bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probiotics and their Metabolites Reduce Oxidative Stress in Middle-Aged Mice
Authors: Lin Wen-Yang , Lin Jia-Hung , Kuo Yi-Wei , Chiang Pei-Fang Rose , Ho Hsieh-Hsun
Published: February 2022

Aging is an irreversible physiological degradation of living organisms. Accumulated oxidative stress and dysbiosis accelerate aging. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and their fermented metabolites (postbiotics) have been discovered to exhibit antioxidative activities that regulate oxidative stress and protect cells from oxidative damage. We screened selected Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains and their postbiotics for potential antioxidative activity by using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. Strains with their metabolites were selected for mixed formula in experiments involving aging mice. The aged groups presented higher oxidative stress in the brain, liver, heart, and kidney than did young mice. However, treatment with probiotic strains and their postbiotics elevated antioxidative levels, especially in the high-dose probiotics plus postbiotics group. Next-generation sequencing data revealed positive microbiota alterations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia in the gut. Lactobacillus johnsonii and Akkermansia muciniphila exhibited effective enlargement of relative abundance. Besides, high-dose probiotics and high-dose probiotics plus postbiotics showed significant elevation in serum SCFAs, especially in butyrate. In conclusion, the formula containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. infantis BLI-02, Bifidobacterium breve Bv889, Bifidobacterium bifidum VDD088, B. animalis subsp. lactis CP-9, and Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02 and their metabolites may benefit aged people’s health.
Differential effects of single fatty acids and fatty acid mixtures on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/eNOS pathway in endothelial cells
Authors: Jackson Kim G. , Newens Katie J. , Fry Michael J. , Thompson Abby K. , Williams Christine M.
Published: February 2022

Scope

Dietary fat composition is an important modulator of vascular function. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) enriched in saturated fatty acids (SFA) are thought to reduce vascular reactivity by attenuating insulin signalling via vasodilator pathways (phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)) and enhancing signalling via pro-inflammatory pathways.

Methods

To examine the effects of fatty acids on these pathways, human aortic endothelial cells were incubated with single fatty acids, and mixtures of these fatty acids to mimic typical NEFA composition and concentrations achieved in our previous human study. RNA was extracted to determine gene expression using real-time RT-PCR and cell lysates prepared to assess protein phosphorylation by Western blotting.

Results

Oleic acid (OA, 100 µM) was shown to down regulate expression of the insulin receptor, PTEN and a PI3K catalytic (p110β) and regulatory (p85α) subunit compared to palmitic, linoleic and stearic acids (P < 0.04), and promote greater eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177. Both concentration and composition of the SFA and SFA plus n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) mixtures had significant effects on genes involved in the PI3K/Akt pathway. Greater up-regulation was found with 800 than 400 µM concentration (respective of concentrations in insulin resistant and normal individuals), whereas greater down-regulation was evident with SFA plus n-3 PUFA than SFA mixture alone.

Conclusion

Our findings provide novel insights into the modulation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway by single fatty acids and fatty acid mixtures. In particular, OA appears to promote signalling via this pathway, with further work required to determine the primary molecular site(s) of action.
Exploring the predictors of financial impairment in Huntington’s disease using the Enroll-HD dataset
Authors: Harris Kate L. , Mason Sarah L. , Barker Roger A.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease in which cognitive and behavioural symptoms impair the performance of instrumental activities of daily living, including the handling of finances. We sought to determine the prevalence of financial dysfunction in HD, and the demographic and clinical predictors of such impairments.

Methods

We analysed longitudinal data for pre-manifest gene carriers and HD patients from the Enroll-HD dataset. Financial dysfunction was determined by finance-related items in the Total Functional Capacity (TFC) and Functional Assessment (FA) scales. A binary logistical regression model was used to investigate the predictive value of demographic and clinical factors for the development of financial dysfunction.

Results

Financial impairment was found to be common in HD gene carriers, and over half required financial assistance within 5 years from diagnosis. Cognitive impairment, apathy, unemployment and disease severity predicted financial dysfunction in manifest patients. For pre-manifest patients, the predictors were proximity to disease onset and depression.

Conclusions

Loss of financial autonomy is common in HD, and cognitive and psychiatric factors are important in its development. Clinicians must be vigilant to identify patients that may be vulnerable to financial exploitation.
Serum neurofilament light chain, contactin-1 and complement activation in anti-MAG IgM paraprotein-related peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Amaador Karima , Wieske Luuk , Koel-Simmelink Marleen J. A. , Kamp A. , Jongerius Ilse , de Heer Koen , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Minnema Monique C. , Notermans Nicolette C. , Eftimov Filip , Kersten Marie José , Vos Josephine M. I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein IgM paraprotein-related peripheral neuropathy (anti-MAG PN), there is a lack of reliable biomarkers to select patients eligible for therapy and for evaluating treatment effects, both in routine practice and in clinical trials. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and contactin-1 (CNTN1) can serve as markers of axonal and paranodal damage. Complement activation is involved in the pathogenesis in anti-MAG PN. We, therefore, hypothesized that serum NfL, CNTN1, C3b/c and C4b/c may function as biomarkers of disease activity in anti-MAG PN.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we included 24 treatment-naïve patients with anti-MAG PN (mean age 69 years, 57% male) that had IgM paraproteinemia, a high IgM MAG-antibody, and clinical diagnosis of anti-MAG PN by a neurologist specialized in peripheral nerve disorders. We measured serum NfL, CNTN1, C3b/c and C4b/c, reference values were based on healthy controls. As controls, 10 treatment-naïve patients with IgM Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia (mean age 69 years, 60% male) without signs of neuropathy were included (non-PN).

Results

NfL, CNTN1 levels in serum were mostly normal in anti-MAG PN patients and comparable to non-PN patients. C3b/c and C4b/c levels were normal in anti-MAG PN patients.

Conclusion

Our results do not support serum NfL, CNTN1, and C3b/c and C4b/c as potential biomarkers in anti-MAG PN, although we cannot exclude that subgroups or subtle abnormalities could be found in a much larger cohort with longitudinal follow-up.
The vascularization paradox of non-union formation
Authors: Menger Maximilian M. , Laschke Matthias W. , Nussler Andreas K. , Menger Michael D. , Histing Tina
Published: February 2022

Despite major research efforts to elucidate mechanisms of non-union formation, failed fracture healing remains a common complication in orthopedic surgery. Adequate vascularization has been recognized as a crucial factor for successful bone regeneration, as newly formed microvessels guarantee the supply of the callus tissue with vital oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors. Accordingly, a vast number of preclinical studies have focused on the development of vascularization strategies to stimulate fracture repair. However, recent evidence suggests that stimulation of blood vessel formation is an oversimplified approach to support bone regeneration. This review discusses the role of vascularization during bone regeneration and delineates a phenomenon, for which we coin the term “the vascularization paradox of non-union-formation”. This view is based on the results of a variety of experimental studies that suggest that the callus tissue of non-unions is indeed densely vascularized and that pro-angiogenic mediators, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, are sufficiently expressed at the facture site. By gaining further insights into the molecular and cellular basis of non-union vascularization, it may be possible to develop more optimized treatment approaches or even prevent the non-union formation in the future.
Commuting time and sickness absence of US workers
Authors: Gimenez-Nadal J. I. , Molina J. A. , Velilla J.
Published: February 2022

This paper analyzes the relationship between commuting time and days of sickness absence of US workers. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for the years 2011 to 2017, we find that a 1% increase in the daily commute of workers is associated with an increase of 0.018 and 0.027% in the days of sickness absence per year of male and female workers, respectively. These results are robust for women when sample selection, missing variables, and health status are explored. Further exploration of this relationship shows that the positive relationship between commuting and sickness absence is concentrated in urban areas only, and is present in the intensive margin (hours) for men and the extensive margin (participation) for women. By uncovering how commuting time is related to sickness absenteeism, we contribute to the literature on the negative correlation between commuting and workers’ health and well-being.
Does tomato breeding for improved performance under LED supplemental lighting make sense?
Authors: Prinzenberg Aina E. , van der Schoot Hanneke , van Deth Olivier , Ouzounis Theoharis , Gabriëls Suzan , Meijer-Dekens Fien , Marcelis Leo F. M. , Visser Richard G. F. , Heuvelink Ep , Schouten Henk J.
Published: February 2022

Differences in growth have been reported for tomato under LED compared to HPS light, however, it is not clear if breeding specific for LED supplemental light is worthwhile. Therefore, we derived four recombinant inbred line (RIL) tomato populations from parents with contrasting growth responses to different light spectra. These RIL populations were grown for four weeks under supplemental HPS or 95% red and 5% blue LED light in the greenhouse. For one population we also studied fruit production. Plant height and size of the side shoots of the young plants were strongly reduced under LED supplemental lighting compared to HPS in all populations. The adult plants showed shorter internode lengths, less trusses, less fruits, and lower yield of ripe fruits per plant under LED. However, when the unripe fruits at the last harvest day were included, the difference in yield between HPS and LED disappeared, indicating that the plants under LED light were compacter and slower in development, but in the end produced similar yield. We found numerous QTL, but hardly any of these QTL appeared to be significantly LED-specific. Also, we found very significant genetic effects of maternally inherited plastids and mitochondria, showing the importance of using a parental genotype as mother or as father. However, these effects were very similar between the two light conditions. We conclude that our study does not justify tomato breeding programs that are specifically targeted at 95% red and 5% blue LED supplemental lighting.
In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activities of Myrciaria plinioides D. Legrand ethanol leaf extract
Authors: Marmitt Diorge Jônatas , Bitencourt Shanna , Coura Chistiane Oliveira , Berger Markus , Faleiro Dalana , Kich Débora Mara , Caye Bruna , Immich Sheila Mariele , Frota Annyta Fernandes , Beys-da-Silva Walter O. , Guimarães Jorge Almeida , Benevides Norma Maria Barros , Laufer Stefan , Goettert Márcia Inês
Published: February 2022

Myrciaria plinioides D. Legrand (Myrtaceae) is a native plant of Southern Brazil, which have potential in the food industry due to its edible fruits. Many plants belonging to this genus have been used for a variety of illnesses, including inflammatory disorders due to antioxidant properties. However, therapeutic uses of M. plinioides have been poorly studied. The aim of study was to assess the anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activities of the ethanol leaf extract of M. plinioides. In M. plinioides extract-treated RAW 264.7 cells, assessments of cell viability, TNF-α release and p38 MAPK pathway-dependent protein expression were detected. In addition, rat paw edema models were used to analyze the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract. Macrophages cell line treated with M. plinioides extract showed a slight decrease in cell viability. In LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with different concentrations of the extract for 24 h, TNF-α release was inhibited, while modulation of p38 signaling pathway and inhibition of NF-κB p65 protein expression were dose-dependent. In rats, the extract inhibited the formation of paw edema, while an inhibitory effect on trypsin-like enzymes derived from mast cells was seen. Furthermore, the extract presented anticoagulant activity via extrinsic pathway, being able to block specifically factor Xa and thrombin. The study suggests that extract possess potent anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. M. plinioides present great biological potential as a source for the development of anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant drugs. Additional studies can be proposed to better elucidate the mechanism by which M. plinioides exerts its effects.
Selenium, selenoprotein P, and oxidative stress levels in SARS-CoV-2 patients during illness and recovery
Authors: Skesters A. , Kustovs D. , Lece A. , Moreino E. , Petrosina E. , Rainsford K. D.
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess tendency of oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients depending on severity.

Methods

The study was conducted with 80 post-COVID-19 disease patients and 40 acutely ill patients. Content of selenium in blood plasma was detected by a fluorimetric method with di-amino-naphthalene using acidic hydrolysis. Selenoprotein P, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal and their metabolite adducts were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods using commercial assay kits.

Results

Obtained results showed that selenium content in blood for post-COVID-19 disease patients was of a similar lower norm for Latvian inhabitants. Selenium and seleno-protein P contents for acute patients were significantly decreased compared with post-COVID-19 disease patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, COVID-19 involves induction of antioxidant systems—in case of severe disease, patients have significantly low concentration of selenium, seleno-protein P and higher level of oxidative stress, which, in turn, confirms the more intense formation of free radicals in the body.
Hyaluronic acid-coated chitosan nanoparticles as targeted-carrier of tamoxifen against MCF7 and TMX-resistant MCF7 cells
Authors: Nokhodi Fariba , Nekoei Mehdi , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi
Published: February 2022

Tamoxifen (TMX) is used to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers at early stages. This research aimed to assess the potential of NPs in targeted delivery of TMX against MCF7 and TMX-resistant MCF7 breast cancer cell lines. For this purpose, a targeted delivery system including chitosan NPs coated with hyaluronic acid (HA-CS NPs) was created and examined in vitro. Chitosan NPs were first fabricated and loaded with TMX using the ionic-gelation method to prepare a drug-delivery system. Then, TMX-loaded CS NPs were coated by crosslinking the amino groups of chitosan to the carboxylic group of hyaluronic acid. The developed TMX delivery system was then optimized and characterized for particle fabrication, drug release, and targeting against cancer cells. The HA-CS particle size was 210 nm and its zeta potential was +25 mv. The encapsulation efficiency of TMX in NPs was 55%. TMX released from the NPs in acidic pH (5–6) was higher than the physiological pH (7.4). The cytotoxic effect of TMX-loaded HA-CS NPs on MCF7 and TMX-resistant MCF7 cells was significantly higher than TMX-loaded CS NPs and free drug. The findings confirmed the significant suppressive impact of TMX-loaded HA-CS NPs on MCF7 and TMX-resistant MCF7 cancer cells compared to the TMX-loaded CS NPs and free TMX.
On the Normalized Laplacian Spectra of Random Geometric Graphs
Authors: Hamidouche Mounia , Cottatellucci Laura , Avrachenkov Konstantin
Published: February 2022

In this work, we study the spectrum of the normalized Laplacian and its regularized version for random geometric graphs (RGGs) in various scaling regimes. Two scaling regimes are of special interest, the connectivity and the thermodynamic regime. In the connectivity regime, the average vertex degree grows logarithmically in the graph size or faster. In the thermodynamic regime, the average vertex degree is a constant. We introduce a deterministic geometric graph (DGG) with nodes in a grid and provide an upper bound to the probability that the Hilbert–Schmidt norm of the difference between the normalized Laplacian matrices of the RGG and DGG is greater than a certain threshold in both the connectivity and thermodynamic regime. Using this result, we show that the RGG and DGG normalized Laplacian matrices are asymptotically equivalent with high probability (w.h.p.) in the full range of the connectivity regime. The equivalence is even stronger and holds almost surely when the average vertex degree $$a_n$$

a
n

satisfies the inequality $$a_n > 24 \log (n).$$

a
n

>
24
log

(
n
)

.

Therefore, we use the regular structure of the DGG to show that the limiting eigenvalue distribution of the RGG normalized Laplacian matrix converges to a distribution with a Dirac atomic measure at zero. In the thermodynamic regime, we approximate the eigenvalues of the regularized normalized Laplacian matrix of the RGG by the eigenvalues of the DGG regularized normalized Laplacian and we provide an error bound which is valid w.h.p. and depends upon the average vertex degree.
Virtual currencies: different schemes and research opportunities
Authors: Scheidegger Gianluca , Raghubir Priya
Published: February 2022

The digitization of money has led to the emergence of numerous virtual currencies. Despite their great financial relevance, virtual currencies have not received much attention in marketing research. We classify virtual currencies into three different schemes and highlight potential factors that influence consumer behavior related to these new payment methods. This article provides marketing researchers with a research framework as well as specific research questions to initiate discussions and future research on this novel topic.
Testing for UIP-Type Relationships: Nonlinearities, Monetary Announcements and Interest Rate Expectations
Authors: Anderl Christina , Caporale Guglielmo Maria
Published: February 2022

This paper tests for UIP-type relationships by estimating first a benchmark linear Cointegrated VAR including the nominal exchange rate and the interest rate differential as well as central bank announcements, and then a Smooth Transition Cointegrated VAR (STCVAR) model incorporating nonlinearities and also taking into account the role of interest rate expectations. The analysis is conducted for five inflation targeting countries (the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden) and three non-targeters (the US, the Euro-Area and Switzerland) using daily data from January 2000 to December 2020. While we cannot confirm the validity of UIP in its strictest theoretical sense, we find evidence for the existence of an equilibrium relationship between the exchange rate and the interest rate differential. Specifically, the nonlinear framework appears to be more appropriate to capture the adjustment towards the long-run equilibrium, since the estimated speed of adjustment is substantially faster and the short-run dynamic linkages more significant. Further, interest rate expectations play an important role: a fast adjustment only occurs when the market expects the interest rate to increase in the near future, namely central banks are perceived as more credible when sticking to their goal of keeping inflation at a low and stable rate. Also, central bank announcements have a more sizeable short-run effect in the nonlinear model. Finally, the equilibrium relationship between the exchange rate and the interest rate differential holds better in inflation targeting countries, where monetary authorities appear to achieve a higher degree of credibility.
The Cyprus Women’s Health Research (COHERE) initiative: normative data from the SF-36v2 questionnaire for reproductive aged women from the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Swift B. , Naci H. , Taneri B. , Becker C. M. , Zondervan K. T. , Rahmioglu N.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Describe the health-related quality of life for a representative cohort of women aged 18–55 in Northern Cyprus.

Methods

We utilised the SF-36-Health-Survey-version-2 (SF-36v2) questionnaire as part of the COHERE Initiative study to calculate the eight physical and mental subscale scores, as well as the two overall summary measures for physical and mental health, where we present results using Cyprus-specific scoring as well as scores based on the test developers’ algorithms. We examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics for both scores.

Results

A total of 7089 women fully completed the SF-36v2 questionnaire (mean age = 36.9), which was reliable and valid in this population. We observed better physical health in ages 18–25 compared to 46–55 (53.32 vs. 46.72 (p < 0.001)) and better mental health in women aged 46–55 compared to 18–25 (52.07 vs. 47.95 (p < 0.001)). Women in employment had better physical and mental health compared to those who were unemployed (physical: 50.25 vs 49.95, p < 0.001 and mental: 50.25 vs 49.24, p = 0.083) and scores increased as educational attainment increased (physical: 47.55 for primary to 51.58 for postgraduate, mental: 48.88 to 50.59, p < 0.001). Turkish Cypriot women had higher scores than Turkish women (physical: 50.42 vs 49.30, mental: 50.43 vs 49.10, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These are the first population normative values published from a large representative sample of women between 18 and 55 years from the Eastern Mediterranean region. We found better physical health in younger women and better mental health in older women. Turkish Cypriot women and non-migrant women had better mental health, and HRQOL was highest in those in paid employment and those with a higher educational achievement.
An efficient implementation of one-dimensional discrete wavelet transform algorithms for GPU architectures
Authors: Stokfiszewski Kamil , Wieloch Kamil , Yatsymirskyy Mykhaylo
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the authors present several self-developed implementation variants of the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) computation algorithms and compare their execution times against the commonly approved ones for representative modern Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) architectures. The proposed solutions avoid the time-consuming modulo divisions and conditional instructions used for DWT filters wrapping by proper expansion of the DWTs input data vectors. The main goal of the research is to improve the computation times for popular DWT algorithms for representative modern GPU architectures while retaining the code’s clarity and simplicity. The relations between algorithms execution time improvements for GPUs are also compared with their counterparts for traditional sequential processors. The experimental study shows that the proposed implementations, in the case of parallel realization on GPUs, are characterized by very simple kernel code and high execution time performance.
Battered minipile response to low-frequency cyclic lateral loading in very dense sand
Authors: Mondal Sanchari , Disfani Mahdi M.
Published: February 2022

This experimental study investigates the response of vertical and battered minipiles to two-way symmetrical low-frequency (0.1 Hz) cyclic lateral loading. Laboratory (1-g) tests were performed on scaled-down minipiles in very dense cohesionless soil, for batter angles of 0°, 25° and 45°. The cyclic loading is classified into two categories: multi-amplitude and long-term single amplitude, where force-controlled load was applied at a constant frequency. The minipiles were instrumented with optic fibres, and strain profiles were obtained at each loading stage, in both compression and tension stroke. The results are presented in terms of hysteresis loops, variation of normalised stiffness, minipile strain and bending moments under cyclic loading. In the multi-amplitude loading category, backbone curves show a stiffer force–displacement response in tension stroke than in compression stroke. For the single-amplitude category, the area of the hysteresis loop is largest for 45° battered minipiles with the lowest accumulated deformation. The normalised stiffness at the end of 50 cycles is highest for 25° minipiles with a value slightly greater than one. The strain profiles along the minipiles show stabilisation of measured strain before the number of cycle reaches 50, for all three battered conditions. A multi-surface hardening constitutive model is used to explain the effect of shearing and cyclic loading, with increasing loading amplitude on 25° battered minipiles. These test results are indicative of better performance capability of 25° battered minipiles, in terms of secant stiffness, compared to the vertical and 45° battered cases.
Fossil Primate Teeth as an Archive for High Resolution Ontogenic, Dietary and Palaeoclimate Record
Authors: Patnaik Rajeev
Published: February 2022

Rhythmic incremental growth of daily or longer duration is faithfully recorded in the tooth enamel of all the mammals including those of primates. Just a single well preserved fossil primate tooth can yield a variety of invaluable information, ranging from gestation period, age at weaning, age at death, prenatal and postnatal diet, ecology, water intake, and even body and brain size of an individual, that lived millions of years ago. Till a few years back fossil teeth of rare primates were physically sectioned to count these rhythmic growth lines for extracting ontogenic information such as, crown formation times, daily secretion rates, rhetzius line periodicity and enamel extension rates. Now all this is changing with the application of non-invasive X-Ray Synchroton micro-tomography. Further, laser ablation based stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of these growth layers are showing immense potential for yielding high resolution dietary, ecological and climate data, with minimal visible damage to the very rare fossil specimens.
Lithofacies Characterisation of Oligocene Barail Sediments in Parts of Tiru Valley, Nagaland, Northeast India
Authors: Chiezou K. , Pandey N. , Baruah Meghali
Published: February 2022

The Oligocene Barail sedimentary sequence (Tikak Parbat Formation) of Tiru valley, Nagaland constitutes a part of the Belt of Schuppen. These sequences have been studied for the first time employing lithofacies analysis technique. A total of eleven lithofacies namely, coal facies (C), coaly shale facies (CSh), grey shale facies (Sh), shale-sand laminites facies (Ls), ripple laminated shale-sand facies (Rs), tabular cross stratified sandstones facies (Sp), trough cross stratified sandstones facies (St), compound cross stratified sandstone facies (Sc), ripple cross-stratified sandstone facies (Sr), paleosol facies (P) and mudstone facies (Mst) grouped into two lithofacies associations i.e. coal laminites facies association (CLFA) and cross stratified facies association (XSFA) have been identified using four vertical profile sections (VPS) measured and recorded along cut faces of open cast mine in parts of Tiru valley coal field, Nagaland. Presence of coal, silt-mud, very fine to medium sand, heterolithic stratifications (flaser, wavy lenticular and tidal beddings), compound, tabular and trough cross stratifications having low to tangential foresets with abundant mud drapes, bimodal bipolar cross stratification, and substantial reactivation surfaces indicate deposition in a tidal flat environment.
Childcare 2030: On Using SDG’s as a Framework for Implementing Sustainability in Two Day-Care Centres in Flanders
Authors: Willockx Dietlinde , Dom Leen
Published: February 2022

This article is based on a 2-year (2017–2019) project that aimed to find out in what ways and with what materials childcare settings can bring “raising for a sustainable society” into a lived practice and what kind of support they need to accomplish that. The project mainly consisted of an action research in two day-care centres for children younger than three in Flanders who worked on implementing “education for sustainable development”. In this way, we hoped not only to find out what actions help to implement sustainability but also what structural changes are needed for a successful implementation. After discussions with stakeholders, the research team decided to use SDG’s (sustainable development goals) as a framework for the project. This enabled a recognisable structure as well as a broad interpretation of sustainability, which would allow for a wide range of implementation actions. During the action research, it appeared to be difficult to come to an implementation, as practitioners experience a lot of barriers in working on sustainability. In this article, we discuss in what ways the SDG framework provided a stepstone to overcome barriers to work on sustainability and in what ways the framework did not serve this purpose or even created new barriers. In general, the SDG framework proves to be a good way to get acquainted with the complexity of sustainability and to work on a shared vision but it does not suffice to work on daily attitudes or embodied pedagogical practices. Such a goal would need the backup of other actions.
Literarische Hermeneutik
Authors: Kablitz Andreas
Published: February 2022

Ausgehend von einer Interpretation des Beginns von Thomas Manns Roman Buddenbrooks, wirft dieser Beitrag die Frage nach der Ursache der spezifischen Affinität literarischer Texte zu einer hermeneutischen Bearbeitung auf. In kritischer Auseinandersetzung mit den Theorien Jurij M. Lotmans sowie einiger Vertreter der sog. Rezeptionsästhetik wird hier eine andere Begründung für das Erfordernis der Interpretation literarischer Texte gesucht. Sie rückt das allgemeine, für sprachliche Kommunikation generell geltende Prinzip der Unterstellung von Kohärenz und Sinnhaftigkeit jeglicher Äußerung ins Zentrum. Diese »regulative Idee« gewinnt eine zusätzliche Dimension in fiktionalen Texten, deren Gegenstände nicht unabhängig von dieser Kommunikation existieren, weshalb sich nach der Funktion ihrer Mitteilung und darum ebenfalls nach ihrer Bedeutung fragen läßt. Eine abschließende Interpretation des Beginns von Madame Bovary gilt der Überprüfung der in diesem Beitrag entwickelten Theorie.
Norton-Hoff model for deformation of growing solid shell of thin slab casting in funnel-shape mold
Authors: Vakhrushev Alexander , Kharicha Abdellah , Wu Menghuai , Ludwig Andreas , Nitzl Gerald , Tang Yong , Hackl Gernot , Watzinger Josef , Rodrigues Christian M. G.
Published: February 2022

A funnel-type mold is commonly used to provide necessary clearance for the submerged entry nozzle in the thin slab casting (TSC). The partially solidified shell is subjected to the mechanical deformations, which can lead to the defects formation and, as a results, to a breakout. Traditionally, the results of the flow simulation, performed by the finite volume method (FVM), are fed to the external package for the finite element analysis of stress and strain. A coupled model was assembled using “creeping solid” approach by blending the Norton-Hoff viscoplastic stress for the solidifying shell with the Newtonian viscous stress of the liquid melt. The FVM was used to combine both liquid and solid stress models within a single solver. The iterative procedure based on the improved both side diffusion method was introduced to treat the nonlinear relation between the viscoplastic stress and the strain rate. The modeled shell thickness was verified by previously published breakout measurements and the simulation results. Temperature distribution, obtained during the TSC simulation, dominantly corresponds to the viscoplastic range. Developed numerical approach is robust and has direct industrial application.
The Limits of the WTO
Authors: Howse Robert
Published: February 2022

In “Governing the Interface of U.S.-China Trade Relations,” Gregory Shaffer argues that legal rules and dispute processes can play a major role in managing conflict and competition between the United States and China. While trade is the central focus of Shaffer's article, he realizes that it cannot be severed from other dimensions of the great power rivalry, including human rights and security issues. Shaffer rejects the idea promoted by some scholars (e.g., Petros Mavroidis and André Sapir) that the World Trade Organization (WTO) should double down on neoliberalism in response to the impact on trade of China's industrial policies by crafting rules that would constrain distinctive features of China's political economy. Such an approach fails to explain why China, a rising power with a strong sense of its own sovereignty and entitlement to its own political and economic system, would ever agree to these constraints. Shaffer and I agree on the basic vision of a pluralist WTO that respects deep differences among states and that is deferential to domestic policies to further legitimate objectives, whether protecting the environment or promoting the observance of basic labor rights around the world. Yet I differ with Shaffer on where the WTO fits into an overall strategy for addressing the global economic governance issues raised by the U.S.-China conflict. While I see the WTO as a useful and necessary part of the picture, I have a lesser estimate than Shaffer of its amenability and centrality to addressing many of the governance challenges that are at play. The post-war General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade from which the WTO system originates still plays a crucial role in providing a structure for voluntary reduction in tariffs through negotiations based on reciprocity and a set of rules for the legal security of tariff concessions. This is reinforced by non-discrimination norms that apply to domestic policies that affect trade. But where non-discriminatory domestic policies are claimed to be trade restrictions, it is much less clear that they should be disciplined multilaterally through a trade-focused institution like the WTO that is not particularly sensitive to the demands of public policy in complex areas of regulation.
Convergence rate of the EM algorithm for SDEs with low regular drifts
Authors: Bao Jianhai , Huang Xing , Zhang Shao-Qin
Published: February 2022

In this paper we employ a Gaussian-type heat kernel estimate to establish Krylov’s estimate and Khasminskii’s estimate for the Euler–Maruyama (EM) algorithm. For applications, by taking Zvonkin’s transformation into account, we investigate the convergence rate of the EM algorithm for a class of multidimensional stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with low regular drifts, which need not be piecewise Lipschitz.
Five years of national policies: progress towards tackling obesity in England
Authors: Tedstone A. E. , Sabry-Grant C. , Hung E. , Levy L. B.
Published: February 2022

Obesity is a major burden on the health system in England and the rest of the UK. Obesity prevalence is high in adults and children and most of the UK population are consuming more energy than required, and not meeting other dietary recommendations, including those for saturated fat, free sugars, fibre, oily fish and fruit and vegetables. Over the past 5 years, a number of cross-government policies, both promoting voluntary action and legislative, have been put in place to tackle diet-related health and obesity. The food environment is complex with many influencing factors, some of which act through individual automatic choices. Other factors such as accessibility, advertising, promotion and nudging drive increased food and drink purchases. With continual changes in the food environment favouring fast-food outlets and meal delivery companies alongside the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diets and physical activity levels, further governmental action is likely needed to deliver sustained improvements to diet and health.
The prevalence and risk of developing major depression among individuals with subthreshold depression in the general population
Authors: Zhang Ruibin , Peng Xiaoling , Song Xiaoqi , Long Jixin , Wang Chanyu , Zhang Chichen , Huang Ruiwang , Lee Tatia M. C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Subthreshold depression could be a significant precursor to and a risk factor for major depression. However, reliable estimates of the prevalence and its contribution to developing major depression under different terminologies depicting subthreshold depression have to be established.

Methods

By searching PubMed and Web of Science using predefined inclusion criteria, we included 1 129 969 individuals from 113 studies conducted. The prevalence estimates were calculated using the random effect model. The incidence risk ratio (IRR) was estimated by measuring the ratio of individuals with subthreshold depression who developed major depression compared to that of non-depressed individuals from 19 studies (88, 882 individuals).

Results

No significant difference in the prevalence among the different terminologies depicting subthreshold depression (Q = 1.96, p = 0.5801) was found. By pooling the prevalence estimates of subthreshold depression in 113 studies, we obtained a summary prevalence of 11.02% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.78–12.33%]. The youth group had the highest prevalence (14.17%, 95% CI 8.82–20.55%), followed by the elderly group (12.95%, 95% CI 11.41-14.58%) and the adult group (8.92%, 95% CI 7.51–10.45%). Further analysis of 19 studies' incidence rates showed individuals with subthreshold depression had an increased risk of developing major depression (IRR = 2.95, 95% CI 2.33–3.73), and the term minor depression showed the highest IRR compared with other terms (IRR = 3.97, 95% CI 3.17–4.96).

Conclusions

Depression could be a spectrum disorder, with subthreshold depression being a significant precursor to and a risk factor for major depression. Proactive management of subthreshold depression could be effective for managing the increasing prevalence of major depression.
Sex differences across developmental domains among children with a familial risk of severe mental disorders
Authors: Burton Birgitte Klee , Andersen Klaus Kaae , Greve Aja N. , Hemager Nicoline , Spang Katrine S. , Ellersgaard Ditte , Christiani Camilla J. , Gantriis Ditte , Gregersen Maja , Søndergaard Anne , Jepsen Jens Richardt M. , Bliksted Vibeke Fuglsang , Mors Ole , Plessen Kerstin Jessica , Nordentoft Merete , Thorup Anne A. E.
Published: February 2022

Background

Sex differences in brain structure and neurodevelopment occur in non-clinical populations. We investigated whether sex had a similar effect on developmental domains amongst boys and girls with a familial risk of schizophrenia (FHR-SZ), bipolar disorder (FHR-BP), and controls.

Methods

Through Danish registries, we identified 522 7-year-old children (242 girls) with FHR-SZ, FHR-BP, and controls. We assessed their performance within the domains of neurocognition, motor function, language, social cognition, social behavior, psychopathology, and home environment.

Results

FHR-SZ boys compared with FHR-SZ girls had a higher proportion of disruptive behavior and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and exhibited lower performance in manual dexterity, balance, and emotion recognition. No sex differences were found between boys and girls within FHR-BP group. Compared with controls, both FHR-SZ boys and FHR-SZ girls showed impaired processing speed and working memory, had lower levels of global functioning, and were more likely to live in an inadequate home environment. Compared with control boys, FHR-SZ boys showed impaired manual dexterity, social behavior, and social responsiveness, and had a higher proportion of ADHD and disruptive behavior disorder diagnoses. Stress and adjustment disorders were more common in FHR-BP boys compared with control boys. We found no differences between FHR-BP girls and control girls.

Conclusions

Impairment within neurodevelopmental domains associated within FHR-SZ boys v. FHR-SZ girls was most evident among boys, whereas no sex differences were found within the FHR-BP group (FHR-BP boys v. FHR-BP girls). FHR-SZ boys exhibited the highest proportion of early developmental impairments.
Ship of Theseus: from ILO Standards to Outcome of Maternity Protection Policy
Authors: SON KEONHI
Published: February 2022

Previous research focuses on the question of whether international standards have prompted any improvement of labor and social standards by law or in practice. This paper complements the literature by showing that the way that international standards are translated and implemented at the national level matters as well. Using a novel historical database on paid maternity leave policies in 160 countries with a time series from 1883 to 2018, I document how informal sector workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) fell by the wayside in the widespread adoption of the International Labour Organization (ILO) maternity protection standards. First, the analysis shows that while the adoption of the ILO Maternity Protection Conventions triggered the introduction and extension of maternity leave policies throughout the world, LMICs ignored the provision of social assistance benefits. Second, even when LMICs extended the coverage of maternity leave policies to the informal sector, the implementation constraints further hindered the access of women workers in the informal sector to maternity benefits.
A novel parameter identification method for flexible-joint robots using input torque and motor-side motion data
Authors: Zhao Pu
Published: February 2022

The traditional identification methods of industrial robots are based on Inverse Dynamic Identification Model (IDIM). Based on the model, input torque, motor-side and link-side motion data are necessary when joint flexibilities are considered. However, it is often unavailable or expensive to general robots which are not equipped with link-side sensors. To solve the problem, a novel dynamic parameter identification method, which only employ input torque and motor-side motion data, is proposed in this report. Based on motor-side dynamics, link-side dynamics are modified as high-order nonlinear functions of input torque and motor-side motion. Then, through different trajectory-load groups and high-order observers, the nonlinear equations can be solved, and dynamic parameters can be estimated with short operation time. The selection rules of the trajectory-load groups are then discussed based on simulation results, so as to promote estimation results. Finally, experiments are conducted to verify the proposed method and exhibit the selection rules of observer gains. As shown in the report, except viscous friction parameters, identification difference between the IDM-based methods and the proposed one is less than 9%.
EXAMINING RATER PERCEPTION OF HOLDS AS A VISUAL CUE OF LISTENER NONUNDERSTANDING
Authors: McDonough Kim , Lindberg Rachael , Trofimovich Pavel
Published: February 2022

This study examined whether university students perceive holds (i.e., a listener’s temporary cessation of dynamic movement) as a visual cue of nonunderstanding. Conversations between English second language (L2) university students were sampled to extract episodes of other-initiated repair through open clarification requests (e.g., what?, sorry?). Brief, silent video clips were presented to 60 raters across two experiments who assessed the listener’s comprehension, which was their perception about how well the listener had understood the speaker. Experiment 1 tested whether raters can differentiate between the onset and release of listener holds while Experiment 2 examined whether they are sensitive to the sequential organization of holds. Results indicated that raters clearly differentiated between hold onsets and releases and were sensitive to the temporal position of holds in the entire repair sequence. Taken together, these findings suggest that holds are a reliable signal of nonunderstanding with potential implications for L2 teaching and assessment.
Peer victimization, schooling format, and adolescent internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: Between- and within-person associations across ninth grade
Authors: Schacter Hannah L. , Hoffman Adam J. , Ehrhardt Alexandra , Bakth Faizun
Published: February 2022

The current longitudinal study examined how between-person (BP) differences and within-person (WP) fluctuations in adolescents’ peer victimization and schooling format across ninth grade related to changes in their internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 388 adolescents (61% female;Mage= 14.02) who completed three online surveys, administered 3 months apart, from November 2020 to May 2021. Multilevel modeling revealed BP (time-invariant) and WP (time-varying) effects of peer victimization and school instructional format (i.e., in-person; hybrid; online) on internalizing symptoms while accounting for potentially confounding demographic (e.g., gender) and contextual (e.g., COVID-19 positivity rates) factors. Results indicated that adolescents who experienced higher overall levels of peer victimization across the school year, compared to those who experienced lower victimization, reported more severe internalizing symptoms. Whereas relative WP increases in peer victimization predicted corresponding increases in adolescents’ depressive and somatic symptoms regardless of schooling format, WP increases in peer victimization only predicted elevated anxiety during months when students attended fully in-person, but not online, school. Adolescents who spent a greater proportion of their school year attending online school also reported less peer victimization across the year. Findings highlight WP fluctuations in the effects of peer victimization on internalizing and contextual variations depending on schooling format.