bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ROSA knee robotic system demonstrates superior precision in restoring joint line height and posterior condylar offset compared to conventional manual TKA: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Gamie Zakareya , Paparoidamis George , Milonakis Nikos , Kenanidis Eustathios , Tsiridis Eleftherios
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Variations in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) joint line height may lead to complications such as pain and altered joint mechanics, while posterior condylar offset (PCO) can influence knee stability.

Methods

Single-centre, single-surgeon retrospective analysis from December 2019 to May 2023 investigated primary unilateral TKA (Nexgen Legacy, Zimmer Biomet) in patients with knee osteoarthritis, using ROSA robotic system (raTKA) or conventional manual technique (mTKA). Joint line height and PCO were measured and compared in 182 raTKA and 144 mTKA patients.

Results

The groups were matched in age (p = 0.847) and sex distribution (p = 0.2). Excellent interobserver agreement (ICC ≥ 0.9). RaTKA mean joint line height difference was − 0.0001 mm (± 3.48, 95% CI − 0.509, 0.509) (p = 0.523), − 0.951 mm for mTKA (± 4.33, 95% CI − 1.664, − 0.237) (p = 0.009). RaTKA mean PCO difference was 0.52 mm (± 2.45, 95% CI 0.160, 0.880) (p = 0.005), 1.15 mm for mTKA (± 4.01, 95% CI – 1.496, 1.818) (p < 0.001). Mean difference in joint line height of 0.95 mm between groups was significant (p = 0.027), and for PCO, it was 0.63 mm, demonstrating tendency towards significance (p = 0.08). Mean absolute value in joint line height difference between groups was not significant (p = 0.235) but highly significant for PCO (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ROSA knee robotic system can more accurately restore joint line height and PCO compared to conventional manual TKA. The improved degree of precision raTKA offers may be a vehicle for better Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, but further correlational studies are required.
Exploring natural killer cell-related biomarkers in multiple myeloma: a novel nature killer cell-related model predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response using single-cell study
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Xiaoning , Zhu Huachao , Wei Suhua , Zhang Hailing , Ma Le , Zhu Wenjuan
Published: April 2024

Background

Natural killer cells (NKs) may be involved in multiple myeloma (MM) progression. The present study elucidated the correlation between NKs and the progression of MM using single-cell binding transcriptome probes to identify NK cell-related biomarkers.

Methods

Single-cell analysis was performed including cell and subtype annotation, cell communication, and pseudotime analysis. Hallmark pathway enrichment analysis of NKs and NKs-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. Then, a risk model was structured based on biomarkers identified through univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and subsequently validated. Additionally, correlation of clinical characteristics, gene set enrichment analysis, immune analysis, regulatory network, and drug forecasting were explored.

Results

A total of 13 cell clusters were obtained and annotated, including 8 cell populations that consisted of NKs. Utilizing 123 PPI network node genes, 8 NK-related DEGs were selected to construct a prognostic model. Immune cell infiltration results suggested that 11 immune cells exhibited marked differences in the high and low-risk groups. Finally, the model was used to screen potential drug targets to enhance immunotherapy efficacy.

Conclusion

A new prognostic model for MM associated with NKs was constructed and validated. This model provides a fresh perspective for predicting patient outcomes, immunotherapeutic response, and candidate drugs.
Perspektiven eines politikplanenden Biodiversitätsschutzgesetzes: Rechtsrahmen, Ausgestaltung und Forschungsbedarf
Authors: Henn Elisabeth V. , Neubauer Marvin , Marquard Elisabeth , Hodapp Dorothee , Hepach Helmke , Hillebrand Helmut , Seppelt Ralf , Settele Josef
Published: April 2024

Der Biodiversitätsverlust schreitet in bedrohlichem Ausmaß voran. Mit dem Global Biodiversity
Framework und voraussichtlich dem Nature Restoration Law bestehen nun auf internationaler und europäischer
Ebene vielversprechende Ansätze, ihm Herr zu werden. Jetzt ist der Bundesgesetzgeber – nicht
zuletzt aus verfassungsrechtlichen Erwägungen – aufgerufen, daran anzuknüpfen. Dazu bietet
sich die Regelungsform eines Rahmen- und Politikplanungsgesetzes an, wie sie schon aus dem Klimaschutzgesetz
und dem Klimaanpassungsgesetz bekannt ist. Der Aufsatz beleuchtet den internationalen, europa- und verfassungsrechtlichen
Hintergrund eines solchen ‘Biodiversitätsschutzgesetzes’ und diskutiert – unter Zusammenarbeit
sowohl rechts- als auch naturwissenschaftlicher Autor:innen – formale und materielle Ausgestaltungsmöglichkeiten.
Antioxidant status and performance of Macrobrachium rosenbergii juveniles fed diets containing non-nutritive Aloysia triphylla essential oil
Authors: de Souza Valente Cecília , Coates Christopher J. , Cagol Luana , Bombardelli Robie Allan , Becker Alexssandro Geferson , Schmidt Denise , Heinzmann Berta Maria , Vaz-dos-Santos André M. , Baldisserotto Bernardo , Ballester Eduardo Luis Cupertino
Published: April 2024

Incorporating essential oils as dietary supplements in aquaculture is increasing in popularity. In prawn farming, their use is associated with reduced disease outbreaks, enhanced immunity, and improved animal growth and welfare. Herein, we explored the use of lemon beebrush essential oil (Aloysia triphylla; EOAT) in the diet of juvenile giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and its potential impact on growth performance and oxidative status of the hepatopancreas. Four hundred juvenile M. rosenbergii (0.40 ± 0.19 g, similar weights between sexes) were fed diets containing concentrations of EOAT at 0.0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, or 0.3% for 50 days. Each experimental group had five replicates, with 20 prawns per experimental unit. Prawn survival remained above 84% for all experimental groups. Prawn weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and body condition were similar among all experimental groups. Dietary EOAT increased activities of the enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and varied glutathione S transferase activity in the hepatopancreas of prawns when compared to those fed the control diet. Dietary EOAT did not affect malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation) levels. While EOAT had no impact on survival and growth of M. rosenbergii, it may modulate the detoxification capacity of the hepatopancreas (i.e., metabolic resistance). Future work should prospect EOAT as part of a nutraceutical blend, especially when combined with known growth enhancers and immune stimulants. Based on our results, dietary inclusion of 0.2% EOAT is the most suitable for juvenile M. rosenbergii farming.
Investigating Fire–Atmosphere Interaction in a Forest Canopy Using Wavelets
Authors: Desai Ajinkya , Guilloteau Clément , Heilman Warren E. , Charney Joseph J. , Skowronski Nicholas S. , Clark Kenneth L. , Gallagher Michael R. , Foufoula-Georgiou Efi , Banerjee Tirtha
Published: April 2024

Wildland fire–atmosphere interaction generates complex turbulence patterns, organized across multiple scales, which inform fire-spread behaviour, firebrand transport, and smoke dispersion. Here, we utilize wavelet-based techniques to explore the characteristic temporal scales associated with coherent patterns in the measured temperature and the turbulent fluxes during a prescribed wind-driven (heading) surface fire beneath a forest canopy. We use temperature and velocity measurements from tower-mounted sonic anemometers at multiple heights. Patterns in the wavelet-based energy density of the measured temperature plotted on a time–frequency plane indicate the presence of fire-modulated ramp–cliff structures in the low-to-mid-frequency band (0.01–0.33 Hz), with mean ramp durations approximately 20% shorter and ramp slopes that are an order of magnitude higher compared to no-fire conditions. We then investigate heat- and momentum-flux events near the canopy top through a cross-wavelet coherence analysis. Briefly before the fire-front arrives at the tower base, momentum-flux events are relatively suppressed and turbulent fluxes are chiefly thermally-driven near the canopy top, owing to the tilting of the flame in the direction of the wind. Fire-induced heat-flux events comprising warm updrafts and cool downdrafts are coherent down to periods of a second, whereas ambient heat-flux events operate mainly at higher periods (above 17 s). Later, when the strongest temperature fluctuations are recorded near the surface, fire-induced heat-flux events occur intermittently at shorter scales and cool sweeps start being seen for periods ranging from 8 to 35 s near the canopy top, suggesting a diminishing influence of the flame and increasing background atmospheric variability thereat. The improved understanding of the characteristic time scales associated with fire-induced turbulence features, as the fire-front evolves, will help develop more reliable fire behaviour and scalar transport models.
Young People’s Perspectives on Parents Helping Young People Exposed to Trauma
Authors: Berger Emily , Marston Natasha , Faragher Brenna C. , Allen Kelly-Ann , Martin Karen , O’Donohue Katelyn
Published: April 2024

Background

The prevalence of trauma among young people is alarming due to its considerable effects on their wellbeing and development. Parents can provide crucial support for young people exposed to trauma, however, there is limited research on how parents can help young people exposed to trauma from a youth perspective.

Objective

This study explored the perspectives of young people regarding strategies and approaches parents can take to assist young people to cope with traumatic events.

Methods

An anonymous online survey created in Australia was distributed to young people aged 15 to 18 years to identify what parents can do to help young people exposed to trauma. A total of 159 young people completed the survey.

Results

Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that young people felt parents could listen to and validate the experiences of young people and provide them with help and guidance. Young people recommended that parents should support those who have experience trauma by adopting a non-confrontational, empathetic, and understanding approach, and refrain from expressing anger, judgment, dismissiveness, ridicule, or blame. Young people also recommended parents encourage, empower, and provide guidance to young people exposed to trauma. Participants spoke about the importance of parents spending time with young people and ensuring that young people have access to mental health support. However, participants highlighted that parents should not pressure young people to engage in counselling.

Conclusions

Implications from this study emphasise the importance of education and resources to help parents support, promote recovery and prevent further harm and re-traumatisation of young people exposed to trauma. This study has implications for mental health professionals working with parents to help them effectively support young people exposed to trauma. Results from this study inform the development of trauma-informed parenting programs to ensure that young people exposed to trauma receive adequate parental support.
Household Food Consumption Typologies: Examining Population Adherence to Healthy Eating Guidelines for Evidence-Informed Policy Making
Authors: Beacom E. , McLaughlin C. , Furey S.
Published: April 2024

Food and nutrition are important issues of interest to policy makers, practitioners, and academics around the world due to the far-reaching consequences for society, households and individuals, and guidelines related to food consumption have been included in several policies both nationally and internationally. This study identifies household ‘typologies’ with regard to household food consumption of ‘marker’ food groups, and examines related associations with household demographics, analysing quantitative data on households (n = 4144) from the most recently available Northern Ireland Health Survey (2014/2015). Latent Class Analysis identified five household typologies; ‘Hedonistic Households (19%), Healthier Households (13%), General Households (42%), Unhealthier Households (3%), Balanced Households (23%)’, which individually vary in their adherence to recommended guidelines, and in their demographic composition. The study provides insight into how households’ dietary consumption patterns accord with government recommendations, and findings have implications for policy, for example through informing decision-making related to promoting behavioural change, and informing future collection of data related to ‘marker’ food groups.
Two-Person Fair Division with Additive Valuations
Authors: Kilgour D. Marc , Vetschera Rudolf
Published: April 2024

In the literature, many desirable properties for allocations of indivisible goods have been proposed, including envy-freeness, Pareto optimality, and maximization of either the total welfare of all agents, the welfare of the worst-off agent, or the Nash product of agents’ welfares. In the two-person context, we study relationships among these properties using both analytical models and simulation in a setting where individual preferences are given by additive cardinal utilities. We provide several new theorems linking these criteria and use simulation to study how their values are related to problem characteristics, assuming that utilities are assigned randomly. We draw some conclusions concerning the relation of problem characteristics to the availabilty of allocations with particular properties.
Three-year incidence of pacemaker implantation in patients with atrial fibrillation and sinus node dysfunction receiving ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs
Authors: Okumus Nazli Kubra , Zeitler Emily P. , Moustafa Abdelmoniem , Iglesias Maximiliano , Khanna Rahul , Rong Yiran , Karim Saima
Published: April 2024

Background

Sinus node dysfunction (SND) is commonly seen in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pacemaker implantation among patients with SND and AF treated with catheter ablation (CA) versus anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs).

Methods

The 2013–2022 Optum Clinformatics database, an administrative claims database for commercially insured individuals in the United States (US), was used for this study. Patients with AF and SND and a history of at least one AAD prescription were identified and classified into CA or AAD cohorts based on subsequent treatment received. Inverse probability treatment weighting was applied to balance socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between the cohorts. Weighted Cox regression modeling was used to evaluate the differential risk of incident permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. Sub-analyses were performed by AF type (paroxysmal versus persistent).

Results

A total of 1206 patients in the AAD cohort and 1624 patients in the CA cohort were included. Study cohorts were well-balanced post-weighting. The incidence rate of PPM implantation (per 1000 person–year) was 55.8 for the CA cohort and 117.8 for the AAD cohort. Regression analysis demonstrated that the CA cohort had 42% lower risk of incident PPM implantation than those treated with AADs (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46–0.72, p < 0.001). CA-treated patients had lower risks of PPM implantation versus AAD-treated patients among those with paroxysmal AF (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.34–0.69, p < 0.001) and persistent AF (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40–0.81, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Patients with AF and SND treated with CA have significantly lower risks of incident PPM implantation compared with those treated with an AAD.

Graphical Abstract
Saliva exposure reduces gingival keratinocyte growth on TiO2-coated titanium
Authors: Riivari Sini , Areid Nagat , Närvä Elisa , Willberg Jaana , Närhi Timo
Published: April 2024

Bioactive, nanoporous TiO2-coating has been shown to enhance cell attachment on titanium implant surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate, whether the saliva proteins affect the epithelial cell adhesion on TiO2-coated and non-coated titanium. Grade V titanium discs were polished. Half of the discs were provided with TiO2-coating produced in sol with polycondensation method. Half of the TiO2-coated and non-coated discs were treated with pasteurized saliva for 30 min. After saliva treatment, the total protein amounts on surfaces were measured. Next, the hydrophilicity of discs were measured with water contact angle measurements. Further, the gingival keratinocyte adhesion strength was measured after 2 and 6 h of cultivation using serial trypsinization. In addition, cell growth and proliferation were measured after 1, 3, and 7 days of cell culture. Finally, cell morphology, spreading and adhesion protein signals were detected with high resolution confocal microscopy. As a result, in sol coated TiO2-surface had significantly higher hydrophilicity when compared to non-coated titanium, meanwhile both non-coated and TiO2-coated surfaces with saliva treatment had a significant increase in hydrophilicity. Importantly, the amounts of adhered saliva proteins were equal between TiO2-coated and non-coated surfaces. Adhesion strength against enzymatic detachment was weakest on non-coated titanium after saliva exposure. Cell proliferation and cell spreading were highest on TiO2-coated titanium, but saliva exposure significantly decreased cell proliferation and spreading on TiO2-coated surface. To conclude, even though saliva exposure makes titanium surfaces more hydrophilic, it seems to neutralize the bioactive TiO2-coating and decrease cell attachment to TiO2-coated surface.

Graphical Abstract
The Soundtrack of a Crisis: More Positive Music Preferences During Economic and Social Adversity
Authors: Palomeque Marco , de-Lucio Juan
Published: April 2024

This paper studies the positiveness in most consumed songs during a period of sadness, worry and uncertainty: the COVID-19 crisis in comparison with previous years. In order to perform the analysis, we create an original positive music indicator using a dataset of weekly patterns for music consumption in 31 OECD countries over a five year period. Results show that negative shocks from events such as economic business cycles and the COVID-19 pandemic increase the consumption of positive songs, suggesting that society compensates the negative impact on well-being with positive music. We conclude that society adapts sentiment-based music consumption preferences according to the socioeconomic situation.
Testing the Moderating Effect of Anti-Prejudice Motivation and Peer Attitudes on the Effectiveness of a School-Based Vicarious Contact Intervention
Authors: Mäkinen Viivi , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga , Renvik Tuuli Anna , Liebkind Karmela
Published: April 2024

Vicarious contact has often been used for studying prejudice-reduction in school contexts due to its relatively accessible application through written or audiovisual portrayals of positive intergroup contact. However, these interventions may sometimes prove ineffective, thus restricting their ecological validity and independent use in education. To contribute to the understanding of factors that might facilitate or mitigate the efficacy of vicarious contact in reducing ethnic prejudice among adolescents, the present study tested for the moderating effect of anti-prejudice motivation and friends’ outgroup attitudes. Participants were Finnish secondary school students (N = 334; M = 13.38 years, SD = 0.53; 48% female; 19% ethnic minority) allocated into cluster-randomized intervention (N = 149) and control (N = 185) groups. Participants in the intervention group took part in 4 × 45-min teacher-led intervention sessions. A pretest-posttest design was employed to assess the outgroup attitudes three weeks before the intervention and the follow-up two weeks after. The results showed that adolescents’ intrinsic, but not extrinsic, anti-prejudice motivation and the pre-intervention attitudes of their reciprocal classroom friends positively predicted post-intervention attitudes towards people from different ethnic and cultural groups. However, only extrinsic motivation moderated the intervention effect as the results indicated the intervention to have a detrimental effect on outgroup attitudes among adolescents with less motivation to be non-prejudiced in order to gain social acceptance. This attitudinal backlash among adolescents less susceptible to the social influence of others implies that motivational aspects should not be overlooked when developing school-based intervention programs, especially when social norms are used as a mechanism of attitude change.
Proton-induced reactions for 47Sc (and 46Sc) production: new nuclear cross section measurements on enriched titanium targets
Authors: Pupillo Gaia , De Dominicis Lucia , Cisternino Sara , Esposito Juan , Campostrini Matteo , Rigato Valentino , Haddad Ferid , Nigron Etienne , Mou Liliana
Published: April 2024

47Sc is a theranostic radionuclide under the spotlight of the scientific community thanks to its potential for SPECT imaging and therapeutic applications. This work presents the recent measurements of proton-induced nuclear reaction cross-sections aimed at 47Sc production using enriched 48Ti, 49Ti and 50Ti targets from 23 up to 70 MeV. Since the co-production of contaminant isotopes is a key issue, and 46Sc is the main one having a longer half-life than 47Sc, the 48/49/50Ti(p,x)47Sc and 46Sc cross sections are presented and compared with the scarce literature data and TALYS estimations.
Impact of transition of medical journals from print to online-only on their scholarly performance
Authors: Singla Priyanka , Tsang Siny , Mazzeffi Michael , Jones Lucy Carr , Denton Andrea H. , Elkassabany Nabil
Published: April 2024

Many scientific journals have made the transition from print and online to online-only publication. The printed version offers something tangible that carries the distinct brand of the journal and/or the society it represents. Journals’ transition to electronic-only publication may reduce the environmental impact of publication and its cost (Wymbs S (2020). To print or not to print: 4 things societies should consider before moving members online only. Elsevier Connect, 11 Nov. https://www.elsevier.com/connect/4-things-to-weigh-before-moving-a-journal-from-print-to-online-only. Accessed 17 Sept 2023). This study aimed to examine the effect of this transition on the journals’ scholarly impact. We hypothesized that online-only publication would positively impact journals’ publication metrics. Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory (Ulrichsweb.com (TM) (n.d.) ProQuest LLC. http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com/. Accessed 8 June 2023) was searched for U.S.-based peer-reviewed journals in the Medicine and Health Subject Area that ceased print publication between 2002 and 2020 while continuing to publish in electronic form, and were noted as included in Journal Citation Reports (JCR—Clarivate) (Journal Citations Reports JCR (2023) Clarivate, 30 May. https://clarivate.com/products/scientific-and-academic-research/research-analytics-evaluation-and-management-solutions/journal-citation-reports/. Accessed 8 June 2023). Journal titles were then cross-referenced in JCR (Journal Citations Reports JCR. (2023) Clarivate, 30 May. https://clarivate.com/products/scientific-and-academic-research/research-analytics-evaluation-and-management-solutions/journal-citation-reports/. Accessed 8 June 2023) for data on the total number of citations, the number of citable items, the Journal Impact Factor (JIF), the JIF without self cites, and the Immediacy Index (Journal Citations Reports JCR (2023). Clarivate, 30 May. https://clarivate.com/products/scientific-and-academic-research/research-analytics-evaluation-and-management-solutions/journal-citation-reports/. Accessed 8 June 2023). Publication data was extracted from 94 journals. However, 84 journals were included in analysis as print cessation data was not available for 10 journals. There was a slower rate of increase in the total number of citations and decrease in number of citable items with the transition of journals from print and online to online-only distribution. There was faster increase in JIF and Immediacy Index after journals transitioned to online-only publication. A positive impact on citation patterns, such as JIF and Immediacy Index, of online-only publication supports the benefits of transitioning medical journals from print and online to online-only publication.
Defending the pure causal-historical theory of reference fixing for natural kind terms
Authors: Reinikainen Jaakko Tapio
Published: April 2024

According to the causal-historical theory of reference, natural kind terms refer in virtue of complicated causal relations the speakers have to their environment. A common objection to the theory is that purely causal relations are insufficient to fix reference in a determinate fashion. The so-called hybrid view holds that what is also needed for successful fixing are true descriptions associated in the mind of the speaker with the referent. The main claim of this paper is that the objection fails: reference fixing of natural kind terms can be purely causal. The main argument draws inspiration from recent theoretical advances made in metaphysics of kinds by Marion Godman, Antonella Mallozzi, and David Papineau. The main claim is that their notion of super-explanatory properties may explain how reference of many kind terms can be fixed purely causally.
The potential of pumice as a litter material and its influence on growth performance, carcass parameters, litter quality traits, behavior, and welfare in broiler chickens
Authors: Duman Mustafa , Şekeroğlu Ahmet , Tainika Brian
Published: April 2024

This study evaluated the possibilities of pumice (light stones) as litter material in broiler production. Experimental treatments included wood shavings (WS), acidic pumice (AP), and basic pumice (BP) alone, and in combination; wood shaving + acidic pumice (WSAP) and wood shaving + basic pumice (WSBP) in a ratio of 1:1. Two trials were performed, one in summer, and the other in winter. Each trial involved 750 mixed-sex Ross (308) broilers. Also, there were 15 replicate pens with 50 broilers and a stocking density of 12.5 birds/m2 for each pen at the beginning of each trial. Performance, litter quality, carcass parameters, body and leg abnormalities, body temperature, fear and stress responses, proportional asymmetry, and some behavior expressions were investigated. The litter treatment influenced the final live body weight, litter moisture, ammonia concentration, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, breast blister, hot carcass yield, heart, liver, spleen, abdominal fat, wing and neck ratio, breast and back cleanliness, and the expression of dust bathing and foraging behaviors (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a seasonal effect on live body weight, feed conversion ratio, livability, litter pH, 42-day litter moisture, hot carcass yield, back cleanliness, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, footpad temperature, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and expression of pecking behavior (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). It is suggested that acidic pumice stone alone or in a mixture with wood shavings could be used as a reliable litter material, alternative to wood shavings.
Living in the shore: changes in coastal resource intensification during the Mesolithic in northern Iberia
Authors: Arniz-Mateos Rosa , García-Escárzaga Asier , Fernandes Ricardo , González-Morales Manuel R. , Gutiérrez-Zugasti Igor
Published: April 2024

Recent research on human exploitation of molluscs, echinoderms and crustaceans during the Mesolithic in the Cantabrian region (northern Iberia) has shown significant variability in the intensity of the use of coastal resources by the last hunter-fisher-gatherers throughout the ~ 4000-year expanse of the Mesolithic (10,700 – 6,700 cal BP). Previous studies have proposed hypotheses related to demographic changes to explain intensification events. In this paper we aim to unravel whether climatic and environmental changes, or other social factors, such as demography, were involved in the increase in the use of marine resources at certain times. We employed species representation, quantification and biometric analysis of the shell assemblages from the El Toral III archaeological site (Asturias, northern Iberia) to identify patterns in shell exploitation throughout the stratigraphic sequence. To establish the chronology and distinguish occupation phases of the site, we employed Bayesian modelling of radiocarbon measurements. Faunal results show that marine gastropods such as limpets of the Patella genus and topshells Phorcus lineatus (da Costa, 1778) were the most exploited species, while bivalves, echinoids and crustaceans were present in smaller quantities. The comparison of the results for El Toral III with other Mesolithic sites in the region reveals significant temporal differences in the intensity of collection of marine shell species. Results showed that intensification processes are not clearly related to climate change but to other social factors, such as demography, suggesting that intensification and relaxation in shell collection events were strategies adopted depending on the needs of the human groups at different times.
Cymbospondylus (Ichthyopterygia) from the Early Triassic of Svalbard and the early evolution of large body size in ichthyosaurs
Authors: Sander P. Martin , Dederichs René , Schaaf Tanja , Griebeler Eva Maria
Published: April 2024

Ichthyosaurs were a highly successful group of marine reptiles in the Mesozoic. The ichthyosaur radiation is part of the recovery from the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. In the Early Triassic, this group underwent extensive global radiation, filling ecological niches for the first time that were later occupied by various other lineages of marine amniotes. However, the evolution of body size in ichthyosaurs is not fully understood, as most large-bodied taxa originate from the Middle Triassic and later, and are mostly known from only a few specimens. In this study, we describe three articulated posterior dorsal vertebrae (IGPB R660) of the ichthyosaur Cymbospondylus sp. from the latest Olenekian Keyserlingites subrobustus zone of the Vikinghøgda Formation of the Agardhdalen area, eastern Spitsbergen, Svalbard. We numerically estimated the total body length of IGPB R660 from dorsal vertebral centrum length using a comparative dataset of other species of the genus and two different allometric analyses. This approach yields total length estimates of 7.5 m and 9.5 m for the individual, respectively, the highest for any unambiguous Early Triassic ichthyosaur find. Earlier, higher estimates of 11 m were based on taxonomically and stratigraphically inconclusive material but do not appear unreasonable based on evidence provided in this paper. Our study underscores both the rapid ecosystem recovery after a major mass extinction and extremely rapid increases in body size in ichthyosaurs after their adaptation to a secondarily aquatic lifestyle.
Meteorological drought monitoring in Kızılırmak Basin, Türkiye
Authors: Robleh Hamza Barkad , Yuce Mehmet Ishak , Esit Musa , Deger Ibrahim Halil
Published: April 2024

Drought, a major phenomenon impacting water resources, viability, sustainability, and the economy, has been one of the most important hydrological concerns. In the literature, it has been classified into four groups that are meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socio-economic. Meteorological drought expresses the precipitation deficits when they are significantly below those recorded normal times. In this study, using the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and mean monthly precipitation records of 17 stations which have been obtained from the General Directorate of Meteorology of Türkiye, a drought monitoring analysis has been conducted for Kızılırmak Basin, which is the second largest water basin of the country and water source of many provinces allowing for the time scales of 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months considering the cases of “dry” (SPI ≤ − 1.5) and “wet” (SPI ≥ 1.5). To detect the possible trends in two categories of Severe and Extreme Drought, SED (SPI ≤ − 1.5), and Severe and Extreme Wet, SEW (SPI ≥ 1.5) of all time scales, a developed form of innovative trend analysis (ITA) is performed by adding two vertical lines. In addition, a traditional the Mann–Kendall test is applied to the SPI series. The findings indicate that dry occurrences tend to outnumber wet occurrences across various time scales. Analysis reveals that a significant majority of results across all time scales exhibit a consistent trend (89%), with a notable increase in the SEW category (62.74%) and a decrease in the SED category (60.78%). Mann–Kendall analysis demonstrates that 67% of the observed trends show a decrease, while 33% show an increase across all time scales.
Mini-encyclopedia of mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals protecting health in primary and secondary care—clinically relevant 3PM innovation
Authors: Golubnitschaja Olga , Kapinova Andrea , Sargheini Nafiseh , Bojkova Bianka , Kapalla Marko , Heinrich Luisa , Gkika Eleni , Kubatka Peter
Published: April 2024

Despite their subordination in humans, to a great extent, mitochondria maintain their independent status but tightly cooperate with the “host” on protecting the joint life quality and minimizing health risks. Under oxidative stress conditions, healthy mitochondria promptly increase mitophagy level to remove damaged “fellows” rejuvenating the mitochondrial population and sending fragments of mtDNA as SOS signals to all systems in the human body. As long as metabolic pathways are under systemic control and well-concerted together, adaptive mechanisms become triggered increasing systemic protection, activating antioxidant defense and repair machinery. Contextually, all attributes of mitochondrial patho-/physiology are instrumental for predictive medical approach and cost-effective treatments tailored to individualized patient profiles in primary (to protect vulnerable individuals again the health-to-disease transition) and secondary (to protect affected individuals again disease progression) care. Nutraceuticals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds demonstrating health-promoting, illness-preventing, and other health-related benefits. Keeping in mind health-promoting properties of nutraceuticals along with their great therapeutic potential and safety profile, there is a permanently growing demand on the application of mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals. Application of nutraceuticals is beneficial only if meeting needs at individual level. Therefore, health risk assessment and creation of individualized patient profiles are of pivotal importance followed by adapted nutraceutical sets meeting individual needs. Based on the scientific evidence available for mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals, this article presents examples of frequent medical conditions, which require protective measures targeted on mitochondria as a holistic approach following advanced concepts of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) in primary and secondary care.
The value of lipid accumulation products in predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study on elderlies over 65 in Shanghai
Authors: Li Tuming , Yan Shuo , Sun Dongmei , Wu Ying , Liang Huazheng , Zheng Qinghu , Zhong Ping
Published: April 2024

Purpose

As lifestyle changes, there is an increasing number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in China. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the lipid accumulation product (LAP) for T2DM in Chinese elderlies over 65 years.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study recruited 2,092 adults from communities of Pudong New Area of Shanghai. Questionnaires were filled and anthropometric and laboratory examinations were completed by all participants. The predictive value of different risk factors for T2DM was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC).

Results

LAP was found to be closely related to T2DM (adjusted OR: 0.613, 95% CI: 0.581–0.645). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), LAP, and urea nigrogen (UN) were associated with T2DM in females, whereas FPG, LAP, neck circumference (NC) were associated with T2DM in males. When the cut-off value was 33.8, LAP displayed the optimal predictive performance. A gender difference was observed with an LAP of 37.95 demonstrating the best predictive value in males (AUC = 0.604, 95% CI: 0.577–0.652) and 60.2 in females (AUC = 0.617, 95% CI: 0.574–0.660), respectively.

Conclusion

LAP is more significantly associated with the risk of T2DM in elderlies than FPG, UN or NC, and it serves as a strong predictor of T2DM. However, this is impacted by FPG and neck circumference to a certain extent. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in predicting diabetes.
Endocrine disruptors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor and cortisol secretion
Authors: Pecori Giraldi F. , Ferraù F. , Ragonese M. , Cannavò S.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Endocrine disruptors exert a plethora of effects in endocrine tissues, from altered function to carcinogenesis. Given its lipophilic nature, the adrenal cortex represents an ideal target for endocrine disruptors and thus, possibly, xenobiotic-induced adrenocortical dysfunction. However, there is no clear understanding of the effect of endocrine disruptors on adrenal steroidogenesis, in particular as regards the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway, one of the key mediators.

Methods

The present review recapitulates available evidence on the effects of AHR ligands on adrenal steroidogenesis, with focus on cortisol secretion.

Results

Short-term exposure to AHR ligands most often induced a stress-like corticosteroid response followed by decreased responsiveness to stressors with long-term exposure. This was observed in several experimental models across species as well as in animals and humans in real-life settings. Prenatal exposure led to different effects according to sex of the offspring, as observed in murine models and in children from mothers in several countries. In vitro findings proved highly dependent on the experimental setting, with reduced cortisol response and steroidogenic enzyme synthesis mostly observed in fish and increased cortisol synthesis and secretion observed in murine and human adrenal cell lines. Of note, no AHR-binding element was detected in steroidogenic enzyme promoters, suggesting the involvement of additional factors.

Conclusion

Our review provides evidence for the impact of AHR ligands on adrenocortical function and indicates further avenues of research to better clarify its effects.
The Pedagogy of Watching Shakespeare
Authors: Marshall Bethan , Edwards Myfanwy , Dixie Charlotte
Published: April 2024

The pedagogy of acting out Shakespeare has been extensive. Less work has been done on how students learn through spectatorship. This element will consider all within the current context of Shakespeare teaching in schools. Using grounded research, it will include work undertaken on a schools National Theatre production of Macbeth, as well as classroom-based, action research, using a variety of digital performances of Shakespeare plays. Both find means of extending student knowledge in unexpected ways through encountering interpretations of Shakespeare that the students had not considered. In reflecting on the practice of watching Shakespeare in an educational context- both at the theatre and in the classroom- this Element hopes to offer suggestions for how teachers might re-think the ways in which they present Shakespeare performed to their students particularly as a powerful way of building personal and critical responses to the plays.
Inequality and Political Cleavage in Africa
Authors: Boone Catherine
Published: April 2024

This pathbreaking work integrates African countries into broader comparative theories of how spatial inequality shapes political competition over the construction of markets, states, and nations. Existing literature on African countries has found economic cleavages, institutions, and policy choices to be of low salience in national politics. This book inverts these arguments. Boone trains our analytic focus on the spatial inequalities and territorial institutions that structure national politics in Africa, showing that regional cleavages find expression in both electoral competition and policy struggles over redistribution, sectoral investment, market integration, and state design. Leveraging comparative politics theory, Boone argues that African countries' regional and core-periphery tensions are similar to those that have shaped national economic integration in other parts of the world. Bringing together electoral and economic geography, the book offers a new and powerful map of political competition on the African continent.
European Human Rights Grey Zones
Authors: Forde Andrew
Published: April 2024

Forde examines the effectiveness of the human rights system of the Council of Europe (CoE) in conflict-affected regions and advances a novel approach to understanding how the European Convention on Human Rights can better serve the 10+ million rights-holders living in so-called human rights 'grey zones'. Building on the premise that nowhere in Europe should be deprived of access to Europe's human rights architecture, Forde argues that areas of conflict give rise to a collective public order imperative on Member States to seek maximal effectiveness of the CoE human rights system. Despite Kosovo's sui generis status, much of the CoE's experience of engagement with Kosovo could inspire more proactive efforts in relation to other areas of conflict. This book advocates a judicious engagement of the CoE's unique assets and acquis in affected regions based on the collective responsibility of Member States and the normative will of the Secretary General.
Altering flight stability characteristics of a high-performance aircraft through wing strake modification
Authors: Raza H. , Maqsood A. , Masud J.
Published: April 2024

Changes in flight stability characteristics at the advanced stage of aircraft design are complex and require thorough investigations. This paper examines the impact of wing strake modification on high-performance aircraft using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The dynamic behaviour is calculated using the forced oscillation technique, while the effect of geometric variation on longitudinal stability characteristics is extensively studied. Steady-state experimental data is utilised to validate the computational setup. Static aerodynamic coefficients, dynamic stability derivatives and the positions of aerodynamic and pressure centres are employed to quantify the changes. Furthermore, the alterations in stability characteristics are correlated with flow physics. The results indicate a reduction in longitudinal static and dynamic stability at various flight conditions due to the proposed modification. This deliberate reduction was necessary to accommodate the installation of a fly-by-wire system. The discussed design changes have been effectively implemented on an in-service aircraft.
The semantron to Western ears: othering through sound
Authors: Rodriguez Suarez Alex
Published: April 2024

For centuries Eastern Churches only employed the semantron, usually an elongated piece of wood that is struck with a hammer, to gather the faithful. Eventually, most adopted bell ringing, even though semantra continue to be used by some Orthodox Churches. In the West bells were rung for the same purpose and the semantron was unknown. As a result, Western pilgrims, diplomats, and other travellers to the eastern Mediterranean were astonished and intrigued when they encountered the instrument. This article looks at their descriptions and discusses how the instrument and its sounds were used to other Oriental Christianity.
Isolation and reinoculation of a gall-inducing fungus in the invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) in Florida
Authors: Halbritter Dale A. , Rayamajhi Min B. , Madeira Paul , Leidi Jorge G. , Telmadarrehei Telmah , Minteer Carey
Published: April 2024

Stem galls and witch’s broom–like growths are locally abundant on the highly invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) at field sites in southern Florida where a thrips biological control agent (Pseudophilothrips ichini) is being released to reduce the invasive potential of the plant. Galls have also been observed on potted plants in nursery stock grown to feed laboratory colonies of the agent. Herein, our objective was to isolate and identify the causal agent of the galls and assess its ability to induce galls in naive plants. We obtained stem galls from both field- and nursery-grown plants, aseptically isolated a fungus in acidic potato dextrose agar, and purified fungal colonies. Stems of potted naive saplings were wound-inoculated with purified hyphal fragments from the purified colonies, which readily induced galls like those observed in the field and nursery. Simultaneous molecular analysis of the fungal DNA obtained from the galls of field and nursery plants, experimentally induced galls, and fungal colony isolates identified this gall-inducing fungus as Cophinforma sp.. We demonstrated that this Cophinforma sp. can infect S. terebinthifolia stems via mechanical wounds and induce visibly discernible stem galls in saplings within 3 mo. This will serve as a model for galled plant production for assessing the impacts of the gall-inducing fungus on S. terebinthifolia, with potential for further study to investigate interactions between the thrips and this naturalized fungus, which may synergistically and/or additively enhance S. terebinthifolia management efficacy.
Excitation and evolution of radiating modes in supersonic boundary layers. Part 2. Back effect of spontaneously radiated Mach waves
Authors: Qin Fufeng , Wu Xuesong
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the linear and nonlinear evolution of radiating modes under the influence of the spontaneously emitted Mach waves in a simple set-up of the supersonic boundary layers that develop in the entry region of a channel formed by two parallel semi-infinite flat plates. Two scenarios are considered. The first occurs in the boundary layers having identical wall conditions, where the Mach wave emitted by a radiating mode in one boundary layer influences the instability in the other. The second scenario takes place when the wall temperatures are different, in which case the spontaneously radiated Mach wave is reflected by the other boundary layer back to act on the radiating mode. Appropriate amplitude equations with the acoustic feedback effect being accounted for are derived. In each case, the effect of the spontaneously emitted sound contributes a linear term of delay type to the respective amplitude equation. For the first scenario, analytical and numerical studies of the amplitude equations show that due to the back action of the spontaneously radiated Mach wave, the amplitude exhibits rapid oscillations, and in the case of enhanced feedback effects, its envelope experiences near extinction followed by resurrection. The study of the coupled equations shows that the two modes with different initial amplitudes either undergo oscillations before attenuating, or terminate a finite-distance singularity at different locations. For the second scenario, the acoustic feedback produces similar effects in a broad range of wall temperature. The effects become pronounced, and the dependence on the wall temperature becomes more sensitive when the latter approaches the value corresponding to the resonance. Estimates suggest that such acoustic feedback is likely to be present in typical wind tunnel experiments and models for scramjet combustors.