bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do plants need the ZMM crossover pathway? A snapshot of meiotic recombination from the perspective of interhomolog polymorphism
Authors: Ziolkowski Piotr A.
Published: July 2022

At the heart of meiosis is crossover recombination, i.e., reciprocal exchange of chromosome fragments between parental genomes. Surprisingly, in most eukaryotes, including plants, several recombination pathways that can result in crossover event operate in parallel during meiosis. These pathways emerged independently in the course of evolution and perform separate functions, which directly translate into their roles in meiosis. The formation of one crossover per chromosome pair is required for proper chromosome segregation. This “obligate” crossover is ensured by the major crossover pathway in plants, and in many other eukaryotes, known as the ZMM pathway. The secondary pathways play important roles also in somatic cells and function mainly as repair mechanisms for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) not used for crossover formation. One of the consequences of the functional differences between ZMM and other DSB repair pathways is their distinct sensitivities to polymorphisms between homologous chromosomes. From a population genetics perspective, these differences may affect the maintenance of genetic variability. This might be of special importance when considering that a significant portion of plants uses inbreeding as a predominant reproductive strategy, which results in loss of interhomolog polymorphism. While we are still far from fully understanding the relationship between meiotic recombination pathways and genetic variation in populations, recent studies of crossovers in plants offer a new perspective.
Configurational forces in ferroelectric structures analyzed by a macromechanical switching model
Authors: Kozinov Sergey , Kuna Meinhard
Published: July 2022

Polycrystalline ferroelectric ceramics are widely used in sensors, actuators, microelectromechanical systems, etc. If a ferroelectric structure possesses some defects like voids or inhomogeneities, its reliability is reduced, and undesired non-homogeneous local concentrations of the electromechanical fields occur. Under the applied external loading, a domain switching region evolves in the vicinity of defects, which is manifested as a reorientation of the remanent polarization vector. In the current work, the nonlinear electromechanical behavior of ferroelectric ceramics is computed by means of three-dimensional finite element analysis, using the phenomenological continuum mechanics model suggested by Landis (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 50(1):127–152, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5096(01)00021-7) and numerically implemented by Stark (Int. J. Solids Struct. 80:359–367, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2015.09.004). This constitutive law is combined with user-developed elements in Abaqus commercial code for nonlinear coupled electromechanical analyses. By use of the numerical simulations, the evolution of all field variables, in particular of the polarization, is tracked. In a post-processing step, the configurational forces are computed, which express the thermodynamic driving forces acting on the defect. As a typical defect, we consider a circular void in the ferroelectric structure exposed to an alternating electric field. Additionally to the void, other inhomogeneities, namely, a strip of dissimilar material as well as dielectric and piezoelectric inclusions, are investigated. For all cases, the redistribution and evolution of the configurational forces are studied. Besides the essential findings and methodology achieved in this work, the developed software can serve as a basis for further investigations on the failure of composite smart structures and explicit crack modeling using fracture mechanical concepts.
The geography of connectivity: a review of mobile positioning data for economic geography
Authors: Erlström Andreas , Grillitsch Markus , Hall Ola
Published: July 2022

Connectivity between and within places is one of the cornerstones of geography. However, the data and methodologies used to capture connectivity are limited due to the difficulty in gathering and analysing detailed observations in time and space. Mobile phone data potentially offer a rich and unprecedented source of data, which is exhaustive in time and space following movements and communication activities of individuals. This approach to study the connectivity patterns of societies is still rather unexplored in economic geography. However, a substantial body of work in related fields provides methodological and theoretical foundations, which warrant an in-depth review to make it applicable in economic geography. This paper reviews and discusses the state-of-the-art in the analysis of mobile phone and positioning data, with a focus on call detail records. It identifies methodological challenges, elaborates on key findings for geography, and provides an outline for future research on the geography of connectivity.
Enhanced galloping energy harvester with cooperative mode of vibration and collision
Authors: Wang Qiong , Chen Zewen , Zhao Linchuan , Li Meng , Zou Hongxiang , Wei Kexiang , Zhang Xizheng , Zhang Wenming
Published: July 2022

The low power and narrow speed range remain bottlenecks that constrain the application of small-scale wind energy harvesting. This paper proposes a simple, low-cost, and reliable method to address these critical issues. A galloping energy harvester with the cooperative mode of vibration and collision (GEH-VC) is presented. A pair of curved boundaries attached with functional materials are introduced, which not only improve the performance of the vibration energy harvesting system, but also convert more mechanical energy into electrical energy during collision. The beam deforms and the piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) generates electricity during the flow-induced vibration. In addition, the beam contacts and separates from the boundaries, and the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) generates electricity during the collision. In order to reduce the influence of the boundaries on the aerodynamic performance and the feasibility of increasing the working area of the TENG, a vertical structure is designed. When the wind speed is high, the curved boundaries maintain a stable amplitude of the vibration system and increase the frequency of the vibration system, thereby avoiding damage to the piezoelectric sheet and improving the electromechanical conversion efficiency, and the TENG works with the PEH to generate electricity. Since the boundaries can protect the PEH at high wind speeds, its stiffness can be designed to be low to start working at low wind speeds. The electromechanical coupling dynamic model is established according to the GEH-VC operating principle and is verified experimentally. The results show that the GEH-VC has a wide range of operating wind speeds, and the average power can be increased by 180% compared with the traditional galloping PEH. The GEH-VC prototype is demonstrated to power a commercial temperature sensor. This study provides a novel perspective on the design of hybrid electromechanical conversion mechanisms, that is, to combine and collaborate based on their respective characteristics.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Employment Program for Veterans Transitioning from the Military: Two-Year Outcomes
Authors: Bond Gary R. , Al-Abdulmunem Monirah , Ressler Daniel R. , Gade Daniel M. , Drake Robert E.
Published: July 2022

Background

Military personnel face numerous challenges transitioning from military jobs to meaningful civilian employment. Many veterans seek help finding employment, but few veteran employment programs have been rigorously studied. Transitioning veterans generally have access to Local Community Resources (LCR), which include the Veterans Health Administration vocational rehabilitation services, the state-federal Vocational Rehabilitation program, and the Department of Labor’s American Job Centers. By contrast, the innovative National Career Coach Program (NCCP) offers intensive career coaching and financial incentives for working.

Methods

This study used a randomized controlled design to compare the NCCP and LCR approaches for 208 transitioning service members (recent or pending transition). Researchers conducted interviews by telephone every four months for two years. Outcomes included earnings, months worked, and standardized self-report measures of health and well-being.

Findings

At two-year follow-up, significantly more NCCP participants had worked in paid employment than LCR participants (95% vs. 83%). NCCP participants averaged $2568 in monthly earnings compared to $1865 for LCR participants, thus averaging $16,872 more total income per participant over the two-year period. Employment outcomes significantly improved between Year 1 and Year 2. NCCP participants also reported significantly greater improvements in both physical and mental health compared to LCR participants. Average monthly earnings correlated with changes in health outcomes.

Conclusions

Veterans receiving multi-faceted employment services early in the transition from the military showed sustained benefit over a two-year period with increased earnings over time and improved mental and physical outcomes. Positive employment outcomes may have contributed to improved health outcomes.
Calenduloside E alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by preserving mitochondrial function
Authors: Li Jianxiong , Bu Yujie , Li Bin , Zhang Hailin , Guo Jia , Hu Jianping , Zhang Yanfang
Published: July 2022

Calenduloside E (CE) isolated from Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. is a natural triterpenoid saponin that can reportedly ameliorate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, its potential roles and mechanism in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury are barely understood. In this study, we established an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in HT22 cells. We found that CE significantly attenuated the OGD/R-induced inhibition of cell viability and apoptotic cell death in HT22 cells. Moreover, CE treatment significantly ameliorated OGD/R-induced mitochondrial fission by inhibiting mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) recruitment and increasing Drp1 phosphorylation at Ser637. CE treatment significantly ameliorated OGD/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing the mitochondrial ROS and cellular calcium accumulation. Moreover, CE treatment significantly inhibited the OGD/R-induced release of mitochondrial Cytochrome C and increase in Bax, Cleaved-caspase3 and Cleaved-caspase9 protein levels, whereas CE treatment significantly reversed the OGD/R-induced decrease in Bcl-2 and full length of caspase3 and caspase9 protein levels. In vivo, we found that CE treatment significantly ameliorated ischemic/hypoxic-induced brain infarct volume, neurological deficits, and neuronal apoptosis in mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. CE treatment also significantly ameliorated the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, decreased Cytochrome C release, and reversed the increase in Bax, Cleaved-caspase3 and Cleaved-caspase9 protein levels and the decrease in Bcl-2 and full length of caspase3 and caspase9 protein levels induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). All these results indicated that CE treatment exerted a neuroprotective effect by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction during cerebral I/R injury.
Investigating Asian American Adolescents’ Resiliency Factors and Young Adult Mental Health Outcomes at 14-year Follow-up: A Nationally Representative Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Iyer Puja , Parmar Deepika , Ganson Kyle T. , Tabler Jennifer , Soleimanpour Samira , Nagata Jason M.
Published: July 2022

There is scant research on how Asian American adolescents’ resiliency relates to mental well-being in adulthood. The objective of this study was to determine the prospective associations between resiliency factors (individual, family, and school community) in adolescence and mental health outcomes in adulthood, among a national sample of Asian Americans. We analyzed data from 1020 Asian American adolescents who were followed for 14 years in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Of the resiliency factors, individual self-esteem (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0.54, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.37–0.79) and family connectedness (AOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65–0.93) in adolescence were found to be protective against adult mental health outcomes in logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic factors and baseline mental health. Our study identified individual and family resiliency factors which can be leveraged to help Asian American adolescents and families in cultivating better mental health.
The solution of Pennes' bio-heat equation with a convection term and nonlinear specific heat capacity using Adomian decomposition
Authors: Ostadhossein Rouhollah , Hoseinzadeh Siamak
Published: July 2022

Pennes' bio-heat equation is the most widely used equation to analyze the heat transfer phenomenon associated with hyperthermia and cryoablation treatments of cancer. In this study, the semi-analytical and numerical solutions of Pennes' equation in a highly nonlinear form derived from renal cell carcinoma tissue's nonlinear specific heat capacity along with a freezing convection term were obtained and analyzed for the first time. Here, the governing equation was reduced to a lumped capacity form for simplification and exerted on a solid spherical renal tumor. In the following, two semi-analytical techniques, the adomian decomposition method (ADM) and the Akbari–Ganji's method (AGM) were evaluated in solving the governing ODE. The comparison revealed full conformity between ADM and AGM, in addition to an excellent agreement between the semi-analytical and the numerical results before the phase transition. The analysis highlighted a deviation between the semi-analytical and numerical results for the limited convergence of power-series-based semi-analytical methods throughout the phase change and beyond. For the investigated case with $$D_{t} = 0.025,\quad {\text{Biot}} = 0.075$$

D
t

=
0.025
,

Biot
=
0.075

, the convergence occurred while $$\tau \in [0,0.7]$$

τ
∈
[
0
,
0.7
]

for both methods. Consequently, both semi-analytical techniques ADM and AGM, are applicable to find the solution of Pennes' bio-heat equation before the phase change, and there is no superiority in favor of one in accuracy. In contrast, numerical methods are reliable during the phase transition and after that. The analysis of the numerical solution showed that with the growth of the tumor, achieving the necrosis of the malignant tissue takes longer, and large tumors' temperature may not decrease to necrosis temperature. The interpretation of the numerical results indicated that cryoablation could be considered an effective thermal treatment for renal tumors with a diameter lower than 2.0 cm.
Neuroprotection of exercise: P2X4R and P2X7R regulate BDNF actions
Authors: Sun Bing-xin , Peng Ai-shi , Liu Pei-jie , Wang Min-jia , Ding Hai-li , Hu Yu-shi , Kang Liang
Published: July 2022

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which acts as a transducer, is responsible for improving cerebral stroke, neuropathic pain, and depression. Exercise can alter extracellular nucleotide levels and purinergic receptors in central nervous system (CNS) structures. This inevitably activates or inhibits the expression of BDNF via purinergic receptors, particularly the P2X receptor (P2XR), to alleviate pathological progression. In addition, the significant involvement of sensitive P2X4R in mediating increased BDNF and p38-MAPK for intracerebral hemorrhage and pain hypersensitivity has been reported. Moreover, archetypal P2X7R blockade induces mouse antidepressant-like behavior and analgesia by BDNF release. This review summarizes BDNF-mediated neural effects via purinergic receptors, speculates that P2X4R and P2X7R could be priming molecules in exercise-mediated changes in BDNF, and provides strategies for the protective mechanism of exercise in neurogenic disease.
The P2X1 receptor as a therapeutic target
Authors: Bennetts Felix M. , Mobbs Jesse I. , Ventura Sabatino , Thal David M.
Published: July 2022

Within the family of purinergic receptors, the P2X1 receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel that plays a role in urogenital, immune and cardiovascular function. Specifically, the P2X1 receptor has been implicated in controlling smooth muscle contractions of the vas deferens and therefore has emerged as an exciting drug target for male contraception. In addition, the P2X1 receptor contributes to smooth muscle contractions of the bladder and is a target to treat bladder dysfunction. Finally, platelets and neutrophils have populations of P2X1 receptors that could be targeted for thrombosis and inflammatory conditions. Drugs that specifically target the P2X1 receptor have been challenging to develop, and only recently have small molecule antagonists of the P2X1 receptor been available. However, these ligands need further biological validation for appropriate selectivity and drug-like properties before they will be suitable for use in preclinical models of disease. Although the atomic structure of the P2X1 receptor has yet to be determined, the recent discovery of several other P2X receptor structures and improvements in the field of structural biology suggests that this is now a distinct possibility. Such efforts may significantly improve drug discovery efforts at the P2X1 receptor.
Shape dependence of the release rate of chemicals from plastic microparticles
Authors: Frazzetto Riccardo , Frezzato Diego
Published: July 2022

The release of chemical additives from plastic microparticles in the aqueous phase represents a potential indirect threat for environment and biota. The estimate of the release timescale is demanded for drawing sensible conclusions on quantitative grounds. While the microparticles are generally taken to be spherical for ease of modelling, in reality the variety of shapes is large. Here, we face the problem of working out an empirical simple expression for estimating the release times for arbitrary shapes, assuming that the plastic material is in the rubbery state, that the dynamics inside the particle is a diffusion process, and that the release is irreversible. Our inspection is based on numerical simulations of the release process for randomly generated instances of regular and irregular geometries. The expression that we obtain allows one to estimate the release time in terms of the corresponding time (easy to compute) for the equal-volume spherical particle taken as reference, and of the ratio between the surface areas of particle and equivalent sphere.
Theory Paper: Suggesting Compassion-Based Approaches for Treating Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Rushforth Annabel , Kotera Yasuhiro , Kaluzeviciute Greta
Published: July 2022

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) may develop following interpersonal and cumulative traumatic events, usually during early development. In addition to the core PTSD symptom profile, CPTSD presents emotional dysregulation symptoms that can be resistant to conventional treatments. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) may be an effective intervention for addressing the more resistant symptoms in the emotional stabilisation phase of treatment rather than the trauma-processing phase. This paper explores the diagnostic validity and prevalence of CPTSD, treatment recommendations and the role of CFT in mediating shame and stabilising emotional dysregulation. We also evaluate current evidence utilising compassion-based interventions for the components of the CPTSD symptom profile and the viability of CFT as a whole. The novelty of CPTSD as a clinical condition means there is limited evidence regarding recommended treatment. Research into the efficacy of CFT and its suitability to target CPTSD’s symptom profile will contribute to the current gap in recommended treatment approaches for this condition.
Always Online: Abschalten in einer mobilen Arbeitswelt
Authors: Reinke Kathrin , Düvel Birte
Published: July 2022

In der heutigen mobilen Arbeitswelt verschwimmen Grenzen zwischen Arbeit und Privatleben immer mehr. Dies ist mit Vorteilen wie einer höheren Flexibilität verbunden. Auf der anderen Seite kann eine Entgrenzung der Arbeit langfristig zu Beeinträchtigungen der Gesundheit und der Leistungsfähigkeit führen. Grenzen zwischen Arbeits- und Privatleben aktiv zu gestalten, produktiv und gleichzeitig erholt zu bleiben, stellt somit eine große Herausforderung vieler Berufstätiger dar. Dieser Artikel fasst Ergebnisse aus der (Interventions‑)Forschung zur Grenzgestaltung und Erholung zusammen und zeigt Lösungsansätze für Beschäftigte und Organisationen auf, um dieser Herausforderung zu begegnen.
Warum beteiligen sich Coaches an Coaching-Forschung – und warum eigentlich nicht?
Authors: Hinn Denise , Kotte Silja , Möller Heidi
Published: July 2022

In einer Online-Umfrage befragten wir 252 Coaches und analysierten ihre Einstellung zur Coaching-Forschung, Faktoren, die ihre Einstellung beeinflussen, und wie sich ihre Haltung wiederum auf ihre Bereitschaft zur Teilnahme an Coaching-Forschung auswirkt. Die Faktorenanalyse ergab vier verschiedene Einstellungsfaktoren: (1) Mehrwert und (2) Schaden durch Coaching-Forschung, (3) Effektivitätszweifel, (4) Aufwand im Zusammenhang mit der Teilnahme an Coaching-Forschung. Die Erfahrung der Coaches (d. h. Novizen vs. Expert:innen; mit Coaching-Ausbildung vs. ohne) sagte die Einstellung zur Coaching-Forschung voraus, insbesondere für die Faktoren (2) und (3). Alle vier Faktoren sowie eine frühere Forschungsteilnahme sagten signifikant die Bereitschaft zur Teilnahme an Coaching-Forschung voraus.
Ergogenic value of oxygen supplementation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Megaritis Dimitrios , Wagner Peter D. , Vogiatzis Ioannis
Published: July 2022

Patients with COPD exhibit limited exercise endurance time compared to healthy age-matched individuals. Oxygen supplementation is often applied to improve endurance time during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD and thus a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms leading to improved endurance is desirable. This review analyses data from two studies by our research group investigating the effect of oxygen supplementation on cerebrovascular, systemic, respiratory and locomotor muscle oxygen availability on the same cohort of individuals with advanced COPD, and the mechanisms associated with improved endurance time in hyperoxia, which was essentially doubled (at the same power output). In hyperoxia at isotime (the time at which patients became exhausted in normoxia) exercise was associated with greater respiratory and locomotor muscle (but not frontal cortex) oxygen delivery (despite lower cardiac output), lower lactate concentration and less tachypnoea. Frontal cortex oxygen saturation was higher, and respiratory drive lower. Hence, improved endurance in hyperoxia appears to be facilitated by several factors: increased oxygen availability to the respiratory and locomotor muscles, less metabolic acidosis, and lower respiratory drive. At exhaustion in both normoxia and hyperoxia, only cardiac output and breathing pattern were not different between conditions. However, minute ventilation in hyperoxia exceeded the critical level of ventilatory constraints (VE/MVV > 75–80%). Lactate remained lower and respiratory and locomotor muscle oxygen delivery greater in hyperoxia, suggesting greater muscle oxygen availability improving muscle function. Taken together, these findings suggest that central haemodynamic and ventilatory limitations and not contracting muscle conditions dictate endurance time in COPD during exercise in hyperoxia.
The Difference Between Ren and Yi: Mengzi’s Anti-Guodianism at 6A4-5
Authors: Brys Waldemar
Published: July 2022

Passages from the recently excavated Guodian manuscripts bear a surprising resemblance to a position ascribed to Gaozi and his followers in theMengziat 6A4-5, namely that righteousness is “external.” Although such a resemblance has been noted, the philosophical implications of it for the debate between Gaozi and Mengzi and, by extension, for Mengzian ethics have been largely unexplored. I argue that a Guodian-inspired reading of 6A4-5 is one that takes the debate to be about whether standing in certain family relations makes a difference to whether one’s actions are righteous. Gaozi denies that it does, holding the view that one’s family relations, i.e., relationsinternalto the household, are irrelevant when it comes to matters of righteousness, while Mengzi disagrees, arguing that all relational properties, including family relations, are just as much reason-giving properties for performing righteous actions as they are in the case of performing benevolent actions. I argue that such a Guodian-based reading provides us a simple, yet explanatorily powerful reading of 6A4-5 that has broader implications for Mengzian ethics and our understanding of the early Chinese intellectual milieu in general.
The use of video essays and podcasts to enhance creativity and critical thinking in engineering
Authors: Caratozzolo Patricia , Lara-Prieto Vianney , Hosseini Samira , Membrillo-Hernández Jorge
Published: July 2022

The current demands of the labor market demand a new compendium of skills from engineering graduates. To develop skills at a more complex level, this study analyzed the use of second-generation Video Essays and Podcasts to improve soft skills. The characteristics of students belonging to Generation Z as digital natives were considered and digital platforms were adapted for interaction in social networks to enhance critical thinking and creativity (Criticality). Active learning experiences in different engineering programs were analyzed using the 4-group Solomon methodology with a quantitative design and different assessment instruments were used for Pre-Tests and Post-Tests, including various fluency and originality tests, as well as answering articulation ability tests. and modified VALUE rubrics from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). Our results clearly suggest that the use of these two tools substantially improves understanding of scientific concepts in engineering subjects, a greater ability to develop increasingly in-demand skill sets, and a greater awareness of creative thinking competence.
Multifocal Fibrosing Thyroiditis: an Under-recognized Mimicker of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Orsatti Agnese , De Leo Antonio , Chiarucci Federico , Simoncini Giulia , Cremonini Nadia , Fornelli Adele , Amorosa Luca , Maloberti Thais , de Biase Dario , Tallini Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Multifocal fibrosing thyroiditis (MFT) is an enigmatic entity, characterized by multiple fibrotic scar-like lesions with a paucicellular fibrotic center surrounded by a cellular peripheral area with reactive-appearing follicular cell atypia and variable chronic inflammation. Although poorly recognized and likely underreported in surgical pathology, the entity is considered rare with only 65 cases to date–including the current one reported to expand on the preoperative findings of this under-recognized entity. The average age of the patients is 46.8 years (range 15–71 years), 94% are female, with female to male ratio of 15:1. Individual MFT lesions typically have a superficial location. The average number of fibrotic lesions is 15.4 (range 2–51 per MFT case). Their average size is 3.1 mm (range 0.4–15.1). MFT is a disorder of diseased thyroids, typically found postoperatively in glands removed for other reasons, such as chronic lymphocytic/Hashimoto thyroiditis (32.3%), follicular nodular disease (nodular hyperplasia) (30.1%), hyperthyroidism/diffuse hyperplasia (Graves disease) (9.2%). Intriguing is the association with papillary thyroid carcinoma–present in 38.5% of MFT cases, and particularly with sub-centimetric and multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, with which MFT can be confused. Cases where MFT is the only thyroid pathology (7.7%) can be preoperatively mistaken for papillary thyroid carcinoma, due to worrisome ultrasound (US) and cytologic features, both of which are here documented for the first time as a component of this article. Wider recognition of MFT and of its cytologic and ultrasound features at preoperative evaluation may reduce unnecessary thyroidectomies.
Pyroptosis in inflammation-related respiratory disease
Authors: Feng Yuanyu , Li Min , Yangzhong Xiaoting , Zhang Xifeng , Zu Anju , Hou Yunjiao , Li Lin , Sun Shibo
Published: July 2022

Pyroptosis
is commonly induced by the gasdermin (GSDM) family and is accompanied by the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that pyroptosis plays a role in respiratory diseases. This review aimed to summarize the roles and mechanisms of pyroptosis in inflammation-related respiratory diseases. There are several pathways involved in pyroptosis, such as the canonical inflammasome-induced pathway, non-canonical inflammasome-induced pathway, caspase-1/3/6/7/GSDMB pathway, caspase-8/GSDMC pathway, caspase-8/GSDMD pathway, and caspase-3/GSEME pathway. Pyroptosis may be involved in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, acute lung injury (ALI), silicosis, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and tuberculosis (TB), in which the NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pathway is mostly highlighted. Pyroptosis contributes to the deterioration of asthma, COPD, ALI, silicosis, and PH. In addition, pyroptosis has dual effects on lung cancer and TB. Additionally, whether pyroptosis participates in cystic fibrosis (CF) and sarcoidosis or not is largely unknown, though the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is found in CF and sarcoidosis. In conclusion, pyroptosis may play a role in inflammation-related respiratory diseases, providing new therapeutic targets.
Adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye on ozone, purified and sonicated sawdust biochars
Authors: Eldeeb Tarek M. , Aigbe Uyiosa O. , Ukhurebor Kingsley E. , Onyancha Robert B. , El-Nemr Mohamed A. , Hassaan Mohamed A. , Ragab Safaa , Osibote Otolorin A. , El Nemr Ahmed
Published: July 2022

The synthesized biochars derived from sawdust (SD) SD ozone (SDO) biochar, purified SD (PSD) biochar, and sonicated SD (SSD) biochar, which was employed in the confiscation of methylene blue (MB) dye ion, were characterized employing “Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Thermal gravimetrical analysis (TGA).” The impact of various factors, such as pH, biochar dosage, and initial concentration, on MB dye sequestration, was tested in this study. It was found that the biosorption of MB dye to the various biochars was dependent on the solution pH, with optimum confiscation of MB observed at pH 12 for all biochars. Pseudo-second-order (PSO), Freundlich (FRH)- (SDO and SSD biochars), and Langmuir (LNR)- (PSD biochar) models were used to best describe the biosorption process of MB dye to various biochars. Based on the LNR model fitting to the experimental data, the optimum sorption capacities obtained using SDO, SSD, and PSD biochars were 200, 526, and 769 mg/g, respectively. Electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding played an important role in the interaction mechanism between the various biochars and MB dye. Hence, these studied SDO, PSD, and SSD biochars prepared from cheap, easily accessible, biodegradable, and non-hazardous agro-waste materials can be effectively used for the removal, treatment, and management of MB dye as well as other industrial effluents before their disposal into the environment.
Clinical effectiveness of restorative materials for the restoration of carious primary teeth without pulp therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Amend S. , Boutsiouki C. , Bekes K. , Kloukos D. , Lygidakis N. N. , Frankenberger R. , Krämer N.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To systematically search the available evidence and evaluate the clinical effectiveness of restorative materials for restoration of carious primary teeth. The findings aimed to support the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) guidelines development.

Methods

Literature search was performed by searching 4 electronic databases for eligible randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing restorative materials for the restoration of carious primary teeth up to December 28th, 2020. Quality assessment was performed with the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2).

Results

Of 1685 identified articles 29 RCTs were finally deemed as eligible for inclusion. Annual failure rates were: Amalgam 1–28%; atraumatic restorative treatment 1.2–37.1%; glass-ionomer cement (GIC) 7.6–16.6%, metal-reinforced GIC 29.9%, resin-modified GIC 1.9–16.9%, high-viscosity GIC 2.9–25.6%; glass carbomer ≤ 46.2%; compomer 0–14.7%; composite resin (CR) 0–19.5%, bulk-fill CR 0–16.9%; zirconia crowns 3.3%, composite strip crowns 15%, and preformed metal crowns (Hall-Technique) 3.1%. Secondary caries, poor marginal adaptation, loss of retention, and fracture of restoration were reported as reasons for failure. Four studies were evaluated at unclear and 25 at high risk of bias. Clinical and methodological heterogeneity, and the diversity of tested materials across included studies did not allow for meta-analyses.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this systematic review, namely, the heterogeneity and the overall high risk of bias among included studies, clear recommendations based on solid evidence for the best restorative approach in primary teeth cannot be drawn. There is a need for future thoroughly implemented RCTs evaluating restorations in primary teeth to close this knowledge gap.
Reward Responsiveness, Learning, and Valuation Implicated in Problematic Pornography Use — a Research Domain Criteria Perspective
Authors: Klein Sanja , Krikova Kseniya , Antons Stephanie , Brand Matthias , Klucken Tim , Stark Rudolf
Published: July 2022

Purpose of Review

Problematic pornography use (PPU) describes a pattern of behavior characterized by excessive time spent using or thinking about pornography and continued use despite negative consequences. To help advance the understanding of transdiagnostic underlying psychological and neurobiological mechanisms in PPU, we aim to review existing evidence on these mechanisms focusing on positive valence systems within the transdiagnostic Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework.

Recent Findings

Reward anticipation processes seem to be increased in individuals with PPU symptoms when they anticipate sexual stimuli compared with other rewards. Studies further suggest that the initial neural and attentional responses to sexual rewards compared with different control stimuli are also increased in individuals with PPU symptoms, as are conditioned responses in sexual reward learning paradigms. Sexual reward valuation studies point towards an increased neural value differentiation with increasing PPU symptoms.

The current state of evidence indicates that positive valence systems are altered in persons with PPU. This framework of organizing evidence may aid in elucidating PPU development and maintenance as well as planning future studies.
Community-Based Participatory Research to Improve Cardiovascular Health Among US Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
Authors: Haynes Norrisa , Kaur Amanpreet , Swain JaBaris , Joseph Joshua J. , Brewer LaPrincess C.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of Review

This review aims to assess the contemporary community-based participatory research (CBPR) literature seeking to improve the cardiovascular health of racial and ethnic minority groups in the USA with a higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors and social determinants of health. It summarizes recent CBPR studies based on the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) framework, delineating seven modifiable health behaviors and clinical factors to promote cardiovascular health.

Recent Findings

Although limited in quantity, studies demonstrated preliminary effectiveness in improving individual and a composite of LS7 indicators by employing strategies centered around fortifying social networks, integrating group activities, leveraging technology, incorporating faith-based and spiritual practices, and implementing changes to the built environment.

Future directions for investigators engaged in CBPR include building on the existing body of evidence through more comprehensive studies, scaling effective interventions, and translating CBPR findings to influence health policy to better address health disparities.
Current Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Tsai Andrew S. H. , Acaba-Berrocal Luis , Sobhy Myrna , Cole Emily , Ostmo Susan , Jonas Karyn , Campbell J. Peter , Chiang Michael F. , Chan R. V. Paul
Published: July 2022

Purpose of Review

This review aims to provide an update on the recent major advances in the management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Recent Findings

There have been a number of major advances in our understanding and management of ROP over the last decade: (1) The advent of improved imaging techniques and technological infrastructure has led to the increased use of telemedicine and potential use of artificial intelligence to enhance access to care for children at risk of developing ROP; (2) the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP) 3rd edition has provided updates in classification of ROP and response of ROP to treatment; and (3) the treatment paradigm has shifted from laser therapy exclusively to now having the option of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. This has led to greater interest in trying to better understand the possible adverse events related to systemic and local VEGF suppression.

There is a greater understanding in the diagnosis and treatment of ROP and its response to treatment. The advent of anti-VEGF therapy has provided ROP providers with a treatment modality that may lead to improved visual outcomes without the need for peripheral retinal ablation. However, there remain questions regarding systemic and local adverse events. Laser photocoagulation continues to be an effective primary therapy and may also be needed after or in conjunction with anti-VEGF treatment.
Application of an iron-based shape memory alloy for post-tensioning glass elements
Authors: Silvestru Vlad-Alexandru , Deng Zhikang , Michels Julien , Li Lingzhen , Ghafoori Elyas , Taras Andreas
Published: July 2022

Previous research has evidenced that by adding a ductile reinforcement on the tension side of a glass beam, for instance by adhesive bonding, its post-cracking behaviour and redundancy were improved, while an additional pre-stressing of this reinforcement further helped to increase the initial cracking resistance. Past investigations used steel tendons or stainless steel strips, which required rather complex setups and procedures for mechanical pre-stressing. This study aims to introduce an easier-to-apply procedure with strips made of an iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA), which has the property of remembering its initial shape after a phase transformation from austenite to martensite. The Fe-SMA strips can be anchored to a parent structure as pre-strained strips, in case of a glass substrate by adhesive bonding. After activation of the Fe-SMA through a heating and cooling process, a tensile stress is generated in the strip, which applies a compressive stress field into the parent structure. This work discusses the results from first feasibility investigations dealing with the choice of adhesive and identifying a suitable activation procedure for Fe-SMA strips adhesively bonded to glass elements. The effective bond length, which needs to be considered when defining the anchorage length, was determined for two structural adhesives. While for the high-strength, brittle 2c-epoxy adhesive SikaPower®-1277, shorter bond lengths of a little more than 120 mm were sufficient, for the more ductile 2c-methacrylate adhesive Araldite® 2047-1, longer bond lengths were necessary for the same load level (more than 240 mm). Furthermore, an activation procedure by electrical resistive heating was applied, which (i) allowed sufficient heating of the Fe-SMA for activation, (ii) avoided too high instant temperature changes in the glass and (iii) did not affect the required anchorage bond length.
Bildungsforschung als Zugang zur Erschließung gesellschaftlicher Wirklichkeit
Authors: Gieseke Wiltrud , Robak Steffi
Published: July 2022

Der Artikel platziert und leitet Programmforschung als eigenständigen Beitrag einer erwachsenenpädagogisch begründeten Bildungsforschung her. Im Zentrum steht die Spezifizierung der Bedeutung von Programmforschung als eine Bildungsforschung, die eine eigenständige Forschungsmethodik entwickelt, komplexe Bildungswirklichkeiten analysiert und diese über pädagogische Begriffsbildungen sichtbar macht und theoretisch entwickelt. Die Reife von Programmforschungen und ihrer Beiträge zur Entfaltung einer disziplinkonstitutiven Bildungsforschung werden anschließend am Beispiel der Entwicklung von Codesystemen und ihrer bildungsrelevanten Bezüge für die zentrale Methode der Programmanalyse sowie an Beispielen der Entwicklung des Forschungsarrangements der Perspektivverschränkung betrachtet.
Who shapes the energy transition? National regulatory styles and societal involvement in renewable energy policy
Authors: Brendler Viktoria
Published: July 2022

This paper contributes a comparative perspective on societal involvement in the energy transition that considers (i) both the policymaking and the policy implementation stage as well as (ii) contribution opportunities for different types of actors (corporate actors vs. the public). Contrasting the concept of persistent national regulatory styles with the concept of a shift towards new modes of governance and/or participation, I examine societal involvement in national renewable energy policy following the formulation of the European 20-20-20 targets in Spring of 2007. My main research question is whether the condition of high reform pressure lead to a change in sector-specific regulatory traditions. In a comparative case study, I highlight (1) a corporatist setting with new players (Germany), (2) a large-scale public consultation in the shadow of established interests (France), (3) a liberal approach building on agreements (Netherlands) as well as (4) repeated consultations with paternalistic decision-making (United Kingdom). My results indicate both a persistence of overall regulatory styles as well as limited additions to involved actors and/or utilised formats. Societal involvement in policymaking proved rather inconsequential in most cases under study. Regarding societal contributions to policy implementation, convergence tendencies towards a two-pronged approach, addressing both corporate actors and the public, were observable despite the persistence of differential regulatory styles.
Influences of Reinforcement and Choice Histories on Choice Behavior in Actor-Critic Learning
Authors: Katahira Kentaro , Kimura Kenta
Published: July 2022

Reinforcement learning models have been used in many studies in the fields of neuroscience and psychology to model choice behavior and underlying computational processes. Models based on action values, which represent the expected reward from actions (e.g., Q-learning model), have been commonly used for this purpose. Meanwhile, the actor-critic learning model, in which the policy update and evaluation of an expected reward for a given state are performed in separate systems (actor and critic, respectively), has attracted attention due to its ability to explain the characteristics of various behaviors of living systems. However, the statistical property of the model behavior (i.e., how the choice depends on past rewards and choices) remains elusive. In this study, we examine the history dependence of the actor-critic model based on theoretical considerations and numerical simulations while considering the similarities with and differences from Q-learning models. We show that in actor-critic learning, a specific interaction between past reward and choice, which differs from Q-learning, influences the current choice. We also show that actor-critic learning predicts qualitatively different behavior from Q-learning, as the higher the expectation is, the less likely the behavior will be chosen afterwards. This study provides useful information for inferring computational and psychological principles from behavior by clarifying how actor-critic learning manifests in choice behavior.
Nanorod-like nanocrystalline CsSnI3 and CNT composite thin film–based hybrid photodetector
Authors: Howlader Ashraful Hossain , Li Feng , Zheng Rongkun
Published: July 2022

An experimental detail on the morphology engineering and characterizations of the all-inorganic Sn-based perovskite (here CsSnI3) thin films and their application in photodetectors are presented. In particular, we demonstrated that the chlorobenzene anti-solvent treatment during thin-film spin coating could effectively optimize the morphology properties of the obtained CsSnI3 thin film. SEM and AFM measurements showed the uniform thin film with nanorod-like nanocrystalline morphology. In addition, EDS and XPS measurements confirmed the low level of oxidation of the thin film, indicating good ambient stability. A planar photodetector was also made with the prepared thin film, and electrical characteristics were taken. The dark current and photocurrent were found in the range of 10−9 A and 10−7 A, respectively, with an on/off ratio of 102. The photoresponsivity was 10−5 AW−1. A further experiment was conducted to make composite thin films between CsSnI3 and CNTs for additional morphological engineering. The SEM measurement and Raman mapping manifested the nanonet-like morphology of the composite thin film. The quenching of the photoluminescence curve indicated the efficient photo-generated carrier extraction from the CsSnI3 matrix to CNTs. The absorption spectra also showed enhanced absorption ability of the prepared composite thin film. A hybrid photodetector made from the composite thin film showed dark current and photocurrent in the range of 10−6 A and 10−4 A, respectively, with an on/off ratio of 102. The photoresponsivity was 10−2 AW−1. Due to the combination of the CNTs with CsSnI3, the photoresponsivity increased 1000 times. At the same time, the hysteresis of the hybrid photodetector also reduced significantly compared to the pristine CsSnI3-based photodetector.
Rewild My Heart: With Pedagogies of Love, Kindness and the Sun and Moon
Authors: Costello Eamon
Published: July 2022

The pressing problems we face from wars to pandemics erupt against the less dramatic background of the mundane continued destruction of our planet as a habitable realm. In education, technology can be environmentally destructive in a variety of ways. Educators may feel the urge to address these matters but we also know that EdTech solutionism can create new problems as fast as it fixes old ones. Something in the urgency of the fix may be the problem. It may be that we are too desperate to fill a hole in the world that we only see through a hole in ourselves. Hence, in order to truly escape our colonised and domesticated fates, we need to rewild our very thinking. We need to examine the underlying emotional tones and waves that cause us to act as we do against our own interests and that of our planet. This conundrum is explored here through the device of storytelling using a multimodal speculative auto-ethnography to push into realms beyond mere utility and out into conceptual wilds. No fixes or solutions are offered here for the planet. Lifeless celestial objects such as the sun and moon loom large by contrast. Both have walk-on parts in this tale, and watch us as we watch them, with whatever love and kindness we can.