bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CA3 principal cell activation triggers hypersynchronous-onset seizures in a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Wang Siyan , Lévesque Maxime , Fisher Teddy A. J. , Kennedy Timothy E. , Avoli Massimo
Published: September 2023

Previous evidence suggested that different seizure onset patterns rely on the activity of distinct neuronal populations. In this study, we show for the first time that in vivo optogenetic stimulation of CaMKII principal cells in kainic acid-treated mice triggers hypersynchronous-onset seizures that are associated with fast ripples. Our findings indicate that in patients with predominant HYP-onset seizures, anticonvulsant treatments should be aimed at limiting the firing of principal neurons in the seizure onset zone.
Laminar pattern of adolescent development changes in working memory neuronal activity
Authors: Zhu Junda , Hammond Benjamin M. , Zhou Xin Maizie , Constantinidis Christos
Published: September 2023

Structural brain changes are evident during adolescent development particularly in the cortical thickness of the prefrontal cortex, at a time when working memory ability increases markedly. The depth distribution of neurophysiological changes during adolescence is not known. Here, we show that neurophysiological changes are not confined to superficial layers, which have most often been implicated in the maintenance of working memory. Contrary to expectations, substantial changes were evident in intermediate layers of the prefrontal cortex.
An Approach for Adjusting the Laboratory-Determined Dynamic Modulus Master Curve of Asphalt Layers Based on Falling Weight Deflectometer Measurements
Authors: Alfarra Mohammed , Sirin Okan , Sadeq Mohammed , Masad Eyad
Published: September 2023

Structural assessment is critical for designing asphalt pavement overlays, estimating the remaining life of pavements, and selecting an appropriate rehabilitation strategy for existing pavements. The falling weight deflectometer (FWD) serves as the primary nondestructive test used for evaluating the in situ properties and structural capacity of asphalt pavements. The current procedure involves analyzing the FWD response and estimating layer moduli by assuming an elastic response. However, the response of asphalt layers is viscoelastic (i.e., temperature- and frequency-dependent). This study proposes an approach that combines FWD data with laboratory measurements of the dynamic moduli of field cores to determine the in situ viscoelastic properties of asphalt layers. This approach is implemented by analyzing FWD data from four pavement sections in Qatar. Furthermore, the paper includes a comparative analysis of the response of pavement sections in which the asphalt layers are modeled using dynamic modulus master curves obtained from laboratory tests and those obtained using the approach presented in this study. It was found that using the laboratory-based master curves overestimated pavement performance (i.e., underestimated pavement distresses). It is recommended to use the dynamic moduli from the method presented in this paper for a more accurate estimation of pavement response and performance.
Damage Depth Test and Numerical Simulation of Stope Floor in Mining Face
Authors: Cui Xipeng , Shao Hongqi , Zhao Kailei
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the development depth of rock layer rupture and analyze the developmental regularity of mining floor in Dongsi mining area of Xinzhi Coal Mine. Two kinds of pressure water testing methods and numerical simulation are used to study the failure characteristics of the bottom plate of the working face in Dongsi mining area of Xinxian Coal Mine. The results show that the failure of working face bottom plate starts from a certain range in front of the working face. With the advance of working face, the failure depth of mining bottom plate increases continuously. At the same time, the failure range of mining roadway is slightly larger than the failure range of working face bottom plate due to the double disturbance of tunneling and mining. The pressure water test shows that the rupture depth occurs at 8.98-9.03 m. The numerical simulation results of floor failure depth show that its depth is about 8.7 m, which is basically consistent with the pressure water test. It provides a reference for the advanced preexploration of mining bottom plate failure in similar coal seam.
Copper Super‐Dosing Improves Performance of Heat‐Stressed Broiler Chickens through Modulation of Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokine Genes
Authors: Haldar Sudipto , Dhara Amrita Kumar , Sihi Arora Sayantani , Verma Mukherjee Arpana , Nayak Arup
Published: September 2023

Continuous exposure to high ambient temperatures brings about a number of oxidative damages in chickens. Copper (Cu), an active component of a number of antioxidative defence components, should arrest these changes to take place although that may not be possible under the standard dosing regimen followed by the industry. To ascertain the optimum dose response that may be beneficial in sustaining the performance of chickens under heat stress (HS), broiler chickens (n = 400) were exposed to high ambient temperature (between 27.2°C and 35.3°C) during 1–35 d. Copper (Cu) as Cu proteinate (Cu‐P) at concentrations of 37.5, 75, 112.5, and 150 mg/kg was supplemented to the diet. The negative control (NC) diet did not contain any supplemental Cu. Increasing dietary Cu improved (P < 0.001) body weight, feed intake, and conversion ratio. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol at 21 d (P = 0.009), HDL cholesterol at 35 d (P = 0.008), LDL cholesterol at 21 d (P = 0.015), and triacylglycerol at both 21 d (P = 0.033) and 35 d (P = 0.001) decreased as Cu in the diet increased. As Cu in the diet increased, hemoglobin increased (P = 0.003) at 21 d, and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio decreased both at 21 d (P = 0.047) and 35 d (P = 0.001). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities increased when dietary Cu increased to 150 mg/kg (P < 0.01). Liver Cu at 35 d increased linearly with the dose of Cu in the diet (P = 0.0001). Selected bacteria were enumerated in the digesta to ascertain if Cu super‐dosing affected their population in any way in the absence of any enteric challenge. Escherichia coli and total Salmonella numbers decreased (P = 0.0001), and total Lactobacillus increased (P = 0.0001) proportionately with dietary Cu. Interleukin‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α gene expression increased linearly (P = 0.0001) as Cu in the diet increased though the response plateaued at 112.5 mg/kg. It was concluded from the present experiment that during conditions of impending HS, dietary supplementation of 112.5 to 150 mg Cu/kg diet as Cu‐P may be a novel strategy to alleviate the negative effects of HS without involving any apparent risk of Cu toxicity.
An Enhancement of the Accuracy of the BiCGStab Method for Solving Linear Systems with Single or Multiple Right-Hand Sides
Authors: Bouyghf F.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we present a technique to improve the convergence of the biconjugate gradient stabilized (BiCGStab) method. This method was developed by Van der Vorst for solving nonsymmetric linear systems with a single right-hand side. The global and block versions of the BiCGStab method have been proposed for solving nonsymmetric linear systems with multiple right-hand sides. Using orthogonal projectors to minimize the residual norm in each step, we get an enhancement of the convergence of each version of the BiCGStab method. The considered methods are BiCGStab, global BiCGStab, and block BiCGStab methods, noted, respectively, as Gl-BiCGStab and Bl-BiCGStab. To show the performance of our enhanced algorithms, we compare them with the standard, global, and block versions of the well-known generalized minimal residual method (GMRES).
Asymptotic Normality of Nonparametric Kernel Regression Estimation for Missing at Random Functional Spatial Data
Authors: Alshahrani Fatimah , Almanjahie Ibrahim M. , Benchikh Tawfik , Fetitah Omar , Attouch Mohammed Kadi
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the estimation of the regression function using the kernel method in the presence of missing at random responses, assuming spatial dependence, and complete observation of the functional regressor. We construct the asymptotic properties of the established estimator and derive the probability convergence (with rates) as well as the asymptotic normality of the estimator under certain weak conditions. Simulation studies are then presented to examine and show the performance of our proposed estimator. This is followed by examining a real data set to illustrate the suggested estimator’s efficacy and demonstrate its superiority. The results show that the proposed estimator outperforms existing estimators as the number of missing at random data increases.
Isolation, Pathogenicity, and Comparative Phylogenetic Characteristics of an Intralineage Recombinant NADC34-Like PRRSV in China
Authors: Xia Da-Song , Chang Tong , Huang Xin-Yi , Tian Xiao-Xiao , Wang Tao , Cui Xing-Yang , Luo Ling-Zhi , Cai Xue-Hui , Yang Yong-Bo , An Tong-Qing
Published: September 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which causes reproductive failure in sows and respiratory symptoms in piglets, poses a significant threat to the global pig industry. PRRS virus (PRRSV) variants continue to emerge and spread among pigs. NADC34-like PRRSV has been imported into China in recent years and has shown potential as an endemic strain, which is of great concern. In this study, a NADC34-like PRRSV, named HLJ13 strain, was isolated from a farm where pigs experienced respiratory symptoms and abortions. Genomic analysis revealed that the HLJ13 strain was a potential recombinant of NADC34-like and NADC30-like strains, and the restriction fragment length polymorphism of HLJ13 was a novel pattern that was not yet listed. In the PRRSV HLJ13-inoculated group, the piglets showed mild clinical symptoms, such as persistent fever, and showed histopathological lesions in the lungs, and the virus was detectable at 3 and 7 days postinoculation in anal and nasal swabs, respectively. Recombination analysis revealed that interlineage recombinant events were detected in 8 out of 27 Chinese NADC34-like PRRSVs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Chinese NADC34-like PRRSVs were distributed in two clades of lineage 1, and Chinese NADC34-like PRRSVs showed different N-glycosylation modifications in glycoproteins, especially in GP3 and GP5. These findings shed light on the genomic characteristics and pathogenicity of the NADC34-like PRRSV in China.
Targeting NANOG and FAK via Cx26-derived Cell-penetrating Peptides in Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mulkearns-Hubert Erin E. , Esakov Rhoades Emily , Ben-Salem Salma , Bharti Rashmi , Hajdari Nicole , Johnson Sadie , Myers Alex , Smith Iris Nira , Bandyopadhyay Smarajit , Eng Charis , Downs Erinn , Lathia Justin D. , Reizes Ofer
Published: September 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most lethal and treatment-resistant breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. We previously identified a protein complex unique to TNBC composed of the gap junction protein connexin 26 (Cx26), the pluripotency transcription factor NANOG, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). We sought to determine whether a peptide mimetic of the interaction region of Cx26 attenuated tumor growth in preclinical models. We designed peptides based on Cx26 juxtamembrane domains and performed binding experiments with NANOG and FAK using surface plasmon resonance. Binding studies revealed that the Cx26 C-terminal tail and intracellular loop bound to NANOG and FAK with submicromolar-to-micromolar affinity and that a 5-amino acid sequence in the C-terminal tail of Cx26 (RYCSG) was sufficient for binding. Peptides with high affinity were engineered with a cell-penetrating antennapedia sequence and assessed in functional assays including cell proliferation, tumorsphere formation, and in vivo tumor growth, and downstream signaling changes were measured. The cell-penetrating Cx26 peptide (aCx26-pep) disrupted self-renewal while reducing nuclear FAK and NANOG and inhibiting NANOG target gene expression in TNBC cells but not luminal mammary epithelial cells. In vivo, aCx26-pep reduced tumor growth and proliferation and induced cell death. Here, we provide proof-of-concept that a Cx26 peptide–based strategy inhibits growth and alters NANOG activity specifically in TNBC, indicating the therapeutic potential of this targeting approach.
Let the Guard Down: cAMP Activators Can Improve Immunotherapy in GBM
Authors: Lee Juyeun , Kay Kristen E. , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Lathia Justin D.
Published: September 2023

Enhancing T-cell infiltration into glioblastoma (GBM) tumors has proven challenging yet remains crucial for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy for patients with this deadly cancer. In this issue, Qin, Huang, Li, and colleagues find that inhibiting vasculature formation driven by cancer stem cells is a promising target to enhance immunotherapy in GBM.

See related article by Qin, Huang, Li, et al., p. 1351 (2).
Análise discursiva de filmes brasileiros e crítica da mídia: considerações metodológicas
Authors: Lamas Caio Túlio Padula
Published: September 2023

O artigo tem o objetivo de traçar considerações metodológicas a respeito da análise discursiva do filme, bem como do diálogo que esta apresenta com a crítica de mídia, ambas pensadas como um conjunto de valores e de procedimentos que orientam a avaliação de determinados aspectos de uma obra em particular. Destaca ainda o processo de escolha dos filmes analisados e finaliza com a desconstrução de um trecho do documentário Juízo (2008), mostrando como a inclusão do rosto do jovem réu por meio de uma inserção ficcional problematiza e complexifica o estigma do jovem autor de ato infracional.
Demandas por diversidade como parâmetro para a crítica da/na mídia
Authors: Basso Maressa de Carvalho , Prudencio Natalia Engler
Published: September 2023

A aceleração dos processos de midiatização tem tornado mais urgente a questão sobre como fazer a crítica da/na mídia diante de novos modos de circulação e apropriação. Em meio a esse cenário, cada vez mais a crítica da/na mídia tem orbitado os debates sobre o reconhecimento de identidades e diferenças de grupos ditos minoritários. O presente ensaio propõe reflexões sobre como tal crítica pode ser feita, tendo como parâmetro essas demandas. Para isso, contextualiza-se esses novos modos de circulação e apropriação da mídia e busca-se investigar de que forma reconhecimento e identidade ganham importância para a crítica da/na mídia, trazendo como corpus de análise um ator social e as suas explanações midiáticas. Ao final do percurso, sugerimos possibilidades metodológicas que estejam alinhadas adequadamente a essas (não tão) novas demandas sociais.
Poor access to health services for depression treatment in Brazil
Authors: Bezerra Héllyda de Souza , Barbosa Isabelle Ribeiro
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with poor access to health services for the depression treatment in Brazil. METHODS: This study used data from the Brazilian National Survey of Health, conducted in the years 2019 and 2020. The sample consisted of 8,332 individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of depression, and poor access to healthcare was identified from the question “what is the main reason for you to not visit the physician/health service regularly for your depression?” From which poor access was identified by the affirmative answer reporting distance of health services or difficulties with transportation; waiting time at the health service; financial difficulties; opening hours of the health service; Not being able to schedule a consultation via health insurance; does not know who to look for or where to go, among others. Sociodemographic aspects and health conditions were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson Regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of poor access to health services for depression treatment was 14.9% (95%CI: 13.6–16.2), relating to individuals aged 15–29 years (PR = 1.52) and 30-59 years old (PR = 1.22), without education (PR = 1.43), who rate their health as regular/poor/very poor (PR = 1.26), who have some limitation in their usual activities (PR = 2.71), who had the last consultation within 6 months of less than 2 years (PR = 2.63) and for more than 2 years (PR = 2.25) and who do not undergo psychotherapy (PR = 4.28). CONCLUSION: Poor access to health services for depression treatment was associated with individual factors and health conditions.
Mudanças nos marcadores da alimentação durante a pandemia de covid-19 no Brasil
Authors: Andrade Giovanna Calixto , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Leite Maria Alvim , Rauber Fernanda , Claro Rafael Moreira , Coutinho Janine Giuberti , Mais Laís Amaral
Published: September 2023

OBJETIVO: Analisar mudanças na alimentação da população brasileira e seus determinantes durante a pandemia de covid-19. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados de alimentação coletados pelo instituto Datafolha, em 2019 (n = 1.384), 2020 (n = 1.214) e 2021 (n = 1.459), de amostras independentes e representativas da população adulta (entre 18 e 55 anos) de todas as classes socioeconômicas e regiões geográficas do Brasil. O consumo alimentar foi aferido por meio da verificação do consumo de 22 conjuntos de alimentos no dia anterior à pesquisa. No terceiro ciclo, também foram incluídas questões sobre mudanças nos hábitos alimentares durante a pandemia. Estimou-se a prevalência de consumo dos conjuntos de alimentos em cada ciclo da pesquisa e foram utilizados testes estatísticos para comparações de proporções entre os três ciclos. RESULTADOS: Observou-se, entre 2019 e 2020, aumento significativo no consumo de cereais, leite, salgadinhos de pacote ou biscoitos salgados e molhos industrializados, em contraponto à diminuição do consumo de ovos. Entre 2019 e 2021 e entre 2020 e 2021, por outro lado, houve diminuição significativa no consumo de cereais, hortaliças, frutas e sucos de fruta industrializados e aumento no consumo de refrigerante, biscoito doce, recheado ou bolinho de pacote, embutidos, molhos industrializados e refeições prontas. Quando questionados sobre as principais mudanças na compra e preparo das refeições, 46,3% dos entrevistados relataram consumir mais alimentos preparados em casa durante a pandemia. Em relação a mudanças nos hábitos alimentares, 48,6% dos entrevistados relataram alteração na alimentação durante a pandemia. Os principais motivos para tais mudanças foram maior preocupação com a saúde (39,1%) e autorrelato de diminuição da renda familiar (30,2%). CONCLUSÕES: A pandemia de covid-19 teve impacto negativo na alimentação da população, e foi reportado aumento no consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados durante esse período.
Obesity-Related Biomarkers Are Associated With Exercise Intolerance and HFpEF
Authors: Ramirez Mariana F. , Lau Emily S. , Parekh Juhi K. , Pan Abigail S. , Owunna Ndidi , Wang Dongyu , McNeill Jenna N. , Malhotra Rajeev , Nayor Matthew , Lewis Gregory D. , Ho Jennifer E.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Obesity and adiposity are associated with an increased risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); yet, specific underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We sought to examine the association of obesity-related biomarkers including adipokines (leptin, resistin, adiponectin), inflammatory markers (CRP [C-reactive protein], IL-6 [interleukin-6]), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with HFpEF status, exercise capacity, and cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS:

We studied 509 consecutive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% and chronic dyspnea, who underwent clinically indicated cardiopulmonary exercise test with invasive hemodynamic monitoring between 2006 and 2017. We defined HFpEF based on the presence of elevated left ventricular filling pressures at rest or during exercise. Fasting blood samples collected at the time of the cardiopulmonary exercise test were used to assay obesity-related biomarkers. We examined the association of log-transformed biomarkers with HFpEF status and exercise traits using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models.

RESULTS:

We observed associations of obesity-related biomarkers with measures of impaired exercise capacity including peak VO
2
(
P
≤0.002 for all biomarkers). The largest effect size was seen with leptin, where a 1-SD higher leptin was associated with a 2.35 mL/kg per min lower peak VO
2
(β, −2.35±0.19;
P
<0.001). In addition, specific biomarkers were associated with distinct measures of exercise reserve including blood pressure (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, leptin, adiponectin;
P
≤0.002 for all), and chronotropic response (CRP, IL-6, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, leptin, and resistin;
P
<0.05 for all). Our findings suggest that among the obesity-related biomarkers studied, higher levels of leptin and CRP are independently associated with increased odds of HFpEF, with odds ratios of 1.36 (95% CI, 1.09–1.70) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.03–1.52), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Specific obesity-related pathways including inflammation, adipokine signaling, and insulin resistance may underlie the association of obesity with HFpEF and exercise intolerance.
Sex‐Specific Associations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk With Patient Characteristics and Functional Outcomes After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Evidence From the VIRGO Study
Authors: Gupta Aakriti , Barthel Andrea B. , Mahajan Shiwani , Dreyer Rachel P. , Yaggi Henry , Bueno Héctor , Lichtman Judith H. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Though associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular outcomes are well described, limited data exist regarding the impact of OSA on sex‐specific outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and Results

The VIRGO (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients) study enrolled 3572 adults aged 18 to 55 years with AMI from the United States and Spain during 2008 to 2012. We included patients for whom the Berlin Questionnaire for OSA was scored at the time of AMI admission (3141; 2105 women, 1036 men). We examined the sex‐specific association between baseline OSA risk with functional outcomes including health status and depressive symptoms at 1 and 12 months after AMI. Among both groups, 49% of patients were at high risk for OSA (1040 women; 509 men), but only 4.7% (148) of patients had a diagnosed history of OSA. Though patients with a high OSA risk reported worse physical and mental health status and depression than low‐risk patients in both sexes, the difference in these functional outcomes was wider in women than men. Moreover, women with a high OSA risk had worse health status, depression, and quality of life than high‐risk men, both at baseline and at 1 and 12 months after AMI.

Conclusions

Young women with a high OSA risk have poorer health status and more depressive symptoms than men at the time of AMI, which may place them at higher risk of poorer health outcomes over the year following the AMI. Further, the majority of patients at high risk of OSA are undiagnosed at the time of presentation of AMI.
Crk
and
Crkl
Are Required in the Endocardial Lineage for Heart Valve Development
Authors: Wu Bingruo , Wu Brian , Benkaci Sonia , Shi Lijie , Lu Pengfei , Park Taeju , Morrow Bernice E. , Wang Yidong , Zhou Bin
Published: September 2023

Background

Endocardial cells are a major progenitor population that gives rise to heart valves through endocardial cushion formation by endocardial to mesenchymal transformation and the subsequent endocardial cushion remodeling. Genetic variants that affect these developmental processes can lead to congenital heart valve defects.
Crk
and
Crkl
are ubiquitously expressed genes encoding cytoplasmic adaptors essential for cell signaling. This study aims to explore the specific role of
Crk
and
Crkl
in the endocardial lineage during heart valve development.

Methods and Results

We deleted
Crk
and
Crkl
specifically in the endocardial lineage. The resultant heart valve morphology was evaluated by histological analysis, and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated by immunostaining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the targeted deletion of
Crk
and
Crkl
impeded the remodeling of endocardial cushions at the atrioventricular canal into the atrioventricular valves. We showed that apoptosis was temporally increased in the remodeling atrioventricular endocardial cushions, and this developmentally upregulated apoptosis was repressed by deletion of
Crk
and
Crkl
. Loss of
Crk
and
Crkl
also resulted in altered extracellular matrix production and organization in the remodeling atrioventricular endocardial cushions. These morphogenic defects were associated with altered expression of genes in BMP (bone morphogenetic protein), connective tissue growth factor, and WNT signaling pathways, and reduced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling activities.

Conclusions

Our findings support that
Crk
and
Crkl
have shared functions in the endocardial lineage that critically regulate atrioventricular valve development; together, they likely coordinate the morphogenic signals involved in the remodeling of the atrioventricular endocardial cushions.
Nationwide Trends in Reperfusion Therapy and Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke According to Severity: The Japan Stroke Data Bank
Authors: Koge Junpei , Yoshimura Sohei , Koga Masatoshi , Nakai Michikazu , Wada Shinichi , Sasahara Yusuke , Shiozawa Masayuki , Miwa Kaori , Ishigami Akiko , Sonoda Kazutaka , Iihara Koji , Ikawa Fusao , Itabashi Ryo , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Shotai , Minematsu Kazuo , Toyoda Kazunori ,   the Japan Stroke Data Bank Investigators
Published: September 2023

Background

It is unclear whether all patient subgroups with acute ischemic stroke have benefited from advances in reperfusion therapy. We investigated long‐term trends of reperfusion therapy and outcomes according to the stroke severity.

Methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke registered in the prospective nationwide hospital‐based registry between 2000 and 2020 were examined. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥10 and ≤5 was considered to indicate possible large vessel occlusions and minor deficits, respectively. Secular changes were assessed per 5‐year cohorts (2000–2005, 2006–2010, 2011–2015, 2016–2020). Outcomes included favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0–2 at discharge).

Results

Of 127 741 patients, NIHSS score was ≥10 in 31 747 patients (24.9%), 6–9 in 17 083 patients (13.4%), and ≤5 in 78 911 patients (61.8%). In patients with NIHSS score ≥10, intravenous thrombolysis frequency increased from 1.6% to 26.5% between the 2000 to 2005 and 2016 to 2020 cohorts; endovascular therapy frequency increased from 2.0% to 29.8%. Favorable outcomes increased over time (adjusted odds ratio per 1‐cohort, 1.254 [95% CI, 1.204–1.306]). In patients with NIHSS score 6–9, intravenous thrombolysis frequency increased from 0.5% to 16.4%, and endovascular therapy frequency increased from 1.1% to 9.0%. Favorable outcomes did not change over time (1.005 [0.966–1.046]). In patients with NIHSS score ≤5, intravenous thrombolysis frequency increased from 0.2% to 5.1%, and endovascular therapy frequency increased from 0.7% to 2.8%. Favorable outcomes decreased over time (0.954 [0.931–0.978]).

Conclusions

Use of reperfusion therapy has increased, particularly in patients with NIHSS score ≥10. Favorable outcomes significantly increased over time in patients with NIHSS score ≥10 but decreased in those with NIHSS score ≤5.
An Analysis of Preference for Potted Houseplant Products Using a Conjoint Analysis Method for the Development of Pet Plant Products
Authors: Kim Mijin , Yun Sukyoung , Chang Taegwon
Published: September 2023

Background and objective: Recently, social interest in indoor plants (houseplants) has been increasing. This study was conducted to determine consumer preferences for houseplants by surveying their perception of houseplants, also referred to as “pet plants” using a conjoint analysis method.Methods: For the conjoint analysis, Attribute 1 was defined as the type of houseplants, which was divided into four levels: orchids, oriental orchids, general foliage plants, and variegated foliage plants. Attribute 2 was set as the shape of pots and was classified into two levels: square and round. Attribute 3 was set as the material of pots, and was divided into four levels: earthenware, ceramic, plastic and onggi (Korean style earthenware). Sixteen profiles were extracted through the orthogonal design using the SPSS Statistics. The survey was conducted online in December 2021, and the responses of 320 out of 332 respondents were analyzed, after unclear responses were excluded.Results: A conjoint analysis of the preference for houseplant products was conducted using part-worth function models. When purchasing houseplants, it was found that the material of pots (53.0%) was considered as the most important attribute, followed by the type of plants (34.0%), and the shape of the pots (13.0%) (Pearson's R = .991, p = .000). Foliage plants (part-worth utility = .143) for the type of plants, round shape (part-worth utility = .056) for the shape of pots, and ceramic (part-worth utility = .284) for the material of pots were preferred as a priority. Clusters with similar part-worths were established using the coefficients representing the estimated part-worths for each attribute derived from a conjoint analysis, as a variable. Cluster 1 was a group of 153 people that had 109 females (36.6%), 68 people in their 50s (22.8 %), 59 bachelor's degree holders (19.8 %), and 42 workers in flower business (14.1 %) as the majority for each demographic item. They preferred variegated foliage plants in round-shaped ceramic pots. Cluster 2 was a group of 104 people with 71 females (23.8%), 44 people in their 50s (14.8%), 47 bachelor's degree holders (15.8%), and 30 flower-related industrial workers (10.1%) for the largest share. They preferred foliage plants in round-shaped earthen pots. Cluster 3 was a group of 41 people with 32 females (10.7%), 17 people in their 50s (5.7%), 25 bachelor's degree holders (8.4%), and 9 office workers (3.0%) and 9 workers in flower businesses (3.0%) for the largest share. They preferred general foliage plants planted in round-shaped ceramic pots.Conclusion: In this study, consumers' perceptions of pet plants were confirmed. The findings can be used as basic data for the development of pet plant products, which is likely to aid houseplant producers in creating new income sources, giving positive effects to differentiated plant producers and flower shops.
Spatio-Temporal Network Analysis of the Impact of Mega Event-Based Development: The 2018 Winter Olympic Host City (Gangneung, South Korea) Case
Authors: Kim Eujin Julia , Kang Youngeun
Published: September 2023

Background and objective: Although mega-events are generally expected to have both short-and long-term lasting favorable effects on host cities, few quantitative studies have investigated this impact based on demand-oriented evidences and through a phased data collection. This study examines the case of Gangneung, a Winter Olympic host city, in order to identify the extent to which the effects of the Olympics are durable.Methods: City map survey was conducted 48 times for 527 visitors for a year and half for visitation pattern observation. In order to investigate the temporal impact of the Olympic event and seasonality, attraction visitation network for seven periods are compared based on using Network density comparison analysis. In addition, a regression analysis-a QAP (Quadratic Assignment Procedure) was followed to examine different factors affecting network formation.Results: As the Winter Olympics were taking place mainly around the Olympic Park, the visitation network results displayed very strong connections among the Olympic park, the Northern coast, and the Southern city’s downtown. However, except the major connections, all other connecting strengths were presented with noticeably weaker strengths when compared to the pre-Olympic period. After the Olympics, the edge strengths were restored to levels similar to those of the pre-Olympic period and, the most noticeable change was the reduced gap between the strongest and weakest attraction group, indicating that the edge strengths tend to distribute equally. Another change was that the strengths of connections to the Olympic Park became stronger, indicating that the Olympic legacy was included as one of the touristic attractions. The results of the following season indicated that the connections among the Northern and Eastern coasts, the Western historical sites, and the Southern downtown area remained strong and connections to the downtown became more prominent with new powerful attraction points.Conclusion: The longitudinal observations revealed that there is a noticeable durable impact of hosting the Olympics. To some extent, Olympic hosting and the KTX railway construction seem to have changed tourist visitation patterns. Although the results warn that the expectation of spillover and durable effect can be hasty, the following results imply that the redevelopment project induced by a mega event has brought the changes and reorganized the travel pattern in small city. This also provides evidence that mega-event impact sometimes lags behind the city government and local community’s schedule, which explains the need for a long-term evaluation.
Purification Effect of Vegetation Biofilters on Particulate Transition Metals in Multi-Use Facilities
Authors: Kim Tae Han , Lee Jae Young , Kim Mi Ju , Kim Kyung Hun , Lee Yu Jeong
Published: September 2023

Background and objective: Among multi-use facilities, underground subway stations are vulnerable areas where total management of particulate matter (PM) has been implemented through the Seasonal PM Management System. Through the friction between train wheels and railsthat occurs subway stations, iron oxide particles are generated, which can cause various diseases in the human body. This study aims to explore the application of plants to biofilters as a sustainable method for reducing metallic particle pollution.Methods: The experimental group was designed based on the application of plants and waterings to biofilters. Experimental data were obtained through time-series monitoring of PM using Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) stations and SEM-EDS-based chemical species analysis of PM samples. The chemical species analysis was involved in determining the weight ratio of Fe in the particles through 15 repeated analyses of large-area samples at 100 × magnification.Results: The highest concentration of PM was found during the 4th period of the day (when days were divided into 4 periods of 6 hours each), with PM10 at 46.3 ± 27 μg/m3 and PM2.5 at 23.8 ± 14.1 μg/m3. For the average weight ratio (AWR) of Fe, the experimental group (R.A.: 3.28wt%, S.A.: 0.25wt%) showed a reduction rate of approximately 92%, while control group 1 (R.A.: 0.51wt%, S.A.: 0.28wt%) showed a reduction rate of approximately 45%; control group 2 (R.A: 1.37wt%, S.A: 0.55wt%) showed a reduction rate of approximately 60%.Conclusion: The highest rate of Fe reduction was found when both plants and waterings were applied to the biofilters. This finding is consistent with those of previous studies on the positive effects of iron oxidation associated with plant growth.
Evaluation of Growth, Flowering, and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Responses of Viola cornuta cv. Penny Red Wing according to Spectral Power Distributions
Authors: Jang In Tae , Lee Jae Hwan , Shin Eun Ji , Nam Sang Yong
Published: September 2023

Background and objective: The genus Viola, a member of the Violaceae family, is renowned for its ornamental flower crops. Additionally, Viola species are relatively pest-resistant and easy to manage. They are widely used in gardens, and some of their flowers are even edible. In this study, our focus was on V. cornuta cv. Penny Red Wing (hereinafter referred to as ‘Penny Red Wing’), an experimental plant chosen for its high ornamental value and rapid growth.Methods: We applied a purple light-emitting diode (LED) and three types of white LEDs with varying color temperatures: 3000, 4100, and 6500 K, respectively, as artificial light sources. Notably, a purple LED has a far-red wavelength (700-800 nm) ratio of approximately 17.6% in their spectral power distribution.Results: The findings indicated that several parameters exhibited higher values under purple LED: shoot size parameters, shoot biomass, moisture content of shoots and roots, photochemical reflectance index (PRI), modified chlorophyll absorption ratio index (MCARI), total number of flowers, flower size parameters, scent score, Fv/Fm, and PIABS. However, the 6500 K white LED led to higher evaluations of root length, number of shoots and leaves, root biomass, moisture content of shoots and roots, Fv/Fm, and PIABS. Nevertheless, it was observed that shoot growth was relatively hindered, and the flowering responses were inadequate under the 6500 K white LED, suggesting their unsuitability for the mass production of ‘Penny Red Wing’. Furthermore, the 3000 and 4100 K white LEDs were also deemed unsuitable for cultivating ‘Penny Red Wing’ due to their lower cultivation efficiency.Conclusion: ‘Penny Red Wing’ was evaluated as having superior growth, flowering, and chlorophyll fluorescence responses under purple LED, indicating that the far-red wavelength had a more pronounced effect compared to the green wavelength (500-600 nm). Therefore, we recommend cultivating this cultivar under purple LED, which include the far-red wavelength.
Effects of Planting on the Prefrontal Electroencephalogram Activity of University Students
Authors: Choi Hye Jung , Kim Mi Jin , Shin Ho Sik , Yun Suk Young
Published: September 2023

Background and objective: This study was conducted from June 1 to August 30, 2021 with 33 students at Daegu Catholic University to investigate the effect of planting on the theta, alpha, beta, and gamma waves of the prefrontal cortex.Methods: For the experiment, the subjects wore electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors and proceeded through the following three steps: 1) preparation stage: looking at the wall (2 min), 2) work stage: planting plants (5 min), and 3) appreciation stage: looking at and appreciating the plants they planted (3 min).Results: As a result of analyzing the total relative values of the preparation, work, and appreciation stages in the raw data (excluding the delta wave, which increases during sleep), the alpha wave increased in the work stage of planting activity (Left: p = .000, Right: p = .000). Alpha waves are brain waves that are activated in states of relaxation, rest, and euphoria. In male students, alpha waves (Left: p = .001, Right: p = .001) were activated in the work stage. In female students, there was a significant difference in all EEG activity between the stages. Theta wave (Left: p = .046, Right: p = .029) was most activated in the appreciation stage, and the alpha wave (Left: p = .000, Right: p = .000) was most activated in the work stage. Beta waves (Left: p = .016, Right: p = .013) and gamma waves (Left: p = .015, Right: p = .011) were found to be inactivated in the work stage.Conclusion: The study results facilitated the investigation of planting effectiveness according to the type of activity by measuring the EEG for each activity stage.
Effects of Short-term Urban Forest Experiences by Season on Stress and Affective Response of University Students
Authors: Kim Eunjin , Lee Hwayong
Published: September 2023

Background and objective: University students are in a period of transition from late adolescence to adulthood, which is the time to experience new environments and roles in university. Accordingly, they may experience a great deal of stress and emotional anxiety. This study examined the changes in stress, low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) component, and affect of university students after short-term urban forest experience by season.Methods: This study was conducted in an urban forest located on the campus of Chungbuk National University. A heart rate variability (HRV) monitor and the positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) were used in research conducted by season with approximately 30 male and female university students.Results: In spring, the stress of female students and HF of male students decreased, and positive affect increased and negative affect decreased in male and female students. The stress of male students decreased in summer, and negative affect of female students decreased in fall. In winter, the stress and positive affect of male students increased.Conclusion: In this study, short-term forest experiences by season led to differences in stress, LF, HF, and affective responses of university students. The results of this study can be used to create urban forests and select the best period for effectively using urban forests to relieve stress and refresh the emotions of university students.
A taxonomic revision of the myrmecophilous genus Lomechusoides Tottenham, 1939 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae). Part II. The revision of the strumosus species group
Authors: JÁSZAY TOMÁŠ , HLAVÁČ PETER , BAŇAŘ PETR
Published: September 2023

The Lomechusoides strumosus species group is revised and fifteen new species are described: Lomechusoides chekanovskiyi Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. dlabolai Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. drobovi Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. dudkorum Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. fallax Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. folgaricus Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. inflatiformis Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. poppiusi Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. primoricus Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. przewalskyi Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. reitteri Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. richteri Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. rossii Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; L. zerchei Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov.; and L. zeyai Jászay, Hlaváč & Baňař sp. nov. Lomechusoides strumosus caucasicus (Wasmann, 1896) is synonymized with L. teres (Eppelsheim, 1884), new synonymy. The synonymy of L. mariae (Palm, 1949) with L. inflatus (Zetterstedt, 1828) is confirmed.
Lomechusoides siculus (Fiori, 1914) new status, previously L. strumosus siculus, is elevated to species level. All previously known species: L. inflatus (Zetterstedt, 1828), L. mongolicus (Wasmann, 1897), L. penicillatus Assing, 2015, L. sibiricus (Motschulskyi, 1844), L. siculus (Fiori, 1914), L. strumosus (Fabricius, 1792), L. teres (Eppelsheim, 1884) and L. wellenii (Palm, 1949) are redescribed and illustrated, and a key as well as a catalogue for all species are provided.
COVID-19 public health lessons in science class boost knowledge and efficacy beliefs
Authors: Boedeker Peter , Newell Alana , Moreno Nancy
Published: September 2023

Background:

Integrating public health into science courses helps students grasp the links between health recommendations and scientific principles. During COVID-19, a team of 19 educators, scientists and clinicians designed 25 science inquiry lessons to enhance disease knowledge and prevention strategies among school-aged children. The efficacy of two lessons was evaluated.

Design:

Pre-/post-evaluation; both quantitative and qualitative data were collected.

Setting:

Teachers (24 elementary and 26 high school) and their students (562 elementary, 8–9 years old; 1,271 high school, 14–15 years old) participated from schools in Houston, TX, USA.

Method:

Lessons were delivered in Spring 2021. Teachers completed evaluation surveys using Likert-type and open-ended items. Students completed pre- and post-assessments of COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes towards science and confidence in their knowledge of COVID-19 and vaccine science.

Results:

Over 80% of teachers agreed that they would use the lessons again and felt more confident in their abilities to teach about COVID-19 after using the lessons. Teachers reported students’ heightened interest in health professions and discussing the presented topics. High school students gained basic recall knowledge, but there was little change on items related to in-depth science concepts or attitudes. Elementary students demonstrated gains on items related to the scientific rationale underlying public health recommendations and confidence in their abilities to protect themselves from COVID-19.

Conclusion:

The integration of health information into science teaching helps learners understand the science behind public health recommendations and increases teachers’ preparedness and comfort levels with these topics. Even short-term supplementary lessons can have a positive impact on knowledge and attitudes. Effects were particularly positive with elementary students, who should be included in future public health education efforts. Partnerships between schools and health organisations are vital for the rapid development and integration of lessons that are accurate and informative. The lessons evaluated in this paper are freely available online.
A ‘Better Life for All in Bricks and Mortar’: The Spatial Rationalities of Container Urbanism in Accra
Authors: Gameli Dziwornu Michael , Coletto Diego
Published: September 2023

Alternative and often disruptive urban processes in the Global South, such as container urbanism, are gradually pushing urban planning institutions towards the margins of urban governance and transformation. Understanding how urban institutional actors perceive and respond to these emerging processes is thus crucial for unravelling the rationalities that actively transform the spatial configuration of cities. Drawing on the concept of spatial rationalities, this article examines the institutional dynamics of the unprecedented spatial diffusion of container urbanism in Accra, Ghana. The article makes two contributions to the literature. First, it shows that the continuation of a neoliberal urban governance agenda has shifted the institutional perception of container urbanism as a form of aberration. Second, it sheds light on how the actions by institutional actors to recuperate spatial order are often eclipsed by political interferences, creating an illusion of control in the management of urban space. Consequently, the article calls for a reassessment of impractical regulatory mechanisms that target container users and other informal modes of appropriating urban space with far-reaching consequences for urban citizenship and the right to the city.
Entrepreneurs beyond neoliberalism: Municipally owned corporations and climate change mitigation in German cities
Authors: Wansleben Leon , Neumann Nils
Published: September 2023

Urban studies have shown that the affordances, constraints and forms of urban climate change mitigation often emerge from ‘entrepreneurial’ modes of governance that have developed in post-Fordist cities. However, comparative research stresses that concepts focused on the growing power of private capital under neoliberalisation are inadequate to comprehend developments in German cities. In this article, we argue that municipally owned corporations occupy critical positions in climate change mitigation governance. While municipal ownership of utilities in principle increases local governance capacities, municipally owned corporations’ roles are shaped by fiscal relations and asymmetric organisational capacities between ‘agents’ and ‘principals’. In the case of Cologne, we show that the city has failed to leverage ownership over its public energy utility to decarbonise energy provision. Managers were able to assert corporate interests in the face of fragmented political actors and entrenched fiscal crisis. In this context of political incapacity and fragmentation, environmental social movements become important actors for translating widely shared decarbonisation objectives into concrete political demands towards municipally owned corporations.