblastomas: A single‐centre study of 155 cases
Authors: Smit Chané , Robinson Liam , Ker‐Fox Jason , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , van Heerden Willie F. P. , Uys André
Published: January 2024

Background

The purpose of the current study was to report on the clinical presentation and radiologic features of 155 cases of ameloblastoma (AB), representing a detailed, large, single‐centre radiologic study.

Methods

Histologically confirmed cases were reviewed over 11 years. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the patient's records. Radiologic information was analysed from available radiographs. The radiologic features of ABs were assessed according to the mean age of presentation and the mean duration of the lesion. The distinguishing radiologic features between adults/children and sex were also evaluated.

Results

A statistically significant correlation existed between loss of border demarcation and advanced mean age. Multilocular lesions were markedly more common in adults compared to children. Multilocular ABs were associated with increased lesion duration and advanced mean age. Radiologic signs of reactive bony changes associated with the tumour presented at the highest mean duration of all bony effects. Bony expansion and cortical destruction were statistically correlated with lesion duration. Tooth impaction was more common in children. Some mandibular lesions reached a significant size, resulting in impingement of the maxillary sinus, zygoma, orbit and pterygoid plates.

Conclusion

Due to unfortunate healthcare access constraints, ABs grow to significant sizes and exhibit features not often reported in the literature. The findings of this analysis highlighted the radiologic features of ABs expressed through the mean age and duration of the lesion. This emphasises the significance of timely management of these lesions.
Decision aids for promoting shared decision‐making: A review of systematic reviews
Authors: Park Myonghwa , Doan Thao Thi‐Thu , Jung Jihye , Giap Thi‐Thanh‐Tinh , Kim Jinju
Published: January 2024

In the context of shared decision‐making (SDM), experts have advocated the use of validated decision aids (DAs) as valuable tools for facilitating SDM in various healthcare scenarios. This comprehensive review attempts to analyze a vast corpus of DA research by performing thorough searches across four prominent databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science). Independent reviewers selected relevant reviews, extracted data, and assessed review quality using the AMSTAR II tool. A total of 34 systematic reviews were identified and evaluated in this review, encompassing a wide range of outcomes associated with using DAs. These outcomes include patient knowledge, patient involvement in SDM, decision conflict, decision regret, satisfaction, and adherence. In addition, DAs positively affect healthcare provider outcomes by increasing satisfaction, reducing decision conflicts, and lengthening clinical consultations. This review highlights the need for additional research in specific contexts such as long‐term care, mental health, and reproductive health to better understand the benefits and challenges of implementing DAs in these settings. Such research can contribute to the improvement of SDM practices and patient‐centered care.
Genomic basis of seed colour in quinoa inferred from variant patterns using extreme gradient boosting
Authors: Sandell Felix L. , Holzweber Thomas , Street Nathaniel R. , Dohm Juliane C. , Himmelbauer Heinz
Published: January 2024

Quinoa is an agriculturally important crop species originally domesticated in the Andes of central South America. One of its most important phenotypic traits is seed colour. Seed colour variation is determined by contrasting abundance of betalains, a class of strong antioxidant and free radicals scavenging colour pigments only found in plants of the order Caryophyllales. However, the genetic basis for these pigments in seeds remains to be identified. Here we demonstrate the application of machine learning (extreme gradient boosting) to identify genetic variants predictive of seed colour. We show that extreme gradient boosting outperforms the classical genome‐wide association approach. We provide re‐sequencing and phenotypic data for 156 South American quinoa accessions and identify candidate genes potentially controlling betalain content in quinoa seeds. Genes identified include novel cytochrome P450 genes and known members of the betalain synthesis pathway, as well as genes annotated as being involved in seed development. Our work showcases the power of modern machine learning methods to extract biologically meaningful information from large sequencing data sets.
Physiological and hormonal responses of drought‐stressed Eucalyptus seedlings infected with Neofusicoccum kwambonambiense
Authors: Santos Beatriz , Pinto Glória , Berenguer Helder , Correia Barbara , Amaral Joana , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Alves Artur
Published: January 2024

The contribution of Eucalyptus globulus plantations to timber production for pulp, paper and energy production may be hampered by climate change. It is expected that Eucalyptus productivity may be affected through drought stress and changes to both pathogen distribution/pathogenicity and host–pathogen interactions. The impact of the fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum kwambonambiense on E. globulus, causing cankers and dieback, is well known but the impact of drought on disease development is still understudied. Our aim was to study the effect of drought on N. kwambonambiense infection by inoculating E. globulus plants under well‐watered conditions or with water limitation. Non‐infected plants for both water regimes were also analysed. Morphophysiological, biochemical and hormonal parameters were assessed 65 days post‐inoculation. Inoculation under conditions of water stress decreased water potential and photosynthetic efficiency and increased abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and lipid peroxidation. Water‐stressed infected plants also showed higher fungal colonization and external lesion length in comparison with well‐watered inoculated plants. Our results indicate that drought increased E. globulus predisposition to N. kwambonambiense infection and may also have promoted a change in the lifestyle of the fungus. Identifying host–pathogen interaction responses under different stress conditions is necessary to provide knowledge for decision‐making in the management of forest systems in general and of Eucalyptus production in particular.
New perspectives on CESEE insurance markets
Authors: Srbinoski Bojan
Published: January 2024

The insurance markets of Central Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) present a unique landscape characterized by intricate geopolitical and institutional dynamics. Despite being a relatively small region, the countries within CESEE navigate a complex political and institutional environment. The development of insurance markets across CESEE is marked by considerable disparities, reflecting diverse approaches to market reforms. Despite the markets being open, a lack of competition prevails, with a pronounced presence of multinational insurance groups and their foreign affiliates. This paper provides an update on current challenges in the region.
Research data infrastructures in environmental sciences—Challenges and implementation approaches focusing on the integration of software components
Authors: Henzen Christin , Rümmler Arne , Figgemeier Heiko , Wagner Michael , Bernard Lars , Müller‐Pfefferkorn Ralph
Published: January 2024

Research data infrastructures are quickly evolving and show a wide variety, for instance in the way they address user requirements and use cases as well as how they provide user‐required information through their software architecture. In this article, we discuss challenges and provide approaches to developing software architectures and software components for research data infrastructures in environmental sciences. Taking the GeoKur research project on harmonizing land use time series as the use case for curation and quality assurance of environmental research data, we designed, implemented, and tested approaches and software components with particular regard to data management planning as well as provenance and quality information management. We aim to illustrate how to better meet researchers’ needs and provide tightly interlinked software components.
Tracing Evolution and Communication Dynamics in Chinese Independent Documentary Films (2012-2022): A Systematic Review of Genre, Censorship, Culture, and Distribution
Authors: Wang Anting , Osman Mohd Nizam , Yasin Megat Al-Imran , Hasan Nurul Ain Mohd , Cui Ying
Published: January 2024

In the last decade, Chinese independent documentaries have witnessed a profound transformation. While mainstream Chinese documentaries have been extensively examined in scholarly research, there remains a noticeable gap in the comprehensive analysis of independent documentaries from 2012 to 2022. This study employs a systematic literature review methodology to provide a holistic assessment of the evolution of Chinese independent documentaries during this pivotal period. It delves into various dimensions, encompassing the impact of political dynamics, funding mechanisms, the selection of film themes, ethical considerations, distribution challenges, and documentary filmmakers’ perspectives. By conducting a rigorous qualitative analysis of approximately 47 scholarly articles from the specialized journal Chinese Independent Cinema Observer and the academic database Scopus, this research reveals the nuanced progression of independent documentaries within China’s dynamic cultural, social, and political context. Preliminary insights from the selected research articles indicate a focused understanding and interest in societal hotspots and political censorship issues within independent documentaries. Furthermore, this research focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities encountered by Chinese independent documentaries during the phases of dissemination and reception. This study offers scholars a profound comprehension of the Chinese independent documentary landscape and provides invaluable strategic insights for producers and distributors.
Comparison of Eddy Viscosity Models for High Turbulence Nozzle Guide Vane Flows
Authors: Amend Jonas , Povey Thomas
Published: January 2024

In this paper we investigate the performance of eddy viscosity turbulence models for high-pressure nozzle guide vane (NGV) flows with engine-realistic turbulence. Using metrics such as integrated kinetic energy (KE) loss and mixing rate, we compare simulation results using turbulence models with high-fidelity experimental data from fully-cooled NGVs, operating at engine-matched conditions of Reynolds number and Mach. For the widely-used k–ω shear stress transport (SST) model, the aerodynamic and thermal wakes of the NGVs were undermixed. We compare simulation results with those using other common turbulence models including the standard k–ω, baseline k–ω, Spalart–Allmaras, and baseline explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model. Alternative turbulence models formulations are explored, with an emphasis on modifications to the implementation of the shear stress limiter. We also investigate the sensitivity of models to the specified inlet turbulence intensity. We demonstrate that predictions of integrated KE loss, as well as the decay trends of the aerodynamic and thermal wakes are a closer match to experimental data for the baseline algebraic Reynolds stress model than for other turbulence models in more common use for NGV predictions.
Novel and Robust Forward Kinematic Algorithm for Real-Time Control of General Six-Degree-of-Freedom Parallel Robot for Tele-Manipulation and Tele-Navigation
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Dwarakanath T. A. , Bhutani Gaurav , Sinha S. K.
Published: January 2024

The forward kinematics (FK) of a 6-6 universal-prismatic-spherical (UPS) structure of a parallel robot is highly nonlinear, coupled, and has a one-to-many nature of mapping. There exists no close form solution to a forward kinematic problem (FKP), and real-time kinematic control is extremely difficult. This paper presents the implementation of time efficient and robust solution for FKP using a trajectory modifier algorithm along with a Newton Raphson (NR) method. One micrometer in translation and 0.001 deg in orientation accuracy with an average pose computation time of 2.3 ms are achieved. The novel algorithm is elaborated and the detailed performance parameters are tabulated. The paper presents trajectory following experiments to show robust, real-time FK solution and efficient kinematic control on both standalone and master–slave modes to be used for robot-assisted neurosurgery. The neuro-registration using the FK solutions in real time in a tele-manipulation mode is demonstrated.
Room-temperature nanostructured PbSe/CdSe mid-infrared photodetector: Annealing effects
Authors: Rastkar Mirzaei Milad , Shi Zhisheng
Published: January 2024

Room-temperature (RT) photoconductor using mid-wave infrared (MWIR) nanostructured lead selenide (PbSe)/cadmium selenide (CdSe) is presented on a commercially available silicon dioxide on silicon (100) (SiO2/Si) wafer. This device is fabricated through vapor phase deposition (VPD) and subsequently annealed in oxygen to create interconnected nanostructures, which establish efficient pathways for photogenerated carriers and passivate defects within the material. RT specific detectivity (D*) of 8.57 × 108 Jones and a peak D* of 2.49 × 109 Jones are achieved with interband cut-off wavelength of 4 μm. Additionally, the utilization of nanostructured thin film deposition on cost-effective SiO2/Si(100) substrates via the affordable VPD method significantly reduces production costs and facilitates the potential of monolithic integration with Si-based readout integrated circuitry enabling low-cost large-scale production.
Craving money? Evidence from the laboratory and the field
Authors: Payzan-LeNestour Elise , Doran James
Published: January 2024

Continuing to gamble despite harmful consequences has plagued human life in many ways, from loss-chasing in problem gamblers to reckless investing during stock market bubbles. Here, we propose that these anomalies in human behavior can sometimes reflect Pavlovian perturbations on instrumental behavior. To show this, we combined key elements of Pavlovian psychology literature and standard economic theory into a single model. In it, when a gambling cue such as a gaming machine or a financial asset repeatedly delivers a good outcome, the agent may start engaging with the cue even when the expected value is negative. Next, we transported the theoretical framework into an experimental task and found that participants behaved like the agent in our model. Last, we applied the model to the domain of real-world financial trading and discovered an asset-pricing anomaly suggesting that market participants are susceptible to the purported Pavlovian bias.
Correction: Ferricyanide and Pattern Formation
Authors: Lee Kyoung-Jin , McCormick William D. , Ouyang Qi , Swinney Harry L.
Published: January 2024

In our report on page 192 in the issue of 9 July 1993, "Pattern formation by interacting chemical fronts," the term "ferrocyanide" should have been "ferricyanide" 11 lines from the end of the first column on page 193 and in the caption of figure 4 on page 194. We thank G. Rabai for pointing out these errors, which in no way change the results or the interpretation of the patterns studied.
Non-apoptotic FAS signaling controls mTOR activation and extrafollicular maturation in human B cells
Authors: Staniek Julian , Kalina Tomas , Andrieux Geoffroy , Boerries Melanie , Janowska Iga , Fuentes Manuel , Díez Paula , Bakardjieva Marina , Stancikova Jitka , Raabe Jan , Neumann Julika , Schwenk Sabine , Arpesella Leonardo , Stuchly Jan , Benes Vladimir , García Valiente Rodrigo , Fernández García Jonatan , Carsetti Rita , Piano Mortari Eva , Catala Albert , de la Calle Oscar , Sogkas Georgios , Neven Bénédicte , Rieux-Laucat Frédéric , Magerus Aude , Neth Olaf , Olbrich Peter , Voll Reinhard E. , Alsina Laia , Allende Luis M. , Gonzalez-Granado Luis I. , Böhler Chiara , Thiel Jens , Venhoff Nils , Lorenzetti Raquel , Warnatz Klaus , Unger Susanne , Seidl Maximilian , Mielenz Dirk , Schneider Pascal , Ehl Stephan , Rensing-Ehl Anne , Smulski Cristian Roberto , Rizzi Marta
Published: January 2024

Defective FAS (CD95/Apo-1/TNFRSF6) signaling causes autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Hypergammaglobulinemia is a common feature in ALPS with
FAS
mutations (ALPS-FAS), but paradoxically, fewer conventional memory cells differentiate from FAS-expressing germinal center (GC) B cells. Resistance to FAS-induced apoptosis does not explain this phenotype. We tested the hypothesis that defective non-apoptotic FAS signaling may contribute to impaired B cell differentiation in ALPS. We analyzed secondary lymphoid organs of patients with ALPS-FAS and found low numbers of memory B cells, fewer GC B cells, and an expanded extrafollicular (EF) B cell response. Enhanced mTOR activity has been shown to favor EF versus GC fate decision, and we found enhanced PI3K/mTOR and BCR signaling in ALPS-FAS splenic B cells. Modeling initial T-dependent B cell activation with CD40L in vitro, we showed that FAS competent cells with transient FAS ligation showed specifically decreased mTOR axis activation without apoptosis. Mechanistically, transient FAS engagement with involvement of caspase-8 induced nuclear exclusion of PTEN, leading to mTOR inhibition. In addition, FASL-dependent PTEN nuclear exclusion and mTOR modulation were defective in patients with ALPS-FAS. In the early phase of activation, FAS stimulation promoted expression of genes related to GC initiation at the expense of processes related to the EF response. Hence, our data suggest that non-apoptotic FAS signaling acts as molecular switch between EF versus GC fate decisions via regulation of the mTOR axis and transcription. The defect of this modulatory circuit may explain the observed hypergammaglobulinemia and low memory B cell numbers in ALPS.
Effects of polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire particles on the sediment microbiome and metabolome at high and low temperatures
Authors: Guo Feng , Liu Biao , Zhao Jiaying , Hou Yiran , Wu Junfeng , Zhou Changrui , Hu Hui , Zhang Tingting , Yang Ziyan
Published: January 2024

Global warming has led to a high incidence of extreme heat events, and the frequent occurrence of extreme heat events has had extensive and far-reaching impacts on wetland ecosystems. The widespread distribution of plastics in the environment, including polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), and tire particles (TPs), has caused various environmental problems. Here, high-throughput sequencing techniques and metabolomics were used for the first time to investigate the effects of three popular microplastic types: PE, PLA, and TP, on the sediment microbiome and the metabolome at both temperatures. The microplastics were incorporated into the sediment at a concentration of 3% by weight of the dry sediment (wt/wt), to reflect environmentally relevant conditions. Sediment enzymatic activity and physicochemical properties were co-regulated by both temperatures and microplastics producing significant differences compared to controls. PE and PLA particles inhibited bacterial diversity at low temperatures and promoted bacterial diversity at high temperatures, and TP particles promoted both at both temperatures. For bacterial richness, only PLA showed inhibition at low temperature; all other treatments showed promotion. PE, PLA, and TP microplastics changed the community structure of sediment bacteria, forming two clusters at low and high temperatures. Furthermore, PE, PLA, and TP changed the sediment metabolic profiles, producing differential metabolites such as lipids and molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, and organic acids and their derivatives, especially TP had the most significant effect. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of microplastic contamination.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we added 3% (wt/wt) microplastic particles, including polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire particles, to natural sediments under simulated laboratory conditions. Subsequently, we simulated the sediment microbial and ecosystem responses under different temperature conditions by incubating them for 60 days at 15°C and 35°C, respectively. After synthesizing these results, our study strongly suggests that the presence of microplastics in sediment ecosystems and exposure under different temperature conditions may have profound effects on soil microbial communities, enzyme activities, and metabolite profiles. This is important for understanding the potential hazards of microplastic contamination on terrestrial ecosystems and for developing relevant environmental management strategies.
Daptomycin avoids drug resistance mediated by the BceAB transporter in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Faure Agathe , Manuse Sylvie , Gonin Mathilde , Grangeasse Christophe , Jault Jean-Michel , Orelle Cédric
Published: January 2024

Drug-resistant bacteria are a serious threat to human health as antibiotics are gradually losing their clinical efficacy. Comprehending the mechanism of action of antimicrobials and their resistance mechanisms plays a key role in developing new agents to fight antimicrobial resistance. The lipopeptide daptomycin is an antibiotic that selectively disrupts Gram-positive bacterial membranes, thereby showing slower resistance development than many classical drugs. Consequently, it is often used as a last resort antibiotic to preserve its use as one of the least potent antibiotics at our disposal. The mode of action of daptomycin has been debated but was recently found to involve the formation of a tripartite complex between undecaprenyl precursors of cell wall biosynthesis and the anionic phospholipid phosphatidylglycerol. BceAB-type ABC transporters are known to confer resistance to antimicrobial peptides that sequester some precursors of the peptidoglycan, such as the undecaprenyl pyrophosphate or lipid II. The expression of these transporters is upregulated by dedicated two-component regulatory systems in the presence of antimicrobial peptides that are recognized by the system. Here, we investigated whether daptomycin evades resistance mediated by the BceAB transporter from the bacterial pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. Although daptomycin can bind to the transporter, our data showed that the BceAB transporter does not mediate resistance to the drug and its expression is not induced in its presence. These findings show that the pioneering membrane-active daptomycin has the potential to escape the resistance mechanism mediated by BceAB-type transporters and confirm that the development of this class of compounds has promising clinical applications.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotic resistance is rising in all parts of the world. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and dangerously spreading, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. Daptomycin is an antimicrobial peptide that is one of the last antibiotics approved for clinical use. Understanding the resistance mechanisms toward last-resort antibiotics such as daptomycin is critical for the success of future antimicrobial therapies. BceAB-type ABC transporters confer resistance to antimicrobial peptides that target precursors of cell-wall synthesis. In this study, we showed that the BceAB transporter from the human pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
does not confer resistance to daptomycin, suggesting that this drug and other calcium-dependent lipopeptide antibiotics have the potential to evade the action of this type of ABC transporters in other bacterial pathogens.
Polyploidy is widespread in Microsporidia
Authors: Khalaf Amjad , Lawniczak Mara K. N. , Blaxter Mark L. , Jaron Kamil S.
Published: January 2024

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites with an extremely broad host range. They have both economic and public health importance. Ploidy in microsporidia is variable, with a few species formally identified as diploid and one as polyploid. Given the increase in the number of studies sequencing microsporidian genomes, it is now possible to assess ploidy levels across all currently explored microsporidian diversity. We estimate ploidy for all microsporidian data sets available on the Sequence Read Archive using k-mer-based analyses, indicating that polyploidy is widespread in Microsporidia and that ploidy change is dynamic in the group. Using genome-wide heterozygosity estimates, we also show that polyploid microsporidian genomes are relatively homozygous, and we discuss the implications of these findings on the timing of polyploidization events and their origin.

IMPORTANCE

Microsporidia are single-celled intracellular parasites, distantly related to fungi, that can infect a broad range of hosts, from humans all the way to protozoans. Exploiting the wealth of microsporidian genomic data available, we use k-mer-based analyses to assess ploidy status across the group. Understanding a genome’s ploidy is crucial in order to assemble it effectively and may also be relevant for better understanding a parasite’s behavior and life cycle. We show that tetraploidy is present in at least six species in Microsporidia and that these polyploidization events are likely to have occurred independently. We discuss why these findings may be paradoxical, given that Microsporidia, like other intracellular parasites, have extremely small, reduced genomes.
Excitation of Josephson Currents by Aerogel Vibrations in Superfluid 3He
Authors: Surovtsev E. V.
Published: January 2024

The problem of mechanical vibrations of an aerogel attached to an elastic wire in superfluid 3He is solved for the case, where the aerogel is also in a superfluid state. The hydrodynamic boundary conditions at the aerogel surface formulated in this work allow one to explain the anomalously rapid increase in the frequency of mechanical vibrations of the system on cooling. The found relation between the phase jump at the aerogel boundary and the superfluid current flowing across the boundary suggests the Josephson character of such current.
ICON 2020—International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus: the development of a core outcome set for gluteal tendinopathy
Authors: Fearon Angela M , Grimaldi Alison , Mellor Rebecca , Nasser Anthony Michael , Fitzpatrick Jane , Ladurner Andreas ,   The COS-GT consensus group, Vicenzino Bill
Published: January 2024

Gluteal tendinopathy (GT) is common and can be debilitating and challenging to manage. A lack of condition specific and appropriate outcome measures compromise evidence synthesis for treatment and limits clinical guideline development. Our objective was to develop a core outcome measurement set for GT (COS-GT). Participants were patients with GT and expert health professionals (HPs). A scoping review identified measures used in GT research, which were mapped to the nine International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus core domains, and included in two surveys of HPs. The first survey identified the feasible and true measures for each domain. The second survey refined the list which a patient focus group then considered. Meeting online, HPs reached consensus (agreement ≥70%) on the most appropriate COS-GT measures. 34 HPs and seven patients were recruited. 57 measures were mapped to the nine core domains. Six measures did not proceed past survey one. Of those that progressed, none had adequate clinimetric properties for a COS-GT. Thus, participants decided on interim measures: the global rating of change, pain at night, time to pain onset with single limb stance, pain with stair walking, pain self-efficacy and hip abduction strength. HP participants additionally recommended that pain over the last week, the European Quality of Life-5 dimensions-5 levels and the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal be considered in clinical trials, as they currently provide best easures of the relevant tendinopathy domains. In conclusion this interim COS-GT should guide outcome measure selection in clinical practice and future research trials in patients with GT.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Indian government’s policies to strengthen health warning labels on smokeless tobacco products: findings from the 2010–2019 Tobacco Control Project India Surveys
Authors: Holdroyd Ian , Puntambekar Namrata , Driezen Pete , Gravely Shannon , Quah Anne C K , Xu Steve Shaowei , Gupta Prakash C , Fong Geoffrey T , Pednekar Mangesh S
Published: January 2024

Background

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) packaging in India had a single symbolic (a scorpion) health warning label (HWL) in 2009 covering 40% of the front surface. In 2011, it was replaced with four pictorial images. In 2016, HWLs were enlarged to 85% on the front and back. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the old (symbolic and smaller images) and larger HWLs.

Methods

Data were from the Tobacco Control Project India Survey and included respondents who used SLT in Wave 1 (2010–2011, n=5911), Wave 2 (2012–2013, n=5613) and Wave 3 (2018–2019, n=5636). Using a repeated-measures design, weighted logistic regression models assessed whether there were changes in seven HWL effectiveness measures within the domains of awareness, salience, cognitive and behavioural responses. A cohort design was employed to test whether HWL effectiveness in Waves 1 and 2 was associated with quitting SLT in Waves 2 and 3, respectively.

Results

The 2011 HWL revision did not result in any significant changes in HWL effectiveness. There was no significant change in HWL awareness and salience after larger HWLs were introduced in 2016, but respondents were more likely to consider SLT health risks (Wave 2=17.9%, Wave 3=33.6%, p<0.001) and quitting SLT (Wave 2=18.9%, Wave 3=36.5, p<0.001). There was no change in HWLs stopping SLT use (Wave 2=36.6%, Wave 3=35.2%, p=0.829); however, respondents were more likely to avoid looking at HWLs (Wave 2=10.1%, Wave 3=40.2%, p<0.001). Effectiveness of older, symbolic and smaller pictorial HWLs was not associated with quitting SLT.

Discussion

There was no significant change in HWL effectiveness following the revision from a symbolic to a pictorial image, but enlarging pictorial images resulted in some improved cognitive and behavioural effects. Results suggested wear-out of HWL salience and that the effectiveness of warnings depends on both their design and time since implementation.
An analysis of nonconforming virtual element methods on polytopal meshes with small faces
Authors: Park Hyeokjoo , Kwak Do Y.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we analyze nonconforming virtual element methods on polytopal meshes with small faces for the second-order elliptic problem. We propose new stability forms for 2D and 3D nonconforming virtual element methods. For the 2D case, the stability form is defined by the sum of an inner product of approximate tangential derivatives and a weighed [Formula: see text]-inner product of certain projections on the mesh element boundaries. For the 3D case, the stability form is defined by a weighted [Formula: see text]-inner product on the mesh element boundaries. We prove the optimal convergence of the nonconforming virtual element methods equipped with such stability forms. Finally, several numerical experiments are presented to verify our analysis and compare the performance of the proposed stability forms with the standard stability form [B. Ayuso de Dios, K. Lipnikov and G. Manzini, The nonconforming virtual element method, ESAIM Math. Model. Numer. Anal. 50 (2016) 879–904].
Nonlinear Instabilities of TPMS Cellular Units Under Axially Loaded Conditions
Authors: Fu Hao , Huang Xu , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: January 2024

In recent years, significant research has been conducted to explore the use of 3D triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures for their exceptional vibrational damping properties and their ability to provide a continuous, smooth surface. The emergence of 3D printing has enabled the application of TPMS structures in fields such as medicine and aviation. In civil engineering, the compressive capacity of structures is a fundamental parameter in structural design. To evaluate the potential of porous TPMS structures in civil engineering, we have designed and manufactured four types of Skeletal-TPMS units using Stereolithography (SLA) technology. Axially loaded tests and nonlinear finite element method (NFEM) simulations have been performed to investigate the compressive strength and stiffness of the units. Our findings indicate that compared to solid blocks, the compressive strength of Skeletal-TPMS units decreases by 71.3% to 82.6%, and the stiffness decreases by 64.9% to 79.2%. The Skeletal-SP units show better compressive resistance than Skeletal-IWP units. This study provides new valuable insights for structural design and applications using TPMS structures in civil engineering.
A Novel Shrink–Expand–Shrink Method for Modeling Composites with Ultrahigh Volume Fractions of Pre-Graded and Gradient-Distributed Particles
Authors: Xue Ruiqing , Sheng Peiyao , Ji Zhong
Published: January 2024

An advanced shrink–expand–shrink method is proposed in this paper for efficiently modeling concrete-like particle-reinforced composites with ultrahigh volume fraction of aggregates. The gradation of the aggregates can be pre-given and the aggregate spatial distribution can be nonuniform. By this method, the shrunk aggregates are first generated in the model space, and then expanded to jostle each other, afterwards they are shrunk again to normal size to obtain the final mesostructure models. Any high volume fractions of particles even more than 90% can be easily achieved by adjusting the shrinkage level during this process. Besides, a gradient distribution algorithm is established to conform to the aggregate segregation during the actual pouring process, and the corresponding periodic boundaries can also be generated to quickly create large specimens. Finally, the compression processes of polymer concrete with different aggregate packing densities are calculated via a finite element method. The shrink–expand–shrink method and the corresponding numerical models have memorable importance in the performance analysis and material design of particle-reinforced composites.
High performance electrode based on platinum nanoparticle-silicon nanowire nanohybrid and aptamer for detection of Escherichia coli
Authors: Song Zhiqian , Jiang Lei , Gao Chao , Qiao Qiwei , Geng Chenggang , Wang Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

A high-performance electrode based on platinum nanoparticle-silicon nanowire (PtNP@SiNW) nanohybrid and Escherichia coli (E. coli) aptamer was developed and used for detection of E. coli. The E. coli in the test solution could be adsorbed specifically onto the electrode surface by the aptamers modified on the PtNP@SiNW nanohybrids and influence the electron transfer between the electrode and the electrolyte, based on which the electrochemical assay of E. coli was achieved. The sensing system showed a good linearity in the testing concentration range (1.3 × 102−3.6 × 105 CFU/mL) with a high sensitivity (1.17 [Formula: see text]A/lg C[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]). The nanostructured PtNP@SiNW hybrid was revealed to play an important role in performance enhancement. Furthermore, the biosensor also exhibited fast response, good selectivity and stability. This high-performance PtNP@SiNW nanohybrid-aptamer-based electrode has great potential for future practical applications in the field of foodborne pathogenic bacteria detection.
UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE IN ETHIOPIA: IMPACTS AND SOLUTIONS
Authors: KOBE FEKADU TADEGE
Published: January 2024

Climate change poses a global challenge with profound impacts on diverse aspects of the environment and human society. Understanding these impacts is crucial for formulating effective mitigation strategies. As one of the most critical threats to sustainable development, climate change is anticipated to affect the environment, human health, food security, economic activities, natural resources and physical infrastructure. This review focuses on climate change, its consequences and mitigation efforts in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has encountered both climate variability and change, evident in an average annual temperature increase of about 1.3∘C since 1960, with a corresponding rise of 0.28∘C per decade. Spatial and temporal variations in precipitation have also intensified, highlighting the country’s exposure to climate fluctuations. To address these challenges, the Ethiopian government has implemented various policies, strategies and programs aimed at enhancing adaptive capacity and minimizing the impacts of climate variability and change. The Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) of Ethiopia centers on four pillars: agriculture, forestry, renewable energy and advanced technologies. These pillars form the foundation for Ethiopia’s pursuit of a sustainable green economy. In conclusion, this review delves into the examination of climate change, its repercussions and the ongoing efforts to mitigate its effects in Ethiopia.
Automatically Testing Database Systems
Authors: Alvaro Peter , Rigger Manuel
Published: January 2024

The automated testing of DBMS is an exciting, interdisciplinary effort that has seen many innovations in recent years. The examples addressed here represent different perspectives on this topic, reflecting strands of research from software engineering, (database) systems, and security angles. They give only a glimpse into these research strands, as many additional interesting and effective works have been proposed. Various approaches generate pairs of related tests to find both logic bugs and performance issues in a DBMS. Similarly, other isolation-level testing approaches have been proposed. Finally, various fuzzing approaches use different strategies to generate mostly valid and interesting test inputs that extract various kinds of feedback from the DBMS.
ADTO: A Trust Active Detecting-based Task Offloading Scheme in Edge Computing for Internet of Things
Authors: Yang Xuezheng , Zeng Zhiwen , Liu Anfeng , Xiong Neal N. , Zhang Shaobo
Published: January 2024

In edge computing, Internet of Things devices with weak computing power offload tasks to nearby edge servers for execution, so the task completion time can be reduced and delay-sensitive tasks can be facilitated. However, if the task is offloaded to malicious edge servers, then the system will suffer losses. Therefore, it is significant to identify the trusted edge servers and offload tasks to trusted edge servers, which can improve the performance of edge computing. However, it is still challenging. In this article, a trust Active Detecting-based Task Offloading (ADTO) scheme is proposed to maximize revenue in edge computing. The main innovation points of our work are as follows: (a) The ADTO scheme innovatively proposes a method to actively get trust by trust detection. This method offloads microtasks to edge servers whose trust needs to be identified, and then quickly identifies the trust of edge servers according to the completion of tasks by edge servers. Based on the identification of the trust, tasks can be offloaded to trusted edge servers, to improve the success rate of tasks. (b) Although the trust of edge servers can be identified by our detection, it needs to pay a price. Therefore, to maximize system revenue, searching the most suitable number of trusted edge servers for various conditions is transformed into an optimization problem. Finally, theoretical and experimental analysis shows the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, which can effectively identify the trusted and untrusted edge servers. The task offloading strategy based on trust detection proposed in this article greatly improves the success rate of tasks, compared with the strategy without trust detection, the task success rate is increased by 40.27%, and there is a significant increase in revenue, which fully demonstrates the effectiveness of the strategy.
Structure and Function of Auxin Transporters
Authors: Hammes Ulrich Z. , Pedersen Bjørn Panyella
Published: January 2024

Auxins, a group of central hormones in plant growth and development, are transported by a diverse range of transporters with distinct biochemical and structural properties. This review summarizes the current knowledge on all known auxin transporters with respect to their biochemical and biophysical properties and the methods used to characterize them. In particular, we focus on the recent advances that were made concerning the PIN-FORMED family of auxin exporters. Insights derived from solving their structures have improved our understanding of the auxin export process, and we discuss the current state of the art on PIN-mediated auxin transport, including the use of biophysical methods to examine their properties. Understanding the mechanisms of auxin transport is crucial for understanding plant growth and development, as well as for the development of more effective strategies for crop production and plant biotechnology.
Efficacy of Virtual Reality Distraction in Reduction of Pain and Anxiety of Pediatric Dental Patients in an Iranian Population: A Split‐Mouth Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Bahrololoomi Zahra , Zein Al-Din Javad , Maghsoudi Nahid , Sajedi Samira
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives. Dental fear and anxiety are common causes of dental care avoidance especially in pediatric dentistry. Distraction is among the safest and cheapest techniques for behavioral guidance in children. Virtual reality (VR) can be used as a means of distraction. This study aimed to assess the effect of distraction by VR on the levels of pain and anxiety in 6–8‐year‐old patients requiring mandibular primary molar pulpotomy. Materials and Methods. This crossover clinical trial was conducted with eligible 6–8‐year‐old children requiring bilateral mandibular molar pulpotomy. At the first treatment visit, pulpotomy was performed for 15 children using VR glasses distraction while the other 15 children received a pulpotomy without any VR glasses; this trend was reversed at the second session and pulpotomy was performed for the contralateral tooth. Pulse rate (PR) and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS) measured the anxiety levels. Wong–Baker Faces Pain Scale (WBFP) assessed the pain perception before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 using the Mann–Whitney and χ2 tests. Results. The mean PR was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the test group showed significantly lower scores of MCDAS (P value = 0.02) and WBFP (P value = 0.001) compared with the control group. Conclusion. The present results suggest that VR headsets can decrease the level of pain and anxiety of patients during primary mandibular pulpotomy. This trial is registered with IRCT20200315046782N1.
The Concentrations of Interleukin-6, Insulin, and Glucagon in the Context of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in IL6 and INS Genes
Authors: Król-Kulikowska Magdalena , Urbanowicz Iwona , Kepinska Marta
Published: January 2024

Obesity and diabetes are a problem of modern medicine. Although the environmental factors contributing to the development of these diseases are widely known, research into genetic factors is still ongoing. At the same time, the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes is increasingly emphasized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of two selected polymorphisms (rs1800795 and rs3842729) on the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this study, 118 participants were examined, including a control group (nonobese and nondiabetic group), an obese group, and a diabetic group. Genotype analysis was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. It has been shown that in patients with the G/G genotype within the rs1800795 polymorphism (IL6), the chance of developing type 2 diabetes is several times lower compared to patients with the G/C and C/C genotypes. However, the rs3842729 polymorphism (INS) does not directly affect the risk of obesity or type 2 diabetes (T2D), although elevated insulin concentrations have been observed in obese and diabetic patients. These results confirm the impact of the rs1800795 polymorphism on the development of diabetes; however, this relationship is more complex and requires further research on other factors.