bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollination service provided by honey bees to buzz-pollinated crops in the Neotropics
Authors: Rocha Franklin H. , Peraza Daniel N. , Medina Salvador , Quezada-Euán José Javier G.
Published: January 2023

Generalist honey bees grant significant pollination services worldwide. Although honey bees can provide compensatory pollination services, their service to buzz-pollinated crops, compared to specialized pollinators, is not clear. In this study, we assessed the contribution of Africanized honey bees (AHB) and native sonicating bees (NBZ) to the pollination of eggplant (Solanum melongena) and annatto (Bixa orellana) in Yucatan, Mexico, one of the largest producers of these crops in the Americas and a region with one of the largest densities of honey bees in the world. We first compared the relative frequency and abundance of both bee types on flowers of both crops. Secondly, we controlled access to flowers to compare the number and weight of fruit and number of seed produced after single visits of AHB and native bees. For a better assessment of pollination services, we evaluated the productivity of individual flowers multiply visited by AHB. The results were compared against treatments using pollinator-excluded flowers and flowers that were supplied with additional pollen, which allowed an overall measure of pollination service provision (PSP). Our results showed that AHB were the predominant flower visitors in both crops and that were poorly efficient on individual visits. Notably, fruit quantity and seed number increased concomitantly with the number of AHB visits per flower on eggplant, but not on annatto. Estimation of PSP revealed no pollination deficit on eggplant but that a deficit existed on the pollination services to annatto. We found that AHB numerical predominance compensates their poor individual performance and can complement the services of native bees on eggplant, but not on annatto. We discuss possible explanations and implications of these results for buzz-pollinated crops in the neotropics an area with little assessment of pollination services and a high density of honey bees.
External validation of VO2max prediction models based on recreational and elite endurance athletes
Authors: Wiecha Szczepan , Kasiak Przemysław Seweryn , Cieśliński Igor , Takken Tim , Palka Tomasz , Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis Τ. , Małek Łukasz A. , Postuła Marek , Mamcarz Artur , Śliż Daniel
Published: January 2023

In recent years, numerous prognostic models have been developed to predict VO2max. Nevertheless, their accuracy in endurance athletes (EA) stays mostly unvalidated. This study aimed to compare predicted VO2max (pVO2max) with directly measured VO2max by assessing the transferability of the currently available prediction models based on their R2, calibration-in-the-large, and calibration slope. 5,260 healthy adult EA underwent a maximal exertion cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) (84.76% male; age 34.6±9.5 yrs.; VO2max 52.97±7.39 mL·min-1·kg-1, BMI 23.59±2.73 kg·m-2). 13 models have been selected to establish pVO2max. Participants were classified into four endurance subgroups (high-, recreational-, low- trained, and “transition”) and four age subgroups (18–30, 31–45, 46–60, and ≥61 yrs.). Validation was performed according to TRIPOD guidelines. pVO2max was low-to-moderately associated with direct CPET measurements (p>0.05). Models with the highest accuracy were for males on a cycle ergometer (CE) (Kokkinos R2 = 0.64), females on CE (Kokkinos R2 = 0.65), males on a treadmill (TE) (Wasserman R2 = 0.26), females on TE (Wasserman R2 = 0.30). However, selected models underestimated pVO2max for younger and higher trained EA and overestimated for older and lower trained EA. All equations demonstrated merely moderate accuracy and should only be used as a supplemental method for physicians to estimate CRF in EA. It is necessary to derive new models on EA populations to include routinely in clinical practice and sports diagnostic.
Relationship between age at menarche and metabolic diseases in Korean postmenopausal women: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2018
Authors: Jung Hyein , Sung Yeon-Ah , Hong Young Sun , Song Do Kyeong , Hong So-hyeon , Lee Hyejin
Published: January 2023

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women. Early menarche may be associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of menarche age and the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome in Korean postmenopausal women.

Methods

We analyzed 4,933 postmenopausal women (mean age: 64.7 years) using the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2016–2018. Subjects were divided into three groups according to menarche age (early menarche: ≤ 12 years (n = 451), reference: 13–16 years (n = 3,421), and late menarche: ≥ 17 years (n = 1,061)). Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Results

Women with an early menarche age were younger, more educated, and had higher income than the other groups (p-value < 0.001). There were no differences in body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and cholesterol levels among the three groups. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, early menarche age was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes (OR 1.435, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.069–1.928). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in all subjects was 41.1%. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the OR of metabolic syndrome in the early menarche group was 1.213 (95% CI: 0.971–1.515)

Conclusion

The risk of diabetes was 1.43 times higher in postmenopausal Korean women with early menarche. Although the risk of metabolic syndrome was not statistically significant, it showed a tendency to increase in the early menarche group. Our results suggest that age at menarche may be helpful in diabetes risk stratification and early interventions for postmenopausal women.
Basic Neurocellular Patterns: Exploring Developmental Movement, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (2018)
Authors: Dymoke Katy
Published: January 2023

Review of: Basic Neurocellular Patterns: Exploring Developmental Movement, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (2018)

El Sobrante, CA: Burchfield Rose Publishers, 430 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-99083-393-2, p/bk, $85.00
The architectural features of socio-spatial transformation in Hassan Al-Imam’s Cairo Trilogy
Authors: El-Feki Sameh , Abdel-Ghani Taher
Published: January 2023

The urban scenery that dominated Cairo since the nineteenth century was a spatial superimposition of tradition and modernity, represented in the social and architectural composition of the city. The cinematic medium in Egypt attempted to visualize such overlap through a vivid depiction of spatial transformations occurring within the micro and macro urban levels revealing hidden aspects of social order and organizational behaviour. This article sheds light on Egyptian filmmaker Hassan Al-Imam’s Cairo Trilogy films, based on the critically acclaimed novels by Nobel Prize laureate Naguib Mahfouz, where the story takes place in the heart of early twentieth-century Cairo spanning from 1917 to 1944. The films’ physical features illustrate the morphology of time and urban space constituting to the socio-spatial narratives of the local setting, a theoretical framework adopted by the authors named cine-spatial representation. Through the examination of such connection within the settings across the three films, the article reveals the influence of non-physical elements on the physicality of architectural and urban space, creating a visual narrative from social collectivism to individualist fragmentation.
Maxillary Sinus Pathology and its Relationship with Pathology and Dental Treatments. Systematic Review
Authors: Areizaga-Madina María , Pardal-Peláez Beatriz , Montero Javier
Published: January 2023

Introduction and objective: The aim of this review is to evaluate to what extent sinus pathology originates from dental pathology or treatment, and to assess the occurrence frequency of sinus pathology in its different forms using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Method: The literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. Forty-two articles were included (25 case series, ten cross- sectional studies, three case-control studies, two cohort studies, one prospective study, and one retrospective study).

Results: Forty-two articles involving a total of 13,191 patients and 17,374 CBCTs were included in this review. The most frequent pathological findings were, by a considerable degree, inflammatory diseases, which represented 75.16% of the total findings, followed by infection (12.13%), tumours (6.88%), and high pneumatisation (2.07%). Within dental pathology, there is a direct Pearson correlation with polyps (1) and opacification (0.999), and an almost direct correlation with retention cysts (0.981) and sinus-associated dental elements (0.972).

Conclusions: Our results further support the argument that dental modifications and treatments are an important cause of sinus pathology. For this reason, dental aetiologies must be taken into account by both dentists, maxillofacial surgeons and ENT when considering the most appropriate treatment for patients with maxillary sinusitis.
The influence of Victoria’s Secret new brand image in generating brand trust, brand prestige, brand love, and brand loyalty
Authors: Ratnadewi Zakiyah Artanti , Aprilianty Fitri , Qastharin Annisa Rahmani , Hidayanti Nurfaisa
Published: January 2023

This research aims to identify the influence of Victoria’s Secret’s rebranding of brand loyalty by assessing its brand trust, brand prestige, and brand love. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach through an online survey and descriptive statistics with PLS- SEM to analyze the data. The results show that Victoria's Secret’s rebranding brand image has a positive influence on brand trust, brand prestige, and brand love; brand trust in Victoria’s Secret’s rebranding brand image does not have a positive effect on brand loyalty, and brand prestige and brand love of Victoria’s Secret’s rebranding brand image has a positive effect on brand loyalty.
Leadership and its Impact on Supervision in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Peprah Williams Kwasi
Published: January 2023

The hospitality industry has a high human capital requirement that depends on leadership to provide supervision for the utmost customer satisfaction. Based on this, this research looks at the impact of leadership on supervision among hotels in Ghana. This research was a causal research design. It investigated the correlational effect of leadership on supervision in the hospitality industry in Ghana. Data obtained from Ghana Tourism Authority’s National Data 2020 on Tourism Human Resource put the employees of 3 to 5 stars hotels as the study population at 7,347. The researcher used a Raosoft sample size calculator to determine a sample size of 366 at a 95% confidence level. A convenience sample technique was used to collect the data. Self-constructed instruments with Cronbach alpha of Leadership .710 and Supervision .751 were used to measure reliability. In answering the relationship question correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship. The study showed a highly positive significant relationship between leadership and supervision. It is recommended that abusive supervision by the leader should be monitored highly and controlled to motivate the supervisee to impact the hotel's performance.
Workplace Bullying and its Impact on Employees’ Morale
Authors: Humza Namra
Published: January 2023

The problem of workplace bullying is one of the most important issues facing society and companies in particular. Many scholars have identified the problem as abuse, fear, harassment, and persecution. Bullies may also be co-workers, clients, customers, suppliers, bosses, and supervisors. Workplace bullying may be seen as a certain, somewhat frequent, unfavourable dynamic that occurs over time in companies. Bullying at work has been linked to various workplace-related problems, including poor health outcomes, decreased job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and increased intention to quit. Bullying is a serious workplace issue that harms both the environment and the workers. This research synthesizes the literature on workplace bullying and how it affects employee morale, productivity, and satisfaction in light of these negative effects of bullying at work.
Possibilities of Studying Epidemics of Cholera in Upper Hungary (Contemporary Slovakia) in the 19th Century
Authors: Golian Jan
Published: January 2023

We can conclude that epidemics in the 19th century reached historical populations in a new way. Sources from this period increasingly show a growing proportion of childhood as well as the arrival of a new strong epidemic of the adult population. It was cholera that decimated the adult population of the European continent, primarily, in several waves. These epidemics can be studied on the basis of different types of primary and secondary sources. In this article, I will present the possibilities of analyzing the primary statistical sources created by churches and the state. Reactions to the course of infectious diseases, applied measures or recommendations for treatment.
The victims of the “Great War” in Transylvania: Recovering the Sources and Designing a Database of Invalids, Orphans, and War Widows
Authors: Holom Elena Crinela , Lumezeanu Angela
Published: January 2023

The present work introduces the scholarly community to a database containing information about the invalids, orphans, and widows of the First World War in Transylvania—the IOW database, which uses data extracted from the files relating to pensions awarded to these social categories as its main sources. These consist primarily of civil status documents, reports on the personal characteristics of the enrolled soldiers, data relating to war participation and testimonies proving disappearance or death in addition to medical records, as well as information regarding the situations of the beneficiaries’ families and the amounts of money they received, and evidence attesting changes in the status of pension beneficiaries. Next, the details were entered into a relational database that will enable multiple scientific investigations in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and legal studies, as well as medicine and history of medicine, and offer the possibility of having a social and cultural impact among the general public and local communities. The preliminary results, drawn from the table relating to widows, illustrate the negative consequences of war on the lives of men, women, and children in Transylvania. Finally, the paper outlines further development of the database and future lines of research.
Sex‐moderated relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and circulating hormones in an adult Ghanaian population
Authors: Banyeh Moses , Appiah Samuel Kwasi , Abubakari Abdul‐Malawi , Issah Musah , Amidu Nafiu
Published: January 2023

The second‐to‐fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is the putative marker of prenatal hormone exposure. The 2D:4D ratio or the right–left difference (Dr‐l) are said to be negative and positive correlates, respectively, of circulating testosterone and estrogen in both adult males and females. However, previous studies on the subject have reported mixed results. This study aimed to determine the sex‐moderated relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and adult circulating testosterone, estradiol, testosterone‐to‐estradiol ratio and the free androgen index. This was a cross‐sectional study from January to June 2021 at the University for Development Studies, Ghana. The study involved 62 participants (Female = 28; Male = 34), aged between 20 and 26 years. The right (2D:4DR), the left (2D:4DL), and their difference (Dr‐l) were measured by computer‐assisted analysis. Fasting venous samples were assayed for total testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) using ELISA. The free androgen index (FAI) was then calculated (T/SHBG) and the data were analyzed using moderated and/or weighted regression. Males had significantly higher T and FAI than females while females had significantly higher E2 than males, which were independent of age and body mass index (p < 0.001). There was a significant SEX*Dr‐l interaction on FAI (p = 0.007). The Dr‐l correlated negatively with FAI in males but positively in females and accounted for about 94.0% of the variability of FAI in males (adjR2 = 0.940) and only 0.2% in females (adjR2 = 0.002). The 2D:4D ratio, a putative marker of prenatal hormone exposure, may have an impact on sex differences in adult free androgen index.
Variability of cardiac troponin levels in normal subjects and in patients with cardiovascular diseases: analytical considerations and clinical relevance
Authors: Clerico Aldo , Zaninotto Martina , Aimo Alberto , Cardinale Daniela M. , Dittadi Ruggero , Sandri Maria T. , Perrone Marco Alfonso , Belloni Lucia , Fortunato Antonio , Trenti Tommaso , Plebani Mario
Published: January 2023

In accordance with all the most recent international guidelines, the variation of circulating levels of cardiac troponins I and T, measured with high-sensitivity methods (hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT), should be used for the detection of acute myocardial injury. Recent experimental and clinical evidences have demonstrated that the evaluation of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT variations is particularly relevant: a) for the differential diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) in patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED); b) for the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing major cardiac or non-cardiac surgery, and in asymptomatic subjects of the general population aged >55 years and with co-morbidities; c) for the evaluation of cardiotoxicity caused by administration of some chemotherapy drugs in patients with malignant tumors. The aim of this document is to discuss the fundamental statistical and biological considerations on the intraindividual variability of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT over time in the same individual. Firstly, it will be discussed in detail as the variations of circulating levels strictly depend not only on the analytical error of the method used but also on the intra-individual variability of the biomarker. Afterwards, the pathophysiological interpretation and the clinical relevance of the determination of the variability of the hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT values ​​ in patients with specific clinical conditions are discussed. Finally, the evaluation over time of the variation in circulating levels of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT is proposed for a more accurate estimation of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic subjects from the general population.
Rapid-onset obesity, hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation syndrome – neuro-endocrine tumours (ROHHAD-NET): case series and learning points
Authors: Hawton Katherine , Hilliard Tom , Langton-Hewer Simon C. , Burren Christine , Crowne Elizabeth C. , Hamilton-Shield Julian P. , Giri Dinesh
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Rapid-onset obesity with hypoventilation, hypothalamic dysfunction, autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) is a rare syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is often challenging. We describe three cases of ROHHAD with heterogeneous presentations but some consistent clinical features, including hyperprolactinaemia at diagnosis. We highlight when the diagnosis of ROHHAD should be considered at an early stage.

Case presentation

All three patients presented between 4 and 6 years old with rapid-onset obesity. They all have central hypoventilation requiring nocturnal BiPAP, varying degrees of hypothalamic dysfunction with hyperprolactinaemia being a consistent feature, and autonomic dysfunction. One patient has a neuro-endocrine tumour (NET) and two have glucose dysregulation.

Conclusions

High prolactin was a consistent early feature. Central hypoventilation and NET may present later and therefore regular sleep studies and screening for NETs are required. A high suspicion of ROHHAD is warranted in patients with rapid, early-onset obesity and hyperprolactinaemia without structural pituitary abnormality.
Preparation of CdS–Ag2S nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted UV photolysis treatment and its visible light photocatalysis activity
Authors: Han Chao , Cheng Chu , Liu Fengling , Li Xinli , Wang Guangxin , Li Jiwen
Published: January 2023

Thiosulfate is a green leaching agent used in the hydrometallurgical process because it is both environmentally benign and can form the required soluble ion complexes. In this article, a novel method for the synthesis of CdS–Ag2S nanocomposites from a solution of relevant ion complexes via ultrasound-assisted ultraviolet (UV) photolysis was proposed. An analysis of the mechanism revealed that the complexes undergo a series of photochemical reactions. The CdS–Ag2S nanocomposites were synthesized by photochemical co-precipitation under UV-C irradiation. The microstructure, chemical composition, optical and electrochemical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were analyzed to verify the synthesis and investigate the product. The photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) under a xenon lamp was performed to determine the photocatalytic activity. Under visible light irradiation, the CdS–Ag2S nanocomposites undergo the electrons transition (from valence band to conduction band) to form photogenerated electron–hole pairs realizing the effective separation of carriers and finally promote the degradation of MO to water and carbon dioxide. The subsequent degradation efficiency of the CdS–Ag2S nanocomposites was found to be 87% after 90 min, and it was larger than 78% for pure CdS prepared via UV photolysis, indicating that the as-developed novel method can effectively fabricate CdS–Ag2S photocatalyst with superior performance.
Restrictions on past-tense passives in Late Modern Danish
Authors: Gregersen Sune
Published: January 2023

This article investigates a case of lexical restrictions on a voice construction, specifically Danish past-tense passives. Present-Day Danish has both a periphrastic and an inflectional passive construction, but in the past tense, most ablaut (strong) verbs cannot form the inflectional passive (e.g.∗\astskreves‘was written’,∗\astbares‘was carried’). Various explanations for these restrictions have been proposed in the literature, but their historical background has not been investigated in any detail. This article focusses on the passive restrictions in Late Modern Danish, using various sources mainly from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is shown that while lexical restrictions on the past-tenses-passive are already mentioned in eighteenth and nineteenth-century grammars, the grammaticality of the individual forms has changed; for instance, the now obsolete formskreves‘was written’ is attested in several Late Modern Danish sources. Furthermore, the primary sources differ greatly with respect to their use of the passive in the past tense. I suggest that sociolinguistic variables, such as level of education and formality of the texts, must be taken into account when trying to explain the development of the Danish passive, and that the lexical restrictions on past-tenses-passives may in fact be a side effect of standardization in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Interpreting unwillingness to speak L2 English by Japanese EFL learners
Authors: Muroya Akiko
Published: January 2023

This article reports on an empirical study investigating what makes Japanese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) unwilling to speak English, regardless of their learning period, proficiency level, and location of the communication. The current study focuses on the self-perception of second language (L2) English abilities, anxiety, and interlocutors as possible causes of their unwillingness to speak L2 English, compared with first language (L1) Japanese. An online questionnaire was administered to 27 Japanese undergraduate students (age: 19–22) with non-English majors at a national university in Tokyo, Japan. The results show that the elements depressing the self-perception and willingness to speak are fundamental to managing human relationships in speaking situations, which have more impact on L2 English than L1 Japanese contexts. This is attributable to other-directedness, which has been discussed as being characteristic of Japanese and Chinese EFL learners. Furthermore, it appears plausible to assume that the other-directedness derives more from “considerations for others” than “face-saving.” Future work will further investigate what constitutes Japanese other-directedness, compared with Chinese EFL learners’.
Icing behavior of supercooled droplets on superhydrophobic polymercoatings between lotus effect and petal effect
Authors: Hao Xiaoru , Xie Jun , Zhang Yu , Sheng Wei , Zheng Haikun
Published: January 2023

This paper investigated anti-icing behavior and wettability of droplets on superhydrophobic polymercoatings between lotus effect and petal effect, which were prepared on surfaces of 2021 aluminum alloy with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-heptafluorodecyl (FAS-17). The prepared surfaces displayed excellent hydrophobicity with contact angles of 154.9° ± 1.5°and 139.8° ± 1.3°, while rolling angles are 4° ± 1.0° (lotus effect) and 30° ± 1.5° (petal effect). Thus, the present study focused on the different characterizations and the anti-icing potential of the superhydrophobic polymersurfaces were analyzed based on three parameters including the icing delay time, the crystallization temperature of water droplets, and contact time of impinging droplets on the cold superhydrophobic polymer coatings (−15 °C). Furthermore, the anti-icing of superhydrophobic coatings between lotus effect and petal effect with freezing time and crystallization temperature experimental phenomena were consistent with the thermodynamic analysis. It is also proved that the droplets have different bounce behavior on different polymercoating surfaces by droplet impact experiment. The study offers a comprehensive perspective on polymercoatings of different wetttablility for anti-icing behavior applications.
Measuring Interlimb Asymmetry for Strength and Power: A Brief Review of Assessment Methods, Data Analysis, Current Evidence, and Practical Recommendations
Authors: Bishop Chris , de Keijzer Kevin L. , Turner Anthony N. , Beato Marco
Published: January 2023

Bishop, C, de Keijzer, KL, Turner, AN, and Beato, M. Measuring interlimb asymmetry for strength and power: A brief review of assessment methods, data analysis, current evidence, and practical recommendations. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 745–750, 2023—The aim of this brief narrative review is to summarize the present evidence, provide recommendations for data analysis, and provide appropriate training methods to reduce strength and power asymmetries within athlete populations. Present evidence shows that a strong interest in the assessment of asymmetry exists. Despite the perceived associated relationship between asymmetry and injury and performance, a clear link is still missing. Practitioners need to be aware of this when they decide to assess asymmetries and later design training interventions. Several bilateral and unilateral tests could be used to assess asymmetries, such as isokinetic dynamometry, the isometric mid-thigh pull, squat, and Nordic hamstring exercise. Based on the current evidence, future investigations require further standardization of methodology and analysis to optimize interpretation (e.g., within session and between session), adoption, and implementation of interlimb asymmetry testing and appropriate interventions. In this review, 3 training interventions have been proposed to reduce existing lower limb asymmetries in sport populations: traditional resistance training, flywheel resistance training, and combined training interventions, with some evidence suggesting that such interventions can reduce lower limb asymmetries. Nonetheless, the number and quality of articles currently available are too limited to draw firm conclusions; therefore, further research is needed to verify whether training interventions can achieve these aims. To develop an understanding and application of interventions addressing interlimb asymmetries within the sport, greater methodological rigor should be applied toward study design, data analysis, and interpretation of future investigations and when appraising the current literature.
Similar Presynaptic Action Potential-Calcium Influx Coupling in Two Types of Large Mossy Fiber Terminals Innervating CA3 Pyramidal Cells and Hilar Mossy Cells
Authors: Marosi Endre Levente , Arszovszki Antónia , Brunner János , Szabadics János
Published: January 2023

Morphologically similar axon boutons form synaptic contacts with diverse types of postsynaptic cells. However, it is less known to what extent the local axonal excitability, presynaptic action potentials (APs), and AP-evoked calcium influx contribute to the functional diversity of synapses and neuronal activity. This is particularly interesting in synapses that contact cell types that show only subtle cellular differences but fulfill completely different physiological functions. Here, we tested these questions in two synapses that are formed by rat hippocampal granule cells (GCs) onto hilar mossy cells (MCs) and CA3 pyramidal cells, which albeit share several morphologic and synaptic properties but contribute to distinct physiological functions. We were interested in the deterministic steps of the action potential-calcium ion influx coupling as these complex modules may underlie the functional segregation between and within the two cell types. Our systematic comparison using direct axonal recordings showed that AP shapes, Ca2+currents and their plasticity are indistinguishable in synapses onto these two cell types. These suggest that the complete module that couples granule cell activity to synaptic release is shared by hilar mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal cells. Thus, our findings present an outstanding example for the modular composition of distinct cell types, by which cells employ different components only for those functions that are deterministic for their specialized functions, while many of their main properties are shared.
Expressive Responding in Support of Donald Trump: An Extended Replication of Schaffner and Luks (2018)
Authors: Ross Robert M. , Levy Neil
Published: January 2023

There is considerable debate about whether survey respondents regularly engage in “expressive responding” – professing to believe something that they do not sincerely believe to show support for their in-group or hostility to an out-group. Nonetheless, there is widespread agreement that one study provides compelling evidence for a consequential level of expressive responding in a particular context. In the immediate aftermath of Donald Trump’s 2017 presidential inauguration rally there was considerable controversy about whether this inauguration crowd was the largest ever. At this time, a study was conducted which found that Donald Trump voters were more likely than Hillary Clinton voters or non-voters to indicate that an unlabeled photo of Donald Trump’s 2017 presidential inauguration rally showed more people than an unlabeled photo of Barack Obama’s 2009 presidential inauguration rally, despite the latter photo clearly showing more people. However, this study was not pre-registered, suggesting that a replication is needed to establish the robustness of this important result. In the present study, we conducted an extended replication over two years after Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration rally. We found that despite this delay the original result replicated, albeit with a smaller magnitude. In addition, we extended the earlier study by testing several hypotheses about the characteristics of Republicans who selected the incorrect photo.
Serum LH/FSH ratios in 87 infants with differences of sex development
Authors: Ljubicic Marie Lindhardt , Johannsen Trine Holm , Fischer Margit Bistrup , Upners Emmie N , Busch Alexander S , Main Katharina M , Andersson Anna-Maria , Hagen Casper P , Juul Anders
Published: January 2023

The ratio between luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has previously been described as an excellent marker of sex in healthy infants. However, LH/FSH remains not fully described in patients with differences of sex development (DSD). The aim was therefore to describe LH/FSH in infants with DSD. This was a retrospective study of DSD patients, all aged 0–1.2 years. In total, 87 infants with DSD and at least one serum sample per infant were included. Longitudinal samples from single patients were included whenever possible. Serum LH/FSH ratios in these patients were plotted against recently published age-related and sex-dimorphic cutoffs. Overall, LH/FSH sometimes corresponded to assigned sex without any obvious pattern in terms of diagnoses. LH/FSH corresponded to the biological sex in all patients with Turner or Klinefelter syndrome. In patients with 46,XX or 46,XY DSD (except congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)), the ratios did not correspond to the assigned sex in all cases and were interchangeably within the male and female range. In patients with CAH, the ratio corresponded to biological sex (based on sex chromosomes) in some cases but also ranged across the cutoffs. In the 15 patients with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism, the LH/FSH ratios corresponded to the assigned sex in all cases (12 were raised as males, 3 as females) and at all time points in cases with multiple sampling. While this study describes LH/FSH in infants with DSD, the exact clinical role of the ratio in the management of these patients remains to be further elucidated.
Refonder le système de protection sociale. Pour une nouvelle génération de droits sociaux
Authors: Urteaga Eguzki
Published: January 2023

Reseña del libro de Gazier, Palier y Périvier.
Géneros y violencia. Pasado y Presente. Presentación
Authors: Oikión Solano Verónica , Calandra Benedetta
Published: January 2023

Géneros y violencia. Pasado y Presente. Presentación
Mesoporous biochar derived from bamboo waste: Template/hydrothermal preparation and highly efficient pharmaceutical adsorption
Authors: Li Yin , Xu Zhongren , Zhang Qiankun , Di Jing , Yang Ruiqin , Gai Xikun , Wang Hongpeng , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2023

In order to explore the feasibility of using template/hydrothermal method to produce mesoporous biochars from real biomass directly for adsorptive removal of pharmaceuticals, six mesoporous biochar samples were produced from bamboo waste through this method and characterized, and their adsorption capabilities for berberine hydrochloride and matrine from water were evaluated. Characterization results confirmed the mesoporous structures of the biochar samples, and the biochars had BET surface areas in the range of 180 to 880 m2/g. Pore properties of the biochars mainly depended on the synthesis compositions and were related to their adsorption capabilities. The bamboo derived mesoporous biochars provided effective adsorption with the highest uptake amounts of 645 and 496 mg/g for berberine hydrochloride and matrine at 0.1 mg/mL and 298 K, respectively. The adsorption equilibrium could be reached in 90 min for berberine hydrochloride and 60 min for matrine on the selected mesoporous biochar. This study provides an effective strategy to produce biomass derived mesoporous biochars as efficient adsorbents in water treatment and pharmaceutical purification.
Infodemic and the Crisis of Distinguishing Disinformation from Accurate Information: Case Study on the Use of Facebook in Kosovo during COVID-19
Authors: Qerimi Gëzim , Gërguri Dren
Published: January 2023

Social media over the years has been shown to be an important source for information in times of crisis and confusion. Citizens who were restricted to their homes due to pandemic-mitigating lockdowns have desired more than ever to be informed about the pandemic, have been exposed to a host of misinformation, which has also affected their trust in the media, as well as the way they have been informed about COVID-19 in the days following. This research aims to analyze how citizens have used the media during COVID-19 and whether they were capable to accurately distinguish misinformation or disinformation from accurate information. To respond to the research question and to test hypotheses a survey based on purposive sampling method was used with citizens that included 850 respondents from the seven main regions of Kosovo. Results of this study indicate that the information-seeking habits have changed within a short period of time and Kosovo society can easily be affected by disinformation. The data demonstrated that citizens failed to distinguish between false and true news. The results also highlight that education and economic situation were significant indicators, with less educated people, and people with the weakest economic well-being are more likely to believe false information.
Nerwica natręctw a kanoniczny konsens małżeński
Authors: Świaczny Seweryn
Published: January 2023

One of the groups of psychic diseases that cause not only disorders of mind and will, but also the whole personality, are obsessions. Being under their influence the human being is unable to concentrate on the subject of marital consensus, he/she cannot estimate the value of harmony or his/her will is so weak that the person suffering from obsessions does not have the freedom of choice. When the force of obsessions comes to a high degree, they paralyze the person’s everyday life. This disease has such a big influence that the person suffering from it is unable to lead conjugal life as his/her thoughts are occupied by something else and he/she thinks neither about striving for mutual improvement nor about upbringing his/her offspring.
A Guide to the Common Garden Birds of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Daniel Karis , Loftie-Eaton Megan
Published: January 2023

This annotated picture booklet aims to provide a quick identification guide to the common birds in Cape Town’s urban gardens. This guide covers the 32 species you are most likely to encounter; though it is not comprehensive, the species included have been carefully selected to help you make a start.
Effects of Remote Working in Fortune 500 Global Companies
Authors: Arenas Falótico Andrés Jerónimo , Dernbach Philipp
Published: January 2023

The 500 largest global companies are not just leaders economically, they are also seen as role models. Especially during Covid-19, they had to change their style of work. Most people were not allowed to work in the office anymore. For most people working at home was new to them. But different does not always mean worse. Considering the global companies as examples, they still require a set amount of time for purposes of adaptability. But especially after resolving the issues, people tend to be more productive and can generate greater output than originally expected. Every single company and individual are currently finding their optimal working condition. After the pandemic there will be a time where some colleagues prefer working totally remotely and others not. It will be a time where efficiency will not be measured by hours worked in office, however, rather on the quality of your work and the total output by each individual.
Preface: Regulatory T Cells in Immune Homeostasis
Authors: Tang Xiaolei , Chaturvedi Vipin Kumar
Published: January 2023

N/A
PROTECTING THE FUTURE OF CLEAN AND DISTRIBUTED ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES THROUGH COLLABORATIVE CYBER THREAT ANALYSIS AND INFORMATION SHARING
Authors: Harkness Daniel , Pinkerton Scott
Published: January 2023

A changing climate, aging infrastructure, technological innovation, and cyber risks (or threats) are driving changes to our energy infrastructure at an unprecedented pace. These changes often involve significant digitization and continuously rely on external data to make smart, rapid adjustments. These changes also mean new and increased connections to partners, and ultimately increased cyber risk. Cyber threat information sharing helps reduce risk through early warning of shared threats. Unfortunately, modern information sharing is not living up to its promise. This article reviews current and historical approaches to cyber threat information sharing, identifies gaps and areas where current approaches fall short, and proposes a path forward leveraging a collaborative approach to secure our
energy infrastructure of the future.
Hyperactivation of YAP/TAZ Drives Alterations in Mesangial Cells through Stabilization of N-Myc in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Choi Seunghyeok , Hong Seon Pyo , Bae Jung Hyun , Suh Sang Heon , Bae Hosung , Kang Kyung Pyo , Lee Hyuek Jong , Koh Gou Young
Published: January 2023

Significance Statement

Mesangial cells (MCs) in the kidney are essential to maintaining glomerular integrity, and their impairment leads to major glomerular diseases including diabetic nephropathy (DN). Although high blood glucose elicits abnormal alterations in MCs, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. We show that YAP/TAZ are increased in MCs of patients with DN and two animal models of DN. High glucose directly induces activation of YAP/TAZ through the canonical Hippo pathway in cultured MCs. Hyperactivation of YAP/TAZ in mouse MCs recapitulates the hallmarks of DN. Activated YAP/TAZ bind and stabilize N-Myc, one of the Myc family. N-Myc stabilization leads to aberrant enhancement of its transcriptional activity and to MC impairments. Our findings shed light on how high blood glucose in diabetes mellitus leads to DN and support a rationale that lowering blood glucose in diabetes mellitus could delay DN pathogenesis.

Background

Mesangial cells (MCs) in the kidney are central to maintaining glomerular integrity, and their impairment leads to major glomerular diseases, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). Although high blood glucose elicits abnormal alterations in MCs, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood.

Methods

Immunolocalization of YAP/TAZ and pathological features of PDGFRβ+ MCs were analyzed in the glomeruli of patients with DN, in Zucker diabetic fatty rats, and in Lats1/2

iΔPβ mice. RiboTag bulk-RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis of gene expression profiles of the isolated MCs from control and Lats1/2
iΔPβ mice were performed. Immunoprecipitation analysis and protein stability of N-Myc were performed by the standard protocols.

Results

YAP and TAZ, the final effectors of the Hippo pathway, are highly increased in MCs of patients with DN and in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Moreover, high glucose directly induces activation of YAP/TAZ through the canonical Hippo pathway in cultured MCs. Hyperactivation of YAP/TAZ in mouse model MCs recapitulates the hallmarks of DN, including excessive proliferation of MCs and extracellular matrix deposition, endothelial cell impairment, glomerular sclerosis, albuminuria, and reduced glomerular filtration rate. Mechanistically, activated YAP/TAZ bind and stabilize N-Myc protein, one of the Myc family of oncogenes. N-Myc stabilization leads to aberrant enhancement of its transcriptional activity and eventually to MC impairments and DN pathogenesis.

Conclusions

Our findings shed light on how high blood glucose in diabetes mellitus leads to DN and support a rationale that lowering blood glucose in diabetes mellitus could delay DN pathogenesis.
Issues of Legal Qualification of Advertising and Propaganda of Narcotic Drugs
Authors: Kosyrev E. V.
Published: January 2023

The paper examines the administrative responsibility for advertising and propaganda of narcotic drugs, established by Article 6.13 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, the definitions of these categories are considered. The statistics of judges’ consideration of cases under this article are given. Based on the analysis of judicial practice, the forms by which advertising and propaganda of narcotic drugs are carried out are studied, and it is also concluded that it is the propaganda of narcotic drugs that is most often identified than their advertising.

The issue of delineation of offenses related to advertising and propaganda of narcotic drugs is also being considered. The analysis of judicial practice allowed us to come to the conclusion that these concepts are not actually differentiated by law enforcement agencies, this happens, in particular, due to the fact that responsibility for these acts is established by one norm, while it is concluded that such an offense as advertising of narcotic drugs is more socially dangerous, since advertising can also be propaganda at the same time. As a result, this offense must be punished most severely.
State Control in the Field of Higher Education in the System of Ensuring National Security of the Russian Federation
Authors: Glazova P. D.
Published: January 2023

The article reveals the concept, goals and place of higher education in the system of ensuring national security of the Russian Federation, discloses forms of state control, shows the role of state control over the quality of higher education to achieve strategic national priorities. The improvement of the level of higher education is largely ensured by the federal state control of the quality of higher education. Based on the analysis of federal legislation and regulatory legal acts of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia and Rosobrnadzor, it is concluded that it is necessary to improve the existing system of federal state quality control of higher education through the introduction of information technologies for data collection and analysis, the development of electronic monitoring and its tools. Federal state quality control of higher education in modern conditions is becoming not only a means of state policy in the field of saving the people of Russia and human development, but also contributes to the implementation of other strategic national priorities.
Conservation of cholera vibrios in complex microcosm containing green microalgae
Authors: Titova Svetlana V. , Menshikova Elena A. , Vodopyanov Sergei O. , Borodina Tamara N. , Gerasimenko Artem A. , Oleynikov Igor P. , Selyanskaya Nadezhda A.
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND: In the summer-autumn period, the peak of phytoplankton reproduction and flowering occurs and results in the deterioration of the quality of river water is noted. At the same time, cases of gastrointestinal diseases in humans are recorded, and epidemic complications of cholera may occur in endemic areas. V. cholerae form biofilm on the surface of chitinous hydrobionts and plastic components can lead to the spread of V. cholerae, possibly explaining the autochthonous mechanism of their existence in water bodies.
AIM: This study determines the duration of Vibrio cholerae preservation on biotic (chitin) and abiotic (plastic) substrates in the presence of green unicellular algae with a change in cultivation temperature under experimental conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used bacteriological and molecular genetic methods to achieve its goal.
RESULTS: The preservation of toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains of V. cholerae O1 El Tor and V. cholerae O139 (ctxАВ+tcpА+csh1 and ctxАtcpАcsh1+) for six months, including three months at a low temperature simulating the autumn-winter period, as part of biofilms in microcosms, where one component is green microalgae. We noted an excess of the concentration of V. cholerae O1 and O139 serogroups by two orders of magnitude in samples where one of the components is chitin and the reproduction of green microalgae in the presence of a chitin substrate. This is probably one stage in the food chain in the ecology of water bodies and, accordingly, can be a reservoir for biofilm forms of cholera vibrios. Preservation of V. cholerae O1 El Tor non-toxigenic strain in a viable state in biofilm samples on plastic at decreased temperatures 82C for three months is possibly due to the presence of a cold shock gene in its genome.
CONCLUSION: Without a substrate for adhesion, colonization, and biofilm formation, vibrios are incapable of long-term persistence at low temperatures.