bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence and Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention on Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Ningbo , Hu Hongxia , Li Jie , Shi Shaoli , Wei Yuling , Li Yanhong , Sun Wenwen
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the impact and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention in patients with schizophrenia. In animal experiments, a total of 48 rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CG), model group (MG), Albizia flower flavonoid group
(AFFG), and clozapine group (CLG). Each group consisted of 12 rats. After treatment, MK-801 was administered to the MG, AFFG, and CLG to establish schizophrenia rat models, while the CG received physiological saline. Cognitive abilities, hippocampal pathology, and protein expression were evaluated,
and the expression levels of c-fos, cleaved Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax were determined. In clinical trials, the study included 82 patients with schizophrenia treated at our hospital from February 2022 to February 2023. They were divided into the observation group (OG) and the experimental group
(EG), with 41 cases in each group. The EG received aripiprazole and self-formulated TCM decoction, while the OG received aripiprazole. The PANSS scores and quality of life levels were compared. The results revealed impaired cognition, altered protein expression, and increased pathology in
the MG compared to the CG. The AFFG and CLG exhibited enhanced cognition, improved protein expression, and reduced pathology when compared to the MG. Clinical findings demonstrated significantly lower PANSS scores and improved quality of life in the EG compared to the OG. In conclusion, Albizia
flower flavonoids effectively modulated protein expression, ameliorated cognitive dysfunction, and reduced pathology. Additionally, the decoction decoction enhanced cognition and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting promising clinical applications.
Association Between Paclitaxel and Stroke: Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Chen Bingwu , Zhou Xian , Yang Tao , Xu Meixia , Liu Tao , Dai Zhong , Bi Chuanhua , Xu Tao
Published: November 2023

Paclitaxel, a naturally derived anticancer drug extracted from the plant Taxus brevifolia, holds significant medicinal and clinical value. Recently, more and more studies have shown that paclitaxel may be involved in the risk of stroke. However, there is still controversy over
the relationship between the two at present. The objective of this study is to investigate a causality between paclitaxel and stroke using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Summary statistics for paclitaxel and stroke were derived from multiple comprehensive genome-wide association
studies. The Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method was used for preliminary analysis. Additionally, MR Steiger was employed to evaluate the robustness of these genetic variants in relation to paclitaxel and stroke. This study did not find a correlation between paclitaxel and stroke (OR:
1.008; 95% CI: 0.894–1.013, P = 0.270). This relationship was supported by other analysis methods as well. Furthermore, MR Steiger’s analysis confirmed a causal relationship between paclitaxel and stroke ( “TRUE”). Our research has shown that paclitaxel does
not lead to stroke, and further exploration of the relationship between the two is still needed.
Overview of Marginal Lands in Henan Province, China and Evaluation of Development Potential of Biomass-To-Liquid Fuels
Authors: Zhang Lu , Sun Tanglei , Huhe Taoli , Liu Peng , Li Xueqin , Li Yanling , Lei Tingzhou , Chen Yong
Published: November 2023

Developing marginal lands to plant energy crops and then develop biomass-to-liquid fuels is an effective way to ease the energy crisis, promote greenhouse gas emission reduction, and protect the natural ecological environment. Taking Henan Province, China as a research object, the research
obtained spatial distributions and areas of marginal lands in the province by processing remote-sensing data for land use using software ArcGIS. Marginal lands in Henan Province were classified into the first-class, second-class, and third-class ones by selecting key natural conditions including
the soil thickness, slope, soil texture (sand volume fraction), accumulated temperature above 10 °C, organic matter content, and total annual precipitation as indices. The research showed that the total area of marginal lands in the province is 1.68×104 km2,
including 0.62×104 km2 of first-class marginal lands, 0.83×104 km2 of second-class marginal lands, and 0.23×104 km2 of third-class marginal lands. Taking production of bioethanol with sugar grass as an example,
8.92×107 t of sugar grass can be harvested on the marginal lands in Henan Province, which can be converted into 5.80×106 t of bioethanol, equivalent to 6.96×106 t of standard coal. The research can provide reference for realizing energy structure
optimization and consolidating energy security in Henan Province.
Sport Medicine Principles Augment Healing Response in Spinal Cord Injury in a Rat Model Treated with a Curcumin-Loaded Nanocomposite Hydrogel
Authors: Zhao Bo , Huang Hao
Published: November 2023

In this research, the potential healing function of regular exercise on spinal cord injury healing response was investigated in a rat model. The animals were treated with curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles dispersed in a calcium alginate hydrogel containing endometrial stem cells.
Study showed the animals that received both regular exercise and hydrogel showed significantly better histopathological signs and functional recovery than the other groups. Histopathological studies showed that edema, vacuolation, and fibrosis were significantly lower in this group. Gene expression
studies showed that the hybrid treatment upregulated the expression levels of VEGF, b-FGF, and TGF-β genes.
miR-146a-Modified Lung Fibroblast Attenuates Transforming Growth Factor Beta-Induced Fibrosis Progress via Downregulation of Early Growth Response Factor 1
Authors: Li Minjing , Liang Yueming , Wen Yeliang , Chen Yaofeng , Liu Jian
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the role of miR-146a in lung fibrosis, specifically focusing on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is characterized by excessive alveolar fibrosis and collagen synthesis. The study aimed to explore the impact and mechanism of miR-146a on lung fibrosis
using in vitro methods. Human lung fibroblasts (LFs) were transfected with miR-146a mimics and inhibitors to examine their effects. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was used to activate LFs for 24 hours, while phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated cells
served as the control group. The transfection efficiency, level of LFs activation, collagen expression, and cell viability were investigated. The results demonstrated that administration of miR-146a mimics attenuated LFs activation and reduced collagen levels by inhibiting the expression of
EGR1, an important factor involved in cell proliferation and differentiation that is positively associated with fibrogenesis. On the other hand, miR-146a inhibitor increased EGR1 expression, but did not significantly affect LFs activation and collagen expression. Furthermore, rescuing EGR1
expression reversed the decrease in LFs activation and collagen expression induced by increased levels of miR-146a. These findings indicate that miR-146a overexpression has an anti-fibrotic effect on LFs by inhibiting EGR1 expression, thereby restraining cell activation and reducing collagen
deposition. Therefore, miR-146a holds promise as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating lung fibrosis diseases.
Mequinol-Loaded Nano Clay Drug Carriers in a Gelatin Hydrogel for Wound Healing: An Antiinflammatory and Antioxidant Treatment Modality
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Wang Yan
Published: November 2023

In the current study, mequinol was loaded into clay nanoparticles and the resulting nanocarriers were dispersed in a gelatin hydrogel to prepare a potential wound dressing material. The developed nanocomposite hydrogels were characterized regarding their biocompatibility, swelling,
radical scavenging activity, swelling potential, and release profile. The healing function of the produce wound dressing was investigated in a rat model of diabetic wound healing. In vitro studies showed that our developed hydrogel was not toxic against the skin cells and was conductive
for their adhesion and proliferation. In vivo study showed that mequinol-loaded nanocomposite hydrogels augmented the rate of wound size reduction in diabetic rats by improving wounds’ epithelialization and deposition of collagen fibers.
A Hierarchically Micro- and Nanofibrous Hybrid Hydrogel Derived from Decellularized Skin Matrix with High Bioactivity and Tunable Mechanical Properties for Accelerated Wound Healing
Authors: Wu Jiahui , Deng Rongli , Liu Mingsheng , Chen Jiaxin , Bai Ying , Lu Jiang , Zhou Jing , Quan Daping
Published: November 2023

Because of its exceptional biocompatibility and bioactivity, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) has attracted the interest of researchers in tissue regeneration and wound recovery. However, the processibility of such biomaterial remains a great challenge in tissue engineering.
Herein, porcine decellularized skin matrix (pDSM) was enzymatically digested into a pDSM-sol, which was then mechanically mixed with micron-sized short pDSM fibers resulted from wet electrospinning, to eventually achieve a reinforced hybrid hydrogel with interpenetrating nano- and microstructures.
The physical properties of this hybrid hydrogel were evaluated by varying the concentration of pDSM-sol, composition of the gel/fiber contents, and the length of short pDSM microfibers. Furthermore, bioscaffolds fabricated by such dual-scale nanofibrous hydrogels were tested in both in
vitro laboratory conditions and in vivo living systems to evaluate their proficiency in wound repair. It’s noteworthy that the incorporation of short fibers led to the acceleration of the sol–gel transition, resulting in a significant enhancement of the hybrid hydrogel’s
storage modulus, coupled with a reduction in its degradation rate. This hybrid hydrogel, co-cultured separately with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and RAW264.7 cells, can promote the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from both cell types. Additionally,
it facilitates the secretion of M2 phenotype characteristic proteins from RAW264.7 cells. Finally, the implantation of hybrid hydrogel scaffolds led to highly facilitated regeneration effects, including wound healing, collagen deposition, suppression of inflammation, and angiogenesis in a
skin-defected rat model. These promising results indicate that such hybrid hydrogels with hierarchical micro- and nanofibrous structures have shown great application potential in future regenerative medicine.
Resveratrol Inhibited Nanoparticles Stromal Interaction Molecule 2 in Regulating miR-20b-5p Signaling Pathway to Improve Mitochondrial Function During Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Qian , Wang Li , Wen Yulong , Jia Xiaolan
Published: November 2023

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in diabetes can cause severe myocardial damages. In this study, resveratrol (RES) nanoparticles were used in diabetic myocardial IR rat model injury to assess its effect on mitochondria function. Rat models were assigned into sham group, IR group,
IR+RES group, IR+RES+mir-NC group, and IR+RES+miR-20b-5p inhibitor group. Myocardial infarction area was measured by TTC in 5 rats from each group, and ultrasound was used to detect left ventricular end-systolic internal diameters (LVIDs) and end-diastolic internal diameters (LVIDd), along
with analysis of cardiomyopathy by HE staining. miR-20b-5p and Stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2) expressions, cardiomyocyte proliferation, apoptosis, cell viability, mitochondrial function, and relationship between miR-20b-5p and STIM2 were also analyzed. Resveratrol (RES) nanoparticles
were prepared successfully. Myocardial infarct size, LVIDd and LVIDs of rats in IR+RES group decreased (vs. IR group), but were higher than sham group. miR-20b-5p expression also increased in the IR+RES group (vs. IR group), and the above indicators were decreased by the miR-20b-5p inhibitor
(vs. IR+RES group, P <0.05). The myocardial changes in rats from the IR+RES+miR-20b-5p antagomir group were smaller (vs. IR group), while STIM2 expression was lower than in the IR group after using the RES nanoparticles (P < 0.05). RES nanoparticles can thus enhance mitochondrial
function and cell viability of cardiomyocytes, increasing cell proliferation rate and decreasing apoptosis rate (vs. IR group,P <0.05). After using the RES nanoparticles to interfere with myocardial IR in the diabetic rats, they were found to inhibit STIM2 and improve mitochondria
by regulating miR-20b-5p signaling pathway.
Polyacrylic Acid-Modified Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Differentiate Between Hyperplastic and Metastatic Breast Cancer Lymph Nodes
Authors: Hu Heping , Fu Guangyi , Ding Zhao , Hu Yiguo , Luo Guilin , Yin Zongning
Published: November 2023

The recognition of lymph node (LN) metastasis is critical for breast cancer staging. Axillary lymph node (ALN) puncture or resection followed by biopsy, to determine whether the presence of metastasis is the diagnostic ‘gold standard’ for axillary lymph node metastasis.
This procedure is an invasive procedure that triggers a series of complications. To solve this problem, we developed an ultrasmall superparamagnetic polyacrylic acid-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (PAA@IONs), which exhibit excellent physicochemical characteristics and are extremely stable
in the aqueous state. They had an average hydrated particle size of 37.81±0.80 nm, average zeta potential of −38.7±3.8 mV, relaxivity R1 of 25.53±1.58 s−1mM−1, and R2 of 43.10±3.43 s−1mM−1.
Animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the inflammatory hyperplasia model and tumor metastasis model of lymph nodes showed that the samples could effectively detect the metastasized tumors in lymph nodes (n =8). The inflammatory lymphadenopathy did not affect lymph node diagnosis,
and this property helped overcome the challenge of current lymph node diagnosis, showing high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (83%). Body weight, hematology, coagulation parameters, serum biochemistry, gross anatomy, and histopathological examination of all Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats after
intravenous administration of single or multiple doses of PAA@IONs showed no abnormal findings. Therefore, the ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles constructed herein are a promising contrast agent for nodal tumor staging.
Regional Characteristics of Attribution Risk on the Record-High-Temperature Event of 2022 Rainy Season in Japan
Authors: Ito Rui , Imada Yukiko , Kawase Hiroaki
Published: November 2023

The attribution of 2022’s high temperatures in Japan to human-induced climate change exhibits significant regional variability, with FARs of 0.33–1, influenced by large-scale wind changes and regional topography.
Changes in Weather Systems during Anomalously Wet and Dry Years in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Jin Chenhui , Reeder Michael J. , Gallant Ailie J. E. , Parker Tess , Sprenger Michael
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the rainfall-producing weather systems in the southern Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), Australia. These weather systems are divided into objects: cyclones, fronts, anticyclones, warm conveyor belt (WCB) inflows, WCB ascents, potential vorticity (PV) streamers, and cutoff lows. We investigate the changes in the frequency, amplitude, and relative position of these objects as the daily and seasonal rainfall change. Days on which the rainfall is heavy, especially in winter, are characterized by more PV streamers, cutoff lows, cyclones, fronts, and WCBs in the region. In contrast, dry days are characterized by more anticyclones over southeastern Australia in winter and summer. The effect of upper-level weather objects (PV streamers and cutoff lows) on lower-level objects, and their importance in producing rainfall, is quantified using the quasigeostrophic ω equation and separating the vertical motion into that induced by the upper and lower levels. On heavy rainfall days in winter, PV streamers and cutoff lows force strong upward motion in the lower troposphere, promoting cyclogenesis at lower levels, forcing ascent in the WCBs, and producing rain downstream of the southern MDB. Lower-level ascent forced by upper-level objects is important for the development of heavy rainfall in both seasons, although particularly in winter. Rainfall is attributed to individual objects. PV streamers and WCBs contribute most to the winter and summer rainfall, respectively. The difference in rainfall between anomalously wet and dry years can be explained in winter by the changes in the rainfall associated with PV streamers, whereas in summer it is mostly due to a reduction in the rainfall associated with WCBs.

Significance Statement

The aim of the present study is to better understand how synoptic-scale weather systems differ in southeastern Australia in dry and wet periods, by considering a wide range of weather systems. We found weather systems are more closely aligned in the vertical on heavy rainfall days, and the majority of rainfall in this region is associated with warm conveyor belts. These results point to warm conveyor belts being an important, but not well recognized, contributor to rainfall in this region. Future work may investigate the roles of the various modes of variability and climate change in modulating warm conveyor belts and hence the regional rainfall variability in Australia.
Reliability of Open Public Electric Vehicle Direct Current Fast Chargers
Authors: Rempel David , Cullen Carleen , Matteson Bryan Mary , Vianna Cezar Gustavo
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim was to systematically evaluate the usability of all public electric vehicles (EV) direct current fast chargers (DCFC) in the San Francisco region.

Background

To achieve a rapid transition to EVs, a highly reliable and easy to use charging infrastructure is critical to building confidence among consumers.

Methods

The functionality and usability of all 182 open, public DCFC charging stations with CCS connectors (combined charging system) in the 9 counties of the Bay Area were tested (655 electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) ports). An EVSE was classified as functional if it charged an EV for 2 minutes.

Results

Overall, 73.3% of the 655 EVSEs were functional. The causes of the nonfunctioning EVSEs (23.5%) were blank or unresponsive screens or error messages; payment system failures; charge initiation failures; network failures; or broken connectors. In addition, the cable was too short to reach the EV inlet for 3.2% of the EVSEs. A random sampling of 10% of the EVSEs, approximately 8 days after the first evaluation, found no overall change in functionality.

Conclusions

The level of functionality found with field testing conflicts with the 95–98% uptime reported by the EV service providers (EVSPs) who operate the EV charging stations. There is a need for precise and verifiable definitions of uptime, downtime, and excluded time, as applied to public EV chargers.

Application

The level of failure of the existing public EV DCFC charge infrastructure highlights the importance of improving the system design and maintenance to improve adoption of EVs.
Strength-based cognitive-behavioural therapy and peer-to-peer support in the recovery process for people with schizophrenia: A randomised control trial
Authors: Wong Daniel Fu Keung , Cheung Yves Cho Ho , Oades Lindsay G , Ye Shengquan Sam , Ng Yat-nam Petrus
Published: November 2023

Background and aims:

Dysfunctional cognition and negative symptoms in schizophrenia are associated with persistently low social functioning and quality of life (QoL). Recovery interventions report only a modest effect in improving social functioning and QoL. This study examined the therapeutic effects and pathways of interventions using strength-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (SBCBT) and peer-to-peer support (PSP) approaches.

Methods:

A randomised control trial compared SBCBT, PSP and TAU (treatment-as-usual) by recruiting 127 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and low social functioning.

Results:

The three-group comparison found SBCBT produced improved social functioning and social support at post-intervention and 6-month follow-up while PSP reported improved social QoL and defeatist beliefs, but none remained at 6-month follow-up. Unsurprising, no improvement was found in any areas for TAU, both at post-test and 6-month follow-up. Regarding mechanisms of change, improvements in hope and personal recovery consistently and significantly accounted for improvements in social functioning and many aspects of QoL of participants, thus indicating the important contribution of hope and personal recovery in strength-based interventions for people with schizophrenia.

Conclusion:

This rigorously designed study provides the first few solid empirical evidence on the effectiveness of SBCBT and PSP in recovery from schizophrenia and provides initial evidence of the linkage between dysfunctional cognition, hope and recovery in schizophrenia.
Powerless? Gender Regimes and Women’s Place in Uganda’s Political Parties
Authors: Muzee Hannah
Published: November 2023

Multiparty politics in Uganda in some ways opened the political space for women and also reinforced the patriarchal nature of parliamentary and electoral politics. Women are increasingly used as appendages and tools to further the political dominance of the ruling government. So, while they seem to be visible, their voices and substantive representation is controlled by the parties’ executive wings. This paper identifies and describes the gender regimes of Ugandan political parties, showing how women are systematically alienated by party politics. The analysis of party constitutions and structures revealed antipathy towards gender equality demonstrated in male dominance of top positions and positions of valuable portfolios, deputization of women and the use of women’s leagues to promote party agendas. Although women’s participation is supported legislatively, there is a need for women’s leagues to operate autonomously from the party.
Distillation-based fabric anomaly detection
Authors: Thomine Simon , Snoussi Hichem
Published: November 2023

Unsupervised texture anomaly detection has been a concerning topic in a vast number of industrial processes. Patterned textures inspection, particularly in the context of fabric defect detection, is indeed a widely encountered use case. This task involves handling a diverse spectrum of colors and textile types, encompassing a wide range of fabrics. Given the extensive variability in colors, textures, and defect types, fabric defect detection poses a complex and challenging problem in the field of patterned textures inspection. In this article, we propose a knowledge distillation-based approach tailored specifically for addressing the challenge of unsupervised anomaly detection in textures resembling fabrics. Our method aims to redefine the recently introduced reverse distillation approach, which advocates for an encoder-decoder design to mitigate classifier bias and to prevent the student from reconstructing anomalies. In this study, we present a new reverse distillation technique for the specific task of fabric defect detection. Our approach involves a meticulous design selection that strategically highlights high-level features. To demonstrate the capabilities of our approach both in terms of performance and inference speed, we conducted a series of experiments on multiple texture datasets, including Machine Vision Technology Development Corporation (MVTEC) anomaly detection, Asociación de Investigación de la Industria Textil (AITEX), and TILDA, alongside conducting experiments on a dataset acquired from a textile manufacturing facility. The main contributions of this paper are the following: a robust texture anomaly detector utilizing a reverse knowledge-distillation technique suitable for both anomaly detection and domain generalization and a novel dataset encompassing a diverse range of fabrics and defects.
Synthesis, recovery, and application of environmentally friendly disperse dyes with high light fastness
Authors: Jin Liang , Qian Tao , Cheng Yujun , Qi Dongming , Xin John H. , Xia Gang , Cui Zhihua
Published: November 2023

Dye wastewater has attracted great attention due to high pollution and toxicity which can cause harm to the living environment. It is common for azo-disperse dyes to be used to dye hydrophobic fibers. A reduction clearing method is used to eliminate the dye particles on the fabric after dyeing. However, when azo disperse dyes on the fiber surface are eliminated by the reduction clearing process, this can give rise to an effluent discharge due to the presence of sodium hydrosulfite. The introduction of carboxylic ester groups into dye molecules can effectively avoid this issue. Six novel environmentally friendly alkali-clearable disperse dyes, containing cyano and carboxylic ester groups, were readily synthesized by a diazo coupling reaction with various diazo components. Their dyeing properties on polyethylene terephthalate fabrics were respectively measured and compared with those of commercial reference dyes. It was indicated that some fastness properties of the synthesized dyes on polyethylene terephthalate fabrics after the alkali clearing were improved compared with those of the reference dyes due to the existence of the carboxylic ester group. Moreover, the chromaticity of dye wastewater can be further reduced by recovering hydrolyzed dyes.
Young adults’ experiences of ageism in the United Kingdom: Forms, sources, and associations with intergenerational attitudes
Authors: Fowler Craig , Gasiorek Jessica
Published: November 2023

Although previous research suggests that a large proportion of young adults experience ageism, information is scarce regarding exactly how often they encounter different forms of age-based discrimination. To address this lacuna, we recruited young adults from the U.K. to complete four weekly surveys in which they reported the number of days during the preceding week on which they experienced various forms of ageism. More than three-quarters of our respondents experienced some form of ageism at least once during the reporting period, and more than one-quarter of respondents experienced ageism (on average) at least once per week during the reporting period. The most oft-encountered forms of ageism encountered by young adults involved being shown a lack of respect/being patronized and having other people make assumptions about their cognitive or social characteristics. Most commonly, the perpetrators of ageism were middle-aged and later middle-aged persons (rather than older people) encountered in the course of employment. The number of days on which young adults experienced ageism was inversely correlated with the degree to which they believed middle-aged and later-middle aged adults held positive stereotypes of young adults, and positively predicted the desire to avoid interaction with middle-aged, late middle-aged, and older adults.
Tensor train for global optimization problems in robotics
Authors: Shetty Suhan , Lembono Teguh , Löw Tobias , Calinon Sylvain
Published: November 2023

The convergence of many numerical optimization techniques is highly dependent on the initial guess given to the solver. To address this issue, we propose a novel approach that utilizes tensor methods to initialize existing optimization solvers near global optima. Our method does not require access to a database of good solutions. We first transform the cost function, which depends on both task parameters and optimization variables, into a probability density function. Unlike existing approaches, the joint probability distribution of the task parameters and optimization variables is approximated using the Tensor Train model, which enables efficient conditioning and sampling. We treat the task parameters as random variables, and for a given task, we generate samples for decision variables from the conditional distribution to initialize the optimization solver. Our method can produce multiple solutions (when they exist) faster than existing methods. We first evaluate the approach on benchmark functions for numerical optimization that are hard to solve using gradient-based optimization solvers with a naive initialization. The results show that the proposed method can generate samples close to global optima and from multiple modes. We then demonstrate the generality and relevance of our framework to robotics by applying it to inverse kinematics with obstacles and motion planning problems with a 7-DoF manipulator.
Does a Five-Day Drama Program Support Men in Prison to Develop Their Self-Confidence?
Authors: Brooks Emily E. L.
Published: November 2023

This paper evaluates an established five-day drama project, designed, and delivered by a professional company, aimed to support the development of self-confidence of seven men with a history of substance misuse in a category C prison. The project involved creation of a safe space, improvised role-play, development of communication skills, and exploration of substance misuse, culminating in a performance. Audience members included prison staff, governors, healthcare staff, and prisoners. A mixed method approach was used to evaluate the project. Participant’s pre and post project self-confidence and feelings of positivity were collated by a questionnaire compromising of closed questions and measured using a Likert scale. On the last day of the project qualitative interviews were conducted using open ended questions. The findings conclude that the use of drama can support development of self-confidence in men in prison. The project encouraged skills such as, commitment, communication, collaboration, and motivation enhancing the likelihood of rehabilitation and promoting crime abstinence. Further research with a larger sample size will identify if the changes the men experienced were statistically significant and maintained.
Walking and Walkability in Delhi: Dissonance between Environmental Perception and Behavior
Authors: Mondschein Andrew
Published: November 2023

Prior research on perceived walkability finds generally positive associations between walkability, walking behavior, and well-being. However, these relationships are little examined in the Global South, particularly in locations with significant environmental stressors. This study examined relationships between perceived walkability, walking behavior, and subjective well-being, using a survey of residents in two neighborhoods in Delhi, India. In particular, it examined whether perceived walkability covaried with walking behavior under conditions of environmental stress, and how walking and perceptions of the walking environment affected subjective well-being. Following a descriptive examination of mobility and perceptions, the concept of “walking dissonance” was empirically operationalized, a condition in which individuals walk frequently despite negative perceptions of walkability. Multivariate linear regression assessed the relationship between walking dissonance and subjective well-being, controlling for other factors. The results showed that in these neighborhoods, perceptions of low environmental quality were associated with perceptions of poor walking conditions. Nevertheless, walking behavior did not consistently correlate with these perceptions. Conflict between walking perceptions and behavior may be associated with impacts to well-being that should concern decision makers investing in transportation infrastructure and the built environment.
Erastin induces ferroptosis in cervical cancer cells via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Xiaoning , Huang Qiaoqiao , Huang Jinbing , Yu Li , Chen Junying
Published: November 2023

Objective

Our research aims to assess the influence of erastin, a ferroptosis-inducing agent, on cervical cancer cells.

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a prevalent malignancy in females. Dysregulation of ferroptosis, a form of cell demise reliant on iron, is implicated in several cancers.

Methods

The effect of erastin on HeLa and SiHa was detected by transwell assay, scratch test, and colony formation assay, while cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was detected using the dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay. Sequencing analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Enrichment analyses were employed to identify the target gene. Subsequently, the utilization of small interfering RNA (siRNA) was employed to suppress the targeted gene expression in HeLa cells, thereby effectively mitigating the impact of erastin on various cellular processes including invasion, colony formation, migration, and ROS generation.

Results

The findings indicate that erastin attenuates the viability of both HeLa cells (IC50 = 30.88 µM) and SiHa cells (IC50 = 29.40 µM). Treatment with erastin at 10 µM inhibits the invasion, colony formation, and migration of both HeLa and SiHa cells within 24 h. Ferrostatin-1 (1 µM) notably alleviates the inhibitory effects of erastin of HeLa and SiHa cells. Upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), was found in erastin-treated cells compared to the control group. When knocked down HO-1 in HeLa cells, effectively counteracting the effects of erastin on the invasion, colony formation, migration, and ROS production in HeLa cells.

Conclusion

Our research demonstrates that erastin induces ferroptosis and the accumulation of ROS in cervical cancer cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, significantly reducing cell proliferation and motility. These findings propose a potential molecular mechanism of erastin-mediated cervical cancer development.
Improvement of heat release methodologies using mass loss calorimeter and oxygen consumption hood to assess flammability of wood plastic composites
Authors: Dietenberger Mark A , Boardman Charles R , Stark Nicole
Published: November 2023

The mass loss calorimeter provides a robust method for evaluating flammability of very sooty materials such as wood plastic composites as a lower cost and rugged alternative to the reliable and effective cone calorimeter. The high amounts of smoke and carbon monoxide associated with these materials resulted in a much-reduced heat release rate, resulting in incomplete combustion of the diffusion flame, which required modifications to the standards in measuring heat release rate via oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide production or thermopiles. In addition to liquid fuels of ethylene glycol and methanol, the solids polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate were used as calibration materials for the mass loss calorimeter and the instrumented heat release rate hood. Because of concerns about the flue gas thermopile methodology for heat release rate measurements, a second thermopile was attached to the exterior of the metal pipe chimney typically used for heat release rate calculations in the mass loss calorimeter. A heat balance analysis indicated that this is an effective design compared with alternative designs. Estimates of flaming heat release rate are reported using both signals from the thermopiles for calculation of heat release rates and confirmed with the updated oxygen consumption analysis under an instrumented hood. This special fire test arrangement was used to assess the flammability of four different wood plastic composites, some with fire-retardant treatments, such as ammonium polyphosphate and brominated, all of which tended to have high smoke production leading to high-radiant energy losses. The reduction of heat release rate with 10% by content of fire-retardant treatment was confirmed by both heat release rate measures. The average heat release rate decreased 19% to 39% when fire retardants were added, relative to this wood flour–polyethylene composite.
A wearable system to assist impaired-neck patients: Design and evaluation
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Sadedel Majid , Moghaddam Majid Mohammadi
Published: November 2023

Patients with neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy, often face challenges due to head-neck immobility. The conventional treatment approach involves using a neck collar to maintain an upright head position, but this can be cumbersome and restricts head-neck movements over prolonged periods. This study introduces a wearable robot capable of providing three anatomical head motions for training and assistance. The primary contributions of this research include the design of an optimized structure and the incorporation of human-robot interaction. Based on human head motion data, our primary focus centered on developing a robot capable of accommodating a significant range of neutral head movements. To ensure safety, impedance control was employed to facilitate human-robot interaction. A human study was conducted involving 10 healthy subjects who participated in an experiment to assess the robot’s assistance capabilities. Passive and active modes were used to evaluate the robot’s effectiveness, taking into account head-neck movement error and muscle activity levels. Surface electromyography signals (sEMG) were collected from the splenius capitis muscles during the experiment. The results demonstrated that the robot covered nearly 85% of the overall range of head rotations. Importantly, using the robot during rehabilitation led to reduced muscle activation, highlighting its potential for assisting individuals with post-stroke movement impairments.
Palaeoenvironmental changes in eastern Crimea over the last 7600 years inferred from a multi-proxy study of a sediment archive from Lake Chokrak
Authors: Rohozin Yevhenii , Ljung Karl
Published: November 2023

The study presents a multi-proxy archive from hypersaline coastal Lake Chokrak in eastern Crimea, a steppe region which is particularly susceptible to moisture fluctuations. XRF, organic carbon and nitrogen, and palynological analyses are used to reconstruct the evolution of the lake and landscape development around it and to provide information about the driving forces behind those changes, such as climate and human impact. The findings show that the basin was an open marine bay between 7640 and 5500 cal. yr BP. After 5500 cal. yr BP, the low rates of sea-level rise led to gradual infilling of the basin. The prevalence of mesic herb-grass steppe around the site, as well as the expansion of broad-leaved trees in the Crimean mountains, indicate relatively warm and humid climate conditions during the Mid-Holocene. Elemental proxies and marine NPPs point to a transition to lagoonal conditions from 4270 cal. yr BP. The progressive shallowing of the basin was accompanied by the spread of more xeric Artemisia-grass steppe, which suggests a shift to arid conditions. The occurrence of cereal pollen from 3660 cal. yr BP may indicate the first signs of cultivation in the study area. The active build-up of a sand barrier from 3000 cal. yr BP led to a gradual separation of the basin from the sea. By 900 cal. yr BP, the fully-formed sand barrier resulted in a transformation of the lagoon into a hypersaline lake. The closing of the lagoon was accompanied by an expansion of halophytic communities around the site. Human-induced vegetation changes became more pronounced with the development of agrarian and pastoral activities around the site from ca. 750 cal. yr BP.
Application of mid-infrared spectroscopy for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of organic matter in Holocene sediment records
Authors: Ninnes Sofia , Meyer-Jacob Carsten , Tolu Julie , Bindler Richard , Cortizas Antonio Martínez
Published: November 2023

The organic matter composition of lake sediments influences important in-lake biogeochemical processes and stores information on environmental changes. Extracting this information is notoriously difficult because of the complexity of the organic matter matrix, which routinely imposes trade-offs between high temporal and analytical detail in the selection of methods of analysis. Here, we demonstrate the potential of diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) for achieving both of these objectives using untreated bulk samples from two Holocene lake-sediment cores from central Sweden. We develop quantitative models for sediment total organic carbon (TOC) with the same predictive abilities as models based on samples diluted with KBr and qualitatively characterize the organic matter using a spectra processing-pipeline combined with principal component analysis. In the qualitative analysis we identified four organic matter sub-fractions and the interpretation of these is supported and further advanced with molecular data from pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Within these organic fractions, compound groups such as aromatics, lignin, aliphatics, proteins and polysaccharides were identified by means of DRIFTS and the analyses and processes outlined here enables rapid and detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of sediment organic matter. The DRIFTS approach can be used as stand-alone method for OM characterization with high temporal resolution in Holocene sediment records. It may also function as a screening process for more specific analyses of sample subsets, such as when coupled with pyrolysis-GC/MS to further tease apart the OM composition, identify sources and determine degradation status.
A sequence of abrupt climatic fluctuations in the north-eastern Caribbean related to the 8.2 ka event
Authors: Vieten Rolf , Warken Sophie F , Winter Amos , Scholz Denis , Zanchettin Davide , Black David , Lachniet Matthew
Published: November 2023

A speleothem collected from Palco Cave (Puerto Rico) spans the 8.2 ka event, a time interval associated with fluctuations of Atlantic Ocean circulation and possible drying in the Caribbean region. While stalagmite δ18O, δ13C, and Mg/Ca data do not show a sustained change in mean state over the 8.2 ka event, the proxies provide robust evidence for three abrupt fluctuations toward drier conditions in rapid succession, each lasting less than two decades, occurring at 8.20, 8.14, and 8.02 ka BP. A cave monitoring program at Palco Cave supports the interpretation of the speleothem proxy records. Because changes in the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) are directly coupled to sea-surface temperature variations in the North Atlantic, we hypothesize that cold events in the North Atlantic temporarily limited the northward migration of the ITCZ and tropical rain belt in boreal summer during these abrupt drying periods. The speleothem record suggests that the 8.2 ka event was associated with rapid rainfall fluctuations in the northern Caribbean followed by a comparably warm and wet phase after the 8.2 ka event. This enhanced variability during the transitional period of the deglaciation appears to be linked to a fast coupling between interacting oceanic and atmospheric processes. This involves, in particular, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in modulating interhemispheric heat transport.
A trainable object finder, selector and identifier for pollen, spores and other things: A step towards automated pollen recognition in lake sediments
Authors: Theuerkauf Martin , Siradze Nia , Gillert Alexander
Published: November 2023

Pollen records are the most important proxy for reconstructing past terrestrial vegetation. While new approaches for improved quantitative interpretation of pollen data have been developed over the last decades, the availability of pollen records remains mostly limited because pollen samples are still analysed manually, which is a time-consuming task and requires extensive training. Here, we present an approach for automated recognition of pollen and spores from lake sediments using deep convolutional neural networks and machine learning. The approach includes two stages. The detector first locates pollen and spores in the sample matrix, and the classifier then classifies these objects. We have trained the approach on two pollen datasets from two lakes in north-eastern Germany. So far, our approach is able to automatically recognise 10 pollen types and Lycopodium spores with high accuracy. As soon as more training data are available, more pollen and spore types can be added. The preparation of training data, the training of the neural networks and their application are accessible via a freely available, browser-based user interface called TOFSI.
Nrf2 attenuates methamphetamine-induced myocardial injury by regulating oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice
Authors: Yu Hao , Peng Yanxia , Dong Wenjuan , Shen Baoyu , Yang Genmeng , Nie Qianyun , Tian Yan , Qin Lixiang , Song Chunhui , Chen Bingzheng , Zhao Yongna , Li Lihua , Hong Shijun
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse is a serious social problem worldwide. Cardiovascular complications were the second leading cause of death among MA abusers. We aimed to clarify the effects of MA on myocardial injury, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in myocardial cells and to explore the potential mechanism of nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in MA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Methods

An acute cardiac toxicity model of MA was established by intraperitoneal injection of MA (2 mg/kg) for 5 days. Nrf2 activation (by sulforaphane (SFN) 1 h before MA injection) and Nrf2 gene knockout were performed to explore the regulatory effects of Nrf2 on cardiac toxicity.

Results

The protein expressions of Nrf2 ( p < .001) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were increased ( p < .01), suggesting that MA activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. In the MA group, cardiac injury score ( p < .001) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) protein expression increased ( p < .01). Malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased ( p < .001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased ( p < .05). Protein expressions of Caspase-3 ( p < .001) and Bax ( p < .001) increased, and Bcl-2 decreased ( p < .001) as well. These changes were reversed by activation of Nrf2 but became more pronounced after Nrf2 knockout, suggested that the activation and knockout of Nrf2 attenuated and aggravated MA-induced myocardial injury, oxidative stress and apoptosis in myocardial cells, respectively.

Conclusions

MA administration induced myocardial injury, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in mice. Nrf2 attenuated MA-induced myocardial injury by regulating oxidative stress and apoptosis, thus playing a protective role.
‘For those few minutes you are free’: The meaning of sport from imprisoned men's perspective
Authors: Müller Johannes
Published: November 2023

Based on an ethnographic study in a German prison, this article explores the question of what meaning incarcerated men attach to sport in light of the loss of freedom and autonomy which according to Sykes are particular ‘pains of imprisonment’. The material shows the following: (1) Incarceration is perceived by imprisoned men as a life under duress and proves to be a stark contrast to life outside prison due to the limited freedom of movement, action and decision making. (2) Sport is a means for incarcerated men to bring back memories of being free and to mentally escape into the time before imprisonment. (3) Sport is one of the few opportunities for imprisoned men to spend time in fresh air, which results in a physically–sensually experienced liberation. (4) Participation in sports enables the incarcerated to temporarily regain freedom of action and decision making. Overall, the findings indicate that sport can best be understood as a help in coping with incarceration. It is concluded from the findings that imprisoned men attach their own meanings to sport, largely detached from the function of sport ascribed by the institution (such as rehabilitation and health promotion).