bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of strategic intelligence for leadership in developing proactive work behaviours amongst universities' employees
Authors: Mohammed Sanaa Mostafa , Saadaoui Sawssan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to bring these areas closer by exploring the relationship between the dimensions of strategic intelligence (SI) for leadership and the proactive work behaviours (PWBs) of Upper Egypt universities' employees. Therefore, the research question revolves around: is there a relationship between SI and PWB?

Design/methodology/approach

The study relied on a descriptive analytical approach and a stratified random sample. The paper opts for a descriptive study using the survey lists that depends on three scales: strategic leadership intelligence. The sampling unit is represented by the individuals working in Upper Egypt Universities, distributed on a sample of 364 Upper Egypt universities' employees.

Findings

The results indicate a significant relationship between dimensions of SI for leadership and the PWBs.

Originality/value

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. This paper is the first to examine, to the authors' knowledge the relationship between intelligence for leadership and the PWBs.
The age of extremism: a crime script analysis of violent and nonviolent extremists according to age of first extremist act
Authors: Knight Sarah , Maroño Abbie , Keatley David
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare violent and non-violent extremists in terms of their age when they first perpetrate an extremist act, and to understand how this relates to other factors underlying extremist behaviours. While the end goal of many extremists may be functionally similar, the pathways into extremism vary, and the literature has demonstrated that a “one-size-fits-all” explanation does not exist. Motivational drivers are complex and dynamic; therefore, attempting to identify a terrorist “profile” has limited applied efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a temporal approach (“crime script analysis” or CSA) to identify, map and compare the sequential stages (or “scenes”) in the life histories of violent and non-violent extremists who have committed acts of extremism across different age groups. Crime scripts comprising mainly qualitative data for 40 male extremists (20 violent, 20 non-violent “cases”) were developed, and CSA was conducted according to the age at which they committed their first extremist offence.

Findings

Results demonstrated key temporal, developmental differences between the pathways of extremists who commit their first offence at different ages. One key difference was that for both the violent and non-violent extremists, those under 30 used the internet as a main means of joining networks and spreading information, whereas the over 30s made more personal, community links.

Originality/value

This research can aid identification of potential environmental triggers and potential increased susceptibility to triggers across certain age groups.
Do psychological and social factors drive female youth entrepreneurial readiness: the moderating effect of entrepreneurial education
Authors: Quagrainie Fanny Adams
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Using resource-based theory as a base, this paper aims to analyse the moderating role of entrepreneurial education on the relationship between psychological (perseverance and fear of failure) and social (family support and role models) factors as they related to entrepreneurial readiness among female youth.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 1914 female youth who have pursued a formal entrepreneurial course was used to understand the relationship and its impact on entrepreneurial readiness. Liner regression technique was used to understand the hypotheses set for the study.

Findings

The results signify a positive impact of perseverance and family support for entrepreneurial readiness, while that of fear of failure was negative, role models were positive but non-significant. Entrepreneurial education was key for enhancing psychological and social factors abilities for female youth entrepreneurial readiness.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional data collected from females in an urban area makes the generalisation of the findings challenging.

Practical implications

Policymakers and academia are to be cognizant of the fact that formal entrepreneurial education is a contributor to entrepreneurial readiness.

Originality/value

This study adds to the paucity of research on entrepreneurial readiness of female youth in developing economies like Ghana with the identification and explanation of its antecedents as well as situating it in both resource-based view and social capital theories.
Teaching parametric design: fostering algorithmic thinking through incomplete recipes
Authors: Vazquez Elena
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Algorithmic and computational thinking are necessary skills for designers in an increasingly digital world. Parametric design, a method to construct designs based on algorithmic logic and rules, has become widely used in architecture practice and incorporated in the curricula of architecture schools. However, there are few studies proposing strategies for teaching parametric design into architecture students, tackling software literacy while promoting the development of algorithmic thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive study and a prescriptive study are conducted. The descriptive study reviews the literature on parametric design education. The prescriptive study is centered on proposing the incomplete recipe as instructional material and a new approach to teaching parametric design.

Findings

The literature on parametric design education has mostly focused on curricular discussions, descriptions of case studies or studio-long approaches; day-to-day instructional methods, however, are rarely discussed. A pedagogical strategy to teach parametric design is introduced: the incomplete recipe. The instructional method proposed provides students with incomplete recipes for parametric scripts that are increasingly pared down as the students become expert users.

Originality/value

The article contributes to the existing literature by proposing the incomplete recipe as a strategy for teaching parametric design. The recipe as a pedagogical tool provides a means for both software skill acquisition and the development of algorithmic thinking.
A genomic view of environmental and life history controls on microbial nitrogen acquisition strategies
Authors: Reji Linta , Darnajoux Romain , Zhang Xinning
Published: December 2023

Microorganisms have evolved diverse strategies to acquire the vital element nitrogen (N) from the environment. Ecological and physiological controls on the distribution of these strategies among microbes remain unclear. In this study, we examine the distribution of 10 major N acquisition strategies in taxonomically and metabolically diverse microbial genomes, including those from the Genomic Catalogue of Earth's Microbiomes dataset. We utilize a marker gene‐based approach to assess relationships between N acquisition strategy prevalence and microbial life history strategies. Our results underscore energetic costs of assimilation as a broad control on strategy distribution. The most prevalent strategies are the uptake of ammonium and simple amino acids, which have relatively low energetic costs, while energy‐intensive biological nitrogen fixation is the least common. Deviations from the energy‐based framework include the higher‐than‐expected prevalence of the assimilatory pathway for chitin, a large organic polymer. Energy availability is also important, with aerobic chemoorganotrophs  and oxygenic phototrophs notably possessing ~2‐fold higher numbers of total strategies compared to anaerobic microbes. Environmental controls are evidenced by the enrichment of inorganic N assimilation strategies among free‐living taxa compared to host‐associated taxa. Physiological constraints such as pathway incompatibility add complexity to N acquisition strategy distributions. Finally, we discuss the necessity for microbially‐relevant spatiotemporal environmental metadata for improving mechanistic and prediction‐oriented analyses of genomic data.
Oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum ES1 reduces endometrial inflammation in women with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Tersigni Chiara , Barbaro Greta , Castellani Roberta , Onori Marianna , Granieri Chiara , Scambia Giovanni , Di Simone Nicoletta
Published: December 2023

Background

Over‐activation of endometrial inflammasome NALP‐3 (Nod‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3) can be found in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) women probably due to leaky gut and passage into circulation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Leaky gut can be caused by exposure to gluten in RPL women genetically predisposed to celiac disease, positive for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)‐DQ2/DQ8 haplotype. Oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum ES1 (GliadinES®) can inactivate gluten peptides toxicity to epithelial gut cells and improve gut barrier.

Methods

We investigated by enzyme‐linked immunoassay: (a) serum levels of LPS and zonuline (a marker of leaky gut); (b) LPS, NALP‐3, caspase‐1, interleukine (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 concentration in endometrial fluids, in untreated women with uncomplicated pregnancies (negative HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 haplotype) (n = 22) and in women with unexplained RPL, HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 positive (n = 22), before and after daily oral administration for 3 months of GliadinES®.

Results

RLP women showed higher serum levels of LPS (p < 0.0001) and higher concentration of LPS (p < 0.0001), NALP‐3 (p < 0.01); Caspase‐1 (p < 0.0001), IL‐1β (p < 0.0001), and IL‐18 (p < 0.0001) in endometrial fluids compared to controls. GliadinES® treatment significantly reduced serum levels of both LPS (p < 0.0001) and zonuline (p < 0.01), as well as LPS (p < 0.5), NALP‐3 (p < 0.01), Caspase‐1 (p < 0.001), IL‐1β (p < 0.001), and IL‐18 (p < 0.01) concentrations in endometrial fluids of RPL women.

Conclusions

RPL women positive for HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 haplotype show increased circulating and endometrial levels of LPS and endometrial inflammasome NALP‐3 over‐activation. Oral administration of GliadinES® can reduce gut permeability, decrease serum levels of LPS and, contextually, improve endometrial inflammation in this specific subset of RPL women.
Potential risks associated with laparoscopic gastrostomy in patients with the COL4A1 variant: Two case reports
Authors: Deguchi Koichi , Saka Ryuta , Todo Marie , Toyama Chiyoshi , Watanabe Miho , Masahata Kazunori , Kamiyama Masafumi , Tazuke Yuko , Nabatame Shin , Itai Toshiyuki , Miyatake Satoko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Okuyama Hiroomi
Published: December 2023

The COL4A1 (collagen Type 4 alpha1) pathogenic variant is associated with porencephaly and schizencephaly and accounts for approximately 20% of these patients. This gene variant leads to systemic microvasculopathy, which manifests as brain, ocular, renal, and muscular disorders. However, only a few patients with surgical interventions have been reported and the potential surgical risks are unknown. Here, we present the cases of two female patients between 7 and 8 years of age who were diagnosed with the COL4A1 variant and underwent laparoscopy‐assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (LAPEG) for oral dysphagia. Their primary brain lesions were caused by porencephaly and paralysis, which are caused by multiple cerebral hemorrhages and infarctions, and both patients had refractory epileptic complications. Although LAPEG was successfully performed in both patients without any intraoperative complications, one patient developed alveolar hemorrhage postoperatively and required mechanical ventilation. Thus, careful perioperative management of patients with the COL4A1 variant is important.
Mesial temporal dopamine: From biology to behaviour
Authors: Mann Leah G. , Claassen Daniel O.
Published: December 2023

While colloquially recognized for its role in pleasure, reward, and affect, dopamine is also necessary for proficient action control. Many motor studies focus on dopaminergic transmission along the nigrostriatal pathway, using Parkinson's disease as a model of a dorsal striatal lesion. Less attention to the mesolimbic pathway and its role in motor control has led to an important question related to the limbic–motor network. Indeed, secondary targets of the mesolimbic pathway include the hippocampus and amygdala, and these are linked to the motor cortex through the substantia nigra and thalamus. The modulatory impact of dopamine in the hippocampus and amygdala in humans is a focus of current investigations. This review explores dopaminergic activity in the mesial temporal lobe by summarizing dopaminergic networks and transmission in these regions and examining their role in behaviour and disease.
Do peer‐based short‐form educational videos created by nursing students improve youths' knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases? A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Dolu İlknur , Bozkurt Feyza Demir , Bulut Ebru , Yıldırım İlayda , Dilcen Hacer Yalnız
Published: December 2023

Background

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remains high worldwide in today's society, especially among young people. Youth education on STDs could help to reduce the prevalence of the condition in society and prevent new cases.

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of peer‐based short‐form educational videos on youths' knowledge of STDs.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental study was conducted in Turkey. The sample consisted of 121 students divided into experimental and control groups. Pre‐ and post‐test control group quasi‐experimental research design was employed in this study during the spring semester of the academic year 2021–2022. Peer‐based short‐form educational videos created by nursing students were used as an intervention. The survey form and Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire were used to collect data.

Results

Participants with parental responsibilities and had previous STD experience had higher knowledge score than the other subgroups. There was a significant main effect of peer‐based short‐form educational video on participants overall knowledge score of STDs. Additionally, the effect of intervention continued at 12‐week follow‐up measurement.

Conclusion

Peer‐based short‐form educational videos increase young people's knowledge of STD, and the impact of the intervention continued at 12‐week follow up.
Evaluation of a concise fall risk stratification among older adults with cataracts in day surgery settings: A historically controlled study
Authors: Wang Ya‐ping , Dai Can , Ou‐yang Ping , Zhao Yan‐hua , Xu Dan
Published: December 2023

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the use of a concise fall risk stratification in assessing and predicting falls compared with the Morse Falls Scale among older adults with cataracts in day surgery settings.

Methods

A historically controlled study conducted from July 2020 to June 2022 was used in a municipal ophthalmic hospital in China. The concise fall risk stratification which directly graded fall risk by multifactorial judgment was used during the intervention period, while the Morse Falls Scale which graded fall risk by scale scores was used during the control period. The fall risk levels, fall assessment time, fall rates, fall‐related injuries, predictive validity, and patient satisfaction with day surgery care were extracted. Propensity score matching was performed to balance baselines.

Results

After matching, 4132 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significantly higher assessment results for fall risk level, a significantly shorter (by 48.15%) fall assessment time, and higher patient satisfaction. There were no differences in fall rates and fall‐related injuries. Compared with the Morse Falls Scale, the concise fall risk stratification had higher sensitivity and negative predictive validity, and lower specificity and positive predictive validity, while the area under curve did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

The use of the concise fall risk stratification reduced fall assessment time, improved patient satisfaction, and is unlikely to impact falls with an overall predictive performance comparable to that of the Morse Falls Scale for older cataract adults in day surgery settings.
Pretreatment CT perfusion collateral parameters correlate with penumbra salvage in middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Lakhani Dhairya A. , Balar Aneri B. , Koneru Manisha , Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Hyson Nathan , Cho Andrew , Greene Cynthia , Xu Risheng , Luna Licia , Caplan Justin , Dmytriw Adam , Guenego Adrien , Wintermark Max , Gonzalez Fernando , Urrutia Victor , Huang Judy , Nael Kambiz , Rai Ansaar T. , Albers Gregory W. , Heit Jeremy J. , Yedavalli Vivek
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

Acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS‐LVO) is a major cause of functional dependence. Collateral status (CS) is an important determinant of functional outcomes. Pretreatment CT perfusion (CTP) parameters serve as reliable surrogates of CS. Penumbra Salvage Index (PSI) is another parameter predictive of functional outcomes in AIS‐LVO. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship of pretreatment CTP parameters with PSI.

Methods

In this prospectively collected, retrospectively reviewed multicenter analysis, inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) CT angiography confirmed middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1‐segment and proximal M2‐segment occlusion from 9/1/2017 to 9/22/2022; (2) diagnostic CTP; and (3) available diagnostic Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) diffusion‐weighted images. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the association between cerebral blood volume (CBV) index and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) with PSI. p value ≤.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In total, 131 patients (n = 86, M1 and n = 45, proximal M2 occlusion) met our inclusion criteria. CBV index showed a modest positive correlation with PSI (r = 0.34, p<.001) in patients with proximal MCA occlusion. Similar trends were noted in subgroup analysis of patients with M1 occlusion, and proximal M2 occlusion. Whereas, HIR did not have a strong trend or correlation with PSI.

Conclusion

CBV index correlates with PSI, whereas HIR does not. Future studies are needed to expand our understanding of the adjunct role of CBV index with other similar pretreatment CTP‐based markers in clinical evaluation and decision‐making in patients with MCA occlusion.
Accuracy of merging scans of definitive fixed prosthodontic impressions to obtain single, accurate digitized master casts
Authors: Raffa Ossama , An Hongseok , Drago Carl , Elshewy Mohamed , Thompson Geoffrey A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Many elastomeric impressions sent to commercial laboratory dental technicians may include marginal defects. To fabricate accurate restorations, digital technology may be used to merge digital files of defective impressions into a single standard tessellation language (STL) file free of errors. This would save clinicians and patients time and may improve clinical care. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital master casts reconstructed from merged STL files of defective impressions with the file of the original defect‐free preparations.

Material and Methods

Ivorine teeth on a dentoform were prepared to receive a posterior fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) with complete coverage preparations. An impression was made in a stock tray using polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression material and an extraoral scanner (E3, 3Shape, Denmark) was used to digitize the impression; this was the reference cast. Wax was used to create defects on the buccal and lingual margins of the preparations. Fifteen PVS impressions were made of the FDP preparations with defects in the mesial and distal margins; another set of 15 PVS impressions was made of FDP preparations with defects in the buccal and palatal margins for a total of 30 impressions. All impressions were digitized using the same extraoral scanner (E3, 3Shape, Denmark). Corresponding STL files were paired and merged, and a master cast was created by eliminating the defects using the scanned data. This master cast was compared to the reference cast using reverse engineering software (Geomagic, Morrisville, NC, USA). The results were expressed as average errors and standard deviations in the master casts relative to the reference cast. To account for the presence of positive and negative values in the data set, in terms of errors, the root mean square (RMS) value was calculated for each sample.

Results

The mean average error in the sample was −0.4 μm. The average upper limit of 95% confidence interval was +36.5 μm, while the average lower limit of 95% confidence interval was −37.3 μm. The mean RMS of the errors found was 18.9 μm.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that merging digitized definitive impressions to correct marginal defects resulted in master casts with a high level of accuracy relative to the reference cast.
Effect of bivalirudin on coagulation in neonatal (cord) and adult human blood in vitro
Authors: Nadtochiy Sergiy M. , Stefanos Tatsiana , Wissler Richard , Gu Yang , Feng Changyong , Lebedko Natalie , Eaton Michael P.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Bivalirudin is recommended as an alternative to heparin in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Although it has been used in infants and children for this indication, there is a paucity of data on the pharmacologic effects of bivalirudin in neonates. Given the immaturity of the hemostatic system in neonates, we hypothesized that coagulation responses to bivalirudin in this population would be different than in adults.

Methods

Blood samples were drawn from placenta‐cord units and from healthy adult donors. The study was carried out in two steps. First, bivalirudin was added to cord and adult blood samples at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL. Activated clotting time and thromboelastographic variables were recorded. Next, we used a Chandler loop system to assess the efficacy of bivalirudin in a simple model of cardiopulmonary bypass. The loops were primed with cord or adult blood and were run until thrombus was detected. Plasma bivalirudin concentrations were measured at 1, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min after initiating rotation of the loops using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

Bivalirudin elicited a dose‐dependent prolongation inhibition of coagulation in both cord and adult blood samples with greater potency in cord blood in comparison to adult blood (activated clotting time: 627 ± 50 vs. 452 ± 22 s at 15 μg/mL bivalirudin, p < .0001). This relative potency was also demonstrated in the Chandler loop system, but interestingly, cord blood appeared to inactivate bivalirudin more rapidly than adult blood with earlier clotting in loops containing cord blood.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that bivalirudin has greater potency in cord blood in vitro than in adult blood. Plasma degradation appears to proceed more rapidly in cord blood than in adults. Both of these findings should be considered when planning dosing regimens in neonatal patients.
The Brassica napus boron deficient inflorescence transcriptome resembles a wounding and infection response
Authors: Verwaaijen Bart , Alcock Thomas David , Spitzer Christoph , Liu Zhaojun , Fiebig Anne , Bienert Manuela Désirée , Bräutigam Andrea , Bienert Gerd Patrick
Published: December 2023

Oilseed rape and other crops of Brassica napus have a high demand for boron (B). Boron deficiencies result in the inhibition of root growth, and eventually premature flower abortion. Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying flower abortion in B‐limiting conditions could provide the basis to enhance B‐efficiency and prevent B‐deficiency‐related yield losses. In this study, we assessed transcriptomic responses to B‐deficiency in diverse inflorescence tissues at multiple time points of soil‐grown plants that were phenotypically unaffected by B‐deficiency until early flowering. Whilst transcript levels of known B transporters were higher in B‐deficient samples, these remained remarkably stable as the duration of B‐deficiency increased. Meanwhile, GO‐term enrichment analysis indicated a growing response resembling that of a pathogen or pest attack, escalating to a huge transcriptome response in shoot heads at mid‐flowering. Grouping differentially expressed genes within this tissue into MapMan functional bins indicated enrichment of genes related to wounding, jasmonic acid and WRKY transcription factors. Individual candidate genes for controlling the “flowering‐without‐seed‐setting” phenotype from within MapMan biotic stress bins include those of the metacaspase family, which have been implicated in orchestrating programmed cell death. Overall temporal expression patterns observed here imply a dynamic response to B‐deficiency, first increasing expression of B transporters before recruiting various biotic stress‐related pathways to coordinate targeted cell death, likely in response to as yet unidentified B‐deficiency induced damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). This response indicates new pathways to target and dissect to control B‐deficiency‐induced flower abortion and to develop more B‐efficient crops.
The Poetics of Hunger: Responding to Rupture in the Wake of the 1932–33 Famine (Holodomor) in Soviet Ukraine
Authors: Vsetecka John
Published: December 2023

This article examines poems that were written by students in Soviet Ukraine during the 1930s to better understand how poetry served as a response to the ruptures caused by the 1932–33 famine (Holodomor). In a time when speaking openly about the famine was prohibited, survivors turned to poetry to write about what could not be said out loud. In this article, I contend that the poetry composed by these students offered alternative narratives about 1932–33 that challenged the state’s silencing of events and addressed what it meant, from a survivor’s point of view, to live through and experience the man‐made famine. The poems produced by these students, which were written between 1933 and 1937, described in detail what it was like to be subjected to search brigades, theft, humiliation, and starvation. As a whole, these poems offer a window into the physical and emotional impact of the famine on the lives of everyday Ukrainians and communicate what it meant to work through related pain, suffering, and trauma. However, the onset of repressions in the late 1930s served as another rupture and worked to suppress survivor efforts to write further about the famine and come to terms with what happened.
Curvature-Matching Mechanics in Skin-Based Bioelectronics to Minimize Interfacial Stresses
Authors: Avila Raudel
Published: December 2023

A geometrical and mechanical design strategy is proposed for bioelectronics to improve wearability and comfort by reducing the magnitude of interfacial stresses and ensuring that the spatial stress distributions are below the somatosensory threshold for skin sensitivity. Conceptually, bioelectronic devices with soft polymeric encapsulations and internal rigid electronic components result in a mechanically hybrid composite structure, with intrinsically soft mechanics to facilitate integration with biological tissues through mechanical compliance. For accurate signal acquisition and sensing in curvilinear regions (e.g., limbs, chest, forehead), bioelectronic devices are pressed and bent to closely match the skin morphology, resulting in additional interfacial stresses. In the present work, we demonstrate how curvature-matching designs for the bioelectronic–skin interface can reduce the resulting normal and shear stresses generated from device adhesion and skin stretching during dynamic motions. Finite element modeling of the skin curvature, encapsulation, and internal electronic layouts was used to quantify the spatial distribution of the underlying stresses at the skin interface based on a mismatch curvature angle θ between the device and skin. The results show that curvature-matching designs for selected cases of θ = 30 deg and 60 deg can reduce the normal and shear stresses by up to 45% and 70%, respectively, even for a stretch of up to λ = 1.3. The proposed curvature-matching design strategy can inform the future design of user-specific bioelectronics to create anatomically compatible geometrical layouts that enhance mechanical compliance and enable physiological monitoring and integration in curved body structures.
A Comparative Analysis of Optimal and Biomechanical Torque Control Strategies for Powered Knee Exoskeletons in Squat Lifting
Authors: Arefeen Asif , Xiang Yujiang
Published: December 2023

Exoskeletons have the ability to aid humans in physically demanding and injury-prone activities, such as lifting loads while squatting. However, despite their immense potential, the control of powered exoskeletons remains a persistent challenge. In this study, we first predict the human lifting motion and knee joint torque using an inverse dynamics optimization formulation with a two-dimensional (2D) human skeletal model. The design variables are human joint angle profiles. The normalized human joint torque squared is minimized subject to physical and lifting task constraints. After that, the biomechanical assistive knee exoskeleton torque is obtained by scaling the predicted human knee joint torque. Second, we also present a 2D human skeletal model with a powered knee exoskeleton for predicting the optimal assistive torque and lifting motion. The design variables are human joint angle profiles and exoskeleton motor current profiles. Then, the biomechanical and optimal exoskeleton torques are implemented in a powered knee exoskeleton in real-time to provide external assistance in human lifting motion. Finally, the biomechanical and optimal assistive exoskeleton torque controls for lifting are compared. It is observed that both control methods have a significant impact on reducing muscle activations for the specific muscle groups compared to the cases without the exoskeleton. Especially, peak activations of erector spinae and rectus femoris muscles are reduced by 57.79% and 47.26% with biomechanical assistive torque. Likewise, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis activations drop by 46.82% and 52.24% with optimal assistive torque.
Dual-Objective Mechanobiological Growth Optimization for Heterogenous Lattice Structures
Authors: Arefin Amit M. E. , Egan Paul F.
Published: December 2023

Computational design is growing in necessity for advancing biomedical technologies, particularly for complex systems with numerous trade-offs. For instance, in tissue scaffolds constructed from repeating unit cells, the structure’s porosity and topology affect biological tissue and vasculature growth. Here, we adapt curvature-based tissue growth and agent-based vasculature models for predicting scaffold mechanobiological growth. A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is used for dual-objective optimization of scaffold tissue and blood vessel growth with heterogeneous unit cell placement. Design inputs consist of unit cells of two different topologies, void unit cells, and beam diameters from 64 to 313 µm. Findings demonstrate a design heuristic for optimizing scaffolds by placing two selected unit cells, one that favors high tissue growth density and one that favors blood vessel growth, throughout the scaffold. The pareto front of solutions demonstrates that scaffolds with large porous areas termed channel voids or small voids improve vasculature growth while lattices with no larger void areas result in higher tissue growth. Results demonstrate the merit in computational investigations for characterizing tissue scaffold design trade-offs and provide a foundation for future design multi-objective optimization for complex biomedical systems.
Specialize Early and Select Late: Performance Trajectories of World-Class Finalists and International- and National-Class Swimmers
Authors: Born Dennis-Peter , Björklund Glenn , Lorentzen Jenny , Stöggl Thomas , Romann Michael
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To investigate performance progression from early-junior to peak performance age and compare variety in race distances and swimming strokes between swimmers of various performance levels. Methods: Using a longitudinal data analysis and between-groups comparisons 306,165 annual best times of male swimmers (N = 3897) were used to establish a ranking based on annual best times at peak performance age. Individual performance trajectories were retrospectively analyzed to compare distance and stroke variety. Performances of world-class finalists and international- and national-class swimmers (swimming points: 886 [30], 793 [28], and 698 [28], respectively) were compared across 5 age groups—13–14, 15–16, 17–18, 19–20, and 21+ years—using a 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results: World-class finalists are not significantly faster than international-class swimmers up to the 17- to 18-year age group (F2|774 = 65, P < .001, ) but specialize in short- or long-distance races at a younger age. World-class breaststroke finalists show faster breaststroke times compared to their performance in other swimming strokes from an early age (P < .05), while world-class freestyle and individual medley finalists show less significant differences to their performance in other swimming strokes. Conclusions: While federation officials should aim for late talent selection, that is, not before the 17- to 18-year age group, coaches should aim to identify swimmers’ preferred race distances early on. However, the required stroke variety seems to be specific for each swimming stroke. Breaststroke swimmers could aim for early and strong specialization, while freestyle and individual medley swimmers could maintain large and very large stroke variety, respectively.
The Learning in Action Project: Perspectives of a Sport Club’s Key Actors Who Collaborated on a Coach Development Initiative
Authors: Milistetd Michel , Trudel Pierre , Cortela Caio Corrêa , Tozetto Alexandre Bobato , Culver Diane , Lima Claudio Olívio Vilela , Souza Vanessa Guiherme
Published: December 2023

Grounded in evidence-based literature, this “practical advances” article presents some of the results of a 24-month coach development project codeveloped by a group of researchers and key actors from a multisport club in Brazil. Documented at three moments during the project, the perspectives of 11 members of the club showed that some learning took place at the individual (Me) and group (We) levels but probably fell short of the objective of significantly changing the culture of the organization. Achieving sustainable change in coach development requires the support not only of coaches but also of leaders who need to progressively make their organization a more “deliberate developmental organization.”
Teaching in a New World: A Novice Teacher Educator’s Pursuit for Change
Authors: Rodrigues Alba Iara Cae , Marttinen Risto , Banville Dominique
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To understand the process of an international doctoral physical education teacher education instructor instituting change during one semester of teaching a university course in the United States. Method: Data included reflexive journal entries, recordings of peer debriefing meetings with a critical friend, informal WhatsApp messages, and anonymous feedback from students. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: The three main themes were (a) action research as a tool for change, (b) the challenges of the first year as a doctoral physical education teacher education instructor, and (c) the power of reflection. We discuss the main challenges the first author faced and the complexities of the process of developing her pedagogical philosophies in teaching higher education for the first time in a new culture. Conclusions: Action research served as a tool to overcome challenges, develop confidence, and autonomy. The support system provided by her advisors was the main asset for achieving pedagogical change.
Whither (or Wither) the Humanities in Kinesiology?
Authors: Schultz Jaime
Published: December 2023

This article assesses the state of the humanities in kinesiology. Programs variously referred to as sport history, sport philosophy, physical culture studies, and physical cultural studies have become endangered species within the field. In response, I highlight several scholars who are, in their own ways, stewards of a humanities-centered, interdisciplinary approach to understanding human movement. In learning from their work, humanists must do more to save themselves from extinction.
Dipolar spin-exchange and entanglement between molecules in an optical tweezer array
Authors: Bao Yicheng , Yu Scarlett S. , Anderegg Loïc , Chae Eunmi , Ketterle Wolfgang , Ni Kang-Kuen , Doyle John M.
Published: December 2023

Ultracold polar molecules are promising candidate qubits for quantum computing and quantum simulations. Their long-lived molecular rotational states form robust qubits, and the long-range dipolar interaction between molecules provides quantum entanglement. In this work, we demonstrate dipolar spin-exchange interactions between single calcium monofluoride (CaF) molecules trapped in an optical tweezer array. We realized the spin-

1
2

quantum XY model by encoding an effective spin-

1
2

system into the rotational states of the molecules and used it to generate a Bell state through an iSWAP operation. Conditioned on the verified existence of molecules in both tweezers at the end of the measurement, we obtained a Bell state fidelity of 0.89(6). Using interleaved tweezer arrays, we demonstrate single-site molecular addressability.
Toward a Cenozoic history of atmospheric CO
2
Authors:   The Cenozoic CO Proxy Integration Project (CenCOPIP) Consortium*†, Hönisch Bärbel , Royer Dana L. , Breecker Daniel O. , Polissar Pratigya J. , Bowen Gabriel J. , Henehan Michael J. , Cui Ying , Steinthorsdottir Margret , McElwain Jennifer C. , Kohn Matthew J. , Pearson Ann , Phelps Samuel R. , Uno Kevin T. , Ridgwell Andy , Anagnostou Eleni , Austermann Jacqueline , Badger Marcus P. S. , Barclay Richard S. , Bijl Peter K. , Chalk Thomas B. , Scotese Christopher R. , de la Vega Elwyn , DeConto Robert M. , Dyez Kelsey A. , Ferrini Vicki , Franks Peter J. , Giulivi Claudia F. , Gutjahr Marcus , Harper Dustin T. , Haynes Laura L. , Huber Matthew , Snell Kathryn E. , Keisling Benjamin A. , Konrad Wilfried , Lowenstein Tim K. , Malinverno Alberto , Guillermic Maxence , Mejía Luz María , Milligan Joseph N. , Morton John J. , Nordt Lee , Whiteford Ross , Roth-Nebelsick Anita , Rugenstein Jeremy K. C. , Schaller Morgan F. , Sheldon Nathan D. , Sosdian Sindia , Wilkes Elise B. , Witkowski Caitlyn R. , Zhang Yi Ge , Anderson Lloyd , Beerling David J. , Bolton Clara , Cerling Thure E. , Cotton Jennifer M. , Da Jiawei , Ekart Douglas D. , Foster Gavin L. , Greenwood David R. , Hyland Ethan G. , Jagniecki Elliot A. , Jasper John P. , Kowalczyk Jennifer B. , Kunzmann Lutz , Kürschner Wolfram M. , Lawrence Charles E. , Lear Caroline H. , Martínez-Botí Miguel A. , Maxbauer Daniel P. , Montagna Paolo , Naafs B. David A. , Rae James W. B. , Raitzsch Markus , Retallack Gregory J. , Ring Simon J. , Seki Osamu , Sepúlveda Julio , Sinha Ashish , Tesfamichael Tekie F. , Tripati Aradhna , van der Burgh Johan , Yu Jimin , Zachos James C. , Zhang Laiming
Published: December 2023

The geological record encodes the relationship between climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
2
) over long and short timescales, as well as potential drivers of evolutionary transitions. However, reconstructing CO
2
beyond direct measurements requires the use of paleoproxies and herein lies the challenge, as proxies differ in their assumptions, degree of understanding, and even reconstructed values. In this study, we critically evaluated, categorized, and integrated available proxies to create a high-fidelity and transparently constructed atmospheric CO
2
record spanning the past 66 million years. This newly constructed record provides clearer evidence for higher Earth system sensitivity in the past and for the role of CO
2
thresholds in biological and cryosphere evolution.
The unsustainable harvest of coastal sands
Authors: Rangel-Buitrago Nelson , Neal William
Published: December 2023

Sustainable management approaches are needed to protect coastal environments
New hope for methane reduction
Authors: Nisbet Euan G.
Published: December 2023

The Paris Agreement is not on track to meet its goals. But there’s a sliver of hope. Something can be done about methane, the second-most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas. With a lifetime of around a decade, cutting methane will have rapid impact. Much of the hope rests on China’s new Methane Emissions Control Action Plan, accompanying the joint commitment for methane action announced with Chinese Premier Xi’s and US President Biden’s November meeting.
What are farm animals thinking?
Authors: Grimm David
Published: December 2023

New research is revealing surprising complexity in the minds of goats, pigs, and other livestock
Rare studies expose bats to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: December 2023

Infecting captive species could help gauge pandemic risk of coronaviruses that have yet to infect humans
Microbial sensor variation across biogeochemical conditions in the terrestrial deep subsurface
Authors: Goldman Annelise L. , Fulk Emily M. , Momper Lily M. , Heider Clinton , Mulligan John , Osburn Magdalena , Masiello Caroline A. , Silberg Jonathan J.
Published: December 2023

Microbes can be found in abundance many kilometers underground. While microbial metabolic capabilities have been examined across different geochemical settings, it remains unclear how changes in subsurface niches affect microbial needs to sense and respond to their environment. To address this question, we examined how microbial extracellular sensor systems vary with environmental conditions across metagenomes at different Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO) subsurface sites. Because two-component systems (TCSs) directly sense extracellular conditions and convert this information into intracellular biochemical responses, we expected that this sensor family would vary across isolated oligotrophic subterranean environments that differ in abiotic and biotic conditions. TCSs were found at all six subsurface sites, the service water control, and the surface site, with an average of 0.88 sensor histidine kinases (HKs) per 100 genes across all sites. Abundance was greater in subsurface fracture fluids compared with surface-derived fluids, and candidate phyla radiation (CPR) bacteria presented the lowest HK frequencies. Measures of microbial diversity, such as the Shannon diversity index, revealed that HK abundance is inversely correlated with microbial diversity (
r
2
= 0.81). Among the geochemical parameters measured, HK frequency correlated most strongly with variance in dissolved organic carbon (
r
2
= 0.82). Taken together, these results implicate the abiotic and biotic properties of an ecological niche as drivers of sensor needs, and they suggest that microbes in environments with large fluctuations in organic nutrients (e.g., lacustrine, terrestrial, and coastal ecosystems) may require greater TCS diversity than ecosystems with low nutrients (e.g., open ocean).

IMPORTANCE

The ability to detect extracellular environmental conditions is a fundamental property of all life forms. Because microbial two-component sensor systems convert information about extracellular conditions into biochemical information that controls their behaviors, we evaluated how two-component sensor systems evolved within the deep Earth across multiple sites where abiotic and biotic properties vary. We show that these sensor systems remain abundant in microbial consortia at all subterranean sampling sites and observe correlations between sensor system abundances and abiotic (dissolved organic carbon variation) and biotic (consortia diversity) properties. These results suggest that multiple environmental properties may drive sensor protein evolution and highlight the need for further studies of metagenomic and geochemical data in parallel to understand the drivers of microbial sensor evolution.
Genetic features of antimicrobial drug-susceptible extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
pandemic sequence type 95
Authors: Allegretti Yuan Hu , Yamaji Reina , Adams-Sapper Sheila , Riley Lee W.
Published: December 2023

Extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(ExPEC) belonging to multilocus sequence type 95 (ST95) is one of the most geographically widespread ExPEC lineages causing bloodstream infection (BSI) and urinary tract infection (UTI). In contrast to other widespread ExPEC sequence types, a large proportion of ST95 strains remains susceptible to all antimicrobial agents used to treat BSI or UTI. We aimed to identify the genomic features of ST95 associated with its relatively high drug-susceptible frequency. We analyzed whole genomes of 1,749 ST95 isolates, 80 from patients with BSI or UTI in Northern California and 1,669 isolates from the EnteroBase database. We first compared whole-genome sequences (WGSs) of 887 drug-susceptible strains and 862 strains resistant to one or more drugs (defined genotypically as strains harboring drug-resistance genes annotated in the ResFinder database) to identify genetic features associated with strains devoid of drug resistance genes. We then conducted a pan-genome-wide association study on human clinical isolates of ST95, which included 553 UTI and BSI ST95 isolates. We found 44 accessory genes to be significantly associated with ST95 strains lacking drug resistance genes. Fifteen of these were not found in any of the WGSs of ST131 ExPEC strains, which are frequently multidrug-resistant. These genes were annotated to encode transporter or transfer systems and DNA repair polymerases. A large proportion of ST95 strains may have evolved to adapt to antibiotic-imposed stresses without acquiring drug resistance genes.

IMPORTANCE

Despite the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant
Escherichia coli
strains that cause urinary tract and bloodstream infections, a major pandemic lineage of extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC) ST95 has a comparatively low frequency of drug resistance. We compared the genomes of 1,749 ST95 isolates to identify genetic features that may explain why most strains of ST95 resist becoming drug-resistant. Identification of such genomic features could contribute to the development of novel strategies to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes and devise new measures to control antibiotic-resistant infections.
Electrochemistry of Redox Active Ferrocene Covalently Attached to Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Huffman Brittany L. , Donley Carrie L. , Dempsey Jillian L.
Published: December 2023

Formation of well-ordered redox active monolayers is desirable for systematic study of electron transfer for sensor applications and generation of tailored hybrid materials. We have covalently attached 6-bromohexylferrocene (Fc(CH2)6Br) to glassy carbon electrodes through a Grignard reaction and used cyclic voltammetry to characterize interfacial electron transfer and probe disorder in these modified electrodes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cyclic voltammetry confirmed attachment of the expected Fe(II) species and reversible electron transfer is observed. However, the full width at half max of the cyclic voltammogram features deviates from the ideal value of 90.6 mV and varies with surface coverage, indicating a disordered surface. We determine this disorder arises from phase segregation where some domains have a high loading of the hexylferrocene chains while others have a lower loading of hexylferrocene resulting in different local environments that are distinguishable by cyclic voltammetry.