bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cost of “snubbing”: the effect of parental phubbing on filial piety behavior in children and adolescents
Authors: Zhang Yongxin , Chen Bingran , Ding Qian , Wei Hua
Published: March 2024

Background

Although numerous studies have used Chinese samples to examine the consequences of parental phubbing, these studies focused on children’s mental health and peer interaction. No research to date has directly explored the association between parental phubbing and child–parent interaction. Since parental phubbing is a way how parents interact with their children (parent–child), it might be associated with the way how children interact with their parents (child–parent), such as filial piety behavior, which prescribes how children behave toward their parents and remains one of the goals of parents in educating their children in modern Chinese society. Based on social exchange theory and social gender theory, this study investigated the impact of parental phubbing on filial piety behavior and tested its mediation of perceived parental rejection, its moderation of gender among children and adolescents.

Methods

This study was conducted using a questionnaire method. A total of 753 students from Grade 4 to 9 (Mage = 12.28 years, SD = 1.81 years) was surveyed using the Parental Phubbing Scale, Perceived Parental Rejection Questionnaire, and the revised Dual Filial Piety Scale.

Results

First, parental phubbing was negatively correlated with reciprocal filial piety (RFP) behavior, but not correlated with authoritarian filial piety (AFP) behavior. Second, perceived parental rejection played a mediating role between parental phubbing and RFP behavior. Third, this direct effect was moderated by gender, in that it was stronger for boys than for girls.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that there are intergenerational costs of phubbing, such as reducing children and adolescents’ RFP behavior. The present study is the first to combine parent–child interaction in the digital media era (parental phubbing) with traditional Chinese child–parent interaction (RFP behavior), which expands the research topic on the influence of parental phubbing on children and adolescents’ psychological development.
Recent advances and challenges in monitoring and modeling of disturbances in tropical moist forests
Authors: He Jiaying , Li Wei , Zhao Zhe , Zhu Lei , Du Xiaomeng , Xu Yidi , Sun Minxuan , Zhou Jiaxin , Ciais Philippe , Wigneron Jean-Pierre , Liu Ronggao , Lin Guanghui , Fan Lei
Published: March 2024

Tropical moist forests have been severely affected by natural and anthropogenic disturbances, leading to substantial changes in global carbon cycle and climate. These effects have received great attention in scientific research and debates. Here we review recent progress on drivers and ecological impacts of tropical moist forest disturbances, and their monitoring and modeling methods. Disturbances in tropical moist forests are primarily driven by clearcutting, selective logging, fire, extreme drought, and edge effects. Compound disturbances such as fire and edge effects aggravate degradation in the edge forests. Drought can result in terrestrial carbon loss via physiological impacts. These disturbances lead to direct carbon loss, biophysical warming and microclimate change. Remote sensing observations are promising for monitoring forest disturbances and revealing mechanisms, which will be useful for implementing disturbance processes in dynamic vegetation models. Yet, constrained spatiotemporal coverages and resolutions limit the application of these data in process-based models. It is also challenging to represent physical processes derived from fine-resolution remote sensing data in coarse-resolution models. We highlight the need to continuously integrate new datasets and physical processes in forest disturbance modeling to advance understanding of disturbance patterns and impacts. Interactions and impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities should also be considered for modeling and assessing feedbacks of tropical moist forest disturbances.
External focus instruction using a paper balloon: impact on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity in isometric single-leg stance for healthy males
Authors: Murofushi Koji , Morito Tsuyoshi , Akuzawa Hiroshi , Oshikawa Tomoki , Okubo Yu , Kaneoka Koji , Mitomo Sho , Yagishita Kazuyoshi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Core stability is crucial for preventing and rehabilitating lumbar spine injuries. An external focus instruction using a paper balloon is an effective way to activate the trunk muscles. However, the degree of trunk and lower extremity muscle activation during single leg stance with external focus instruction using a paper balloon is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the core muscle involving activity in the trunk and lower extremities on both the support and non-support sides with or without using external focus instruction using a paper balloon during isometric single-leg stance.

Methods

Thirteen healthy males aged 20–28 years volunteered to take part in this study and performed a single leg stance task with and without an external focus instruction, pressing their non-supporting foot onto a paper balloon without crushing it. The participant's muscle electrical activity was recorded during the single leg task using surface EMG and intramuscular EMG for six trunk muscles (transversus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, rectus abdominis, multifidus, and lumbar erector spinae) and five lower extremity muscles (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, adductor longus, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris)

Results

Compared to the normal single leg stance, the external focus instruction task using a paper balloon showed significantly increased transversus abdominis (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), internal oblique (p = 0.001, p < 0.001), external oblique (p = 0.002, p = 0.001), rectus abdominal (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), lumbar multifidus (p = 0.001, p < 0.001), lumbar erector spinae (p < 0.001, p = 0.001), adductor longus (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), rectus femoris (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), and biceps femoris (p < 0.010, p < 0.001) muscle activity on the support and non-support sides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, external focus instruction using a paper balloon significantly activates the trunk and lower extremities muscles on both the support and non-support sides. This finding provides insights for designing programs to improve coordination and balance. The benefits extend to diverse individuals, encompassing athletes, tactical professionals, and the general population, mitigating the risk of injury or falls linked to inadequate lower limb balance.
Consumers’ purchase propensity for pasta tracked with blockchain technology and labelled with sustainable credence attributes
Authors: Petrontino Alessandro , Frem Michel , Fucilli Vincenzo , Tria Emanuela , Campobasso Adele Annarita , Bozzo Francesco
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Pasta is a key product in Italy’s agri-food industry, consumed due to its ease of preparation, nutritional richness, and cultural importance. Evolving consumer awareness has prompted adaptations in the pasta market, to address concerns about social, environmental, quality, and food safety issues. This study examines Italian consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for pasta in local markets, analysing their behaviours and preferences.

Methods

For this purpose, we used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) technique combined with a latent variable model. We also collected 397 valid online questionnaires.

Results and Discussion

The results reveal an interest utility among all respondents to pay a price premium of €1.16, €0.82, €0.62, €0.41, and €0.36 for 500 g of pasta, for the use of blockchain/QR code (BC) technology on the label, providing data on credence attributes such as safety, environmental and social sustainability as well as business innovative practices, respectively. As such, this research has private and public implications. On one hand, this research may bridge the scarcity in studies regarding consumer preferences and WTP for BC in the pasta value chain, preventing agricultural frauds, ensuring the sustainability and quality of agri-food products like pasta, and protecting and educating consumers through clear and transparent information. On the other hand, this research may incentivise pasta businesses to meet social and environmental consumers’ demands while simultaneously enhancing their financial performance.
Virological characteristics correlating with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein fusogenicity
Authors: Begum MST Monira , Ichihara Kimiko , Takahashi Otowa , Nasser Hesham , Jonathan Michael , Tokunaga Kenzo , Yoshida Isao , Nagashima Mami , Sadamasu Kenji , Yoshimura Kazuhisa ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Sato Kei , Ikeda Terumasa
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein is essential in mediating membrane fusion of the virus with the target cells. Several reports demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 S protein fusogenicity is reportedly closely associated with the intrinsic pathogenicity of the virus determined using hamster models. However, the association between S protein fusogenicity and other virological parameters remains elusive.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the virological parameters (e.g., S1/S2 cleavage efficiency, plaque size, pseudoviral infectivity, pseudovirus entry efficiency, and viral replication kinetics) of eleven previous variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) correlating with S protein fusogenicity.

Results and discussion

S protein fusogenicity was found to be strongly correlated with S1/S2 cleavage efficiency and plaque size formed by clinical isolates. However, S protein fusogenicity was less associated with pseudoviral infectivity, pseudovirus entry efficiency, and viral replication kinetics. Taken together, our results suggest that S1/S2 cleavage efficiency and plaque size could be potential indicators to predict the intrinsic pathogenicity and S protein fusogenicity of newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A pericoronitis kezelési lehetőségei a fogászati gyakorlatban
Authors: Beszedics Adrienn , Koncz Szilvia , Cziriák Norbert , Kammerhofer Gábor , Bogdán Sándor , Németh Zsolt
Published: March 2024

A pericoronitis a részben előtört fogak koronája körüli nyálkahártya gyulladása. Leggyakrabban az alsó bölcsességfogaknáljelentkezik. A kórkép definitív kezelése az esetek nagy részében az érintett fog eltávolításával jár. Kialakulásábanszámos lokális és szisztémás faktor játszik közre. Közleményünk célja egy áttekintő képet adni a pericoronitis kialakulásáról,valamint, figyelembe véve a fog anatómiai helyzetét és impakciójának mértékét, ismertetni a terápiás lehetőségeket.
Analysis and Identification of Differences in Volatile Components of Various Alfalfa Seeds Based on GC-IMS
Authors: Zhao Taotao , Zhu Xinqiang , Yang Hongshan , Wang Yonggang , Leng Feifan , Wang Xiaoli
Published: March 2024

Volatile components are one key factor in sample identification, differential analysis, quality control and origin traceability. In order to identify and analyze the differences in volatile substances in different alfalfa seeds, this study used gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), combined with the Gallery Plot plug-in, and PCA, PLS-DA and other analysis methods. In this way, a comprehensive analysis of volatile components in 10 alfalfa seeds, including aerospace varieties, was conducted. A comparative analysis of the characteristics of different sample compounds using topographic maps and fingerprints led to isolation of 48 kinds of 54 volatile compounds. Among them, esters (9 types), olefins (8 types), ketones (8 types), alcohols (6 types) and aldehydes (6 types) were found to be the most abundant volatile compounds in alfalfa seeds. At the same time, PCA and PLS-DA analysis models showed that esters, ketones and alcohols were the main volatiles causing the differences among alfalfa seeds. Among them, the content of various substances in the ZT2 and ZT3 aerospace varieties were higher than that of other varieties, while the types and contents of volatiles in ZT1, ZM2 and GN3 were relatively low. Therefore, in combination with the differences in maturity of each sample, the 10 varieties of alfalfa were finally divided into three categories, and the varieties of the same series were basically classified into one category. This provides a basis and convenience for future seed screening, identification, traceability and forage breeding.
Interiority, Metamorphosis, and Simone Leigh’s Hybrid Cowries
Authors: Johnson Bidler Tiffany
Published: March 2024

By way of an analysis of Simone Leigh’s You Don’t Know Where Her Mouth Has Been (2017), this essay argues that by hybridizing the cowrie and watermelon, Leigh creates her own natural history of these biological forms that disorders the rigid taxonomic classification on which systems of discrimination rely. The resulting hybrid cowrie not only defies classification, it also forms a folded architecture that facilitates a Deleuzian reading. The hybrid cowries, by way of their capacious construction and narrow slits, evoke an interiority that enables metamorphosis. By way of the analysis of the works of Cupboard (2014) and Cowrie (Pannier) (2015), the essay further investigates architectural forms. It considers the intricate interactions between the hybrid architecture of natural forms, such as cowries and watermelons, and human-fabricated forms, such as teleuks and crinolines.
Generative Pre-Trained Transformer-Empowered Healthcare Conversations: Current Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions in Large Language Model-Enabled Medical Chatbots
Authors: Chow James C. L. , Wong Valerie , Li Kay
Published: March 2024

This review explores the transformative integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare through conversational AI leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP). Focusing on Large Language Models (LLMs), this paper navigates through various sections, commencing with an overview of AI’s significance in healthcare and the role of conversational AI. It delves into fundamental NLP techniques, emphasizing their facilitation of seamless healthcare conversations. Examining the evolution of LLMs within NLP frameworks, the paper discusses key models used in healthcare, exploring their advantages and implementation challenges. Practical applications in healthcare conversations, from patient-centric utilities like diagnosis and treatment suggestions to healthcare provider support systems, are detailed. Ethical and legal considerations, including patient privacy, ethical implications, and regulatory compliance, are addressed. The review concludes by spotlighting current challenges, envisaging future trends, and highlighting the transformative potential of LLMs and NLP in reshaping healthcare interactions.
Breathable Iron-Based MIL-88 Framework as Dye Adsorbent in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nurani Dita A. , Anisa Nabila , Khatrin Irena , Yasmine  , Kadja Grandprix T. M. , Krisnandi Yuni K.
Published: March 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been observed to exclusively eliminate dyes confined within their respective pores. In this investigation, the synthesis of a breathable MOF structure, MIL-88B(Fe), was pursued with the objective of circumventing restrictions on pore size to enhance its adsorption capabilities. The synthesis of MIL-88B(Fe) was carried out via the assisted solvothermal method at 373 K using inexpensive yet environmentally benign FeCl3·6H2O, 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, and DMF as a metal precursor, linker, and solvent, respectively. Furthermore, the MOF was subjected to extensive analytical characterisation using XRD, FT-IR spectroscopy, N2 gas sorption, TGA, and SEM. The experimental data showed that the utilisation of MIL-88B(Fe) with a dose level of 5 mg for 180 min at a pH of 9 led to the highest levels of adsorption for both dyes, with 162.82 mg g−1 for methylene blue (MB) and 144.65 mg g−1 for rhodamine B (RhB), as a result of the contrast in the molecular size between each dye. The Langmuir and Freundlich models demonstrated a correlation with isotherms, while the thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that MIL-88B(Fe) exhibits distinct endothermic and breathable properties. The efficacy of MIL-88B(Fe) adsorbent for MB and RhB in aqueous solutions indicated exceptional performance, stability, and noteworthy reusability performance.
Prognostic Value of P63 Expression in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer and Association with Molecular Subtypes—Preliminary Report
Authors: Sanguedolce Francesca , Falagario Ugo Giovanni , Zanelli Magda , Palicelli Andrea , Zizzo Maurizio , Ascani Stefano , Tortorella Simona , Busetto Gian Maria , Cormio Angelo , Carrieri Giuseppe , Cormio Luigi
Published: March 2024

There is an ongoing need for biomarkers that could reliably predict the outcome of BC and that could guide the management of this disease. In this setting, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of the transcription factor P63 in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) having undergone radical cystectomy. The correlation between P63 expression and clinicopathological features (tumor stage, nodes involvement, patterns of muscularis propria invasion, papillary architecture, anaplasia, concomitant carcinoma in situ, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, necrosis) and molecular subtyping (basal and luminal type tumors) was tested in 65 radical cystectomy specimens and matched with cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). P63-negative tumors displayed significantly higher rates of pattern 2 of muscularis propria invasion (50% vs. 14%, p = 0.002) and variant histology (45% vs. 19%, p = 0.022) compared to P63-positive ones. According to the combined expression of CK5/6 and CK20 (Algorithm #1), P63-positive and P63-negative tumors were mostly basal-like and double-negative, respectively (p = 0.004). Using Algorithm #2, based on the combined expression of CK5/6 and GATA3, the vast majority of tumors were luminal overall and in each group (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in CSS and OS between P63-positive and P63-negative tumors, but the former featured a trend towards longer OS. Though associated with pathological features harboring negative prognostic potential, P63 status as such failed to predict CSS and OS. That said, it may contribute to better molecular subtyping of MIBC.
Cutaneous Reactions after COVID-19 Vaccines: Analysis of the Clinical and Histopathological Spectrum—Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Schmid Ursina , Galambos Jörg , Pfaltz Katrin , Hegyi Ivan , Courvoisier Salomé , Kempf Werner
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Various cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are observed with the implementation of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. To gain insight into the clinicopathologic features, we analyzed the correlation of histological and clinical data in 48 patients with these ADRs. (2) Methods: Single-center retrospective study in patients with ADRs after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 vaccines). (3) Results: Distant generalized ADRs prevailed (91%), often appearing clinically as spongiotic dermatitis or maculopapular exanthema. Histopathological analysis revealed spongiotic changes (46%) and dermal superficial perivascular predominantly lymphocytic infiltrates (17%). Eosinophils were found in 66% of biopsies, neutrophils in 29%, and plasma cells only in 8% of biopsies. Most ADRs occurred after the second vaccine dose (44%). Histologically spongiotic changes were associated with clinical features of spongiotic dermatitis in only 50% of patients and maculopapular exanthema in the remaining patients. ADRs represented an aggravation of preexisting skin disease in 23% of patients. ADRs regressed within 28 days or less in 53% of patients and persisted beyond a month in the remaining patients. (4) Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a diverse spectrum of generalized ADRs, revealing correlations between histology and clinical features but also instances of divergence. Interestingly, in about half of our patients, ADRs were self-limited, whereas ADRs extended beyond a month in the other half.
Electromagnetic Interaction Model between an Electric Motor and a Magnetorheological Brake
Authors: Caushaj Sidorela , Imberti Giovanni , de Carvalho Pinheiro Henrique , Carello Massimiliana
Published: March 2024

This article focuses on modelling and validating a groundbreaking magnetorheological braking system. Addressing shortcomings in traditional automotive friction brake systems, including response delays, wear, and added mass from auxiliary components, the study employs a novel brake design combining mechanical and electrical elements for enhanced efficiency. Utilizing magnetorheological (MR) technology within a motor–brake system, the investigation explores the influence of external magnetic flux from the nearby motor on MR fluid movement, particularly under high-flux conditions. The evaluation of a high-magnetic-field mitigator is guided by simulated findings with the objective of resolving potential issues. An alternative method of resolving an interaction between an electric motor and a magnetorheological brake is presented. In addition, to test four configurations, multiple absorber materials are reviewed.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Pre-Training as a Prior to Improve Robustness to Adversarial Attacks and Spurious Correlation
Authors: Yamada Yutaro , Zhang Fred Weiying , Kluger Yuval , Yildirim Ilker
Published: March 2024

Ensuring robustness of image classifiers against adversarial attacks and spurious correlation has been challenging. One of the most effective methods for adversarial robustness is a type of data augmentation that uses adversarial examples during training. Here, inspired by computational models of human vision, we explore a synthesis of this approach by leveraging a structured prior over image formation: the 3D geometry of objects and how it projects to images. We combine adversarial training with a weight initialization that implicitly encodes such a prior about 3D objects via 3D reconstruction pre-training. We evaluate our approach using two different datasets and compare it to alternative pre-training protocols that do not encode a prior about 3D shape. To systematically explore the effect of 3D pre-training, we introduce a novel dataset called Geon3D, which consists of simple shapes that nevertheless capture variation in multiple distinct dimensions of geometry. We find that while 3D reconstruction pre-training does not improve robustness for the simplest dataset setting, we consider (Geon3D on a clean background) that it improves upon adversarial training in more realistic (Geon3D with textured background and ShapeNet) conditions. We also find that 3D pre-training coupled with adversarial training improves the robustness to spurious correlations between shape and background textures. Furthermore, we show that the benefit of using 3D-based pre-training outperforms 2D-based pre-training on ShapeNet. We hope that these results encourage further investigation of the benefits of structured, 3D-based models of vision for adversarial robustness.
Analysis of the Impact of Clean Coal Technologies on the Share of Coal in Poland’s Energy Mix
Authors: Rybak Aurelia , Rybak Aleksandra , Joostberens Jarosław , Pielot Joachim , Toś Piotr
Published: March 2024

This article presents research results on the share of coal in the energy mix and the impact of clean coal technologies on Poland’s energy mix. Two mathematical models were utilised: the Boltzmann sigmoidal curve and a supervised machine learning model that employs multiple regressions. Eight explanatory variables were incorporated into the model, the influence of which on the explained variable was confirmed by Student’s t-test. The constructed models were verified using ex post errors and the Durbin–Watson and Shapiro–Wilk statistical tests. It was observed that the share of coal in the mix decreased more dynamically after 2015 compared to previous years. Furthermore, a simulation was conducted using the machine learning model, which confirmed the hypothesis on the influence of clean coal technologies on the level of coal share in the Poland energy production structure. As shown by the analysis and simulation, coal could be maintained in the energy mixes of EU countries, and even if the negative aspects of using this fuel were limited—primarily the emission of harmful substances—its share could even increase. It was noted that this share could be higher by 22% assuming a return to the interest in CCT levels from before 2015 and the reduction in CO2 emissions using membrane techniques proposed by the authors. Clean coal technologies would enable diversification of the energy mix, which is an important aspect of energy security. They would also enable the gradual introduction of renewable energy sources or other energy sources, which would facilitate the transition stage on the way to a sustainable energy mix.
Connexin43, A Promising Target to Reduce Cardiac Arrhythmia Burden in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Sykora Matus , Szeiffova Bacova Barbara , Andelova Katarina , Egan Benova Tamara , Martiskova Adriana , Kurahara Lin-Hai , Hirano Katsuya , Tribulova Narcis
Published: March 2024

While essential hypertension (HTN) is very prevalent, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is very rare in the general population. However, due to progressive heart failure, prognoses and survival rates are much worse in PAH. Patients with PAH are at a higher risk of developing supraventricular arrhythmias and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The latter underlie sudden cardiac death regardless of the mechanical cardiac dysfunction. Systemic chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are causal factors that increase the risk of the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias in hypertension. These stressful factors contribute to endothelial dysfunction and arterial pressure overload, resulting in the development of cardiac pro-arrhythmic conditions, including myocardial structural, ion channel and connexin43 (Cx43) channel remodeling and their dysfunction. Myocardial fibrosis appears to be a crucial proarrhythmic substrate linked with myocardial electrical instability due to the downregulation and abnormal topology of electrical coupling protein Cx43. Furthermore, these conditions promote ventricular mechanical dysfunction and heart failure. The treatment algorithm in HTN is superior to PAH, likely due to the paucity of comprehensive pathomechanisms and causal factors for a multitargeted approach in PAH. The intention of this review is to provide information regarding the role of Cx43 in the development of cardiac arrhythmias in hypertensive heart disease. Furthermore, information on the progress of therapy in terms of its cardioprotective and potentially antiarrhythmic effects is included. Specifically, the benefits of sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors (SGLT2i), as well as sotatercept, pirfenidone, ranolazine, nintedanib, mirabegron and melatonin are discussed. Discovering novel therapeutic and antiarrhythmic strategies may be challenging for further research. Undoubtedly, such research should include protection of the heart from inflammation and oxidative stress, as these are primary pro-arrhythmic factors that jeopardize cardiac Cx43 homeostasis, the integrity of intercalated disk and extracellular matrix, and, thereby, heart function.
Biomarkers of Depression among Adolescent Girls: BDNF and Epigenetics
Authors: Zwolińska Weronika , Bilska Karolina , Tarhonska Kateryna , Reszka Edyta , Skibińska Maria , Pytlińska Natalia , Słopień Agnieszka , Dmitrzak-Węglarz Monika
Published: March 2024

Alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression have been suggested to mediate the influence of environmental factors on the emergence of depression through epigenetic modifications. However, research on this subject in the developmental population is lacking and the pathophysiology of adolescent depression remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the alterations in BDNF expression and global DNA methylation in depression among adolescent girls. Thirty female inpatients with the initial diagnosis of depression were assessed before and after the period of antidepressant treatment and compared with thirty age-matched healthy controls. The assessment involved BDNF and proBDNF serum levels, the BDNF gene exon IV promoter methylation, and global DNA methylation. The methylation level in the BDNF gene exon IV promoter was significantly lower in the studied group compared with the control and correlated negatively with the severity of depression. The test distinguished the studied group from the controls with a sensitivity of 37% and specificity of 90%. The differences were no longer present after the period of antidepressant treatment. No differences in the global DNA methylation, BDNF, and proBDNF levels were found. We concluded that decreased methylation in the BDNF exon IV promoter could be considered as a biomarker of a depression state among adolescent girls.
Transcriptome Analysis by RNA Sequencing of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Stocked on International Space Station for 1584 Days in Frozen State after Culture on the Ground
Authors: Yoshida Kayo , Hada Megumi , Hayashi Masami , Kizu Akane , Kitada Kohei , Eguchi-Kasai Kiyomi , Kokubo Toshiaki , Teramura Takeshi , Hashizume Suzuki Hiromi , Watanabe Hitomi , Kondoh Gen , Nagamatsu Aiko , Saganti Premkumar , Muratani Masafumi , Cucinotta Francis A. , Morita Takashi
Published: March 2024

As a space project, in “Stem Cells” by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), frozen mouse ES cells were stored on the International Space Station (ISS) in the Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) for 1584 days. After taking these cells back to the ground, the cells were thawed and cultured, and their gene expressions were comprehensively analyzed using RNA sequencing in order to elucidate the early response of the cells to long-time exposure to space radiation consisting of various ionized particles. The comparisons of gene expression involved in double-stranded break (DSB) repair were examined. The expressions of most of the genes that were involved in homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) were not significantly changed between the ISS-stocked cells and ground-stocked control cells. However, the transcription of Trp53inp1 (tumor protein 53 induced nuclear protein-1), Cdkn1a (p21), and Mdm2 genes increased in ISS-stocked cells as well as Fe ion-irradiated cells compared to control cells. This suggests that accumulated DNA damage caused by space radiation exposure would activate these genes, which are involved in cell cycle arrest for repair and apoptosis in a p53-dependent or -independent manner, in order to prevent cells with damaged genomes from proliferating and forming tumors.
Absolute Quantification of Selected microRNAs Expression in Endometrial Cancer by Digital PCR
Authors: Bogaczyk Anna , Potocka Natalia , Paszek Sylwia , Skrzypa Marzena , Zuchowska Alina , Kośny Michał , Kluz Marta , Zawlik Izabela , Kluz Tomasz
Published: March 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are involved in the process of carcinogenesis, including the development of endometrial cancer (EC). This study aimed to investigate the association between the expression of three miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-205-5p, and miR-222-3p) in endometrial cancer tissues. In addition, the stability of expression of SNORD48 and U6, which were initially planned to be used as reference miRNAs for normalization, was investigated. Endometrial tissue was obtained from 111 patients with EC during hysterectomy and from 19 patients undergoing surgery for uterine fibroids or pelvic organ prolapse as a control group without neoplastic changes. Our study was based on calculations made with a digital PCR method (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) to measure the absolute expression. In the endometrial cancer tissue, miR-205-5p was upregulated, while miR-222-3p and SNORD48 were downregulated compared to the control group. We detected statistically significant correlation of miR-205-5p, U6, and SNORD48 expression with different histological grades; the expression of miR-205-5p increases with the histopathological grade advancement (intraepithelial neoplasia- EIN = 1590, G1 = 3367.2, G2 = 8067 and G3 = 20,360), while U6 and SNORD expression decreases from EIN to G2 and increases again in the G3 grade (U6: EIN = 19,032, G1 = 16,482.4, G2 = 13,642.4, G3 = 133,008; SNORD48: EIN = 97,088, G1 = 59,520, G2 = 43,544, G3 = 227,200). Our study suggests that upregulation of miR-205-5p and downregulation of miR-222-3p and SNORD48 may influence development of endometrial cancer. Moreover, miR-205-5p, U6, and SNORD48 expression changes may be associated with progression of endometrial cancer. The results also indicate that SNORD48 and U6, commonly used as internal references, may influence endometrial cancer development and progression; therefore, they should not be used as references. However, it is important to note that further research is required to understand their role in endometrial cancer.
A Multi-Objective Model for Designing a Sustainable Closed-Loop Supply Chain Logistics Network
Authors: Arab Momeni Mojtaba , Jain Vipul , Bagheri Mehdi
Published: March 2024

Background: The growing concern for environmental and social issues has led to a focus on designing sustainable supply chains and increasing industrial responsibility towards society. In this paper, a multi-objective mixed-integer programming model is presented for designing a sustainable closed-loop supply chain. The model is aimed at the minimization of the total cost with the total used facilities, the negative environmental impacts, and the maximization of the positive social impacts. Methods: The epsilon-constraint method is utilized for solving the model and further extracting the Pareto solutions. Results: The result of the research clearly shows an optimal trade-off between the conflicting objectives, where, by paying more attention to the social and environmental aspects of sustainability, the total costs are increased or by optimizing the number of facilities, a better balance between the dynamics associated with the short-term and long-term goals is reached. The results of the sensitivity analysis also show that increasing the demand of the supply chain has the greatest impact on the supply chain costs compared to other objectives. Conclusions: Consequently, investigating such comprehensive sustainable objectives provides better insights into the impact of design variables on the expectations of stakeholders.
Revenue Management in Airlines and External Factors Affecting Decisions: The Harmonic Oscillator Model
Authors: Arraut Ivan , Rosado Wilson , Leong Victor
Published: March 2024

The Revenue Management (RM) problem in airlines for a fixed capacity, single resource and two classes has been solved before by using a standard formalism. In this paper we propose a model for RM by using the semi-classical approach of the Quantum Harmonic Oscillator. We then extend the model to include external factors affecting the people’s decisions, particularly those where collective decisions emerge.
Ecological Grief Observed from a Distance
Authors: Beran Ondřej
Published: March 2024

The paper discusses ecological grief as a particular affective phenomenon. First, it offers an overview of several philosophical accounts of grief, acknowledging the heterogeneity and complexity of the experience that responds to particular personal points of importance, concern and one’s identity; the loss triggering grief represents a blow to these. I then argue that ecological grief is equally varied and personal: responding to what the grieving person understands as a loss severe enough to present intelligibly a degradation of her life and the world, to their meaningfulness or even sustainability. More specifically, both personal and ecological grief may manifest in an eroded sense of the future as a space in which one would invest oneself with plans, projects, ideas, desires, and endeavours. On the other hand, personal grief is, in some cases, conceptualised as having embedded the inherent possibility to come to closure or “move on” (e.g., by marrying again), while with ecological grief, the intelligibility of overcoming (replacing) the loss may be, depending on its scale, severely limited. I argue that this erosion of the future need not take the shape of paralysing sadness but rather of a disruption of taking some options of projecting oneself into the future seriously or as real.
Lignin-Based Hydrogels for the Delivery of Bioactive Chaga Mushroom Extract
Authors: Nagardeolekar Aditi , Dongre Prajakta , Bujanovic Biljana M.
Published: March 2024

Lignin-poly(ethylene)glycol diglycidyl ether hydrogels were synthesized from lignin fractions readily extracted during the hot-water treatment of angiosperms: hardwoods, sugar maple and energy-crop willow, monocotyledons, grasses, miscanthus and agriculture residues, and wheat straw. These lignins represent a broad range of chemical structures and properties as a comparative analysis of their suitability to produce the hydrogels as a novel carrier of chaga–silver nanoparticles. The formation of hydrogels was assessed via attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Then, the hydrogels were observed via scanning electron microscopy and evaluated for their free-absorbency capacity and moduli of compression. Furthermore, a hydrogel produced from kraft lignin and two commercial hydrogels was evaluated to benchmark the effectiveness of our hydrogels. Chaga extracts were prepared via the hot-water extraction of chaga mushroom, a method selected for its relatively higher yields and preserved antioxidizing activities. Hydrogels synthesized with lignins of monocotyledons, wheat straw, and miscanthus were found to be suitable carriers for chaga–silver nanoparticles due to their favorable absorption and release behaviors.
Evaluating Carbon-Emission Efficiency in China’s Construction Industry: An SBM-Model Analysis of Interprovincial Building Heating
Authors: Yuan Ruiqing , Xu Xiangyang , Wang Yanli , Lu Jiayi , Long Ying
Published: March 2024

In the pursuit of China’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals, optimizing carbon-emission efficiency within the construction sector, a significant emitter, becomes critical. This study employs a super-Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) model and a Tobit regression model to analyze buildings’ heating-related carbon emissions across China, considering urban population density, electricity usage, and building energy consumption and the influencing factors that cause differences in carbon-emission efficiency difference. The results of this study show that the average building carbon-emission efficiency of 30 provinces in China is 0.789; carbon-emission efficiency is 0.89 in the south, higher than 0.69 in the north. After excluding centralized heating emissions, the value of buildings’ carbon-emission efficiency in the northern provinces increases by 0.01, of which the buildings’ carbon-emission efficiency in Jilin Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region shows positive growth, respectively, by 0.12 and 0.17. In terms of influencing factors, there is a significant positive correlation between the scientific and technological levels, the regional economic scale, and carbon-emission efficiency; however, government intervention in the economy has a negative correlation with carbon-emission efficiency. Renewable energy utilization and green-policy adoption emerge as pivotal in enhancing efficiency. The contribution of this study is to underscore the necessity of fostering renewable energy, refining energy-consumption structures, and implementing green strategies to augment buildings’ heating-related carbon-emission efficiency.
Surgical Outcomes of Laminectomy, Durotomy and a Non-Synthetic Dura Substitute Application in Ten Dogs with a Spinal Subarachnoid Diverticulum
Authors: Mól Michał , Fernandes Ricardo , Wheeler Simon , Mariscoli Massimo
Published: March 2024

This retrospective study aimed to report the surgical treatment and outcomes of laminectomies followed by durotomy and the application of a non-synthetic collagen matrix dura substitute (DurepairTM) in ten dogs with a spinal subarachnoid diverticulum (SAD). The medical records of these ten client-owned dogs with SAD diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reviewed. All patients had chronic and progressive deficits. At presentation, common neurological signs were proprioceptive ataxia, ambulatory spastic paraparesis or tetraparesis, and faecal incontinence. Dorsal thoracolumbar laminectomy was performed in eight dogs; one dog underwent cervical dorsolateral laminectomy, and one patient had thoracic hemilaminectomy. Laminectomies were followed by durotomy, allowing the dissection of the pia-arachnoid adhesions. A rectangular patch of a non-synthetic dura substitute was applied as an onlay graft over the durotomy site before routine closure. Proprioceptive ataxia, paraparesis, and tetraparesis improved in all patients. Faecal incontinence in one patient resolved postoperatively. Laminectomy, durotomy, and the application of a non-synthetic dura substitute was a safe procedure facilitating postoperative improvement over a long-term follow-up period (from 9 to 40 months).
Gérer la crise de l’Université
Authors: Melenk Hartmut
Published: March 2024

Il n’est pas de voie royale pour résoudre la crise actuelle de l’enseignement supérieur en RFA. Il faudra s’accommoder à l’avenir de l’Université de masse. Mais l’évolution qui s’amorce montre que les différents types d’établissement se rapprochent et qu’il faut trouver le moyen de promouvoir aussi les petites universités. Les études en sciences humaines doivent être plus fortement structurées, au moins jusqu’au premier diplôme professionnalisant ; enfin, il faut qu’en Allemagne on réfléchisse plus que jusqu’à présent à la définition de domaines qui pourraient correspondre à une demande sociale et offrir des débouchés professionnels aux étudiants formés en sciences humaines.
L’Allemagne de Jean Cavaillès (1903-1944) au début des années 30. Entre optimisme scientifique et désarroi religieux
Authors: Séguin Philippe
Published: March 2024

L’Allemagne de Jean Cavaillès (1903-1944) au début des années 30 : entre optimisme scientifique et désarroi religieux.

Jean Cavaillès (1903-1944) se vit attribuer en 1930 une bourse Rockefeller d’un an pour étudier les mouvements de jeunesse en Allemagne. Mais il se détourna bien vite du travail sociologique pour se consacrer à des sujets qui lui tenaient davantage à cœur : la religion, puisqu’il était profondément croyant, et une réflexion sur la théorie des ensembles qui était son sujet de doctorat. S’il fut déçu sur le plan religieux à la fois par les protestants et les catholiques, son travail scientifique ne semble lui avoir apporté que des motifs de satisfaction. Le climat intellectuel et politique qui régnait alors à l’Institut mathématique de l’Université de Göttingen, où il travailla, ne fut pas sans contribuer à l’optimisme de Cavaillès sur le plan scientifique.
La langue et sa vision du monde. Attribution réciproque de stéréotypes. Une approche comparée du français et de l’allemand
Authors: Haßler Gerda
Published: March 2024

Sprache und Weltanschauung in Frankreich und Deutschland : Sprachwissenschaft oder nationalistischer Diskurs ?

Das Problem der Beziehung zwischen einer Sprache und dem besonderen Denken des Volkes, das sie spricht, wird in Sprachtheorien diskutiert und stellt sich auch bei der Betrachtung des Sprachbewusstseins der Sprecher. In diesem Beitrag soll untersucht werden, wie deutsche Romanisten das Wesen der französischen Sprache ausgehend von den von ihnen untersuchten sprachlichen Erscheinungen interpretierten. Der nationalistische Diskurs über eine Sprache als Ausdruck der Gesamtheit des Lebens eines Volkes hat nur wenige äußere Gemeinsamkeiten mit der idealistischen Philologie. Dennoch war es in Deutschland schwierig geworden, ein kulturwissenschaftliches Herangehen an die Sprache von den Missbräuchen, denen diese Idee Vorschub geleistet hatte, zu trennen.
Les « chants du soldat » dans le folklore français
Authors: Delarue Georges
Published: March 2024

Les chants de tradition orale constituant le folklore militaire proprement dit sont soit des chants à caractère bachique, soit des paillardes. Pourtant plusieurs folkloristes ont, dans l’ordonnancement de leur collecte, un chapitre intitulé « Chants de soldats» (ou avec un titre analogue). En réalité, les chants qu’ils y rangent se rapportent plutôt à la vie militaire vue par des civils. Si l’on cherche à analyser cet ensemble, à la manière dont je l’ai déjà fait pour présenter ce que l’on appelle couramment « les chants de métiers », on peut distinguer :

- les chants accompagnant les activités : paroles mises sur des sonneries de clairon ; chants rythmant la marche (les paillardes évoquées plus haut) ;

- les chants emblématiques (chantés par des civils à la veillée ou au cabaret ; ou bien braillés dans les rues par de futurs militaires) ; les « chants de parade » composés spécialement à la gloire de tel ou tel régiment n'appartiennent pas au folklore ; chants de conscrits (parmi lesquels les paillardes font fonction de « rite de passage » de l’adolescence à l’âge adulte) ; récits de combats ou de victoires (rarement de défaites) ;

- les chants contre-emblématiques (auto-dérision, moquerie venant des autres ou refus de la vie militaire) : soldats riboteurs ; soldats niais ; soldats en révolte ; les adieux du soldat ; déserteurs, retour au pays ;

- un genre particulier : « les filles-soldats », développe une thématique que l’on peut rattacher tantôt à l’une, tantôt à l’autre des deux catégories précédentes ;

- les chants de l’oubli (chantés lors des moments de repos ; leur thématique est le plus souvent sans rapport avec la vie militaire). Un exemple nivernais : chant de mariniers. Universalité : extrait d’un reportage du Monde sur la guerre en Irak.
Guerre et paix dans les chansons de Wolf Biermann de 1960 à 1972
Authors: Klein Christian
Published: March 2024

Le pacifisme de Biermann est fondé sur l’expérience traumatique des bombardements de Hambourg en 1943. Il s’oriente au fil des années contre toute militarisation de la planète, puis, au cours des années soixante et soixante-dix, contre la « militarisation » des sociétés socialistes autoritaires, en particulier en RDA. Dans les années quatre-vingt-dix, le poète opère un revirement spectaculaire. Prenant à partie les manifestations pacifistes en Allemagne et en Europe, il soutient les interventions militaires américaines dans le Golfe, tout en continuant de citer ses chants antimilitaristes des années 60.
« Nous sommes le semeur, la semence et le champ » : le chant ouvrier autrichien jusqu’en 1934
Authors: Ott Herta Luise
Published: March 2024

Le chant du mouvement ouvrier autrichien suit d’abord une tendance commune à toute la sphère germanophone, du chant de protestation politique et sociale aux associations d’éducation ouvrière. Vers la fin du XIXe siècle naît un mouvement choral original sous la direction de Josef Scheu. Le jeune Arnold Schönberg dirige alors une chorale ouvrière, son élève Anton Webern a suivi cet exemple dans les années 20. Après 1918 le parti social-démocrate, tout en poursuivant sa tradition d’éducation populaire, se dote d’hymnes parfois inspirés musicalement de ceux de la Révolution bolchevique et organise des concerts symphoniques ouvriers. Le fameux « Chant de la solidarité » (du film Kuhle Wampe de Brecht et Dudow, 1932) de Hanns Eisler, un autre élève de Schönberg, fut entonné lors du dernier concert symphonique ouvrier, à la veille de la guerre civile de février 1934 et de l’interdiction du parti social-démocrate.