bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of new qualitative productivity forces on quality-effective change in China’s Yangtze river economic belt sports industry: The mediating effect of industry–University–Research Cooperation
Authors: Chen Xiuqin , Ye Songzhong
Published: February 2025

Due to the lack of empirical research on the influence of new qualitative productivity forces on quality-effective change in the sports industry, entropy-weighted threshold-based estimation (TOPSIS) is used based on panel data for 11 provinces and cities in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2016–2022. The results are used to measure the levels of new qualitative productivity forces and quality-effective change in the sports industry and to analyze the relationships among these factors and industry–university–research cooperation through a bidirectional fixed effects model and a mediating effects model. The study reveals that new qualitative productivity forces have a significant positive effect on quality-effective change in the sports industry that is heterogeneous by region. Industry–university–research cooperation plays a partially intermediary role in promoting quality-effective change in the sports industry through new qualitative productivity forces. In this context, we propose the following measures: focus on cultivating new-quality industries and strengthening their application in the sports industry, emphasize the intermediary effect of industry–university–research cooperation to promote quality-effective change in the sports industry, formulate strategies according to local conditions, and focus on the development of new qualitative productivity forces in sports.
Breve análisis de la Ley Orgánica 1/2024, de 10 de junio, de amnistía para la normalización institucional, política y social en Cataluña
Authors: Gil Gil Alicia
Published: February 2025

La Ley Orgánica 1/2024, de 10 de junio, de amnistía para la normalización institucional, política y social en Cataluña ha generado un encendido debate tanto político como social y académico. En el presente artículo se analizan los argumentos a favor y en contra de su constitucionalidad y otros muchos problemas que su redacción puede provocar.
Efficacy of 1 L polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid with linaclotide versus senna for bowel preparation: A multicenter, endoscopist-blinded, randomized controlled trial (Apple trial)
Authors: Maeda Natsumi , Higashimori Akira , Kabata Daijiro , Yamamoto Ikki , Yanagida Tsuyoshi , Kin Daiyu , Matsumoto Yuji , Nakata Rieko , Hashimoto Atsushi , Sawada Akinari , Maruyama Hirotsugu , Okamoto Junichi , Katsuno Takayuki , Nadatani Yuji , Ominami Masaki , Fukunaga Shusei , Morimoto Kenichi , Hosomi Shuhei , Tanaka Fumio , Nakatani Masami , Taira Koichi , Sasaki Eiji , Fukuda Takashi , Ota Keiko , Yoshida Hisako , Watanabe Toshio , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVES:

No bowel preparation for colonoscopy achieves optimal efficacy and tolerability. Combining polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid (PEG-Asc) with adjuvants has been explored to enhance cleansing efficacy and reduce the required volume. This study aimed to evaluate whether adding 0.5 mg linaclotide to 1-L PEG-Asc (1 L-PEG/AL) improves superior cleansing compared to adding 24 mg senna (1 L-PEG/AS), which we previously reported to be non-inferior to the standard regimen of 2 L PEG-Asc.

METHODS:

A multicenter, endoscopist-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at five centers in Japan with outpatients scheduled for colonoscopy. The primary outcome was adequate bowel preparation (BP), evaluated using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Analyses were stratified based on low- and high-risk groups for inadequate BP.

RESULTS:

Between April 2022 and April 2023, 1,464 patients were randomized to the 1L-PEG/AL (n=733) or 1L-PEG/AS (n=731). The 1L-PEG/AL demonstrated higher adequate BP rates (92% vs. 86%, P=0.001) compared to 1L-PEG/AS. Both groups experienced similar adverse events and expressed high willingness for repeat BP (83% vs. 81%, P=0.49). In high-risk patients (n=892), 1L-PEG/AL had significantly higher adequate BP rates (94% vs. 86%, P<0.001), whereas rates were comparably high in low-risk patients (n=539) (94% vs. 94%, P=0.66).

CONCLUSIONS:

The linaclotide regimen was superior to the senna regimen in terms of BP efficacy without reducing tolerability. It can be a promising new option for BP, especially in patients at a high-risk of inadequate BP.
Patterns of HBV viremia change and HBsAg loss rate in patients without retreatment within 2 years after entecavir or tenofovir cessation
Authors: Chen Chien-Hung , Tai Wei-Chen , Hu Tsung-Hui , Wang Jing-Houng , Hung Chao-Hung , Lu Sheng-Nan
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

This study investigated the patterns of HBV viremia change and HBsAg loss rate without retreatment within 2 years after nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) cessation,

Methods:

We enrolled 481 patients who did not receive retreatment in the first 2 years after entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) cessation.

Results:

Group I was defined as persistent HBV DNA<2000 IU/mL and normal alanine transaminase (ALT)<40 U/mL (inactive phase); Group II and Group III, as HBV DNA>2000 IU/mL and ALT<40 U/L (Group II) or ALT 40‒80 IU/mL (Group III); Group IV), as HBV DNA>2000 IU/mL and ALT>80 U/mL (active phase). Of the 242 Group I patients, 205 (84.7%) remained in the same group and 22 (9.1%) transitioned to active phase beyond the first 2 years. Of the 239 Group II, III and IV patients, 33%, 28.8% and 31.1% patients transitioned to inactive phase beyond the first 2 years, respectively. Of the 239 patients who achieved HBsAg <150 versus ≧150 IU/mL at end of treatment, the transition to inactive phase and HBsAg loss rates at year 5 after NA cessation were 57.2% versus 16.1% (p<0.001) and 25.4% versus 4.7%, respectively (p =0.001). The 10-year HBsAg loss rate after NA cessation for patients in Group I who remained in inactive phase, and Groups II+III and Group IV patients who transitioned to inactive phase were 57.7%, 45.4% and 55.1% (p=0.404), respectively.

Conclusions:

Patients who remained or transitioned to the inactive phase had a high HBsAg loss rate without retreatment within 2 years after NA cessation.
ANÁLISE ESPACIAL DAS UNIDADES BÁSICAS DE SAÚDE COM SISTEMA DE INFORMAÇÃO GEOGRÁFICA (SIG): APLICAÇÃO NA CIDADE DE MONTES CLAROS-MG
Authors: Neto Narciso Ferreira dos Santos , Guerra André Leite , Andrade Amanda Evellyn da Silva , Mendes João Batista , Caetano Júnia Maria Gonçalves , Santos Davi Souza
Published: February 2025

Os problemas de localização de facilidades buscam a melhor forma de posicionar recursos em uma determinada região para atingir uma distribuição econômica e que atenda a demanda de forma ampla.  O problema que será exposto neste estudo é o de localização das unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) no município de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Uma distribuição eficaz das unidades de saúde proporcionará à população melhor nível de atendimento, possibilitando acesso com maior agilidade ao serviço. Assim, uns dos grandes objetivos desse problema é a busca de soluções da melhor localização a fim de reduzir os custos de transporte, minimizando a distância de deslocamento dos usuários dos serviços até um dos pontos de atendimento. A pesquisa tem por objetivo fazer uma análise espacial da acessibilidade das famílias à rede de unidades de saúde da família na cidade de Montes Claros por meio de dados gerados em sistemas de informação geográfica (SIG) e aplicação de modelos matemáticos e computacionais de forma integrada para análise desses dados. Esse procedimento consiste em virtualizar o mapa da cidade de estudo, Montes Claros, por meio de uma base de dados geográficos fornecida pela prefeitura de Montes Claros no sistema de informação geográfica TransCAD. Essa virtualização permite visualizar de forma gráfica, ruas, pontos residenciais e ainda permite inserir valores relacionados a algum componente vetorial para análises estatísticas. A técnica utilizada neste trabalho foi a p-medianas que consiste em localizar em uma rede de instalações a partir da atribuição de uma matriz simétrica denominada de matriz de custo mínimo que contém a menor distância entre os pontos representantes dessa rede e uma matriz de alocação, o ponto cuja somatória total entre as distâncias dos pontos alocados a ele será a menor possível.
URBAN POTENTIALITIES: A TEMPORAL ANALYSIS IN THE LARANJAL DISTRICT IN PELOTAS/RS
Authors: Midon Márcio , Faria Ana Paula Neto de , Breunig Fábio Marcelo
Published: February 2025

This study analyzes urban potentialities in Laranjal district in Pelotas/RS and shows that it is possible to manage land use through the use of urban configurational models, specifically urban convergence, and foresee future scenarios for the allocation of businesses and services. In this way, this technique can be used to manage land use as opposed to static urban zoning in which activities are rigidly assigned to urban sectors without considering the demands and accessibility to these offers. Thus, the study was conducted by modeling the potential in a time frame of an urban scenario and its results were compared with another scenario in a time interval of 20 years. For the investigation, statistical probability analyzes were carried out with Pearson's "chi-squared” test among the results obtained and the subsequent scenario. A high correlation was obtained and the degree of adherence between the variables highlights the effectiveness of the model as a descriptor of the urban scenario. This premise reinforces the logic that it is possible to manage the urban environment, foresee scenarios, assign public qualification and urban design policies with the effect of enhancing solutions for the actors that interact in the urban scenario.
ESTIMATIVA DA GERAÇÃO DE LIXIVIADO EM UM ATERRO SANITÁRIO NO SEMIÁRIDO DO ESTADO DA PARAÍBA, BRASIL
Authors: Ramos Pablo Rafael Ferreira , Santos Laercio Leal dos , Flores Carlos Armando Reyes , Paiva William de , Silva Julianna Ferreira dos Santos , Monteiro Veruschka Escarião Dessoles , Melo Márcio Camargo de
Published: February 2025

Os avanços tecnológicos e a urbanização têm aumentado o consumo de produtos, resultando em mais resíduos dispostos em aterros, representando risco de poluição do ar, solo e água, além de alterar paisagens e o uso do solo. A geração de lixiviado é uma das principais consequências negativas dos aterros sanitários. Este estudo avalia a adequação do modelo computacional MODUELO 4.0 para estimar a produção de lixiviados em aterros sanitários no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil, usando dados hidrológicos, morfológicos e climáticos locais. Foram simulados vários cenários com diferentes condições de preenchimento e cobertura do aterro, utilizando solos naturais da região. As análises estatísticas mostraram que, apesar da variabilidade no desempenho do modelo, houve um aumento significativo na precisão das simulações ao longo do tempo, especialmente nos meses com dados observados O estudo conclui que, embora haja limitações nas informações disponíveis, o MODUELO 4.0 mostra-se uma ferramenta útil para a gestão de aterros sanitários no semiárido brasileiro. No entanto, o modelo ainda apresenta limitações significativas para fornecer estimativas precisas da vazão de lixiviado, que possam auxiliar na tomada de decisões e no cumprimento das regulamentações ambientais.
COMPLEXIDADES GEOGRÁFICAS BRASILEIRAS E CORRELAÇÃO COM O CENÁRIO PANDÊMICO DE COVID-19
Authors: Mesquita Anderson Azevedo , Serrano Rodrigo Otávio Pérea , Franco Alexsande de Oliveira , Moreira José Genivaldo do Vale , Cavalcante Maria Madalena de Aguiar
Published: February 2025

Os efeitos da pandemia de Covid-19 foram drásticos, ocasionando elevado contingente de perdas humanas e materiais para a humanidade. O Brasil também enfrentou tal contexto, tendo um cenário catastrófico de mais de 700 mil mortes e aproximadamente 40 milhões de casos. Logo, o objetivo do trabalho é compreender como as complexidades geográficas brasileiras se correlacionaram com o estado pandêmico de Covid-19 vivenciado. Metodologicamente, comparou-se a partir das técnicas de correlação de Spearman dados de 74 variáveis socioeconômicas, perfil e estrutura da saúde, além de dados ambientais, por estado brasileiro, em relação a incidência de casos e óbitos. Os resultados, surpreendentemente, demonstram maior tendência de casos e óbitos em função dos melhores indicadores encontrados nos estados. Por fim, conclui-se que, nos limites desse trabalho, é possível compreender que os efeitos da pandemia no Brasil, não se articulam objetivamente às vulnerabilidades socioeconômicas e estruturais de saúde, indicando existir outro fator determinante, que inclusive, atenuou a resiliência previamente esperada.
DISPONIBILIDADE DE ÁGUA EM NASCENTES DO CERRADO: RELAÇÕES COM USO DA TERRA E MORFOMETRIA DE BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA
Authors: Panarelli Eliana Aparecida , Vidote Sophia Oliveira , Fuzzo Daniela Fernanda da Silva , Carrillo Adriana Duneya Diaz , António Palmira Inocência , Millan Rodrigo Ney
Published: February 2025

A escassez hídrica é realidade em diversos cursos d’água que supriam a demanda da produção agrícola no Cerrado. Este estudo caracterizou a morfometria em cinco sub-bacias hidrográficas do rio Grande, localizadas na porção sul da Serrinha, município de Frutal (MG), e avaliou nascentes em cada uma das sub-bacias quanto à disponibilidade hídrica e o uso e cobertura da terra. Os parâmetros morfométricos foram obtidos utilizando as ferramentas do Google Earth. Os percentuais de uso do solo foram analisados em um raio de 2 km ao redor das nascentes, usando dados disponíveis no MapBiomas. Os dados de vazão dos riachos foram medidos no local. Dentre as bacias hidrográficas, uma é de quinta ordem, com maiores dimensões e menor densidade de drenagem, as outras quatro são de quarta ordem. Todas possuem índices de circularidade < 0,51 e baixas relação de relevo, com variação para os demais parâmetros. Foram registradas 702 nascentes, sendo 149 secas ou intermitentes. O uso do solo predominante foi cana-de-açúcar, mosaico de usos e pastagem. A vazão variou em escala 15 vezes maior durante o período chuvoso quando comparada ao período seco, mas não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os períodos ou entre as bacias hidrográficas.
APLICAÇÃO DA ESTRUTURA DPSIR COMO FERRAMENTA PARA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DOS IMPACTOS ANTRÓPICOS EM UM PARQUE NATURAL MUNICIPAL
Authors: Lobato Cynthia Valéria Barbosa Gomes , Lobato Maxwell Ferreira , Costa Diógenes Félix da Silva
Published: February 2025

O objetivo do presente artigo foi aplicar a estrutura DPSIR (Força Motriz, Pressão, Estado, Impacto, Resposta) como ferramenta para identificar e avaliar os impactos antrópicos no Parque da Cidade Dom Nivaldo Monte (PCDNM), localizado em Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Para isso, foi utilizada uma metodologia de checklist, que consiste em uma lista de verificação sistemática para identificar e registrar os principais fatores de pressão exercidos sobre o parque, bem como suas consequências no estado ambiental, nos impactos gerados e nas possíveis respostas de gestão. Os resultados indicam que, apesar do parque ser uma Unidade de Conservação, as atividades humanas têm impactos negativos no ambiente, exigindo medidas de controle e monitoramento, as quais, apesar de propostas no Plano de Manejo através da fiscalização, treinamento e educação ambiental dos seus funcionários e visitantes, não têm se mostrado completamente efetivas.
Screening of organic substrates for the development of effective biofungicides to manage cashew fusarium wilt disease
Authors: A. Lilai Stanslaus , Hussein Juma , A. Kapinga Fortunus , A. Nene Wilson , G. Temu Stela , D. Tibuhwa Donatha
Published: February 2025

Background: The biotechnology industry commonly utilizes synthetic media to grow biological control agents (BCAs); however, these media are often considered impractical, particularly in developing countries. Objective: This study aimed to identify the most suitable locally available organic substrates for the cultivation of BCAs used against cashew fusarium wilt disease. Materials and Methods: Experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 on five substrates, namely rice husk (RH), rice bran (RB), hulled millet, parboiled rice, and their combinations, as growth media for combined Bacillus strains and Trichoderma asperellum. The carbohydrate and protein content of the substrates were quantified colorimetrically. Results: Protein and carbohydrate contents ranged from 13.4 – 19.8% to 76.3 – 82.7%, respectively. The BCAs exhibited high colonization rates on all tested substrates, with combined substrates supporting the highest colonization, followed by RH and RB. Endospore formation and conidiation levels varied significantly over time across substrates and incubation temperatures (p ≤ 0.05). Population densities decreased over time under refrigerated, room temperature, and incubator conditions for most substrates in both seasons, except for combined substrates, RH, and RB. Final population counts were as follows: 2.1 × 107 ± 4.9 × 105 and 1.0 × 107 ± 0.3 × 105 colony-forming units (CFUs)/mL (combined substrates), 2.3 × 107 ± 5.4 × 105 and 5.7 × 107 ± 1.1 × 106 CFUs/mL (RH), 3.6 × 105 ± 2.1 × 104 and 3.3 × 105 ± 1.6 × 104 CFUs/mL (RB), while under refrigerated conditions, population densities remained relatively unchanged throughout the study period. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is recommended to use a mixture of substrates, RH alone, or RB alone as appropriate media for the large-scale production of the studied biofungicides.
Criar nos Silêncios. Uma entrevista com Assumpta Serna
Authors: Lambies Josep , Elduque Albert , De Lucas Gonzalo
Published: February 2025

Nesta entrevista, Assumpta Serna reflete sobre a sua experiência como atriz na indústria cinematográfica espanhola, desde a sua estreia no final dos anos 70 até 1986, nos anos da transição democrática. Serna partilha as dificuldades de diálogo criativo com cineastas como Carlos Saura e Pedro Almodóvar, e como encontrou nos gestos e nas formas de expressão, através do close-up ou do olhar, o pensamento e o desejo feminino ativo das suas personagens.
Cover Jurnal Fitopatologi Vol. 20 No. 2, Maret 2024
Authors: Editors Jurnal Fitopatologi Indonesia
Published: February 2025

This editorial contains the front cover, editorial page, and back cover of the Jurnal Fitopatologi Vol. 20 No. 2, Maret 2024.
The -455G/A Polymorphism of the β Fibrinogen Gene and the Bgl II Polymorphism of the α α2β1 Integrin Gene and Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Poglajen G. , Kirbiš J. , Milutinović Aleksandra
Published: February 2025

Platelets and fibrinogen might be involved in the pathogenesis of thrombus formation and MI. The Bgl II gene polymorphism of the α2β1 integrin, which is a platelet collagen receptor, and the -455G/A polymorphism in the β fibrinogen gene have been suggested as genetic risk factors for MI. The aim of this study was to look for a relationship between the -455G/A polymorphism in the β fibrinogen gene and the development of MI in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes. One hundred and forty-two subjects with type 2 diabetes and MI were compared to 234 diabetic subjects with no history of coronary artery disease. There were no significant differences in the frequency of the Bgl II gene polymorphism or of the -455G/A polymorphism in the β fibrinogen gene in the patients with MI compared to the patients without MI: Bgl II (+/+) genotype was found in 19.7% of patients with MI and 15.4% of controls and -455GG genotype was found in 58.4% of patients with MI and 57.7% of controls. The present study demonstrates that neither the Bgl II gene polymorphism nor -455G/A polymorphism in the β fibrinogen gene is a genetic marker for MI in Slovene population (Caucasians) with type 2 diabetes.
Natural Gas and hydrogen blending: a perspective on numerical modeling and CFD analysis for transient and steady-state scenarios
Authors: Sharma Sukriti , Sahir Asad H.
Published: February 2025

The integration of hydrogen as an energy carrier into an existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure presents a promising option for the decarbonization of the energy sector. However, using hydrogen in natural gas pipelines requires overcoming engineering challenges attributed to physical property and design considerations for both natural gas and hydrogen which may result in pipeline failures. To this end, this study employs a multi-software engineering approach to model both steady-state and transient behaviors of natural gas pipelines blended with hydrogen under cyclic variations. For transient state modeling, the Crank-Nicolson implicit scheme is applied to a 100 km pipeline with 200 nodes, using a time interval of 20 s in MATLAB. The one dimensional flow modeling aspects are analyzed in more detail with the finite element method in COMSOL. The study also highlights the importance of pipeline inventory analysis, focusing on the trade-off between gas transport capacity and flexibility; particularly with respect to packing and drafting operations. The intrinsic properties of hydrogen blends (0–20 %) are analyzed using the GERG Equation of State (EoS) in ASPEN. Results indicate that the COMSOL model shows less stability than the Crank-Nicolson method for abrupt demand changes, with a percentage error of ±11 % compared to the benchmark study. Additionally, inventory analysis suggests that to prevent pipeline failure, the pipeline can only be drafted for 3.6 h. Steady-state analysis reveals that blending hydrogen into natural gas significantly impacts pipeline design, with changes in specific gravity, compressibility factor, and speed of sound. The study also finds that higher hydrogen blending reduces the pressure drop under isothermal conditions, resulting in lower compressor power requirements. This modeling approach provides a foundation for strategies aimed at adapting natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen use.
An improvement of level control of non-linear horizontal tank process using sliding mode controller
Authors: Elumalai Govinda Kumar , Ponnusamy Vijayakumar
Published: February 2025

The performance of proportional plus integral (PI) and proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID) controllers are investigated, using a horizontal tank liquid level as the control object. Additionally, sliding mode controller (SMC) is designed and suggested for the level control of horizontal tank process. Also, the closed loop responses of PI, PID and SMC are analyzed in MATLAB and the response of the horizontal tank model are obtained in different set-point levels. This work presents a SMC approach that improves control accuracy, set-point tracking and robustness in level control of horizontal tank process, where traditional and existing PID controllers are less effective. These results demonstrate that the designed SMC controller markedly reduces settling time and also completely eliminate the peak overshoot compared with responses of PI and PID controllers, and similarly minimizes the values of integral of absolute error (IAE) and integral of squared error (ISE). These findings underscore that SMC provides superior performance compared to PI and PID controllers. Furthermore, SMC offers an improved closed loop performance of level control of non-linear horizontal tank process. It also provides more efficient and stable system responses.
A hierarchical approach to modeling golf hole scores with Hardy distributions
Authors: Hardt Marie , Nettleton Dan
Published: February 2025

The Hardy distribution, derived by van der Ven (2012. The Hardy distribution for golf hole scores. Math. Gaz. 96: 428–438) and named after an idea by Hardy (1945. A mathematical theorem about golf. Math. Gaz. 29: 226–227), is a discrete probability distribution for modeling golf hole scores. According to the Hardy distribution, a golfer’s score on a hole is determined by the par of the hole, the golfer’s probability of hitting a good shot, and the golfer’s probability of hitting a bad shot. To fit a Hardy distribution to golf scores on a hole, an analyst needs only the scores and a value for the par of the hole. We present four different hierarchical modeling strategies to jointly model the scores of multiple golfers on multiple holes during one golf tournament round using Hardy distributions. We then apply our new modeling strategies to golf hole scores from two very different golfer populations: male professional golfers on the PGA Tour and female high school golfers from the state of Iowa, USA. Probabilities of good and bad shots vary across holes for both the male professional golfers on the PGA Tour and the female high school golfers. We find little variation among the male professional golfers but substantial variation among the female high school golfers.
Effect of austempering on wear resistance of GGG50 nodular cast iron
Authors: Yilmaz Serdar Osman , Teker Tanju , Mandacı İsmail
Published: February 2025

In this research, nodular cast iron (GGG50) with 0.2 wt.% Cr and 0.8 wt.% Mo was subjected to austenization at 900, and 950 °C for 45 min, and 1 h. Then, austempering was performed at 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 °C for periods of 30–720 min. The microstructure of the austempered samples at varying temperatures was defined using an optical and scanning electron microscope. Phases and compounds were analyzed through X-ray diffraction. Hardness tests were conducted on the samples. Wear performances were assessed using a pin-on-disc wear apparatus. The friction coefficients of the materials were detected. The worn surfaces of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The microstructure of the casting was comprised of ferrite and pearlite. In contrast, the annealed sample contained a blend of acicular ferrite and carbon-enriched annealed iron, referred to as “ausferrite.” As the austempering temperature increased, the structure became coarser and the hardness values declined. As the annealing temperature increased, wear resistance was observed to decrease. The coefficient of friction diminished as the austempering temperature raised.
Impacts of working memory, L2 proficiency, and cognitive flexibility on cross-domain structural priming
Authors: Lei Wenrong , Wang Baochang
Published: February 2025

Recent psycholinguistic research has demonstrated that structural priming can occur not only within linguistic cognition but also across different cognitive domains. However, the factors influencing cross-domain priming remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate the roles of working memory, L2 proficiency, and cognitive flexibility in the priming from mathematical processing to L2 comprehension. Sixty-three Chinese college students learning English were recruited as participants. Simple mathematical expressions were presented as primes, and English sentences with relative clauses served as the targets. The participants were categorized based on their working memory, L2 proficiency, and cognitive flexibility. They processed mathematical expressions followed by an English sentence comprehension task to examine whether the processing of mathematical expressions influenced their comprehension of English relative clauses, which shared structural similarities with the mathematical expressions. The results revealed that (1) a priming effect existed from mathematical expressions to L2 sentence comprehension and (2) working memory, L2 proficiency, and cognitive flexibility significantly impacted the priming effect. These findings suggest that cross-domain structural priming is constrained by cognitive factors such as working memory, L2 proficiency and cognitive flexibility.
Continuous auditory feedback promotes fine motor skill learning in mice
Authors: Xiao Dongsheng , Balbi Matilde
Published: February 2025

Motor skill learning enables organisms to interact effectively with their environment, relying on neural mechanisms that integrate sensory feedback with motor output. While sensory feedback, such as auditory cues linked to motor actions, enhances motor performance in humans, its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Developing a reliable animal model of augmented motor skill learning is crucial to begin dissects the biological systems that underpin this enhancement. We hypothesized that continuous auditory feedback during a motor task would promote complex motor skill acquisition in mice. We developed a closed-loop system using DeepLabCut for real-time markerless tracking of mouse forepaw movements with high processing speed and low latency. By encoding forepaw movements into auditory tones of different frequencies, mice received continuous auditory feedback during a reaching task requiring vertical displacement of the left forepaw to a target. Adult mice were trained over four days with either auditory feedback or no feedback. Mice receiving auditory feedback exhibited significantly enhanced motor skill learning compared to controls. Clustering analysis of reaching trajectories showed that auditory feedback mice established consistent reaching trajectories by Day 2 of motor training. These findings demonstrate that real-time, movement-coded auditory feedback effectively promotes motor skill learning in mice. This closed-loop system, leveraging advanced machine learning and real-time tracking, offers new avenues for exploring motor control mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies for motor disorders through augmented sensory feedback.

Significance StatementEnhancing motor skill learning can greatly improve therapeutic options for patients suffering from motor disorders. Our study demonstrates that continuous, movement-coded auditory feedback markedly accelerates complex motor skill acquisition in mice. By providing real-time auditory cues linked to specific forepaw movements through a closed-loop system—without the need for invasive markers—this approach offers a novel method for investigating the neural mechanisms of motor learning in neuroscience. It also opens new avenues for developing therapeutic strategies for motor function rehabilitation.
Brain-wide impacts of sedation on spontaneous activity and auditory processing in larval zebrafish
Authors: Favre-Bulle Itia A. , Muller Eli , Lee Conrad , Scholz Leandro A. , Arnold Joshua , Munn Brandon , Wainstein Gabriel , Shine James M. , Scott Ethan K.
Published: February 2025

Despite their widespread use, we have limited knowledge of the mechanisms by which sedatives mediate their effects on brain-wide networks. This is, in part, due to the technical challenge of observing activity across large populations of neurons in normal and sedated brains. In this study, we examined the effects of the sedative dexmedetomidine, and its antagonist atipamezole, on spontaneous brain dynamics and auditory processing in zebrafish larvae, a stage when sex differentiation has not yet occurred. Our brain-wide, cellular-resolution calcium imaging reveals the brain regions involved in these network-scale dynamics and the individual neurons that are affected within those regions. Further analysis reveals a variety of dynamic changes in the brain at baseline, including marked reductions in spontaneous activity, correlation, and variance. The reductions in activity and variance represent a "quieter" brain state during sedation, an effect inducing highly correlated evoked activity in the auditory system to stand out more than it does in un-sedated brains. We also observe a reduction in the persistence of auditory information across the brain during sedation, suggesting that the removal of spontaneous activity leaves the core auditory pathway free of impingement from other non-auditory information. Finally, we describe a less dynamic brain-wide network during sedation, with a higher energy barrier and a lower probability of brain state transitions during sedation. In total, our brain-wide, cellular-resolution analysis shows that sedation leads to quieter, more stable, and less dynamic brain, and that against this background, responses across the auditory processing pathway become sharper and more prominent.

Significance StatementAnimals’ brain states constantly fluctuate in response to their environment and context, leading to changes in perception and behavioral choices. Alterations in perception, sensorimotor gating, and behavioral selection are hallmarks of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, but the circuit- and network-level underpinnings of these alterations are poorly understood.

Pharmacological sedation alters perception and responsiveness and provides a controlled and repeatable manipulation for studying brain states and their underlying circuitry. Here, we show that sedation of larval zebrafish with dexmedetomidine reduces brain-wide spontaneous activity and locomotion but leaves portions of brain-wide auditory processing and behavior intact. We describe and computationally model changes at the levels of individual neurons, local circuits, and brain-wide networks that lead to altered brain states and sensory processing during sedation.
Disruption of thyroid-intrinsic clock aggravates experimental autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Fu Jinrong , Gao Rili , Ye Qiting , Feng Wenwen , Liu He , Li Yushu , Guan Haixia
Published: February 2025

The core clock gene Bmal1 has been associated with the development of a variety of inflammatory diseases, with its deletion shown to induce or aggravate autoimmune disease in a tissue-specific pattern. Building on our previous findings that light shift can disrupt thyroid clock and exacerbate autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), we investigated the specific role of the thyroid clock in AIT using a thyrocyte-specific Bmal1 knockdown mouse model (cKO). Our study revealed that Bmal1 knockdown in thyrocytes disrupted the rhythmic expression of intrathyroidal clock genes. Both cKO and Ctrl mice exhibiting more severe experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) when immunized at ZT6 compared to ZT18. However, cKO-EAT mice showed elevated levels of thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and inflammatory cytokines compared to Ctrl-EAT mice, which correlated with CD4+ T cell-mediated immune responses. These findings highlight a novel role for Bmal1 in regulating the thyroid clock and modulating the severity of EAT, uncovering a previously unrecognized connection between circadian regulation and thyroid autoimmune disease.
Emergency Ultra-Deep Hypothermia in Cardiac Arrest Induced by Blood Loss (Experimental Study on Nonhuman Primates)
Authors: Reva Victor A. , Samakaeva Anastasia R. , Shelukhin Daniil A. , Orlov Sergey V. , Potemkin Vladimir D. , Bulgin Dmitry V. , Gracheva Galina Y. , Shchegolev Alexey V.
Published: February 2025

The survival rate of critically injured individuals with severe blood loss and cardiac arrest is close to zero.

Aim. To evaluate the feasibility of using emergency ultra-deep hypothermia (EUDH) in an experimental model of cardiac arrest induced by blood loss in nonhuman primates.

Materials and Methods. Five male olive baboons (Papio anubis), weighing 19.8 (18.8–23.8) kg, were subjected to severe blood loss leading to cardiac arrest. After 1 minute of observation and 3 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), aortic arch cooling was initiated using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with a 4°C solution to achieve a nasopharyngeal temperature of 10°C. Whole-body cooling followed until a rectal temperature of 16°C was reached. Balloon catheters were used to disconnect the upper and lower halves of the body. Once the target temperatures were reached, the ECMO circuit was turned off and an open laparotomy was performed to simulate damage control strategies. One hour after cardiac arrest, slow rewarming began at a rate of 1°C per 10 minutes to 1°C per hour, accompanied by reinfusion of previously collected blood. After return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), sustained breathing, and tracheal extubation, the animals were transferred to a vivarium.

Results. During deep hypothermia, cerebral oximetry values remained within normal limits in all animals. Sustained ROSC was recorded in 4 of 5 animals at temperatures between 22–25°C. Two animals survived to the end of the experiment but died after extubation, 44 and 19 hours after the start of the experiment. Cooling rates for survivors were 7–11 minutes compared to 23–37 minutes for non-survivors. Causes of death included systemic hypoperfusion with subsequent reperfusion syndrome as evidenced by progressive lactate elevation, elevated creatine phosphokinase levels, cerebral edema, myocardial ischemia, and transient coagulopathy.

Conclusion. EUDH supports adequate cerebral perfusion during temporary circulatory arrest. Recovery of cardiac activity and, in some cases, awakening are achievable during the rewarming phase. Causes of death and possible corrective measures require further investigation.
Constructing Effective Network Political Communication: Theoretical Models and Ukrainian Practices
Authors: Kostyrev Andrey
Published: February 2025

This article explores the construction of effective social networks for political communication, by combining theoretical modeling with empirical validation through practices adopted by Ukrainian officials. It introduces a framework grounded in structural functionalism, social network constructivism, and normative value approaches with the objective to evaluate the role of trust, engagement, and network structure in enhancing communication effectiveness. The article proposes valuence as a metric for assessing the influence of political actors within online platforms and validates its applicability by using case studies of Telegram and Viber channels. The article’s findings reveal that well-designed network configurations, by balancing centralization for trust-building and decentralization for engagement, can significantly enhance political communication outcomes. The study contributes to the theory and practice of networked political communication, offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners.
Reduction of Overall Antibiotic Utilization Rate in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Paul Reema , Vyas Dipen , Quinones Cardona Vilmaris , Gilfillan Margaret , Young Megan , Pough Kimberly , Carey Alison J.
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE

Antibiotics are the most frequently prescribed pharmacologic agents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Antibiotic treatment for suspected or culture-negative sepsis surpasses that for culture-proven infection. Therefore, we sought to reduce our overall antibiotic utilization rate (AUR), defined by total antibiotic days per 1000 patient days (DOT/1000-PD), by 20% within a 4-year period (by December 2023).

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team was convened to develop an antibiotic stewardship quality improvement initiative in our 39-bed level IV NICU. Consensus guidelines for antibiotic duration for common indications were developed. Interventions included educational sessions, antibiotic stop dates, and antibiotic necessity documentation in the electronic health record to standardize provider justification for antibiotic prescription and duration.

RESULTS

A total of 552 infants were included in the analysis, 137 in the baseline and 415 in the postintervention period. Overall AUR decreased by 50% from 278 to 140 DOT/1000-PDs. AUR related to culture-negative sepsis diagnoses decreased by 64% from 22 to 8 DOT/1000-PDs. The percent of antibiotic therapy reinitiation within 2 weeks remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of NICU antibiotic consensus guidelines supported by evidence-based education on culture-negative sepsis diagnosis can effectively reduce antibiotic use in a safe manner, despite a heterogenous, high acuity, level IV NICU population. Multidisciplinary team support and standardization of antibiotic justification in the electronic health record can be coupled to reinforce compliance with established guidelines to promote long-lasting antibiotic reduction.
The human-feline relationship from a biocultural perspective: perception, knowledge and traditional use of the six Mexican species, in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico
Authors: Gutiérrez Santillán Tania Vianney , Valencia-Herverth Jorge , Valencia-Herverth Raúl , Estrada-Castillón Eduardo
Published: February 2025

La relación humano-felino ha sido evaluada principalmente desde la perspectiva de la biología de la conservación. Sin embargo, es importante conocer las relaciones socioecológicas, desafortunadamente, estas han sido poco exploradas, a pesar de la documentación e importancia de estos depredadores. En este estudio se documentaron las percepciones y conocimientos, así como la evaluación de los roles culturales de uso que realizan los habitantes nahuas de la región noreste del estado de Hidalgo, México; hacia las seis especies de felinos silvestres. Se aplicaron 150 entrevistas semiestructuradas y se tomaron fotografías de la evidencia de felinos o sus partes en posesión de los informantes. Los felinos silvestres se identifican con un nombre en náhuatl y en español. La especie que presentó mayor frecuencia de mención, así como valor de importancia cultural, fue el ´trigrillo´ (margay, Leopardus wiedii). Se identificaron nueve categorías de uso, siendo el uso ornamental el más relevante. Además, documentamos el consumo de carne de león (puma, Puma concolor) como un fenómeno socioecológico complejo, derivado de retaliación. Así como la cacería de un cachorro de tigre (jaguar, Panthera onca), capturado de manera lúdica, pese a manifestar pleno conocimiento de que se trata de una especie en peligro de extinción, protegida por la legislación mexicana y su caza es ilegal. Los felinos silvestres, pese a su declive por causas antropocéntricas, siguen desempeñando un papel socioecológico relevante y forman parte de la diversidad biocultural de los pueblos indígenas. Desafortunadamente, las percepciones negativas y la sobrevaloración de las especies incentivan indirectamente la caza o extracción ilegal.
Global Memories of German Colonialism
Authors: Boieck Melanie , Kirey Reginald Elias , Rushohora Nancy , Amina Djouldé Christelle , Ndjiharine Vitjitua , Sakaria Nashilongweshipwe , Kandukira Mercia , Masebo Oswald
Published: February 2025

Over a century after the end of formal German rule in its colonial empire, the international debate on its aftermath is arguably more vibrant than ever. The edited volume ‘Global Memories of German Colonialism’ aims to decenter the metropole, while at the same time offering points of comparison and interconnection by including contributions from scholars and artists from Cameroon, Namibia, Tanzania and also Germany. The volume thus provides a variety of perspectives on the field of global memories of Germany’s (post-)colonial entanglements and its role in European expansion – from memorials, memory cultures and oral history to contemporary artistic approaches to dealing with the colonial past.
Remembering the Majimaji Trauma in Tanzania
Authors: Rushohora Nancy
Published: February 2025

A paucity of scholarship exists on what is remembered about colonialism and what it means to Africans today. This question is pertinent to the unveiling of the transgenerational memory and trauma that lies underneath contemporary African landscapes, on the one hand, and the disclosure of contestation over repatriation, reparation, genocide and remedy both regionally and politically from the affected communities’ vantage point on the other. Emphasis on ‘affected communities’ has the potential to revitalize the significance of non-archived stories in the form of oral narratives, images and artefacts which would otherwise remain silent or forgotten. This paper thus delves into how the Majimaji War is remembered, while emphasizing the trauma and digitization of resistance to German colonialism that took place more than a century ago.
El registro de plaguicidas, el capital y el Estado en Costa Rica: regulando desde el atasco
Authors: Castro Vargas Soledad , Werner Marion
Published: February 2025

El uso significativo de plaguicidas en Costa Rica, así como el auge de monocultivos que estos agroquímicos apoyan, exacerban las tensiones entre extracción y preservación centrales para el modelo de desarrollo del país. Exploramos estas tensiones a través de un estudio del registro de plaguicidas del país, el proceso regulador para aprobar ingredientes activos y formulados para su uso. Tras casi dos décadas de reformas, se reconoce que el registro no funciona: la mayoría de los plaguicidas usados en el país se encuentran en un limbo administrativo y se han aprobado relativamente pocas moléculas nuevas. A partir de extensas entrevistas y un análisis político en profundidad, construimos cuatro fases de reforma y utilizamos un enfoque estratégico-relacional del Estado para analizar este proceso. Conceptualizamos la paralización del registro como una forma de gobernanza que denominamos regulación por impasse, un acuerdo reproducido a través de disputas dentro y entre los ministerios competentes, organismos jurídicos y otras autoridades reguladoras en relación con las estrategias y contextos cambiantes de las fuerzas políticas, económicas y sociales más amplias. Argumentamos que la hegemonía se mantiene tenuemente a través de la propia disputa del registro, mientras revela la condición profundamente desgastada del modelo de desarrollo costarricense.
Conceptual transfer: The impact of addressee location on Spanish-English bilinguals' nominal demonstratives
Authors: Shin Naomi , Lease Sarah
Published: February 2025

Spanish demonstratives encode speaker-referent and addressee-referent distance, displaying a sociocentric conceptualization of space. By contrast, English demonstratives encode speaker-referent distance, but not addressee-referent distance, reflecting a speaker-based egocentric conceptualization of space. To test the hypothesis that bilinguals transfer the way that space is encoded from one language into another, 41 Spanish-English bilinguals and 19 English-speaking monolinguals completed an elicited production puzzle task in which the addressee's position was manipulated: the experimenter either sat next to or across from the participant. The bilingual participants comprised two groups: 19 bilinguals who arrived in the U.S. as adults (“Adult Arrivals”) and 22 who were raised in the U.S. (“U.S.-raised”). Mixed-effects binary logistic regressions demonstrate that the Adult Arrivals were more likely to use esta ‘this’ rather than esa ‘that’ when the experimenter was across from rather than next to the participant, displaying a sociocentric conceptualization of space. By contrast, experimenter position did not impact the English monolinguals' demonstratives. Mirroring the English monolinguals, the U.S.-raised bilinguals' demonstratives were not conditioned by experimenter position – neither in English nor in Spanish – suggesting that these bilinguals transferred an egocentric conceptualization of space from English into Spanish. The findings contribute to our understanding of how bilingualism affects the cognitive processes invoked when using demonstratives and how age of onset of bilingualism and language dominance mediate such conceptual transfer.