bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dataset of the planting areas of three staple crops with a spatial resolution of 1 km in China during 2009–2015
Authors:   Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management Ministry of Emergency Management & Ministry of Education, School of National Safety and Emergency Management, Beijing Normal University, MEI Qinghang , ZHAO Zhao ,   Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management Ministry of Emergency Management & Ministry of Education, School of National Safety and Emergency Management, Beijing Normal University, LUO Yuchuan ,   Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, WU Huaqing ,   Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management Ministry of Emergency Management & Ministry of Education, School of National Safety and Emergency Management, Beijing Normal University, TAO Fulu ,   Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2023

The planting area of three staple crops (rice, maize and wheat) in China ranks among the highest in the world. Developing the planting area maps of three staple crops consistent with the county-level statistical data for agricultural policy formulation and disaster risk prevention. However, there is a scarcity of available planting area datasets of for these three crops in China, and the existing public datasets limited data for only a few years, often exhibit significant disparities from the statistical data. This dataset was established using a crop mapping method based on multi-source data. Firstly, we determined the rough spatial distribution of crops by extracting key phenology of these three crops based on GLASS leaf area index (LAI) products. Then, we filtered the crop pixels gradually by the optimization rules referring to county-level statistical data. Finally, we obtained a dataset of the planting areas of three staple crops with a spatial resolution of 1 km in China during 2009–2015 (ChinaCropArea1kmV2). The R2 (consistency with county-level statistical data) values of maize, rice and wheat products are 0.98, 0.89 and 0.82 respectively, and the accuracies of mapping based on point verification reached 0.85, 0.86 and 0.93 respectively. The consistency between the second generation products and statistical data is higher than the accuracy of existing products. The presented method for the production of this dataset can rapidly enables rapid and accurate crop mapping over large areas while maintaining a high level of consistency with county-level statistical yearbooks. The production of this dataset is helpful to provide a key data base for agricultural production research and scientific decision making.
Remote Patient-Reported Outcomes and Activity Monitoring to Improve Patient-Clinician Communication Regarding Symptoms and Functional Status: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Parikh Ravi B. , Schriver Emily , Ferrell William J. , Wakim Jonathan , Williamson Joelle , Khan Neda , Kopinsky Michael , Balachandran Mohan , Gabriel Peter E. , Schuchter Lynn M. , Patel Mitesh S. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Manz Christopher R.
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE

Routine collection of patient-generated health data (PGHD) may promote earlier recognition of symptomatic and functional decline. This trial assessed the impact of an intervention integrating remote PGHD collection with patient nudges on symptom and functional status understanding between patients with advanced cancer and their oncology team.

METHODS

This three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 19, 2020, to December 17, 2021, at a large tertiary oncology practice. We enrolled patients with stage IV GI and lung cancers undergoing chemotherapy. Over 6 months, patients in two intervention arms received PROStep—weekly text message–based symptom surveys and passive activity monitoring using a wearable accelerometer. PGHD were summarized in dashboards given to patients' oncology team before appointments. One intervention arm received an additional text-based active choice prompt to discuss worsening symptoms or functional status with their clinician. Control patients did not receive PROStep. The coprimary outcomes patient perceptions of oncology team symptom and functional understanding at 6 months were measured on a 1-5 Likert scale (5 = high understanding).

RESULTS

One hundred eight patients enrolled: 55% male, 81% White, and 77% had GI cancers. Patient-reported clinician understanding did not differ between control and intervention arms for symptoms (4.5 v 4.5; P = .87) or functional status (4.5 v 4.3; P = .31). In the intervention arms, combined patient adherence to weekly symptom reports and daily activity monitoring was 64% and 53%, respectively. Intervention patients in the PROStep versus PROStep + active choice arms reported low burden from wearing the accelerometer (mean burden [standard deviation], 2.7 [1.3] v 2.1 [1.3]; P = .15) and completing surveys (2.1 [1.2] v 1.9 [1.3]; P = .44).

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving PROStep reported high understanding of symptoms and functional status from their oncology team, although this did not differ from controls.
Fully automated point spread function analysis using PyCalibrate
Authors: Metz Jeremy , Gintoli Michele , Corbett Alexander David
Published: October 2023

Reproducibility is severely limited if instrument performance is assumed rather than measured. Within optical microscopy, instrument performance is typically measured using sub-resolution fluorescent beads. However, the process is performed infrequently as it is requires time and suitably trained staff to acquire and then process the bead images. Analysis software still requires the manual entry of imaging parameters. Human error from repeatedly typing these parameters can significantly affect the outcome of the analysis, rendering the results less reproducible. To avoid this issue, PyCalibrate has been developed to fully automate the analysis of bead images. PyCalibrate can be accessed either by executing the Python code locally or via a user-friendly web portal to further improve accessibility when moving between locations and machines. PyCalibrate interfaces with the BioFormats library to make it compatible with a wide range of proprietary image formats. In this study, PyCalibrate analysis performance is directly compared with alternative free-access analysis software PSFj, MetroloJ QC and DayBook 3 and is demonstrated to have equivalent performance but without the need for user supervision.
Diathermy and bone sawing are high aerosol yield procedures
Authors: Hamilton Victoria , Sheikh Sadiyah , Szczepanska Alicja , Maskell Nick , Hamilton Fergus , Reid Jonathan P. , Bzdek Bryan R. , Murray James R. D.
Published: October 2023

Aims

Orthopaedic surgery uses many varied instruments with high-speed, high-impact, thermal energy and sometimes heavy instruments, all of which potentially result in aerosolization of contaminated blood, tissue, and bone, raising concerns for clinicians’ health. This study quantifies the aerosol exposure by measuring the number and size distribution of the particles reaching the lead surgeon during key orthopaedic operations.

Methods

The aerosol yield from 17 orthopaedic open surgeries (on the knee, hip, and shoulder) was recorded at the position of the lead surgeon using an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS; 0.5 to 20 μm diameter particles) sampling at 1 s time resolution. Through timestamping, detected aerosol was attributed to specific procedures.

Results

Diathermy (electrocautery) and oscillating bone saw use had a high aerosol yield (> 100 particles detected per s) consistent with high exposure to aerosol in the respirable range (< 5 µm) for the lead surgeon. Pulsed lavage, reaming, osteotome use, and jig application/removal were medium aerosol yield (10 to 100 particles s-1). However, pulsed lavage aerosol was largely attributed to the saline jet, osteotome use was always brief, and jig application/removal had a large variability in the associated aerosol yield. Suctioning (with/without saline irrigation) had a low aerosol yield (< 10 particles s-1). Most surprisingly, other high-speed procedures, such as drilling and screwing, had low aerosol yields.

Conclusion

This work suggests that additional precautions should be recommended for diathermy and bone sawing, such as enhanced personal protective equipment or the use of suction devices to reduce exposure.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(10):636–643.
Reviewing Social Facilitation in Insects Over the Past 30 Years
Authors: Fonseca Andrea A. , Santos Conceição Aparecida dos
Published: October 2023

Social facilitation is a phenomenon in which individuals from a group show behavioral changes due to the presence of other organisms of the same species. This happens through group interaction between these individuals, later increasing in frequency or intensity. Social facilitation studies began with humans but later extended to other species, including insects. The concepts of social facilitation in insects developed over the last 30 years are reviewed here. To that end, bibliographic searches were carried out to determine whenthe term social facilitation first emerged, how it was described in the research, where and when it was applied, and how the concept is currently employed. There has been, however, a steady decrease in the number of published texts conceptualizing the term social facilitation during the last three decades. Nevertheless, the terms emergent behavior, collective behavior, and informationexchange enabled expansion of the survey on social facilitation, indicating that study in the area remains broad. The orders Blattodea (cockroaches and termites) and Hymenoptera (ants, wasps, and bees) were the most represented among the surveyed publications, indicating the occurrence of social facilitation due to eusociality. Eusocial organisms demonstrate unique social interactions, which makes them likely objects of future social facilitation studies.
Performance enhancement of LACO-OFDM BER and PAPR using a K-means algorithm for a VLC system
Authors: Mohd Nordin Junita , Abdalmunam Hameed Aymen , Safar Anuar , Nawawi Norizan
Published: October 2023

Layered asymmetrical clipped optical-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (LACO-OFDM) enhances spectral efficiency by mandating the use of a K-means algorithm in LACO-OFDM (KLACO-OFDM), which enables efficiency gains to nearly double by modulating odd and even subcarriers. The traditional receiver is not sufficiently sophisticated enough to exploit the full potential of LACO-OFDM, thereby restricting its performance. In this paper, a K-means algorithm was used to increase the spectral efficiency of LACO-OFDM by integrating machine learning to cluster the inward signal such that the original locations of the received constellations can be retrieved. A K-means algorithm is used for assigning the received constellation points into their clusters of the ordinary quadrature amplitude modulator constellation points. The new mathematical framework in the proposed scheme is structured to analyze the PAPR and BER performance of LACO-OFDM systems that have been derived. The K-means algorithm development in LACO-OFDM (KLACO-OFDM) has also reduced the intersymbol interference, hence improving the spectral efficiency of LACO-OFDM compared with the conventional system in visible light communication (VLC) systems. BER gains were about 1.2–1.6 dB at 10−3 BER value, which rises from 1.4 to 2 dB for a 10−4 BER value because a lower BER facilitates precise estimation.
Optical multi-context scrubbing operation on a redundant system
Authors: Ando Kakeru , Watanabe Minoru , Watanabe Nobuya
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a proposal of the world-first optical multi-context scrubbing operation on a redundant system that can maintain the state of a sequential circuit and the operation continuously without any interruption on a radiation-hardened optically reconfigurable gate array even after a permanent failure suddenly happens on the sequential circuit or a flip-flop by radiation. Up to now, a high-speed optical scrubbing operation has been demonstrated on a radiation-hardened optically reconfigurable gate array. In addition, a multi-context scrubbing operation based on the high-speed optical scrubbing operation has already been demonstrated. Although the multi-context scrubbing operation presents the benefit that it can treat both soft-errors and permanent failures caused by radiation simultaneously, the conventional contributions have never presented how to maintain the state of a sequential circuit after a permanent failure occurs on flip-flops. Therefore, in the conventional multi-context scrubbing operation, all the operations must be restarted from the initial condition each time a permanent failure occurs on a programmable gate array. As a result, conventional multi-context scrubbing operations could not be applied for real-time systems. The proposed optical multi-context scrubbing method that can solve the issue has been experimentally evaluated on a radiation-hardened optically reconfigurable gate array.
Evolutionary optimization and long-term stabilization of a white-light seeded two-stage OPCPA seed laser
Authors: Eichner Timo , Hülsenbusch Thomas , Palmer Guido , Maier Andreas R.
Published: October 2023

Ultrafast laser systems, such as optical parametric chirped pulse amplifiers (OPCPA), are complex tools. Optimizing laser performance for a given application is often plagued by intricate couplings between different output parameters, making simultaneous control of multiple pulse properties difficult. Here, we experimentally demonstrate an autonomous tuning procedure of a white-light seeded two-stage OPCPA using an evolutionary strategy to reliably reach an optimized working point. We use the data collected during the tuning procedure to calibrate a performance model of the laser system, which we then apply to stabilize the intricately coupled laser output energy and spectrum simultaneously. Our approach ensures reliable day-to-day operation at optimized working points without manual tuning. We demonstrate shot-to-shot energy stability of <0.18 % rms, in combination with <25 pm rms wavelength stability and <0.2 % rms bandwidth stability during multi-day operation.
Boosting SNR of cascaded FBGs in a sapphire fiber through a rapid heat treatment
Authors: Mumtaz Farhan , Tekle Hanok , Zhang Bohong , Smith Jeffrey D. , O’Malley Ronald J. , Gerald Rex E. , Huang Jie
Published: October 2023

This Letter reports the performance of femtosecond (fs) laser-written distributed fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) under high-temperature conditions up to 1600°C and explores the impact of rapid heat treatment on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement. FBGs are essential for reliable optical sensing in extreme temperature environments. Comprehensive tests demonstrate the remarkable performance and resilience of FBGs at temperatures up to 1600°C, confirming their suitability for deployment in such conditions. The study also reveals significant fringe visibility improvements of up to ∼10 dB on a 1-m-long sapphire optical fiber through rapid heat treatment, representing a first-time achievement to the best of our knowledge. These enhancements are vital for improving the SNR and overall performance of optical fiber systems in extreme temperatures. Furthermore, the research attains long-term stability for the cascaded FBGs over a 24-hr period at 1600°C. This research expands our understanding of the FBG behavior in high-temperature environments and opens avenues for developing robust optical fiber systems for energy, aerospace, oil and gas, and high-temperature distributed sensing applications.
Towards intense ultra-broadband high repetition rate terahertz sources based on organic crystals [Invited]
Authors: Mansourzadeh Samira , Vogel Tim , Omar Alan , Buchmann Tobias O. , Kelleher Edmund J. R. , Jepsen Peter U. , Saraceno Clara J.
Published: October 2023

Increasing the average power of broadband, few-cycle terahertz (THz) sources is currently a topic of intense investigation, fueled by recent immense progress in high average power femtosecond laser driving sources at 1030 nm. However, many crucial applications would benefit not only from an increase in average power, but also from ultra-broad bandwidth, while maintaining high dynamic range at these frequencies. This calls for the challenging combination of high repetition rates and high average power simultaneously. Here, we discuss the recent progress in the promising approach enabled by organic crystals for THz-generation. Specifically, this review article discusses advances with the most commonly used organic crystals BNA, DAST, DSTMS, OH1 and HMQ-TMS. We place special emphasis on nonlinear and thermal properties and discuss future directions for this field.
Associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and alcohol consumption among UK adults: Findings from the Health Behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic (HEBECO) study
Authors: Akwa Lady Gwendoline , Smith Lesley , Twiddy Maureen , Abt Grant , Garnett Claire , Oldham Melissa , Shahab Lion , Herbec Aleksandra
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic and attendant lockdowns have had a substantial negative effect on alcohol consumption and physical activity globally. Pre-pandemic evidence in the adult population suggests that higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher levels of drinking, but it is unclear how the pandemic may have affected this. Therefore, this study aims to assess the association between alcohol consumption and physical activity in a UK cohort established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Analyses utilized data from the Health Behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic (HEBECO) study involving 2,057 UK adults (≥18 years). Participants completed self-report measures of alcohol consumption [frequency, quantity, frequency of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and AUDIT-C score] and physical activity [moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), frequency of muscle strengthening activity (MSA) and sedentary behaviour] between November 2020 and January 2021. Ordinal logistic regression models were conducted, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Results

Fifteen percent of the sample reported abstinence from drinking. Overall, 23.4% of participants drank ≥4 times/week, 13.9% drank more than 6 units/single drinking occasion (HED), 7.5% reported HED daily/almost daily and 4.2% scored ≥11 on AUDIT-C. MSA 3 days/week compared with no MSA was significantly associated with higher odds of alcohol frequency [OR (95 CI%) = 1.41 (1.04–1.91)], quantity [OR (95 CI%) = 1.38 (1.02–1.87)], HED [OR (95 CI%) = 1.42 (1.05–1.94)] and possible dependence [OR (95 CI%) = 1.47 (1.05–2.06)]. The association of MVPA and sedentary behaviour with drinking measures was not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion

In contrast with previous research, MSA rather than aerobic physical activity was associated with increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is conceivable that during lockdown while drinking was used as a coping strategy, limited opportunities for aerobic exercise made MSA a more convenient form of physical activity. To guide public health interventions, more research is required to examine the temporal relationship between different forms of physical activity and alcohol consumption.
Respiratory virus surveillance in hospitalized children less than two-years of age in Kenema, Sierra Leone during the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020- October 2021)
Authors: Samuels Robert J. , Sumah Ibrahim , Alhasan Foday , McHenry Rendie , Short Laura , Chappell James D. , Haddadin Zaid , Halasa Natasha B. , Valério Inaê D. , Amorim Gustavo , Grant Donald S. , Schieffelin John S. , Moon Troy D.
Published: October 2023

Globally, viral pathogens are the leading cause of acute respiratory infection in children under-five years. We aim to describe the epidemiology of viral respiratory pathogens in hospitalized children under-two years of age in Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, during the second year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We conducted a prospective study of children hospitalized with respiratory symptoms between October 2020 and October 2021. We collected demographic and clinical characteristics and calculated each participant´s respiratory symptom severity. Nose and throat swabs were collected at enrollment. Total nucleic acid was purified and tested for multiple respiratory viruses. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.2.0 software. 502 children less than two-years of age were enrolled. 376 (74.9%) had at least one respiratory virus detected. The most common viruses isolated were HRV/EV (28.2%), RSV (19.5%) and PIV (13.1%). Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 were identified in only 9.2% and 3.9% of children, respectively. Viral co-detection was common. Human metapneumovirus and RSV had more than two-fold higher odds of requiring O2 therapy while hospitalized. Viral pathogen prevalence was high (74.9%) in our study population. Despite this, 100% of children received antibiotics, underscoring a need to expand laboratory diagnostic capacity and to revisit clinical guidelines implementation in these children. Continuous surveillance and serologic studies among more diverse age groups, with greater geographic breadth, are needed in Sierra Leone to better characterize the long-term impact of COVID-19 on respiratory virus prevalence and to better characterize the seasonality of respiratory viruses in Sierra Leone.
Vulnerabilidade à salinização por intrusão marinha em aquífero costeiro do Estado do Ceará
Authors: Araújo Karen Vendramini de , Cavalcante Itabaraci Nazareno , Freire Diolande Ferreira Gomes , Oliveira Rafael Mota de , Maia Saulo Robério Rodrigues , Sousa Joel Pedrosa , Lima Neto Inácio Ocinaí de
Published: October 2023

Os aquíferos costeiros constituem importante fonte de abastecimento de água para o estado do Ceará, sobretudo na época de estiagem, quando os reservatórios superficiais não apresentam a totalidade de seus volumes. Assim, esses aquíferos são frequentemente afetados pelo problema de intrusão marinha induzida pela explotação inadequada. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de identificar o grau de vulnerabilidade à salinização por intrusão marinha para o sistema aquífero costeiro Dunas/Barreiras no município de Icapuí, Ceará, bem como avaliar a qualidade das águas subterrâneas com base nos parâmetros associados à salinização, tendo em vista a sua importância para a região, por constituir a principal fonte de abastecimento de água. Para tanto foi aplicada a metodologia GALDIT, que utiliza indicadores mapeáveis, representados pelo tipo de aquífero, condutividade hidráulica, altura da superfície potenciométrica, distância dos poços em relação à costa, razão rCl-/rHCO3- e espessura saturada, para quantificar e classificar a vulnerabilidade de aquíferos costeiros à intrusão da água do mar. Os resultados indicaram áreas com vulnerabilidade média e alta à salinização no sistema aquífero, definidas, principalmente, pela distância dos poços em relação à costa, altura da superfície potenciométrica e razão rCl-/rHCO3-. A qualidade das águas subterrâneas encontra-se comprometida, em relação à concentração de sais, em mais de 60% das amostras analisadas, porém, essa salinização está, provavelmente, mais relacionada aos aerossóis marinhos e/ou à infiltração de águas salobras de lagoas costeiras do que à mistura de águas subterrâneas marinhas e continentais promovida pela intrusão salina. Entretanto, a vulnerabilidade do sistema aquífero Dunas/Barreiras na área requer maior atenção em relação a gestão dos recursos hídricos, visto que modificações na demanda atual, com consequente aumento na explotação, podem acarretar no avanço da cunha salina em direção ao continente.
Detection Limit of a NaI(Tl) Survey Meter to Measure 131I Accumulation in Thyroid Glands of Children after a Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Authors: Kitajima Takahiro , Kai Michiaki
Published: October 2023

Background: This study examined the detection limit of thyroid screening monitoring conducted at the time of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in 2011 using a Monte Carlo simulation.Materials and Methods: We calculated the detection limit of a NaI(Tl) survey meter to measure 131I accumulation in the thyroid gland of children. Mathematical phantoms of 1- and 5-year-old children were developed in the simulation of the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System code. Contamination of the body surface with eight radionuclides found after the FDNPP accident was assumed to have been deposited on the neck and shoulder area.Results and Discussion: The detection limit was calculated as a function of ambient dose rate. In the case of 40 Bq/cm2 contamination on the body surface of the neck, the present simulations showed that residual thyroid radioactivity corresponding to thyroid dose of 100 mSv can be detected within 21 days after intake at the ambient dose rate of 0.2 μSv/hr and within 11 days in the case of 2.0 μSv/hr. When a time constant of 10 seconds was used at the dose rate of 0.2 μSv/hr, the estimated survey meter output error was 5%. Evaluation of the effect of individual differences in the location of the thyroid gland confirmed that the measured value would decrease by approximately 6% for a height difference of ±1 cm and increase by approximately 65% for a depth of 1 cm.Conclusion: In the event of a nuclear disaster, simple measurements carried out using a NaI(Tl) scintillation survey meter remain effective for assessing 131I intake. However, it should be noted that the presence of short-half-life radioactive materials on the body surface affects the detection limit.
Vertical variability of night sky brightness in urbanised areas
Authors: Karpińska Dominika , Kunz Mieczysław
Published: October 2023

Excessive amounts of artificial light emitted into the lower atmosphere at night have already become an everyday feature of modern urban landscapes, and gradually also a phenomenon associated with areas located out- side large human settlements. Urban islands of light have been the subject of targeted research conducted for several decades by scientists representing miscellaneous fields of science. In Toruń, regular research on the phenomenon of light smog has been carried out for several years at a number of sites located throughout the city. Recently, research has been started on the variability of the night sky brightness in a vertical gradient. To this end, repeatable measurements were made at specific altitudes at two locations in the city using a drone with an automatic light metre on board. The values of the night sky brightness thus obtained allowed us to determine its variability in the vertical gradient up to an altitude of 120 m, as well as to test the possibility of using drones in targeted studies of the light pollution phenomenon.
Well-posedness and stability analysis for Timoshenko beam system with Coleman-Gurtin's and Gurtin-Pipkin's thermal laws
Authors: Mukiawa Soh Edwin
Published: October 2023

In this article, the effect of Coleman-Gurtin’s and Gurtin-Pipkin’s thermal laws on the displacement of a Timoshenko beam system with suspenders is studied. Using the existing semi-group theory and energy method, the existence and uniqueness of weak global solution, as well as a stability result without imposing any conditions on the coefficient parameters, are established.
Immunotherapeutic approaches for systemic lupus erythematosus: early overview and future potential
Authors: Huang Hongpeng
Published: October 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease. Current SLE therapies include immunosuppressants, antimalarial drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids, but these treatments can cause substantial toxicities to organs and may not be effective for all patients. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the treatment of SLE using immunotherapy, including Benlysta and Saphnelo. These advances in immunotherapy hold promise for SLE patients, providing new therapeutic options that may offer better clinical benefit and effectiveness. Simultaneously, several new biological therapies focusing on cytokines, peptides, targeted antibodies, and cell-based approaches are under clinical evaluation and have shown immense potential for the treatment of SLE. However, the complexity of SLE immunopathogenesis and disease heterogeneity present significant challenges in the development of effective immunological therapies. This review aims to discuss past experiences and understanding of diverse immunological targeting therapies for SLE and highlight future perspectives for the development of novel immunological therapies.
Ultrasensitive label-free miRNA-21 detection based on MXene-enhanced plasmonic lateral displacement measurement
Authors: Wang Yuye , Hu Yurui , Xie Ruibin , Zeng Qi , Hong Yanhang , Chen Xi , Zhang Pengcheng , Zeng Lin , Zhang Yi , Zeng Shuwen , Yang Hui
Published: October 2023

miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules which serve as promising biomarkers due to their important roles in the development and progression of various cancer types. The detection of miRNAs is of vital importance to the early-stage diagnostics and prognostics of multiple diseases. However, traditional detection strategies have faced some challenges owing to the intrinsic characteristics of miRNAs including small size, short sequence length, low concentration level and high sequence homology in complex real samples. To overcome these challenges, we proposed a MXene-enhanced plasmonic biosensor for real-time and label-free detection of miRNA. By utilizing MXene nanomaterial which possesses unique characteristics including large surface area and strong carrier confinement abilities, we tuned the absorption of our plasmonic sensing substrate to reach a “zero-reflection” state and induced an extremely sharp phase change at the resonance angle. Combined with the sensing mechanism based on phase-induced lateral displacement measurement, this MXene-enhanced plasmonic biosensor can achieve a much superior sensing performance compared to traditional SPR devices. Based on this biosensing scheme, the ultrasensitive detection of target miRNA with a detection limit down to 10 fM has been successfully demonstrated. More importantly, single-base mismatched miRNA can be easily distinguished from the target miRNA according to the sensing signal. Furthermore, our plasmonic biosensor is capable of detecting miRNA in complex media such as 100 % human serum samples without compromising the detection sensitivity. This MXene-enhanced plasmonic sensing scheme has the ability of detecting miRNAs with extremely low concentration levels in complex surrounding media without the need of introducing extra labels or amplification tags, which holds great potential in various biological applications and clinical diagnostics.
Differences in Various Strength Manifestations Between the Flat and Retracted Bench Press Variants: Are They Affected by Subjects' Experience or Strength Levels?
Authors: Piepoli Antonio , Miras-Moreno Sergio , Janicijevic Danica , Martínez-Amat Antonio , García-Ramos Amador
Published: October 2023

Piepoli, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Janicijevic, D, Martínez-Amat, A, and García-Ramos, A. Differences in various strength manifestations between the flat and retracted bench press variants: are they affected by subjects' experience or strength levels? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of retracting the scapulae during the free-weight bench press (BP) exercise on various strength manifestations and perceptual variables. Twenty-eight recreationally trained male lifters (BP 1-repetition maximum [1RM] = 96.1 ± 20.8 kg) randomly performed in 2 different sessions: the flat BP (scapulae free to move during the movement) and retracted BP (shoulders retracted during the movement). Three strength manifestations were evaluated: (a) explosive strength—mean velocity (MV) achieved against 3 submaximal loads (40, 60, and 80%1RM); (b) maximal strength—1RM; and (c) endurance strength—number of repetitions completed to failure against the 70%1RM. Discomfort and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) values were also recorded immediately after completing each test. The upward displacement of the barbell was lower for the retracted BP compared with the flat BP at the 3 submaximal loads (p ≤ 0.024), but no significant differences between the BP variants were observed for the MV at submaximal loads (p ≥ 0.473), 1RM (p = 0.147), number of repetitions completed to failure (p = 0.447), RPE at submaximal loads (p ≥ 0.363), or discomfort during any test (p ≥ 0.611). Subjects always demonstrated a greater strength performance with the BP variant most used in their training programs, but the differences between the flat and retracted BP were not affected by subjects' maximal strength values (p ≥ 0.162). These results suggest that retracting the scapulae during the BP exercise presents minor effects on different strength manifestations and perceptual measures of effort and discomfort.
Associations Between Rank, Sex, and Parity With Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained During Annual Military Physical Fitness Test
Authors: Edwards Chris Margaret , da Silva Danilo Fernandes , Puranda Jessica Laura , Souza Sara Carolina Scremin , Semeniuk Kevin , Adamo Kristi Bree
Published: October 2023

Edwards, CM, da Silva, DF, Puranda, JL, Souza, SCS, Semeniuk, K, and Adamo, KB. Associations between rank, sex, and parity with musculoskeletal injuries sustained during annual military physical fitness test. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 367–373, 2024—Musculoskeletal injuries pose a significant threat to the well-being of military personnel. Attempts to use physical employment standard test results as predictors of injury are underway, but little is known about injuries sustained during the tests. This study sought to identify body regions most likely to be reported as injured during the annual Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness evaluation. In addition, sex, rank, and parity status are explored as possible associated factors for injury. A total of 1,796 actively serving CAF members were categorized by sex (1,030 male participants; 766 female participants), rank (1,142 Non-Commissioned Members [NCM]; 638 Officers), and parity (314 parous female participants; 435 nulliparous female participants). Sex, rank, and parity were associated with body regions reportedly injured during an annual CAF fitness assessment (significance p ≤ 0.05). When compared with male participants, female participants were more likely to be injured {aOR: 1.797 (95% [confidence interval] CI: 1.45–2.23)} and more prone to injury of the wrist (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.933 [95% CI: 1.20–3.12]), hip (aOR: 3.445 [95% CI: 2.07–5.728]), or lower back (aOR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.18–2.04]). Non-Commissioned Members were more likely to injure the neck (aOR: 2.14 [95% CI: 1.18–3.88]) or shoulder (aOR: 2.03 [95% CI: 1.31–3.15]), when compared with Officers. Parous female participants reported pelvis/abdomen injury at a higher rate than the nulliparous group (5 vs. 1.7%, p = 0.019). Injuries sustained during an annual CAF fitness assessment differ based on sex, rank, and parity. Canadian Armed Forces female participants, NCM, and parous female participants may require specific physical fitness support in preparation for the annual physical fitness test.
Shoulder and Scapular Muscle Activity During Low and High Plank Variations With Different Body-Weight-Bearing Statuses
Authors: Can Ezgi Nur , Harput Gulcan , Turgut Elif
Published: October 2023

Can, EN, Harput, G, and Turgut, E. Shoulder and scapular muscle activity during low and high plank variations with different body-weight-bearing statuses. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 245–252, 2024—This study investigated the activation levels and activation ratios of shoulder and scapular muscles during low plank (LP) and high plank (HP) variations, with varying levels of body-mass support, including 4-point, 3-pod, and 2-point body-weight-bearing (BWB) statuses. The study was conducted with 21 healthy men (mean ± SD, 26 ± 6.5 years of age and 24.4 ± 2.4 kg·m−2 BMI). Ten different plank exercises were performed in a mixed order by changing elbow joint positions (LP and HP) and BWB statuses (2-point, 3-pod, and 4-point). Activation levels of the lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT), upper trapezius (UT), biceps brachii, triceps brachii, infraspinatus, and serratus anterior (SA) muscles were assessed with a surface electromyography device. Results of this study showed that elbow position changes resulted in higher LT (p = 0.01) and TB (p = 0.001) activation in HP exercises. In general, it was observed that an increase in BWB status was effective in increasing activation for the scapula and shoulder girdle muscles. The ratios of the UT muscle to the SA, LT, and MT muscles were less than 1 during side plank, bird dog, front reach, shoulder taps, and plank with shoulder external rotation exercises. High plank with toe touch exercise resulted in a marked increase in the UT activation. Therefore, it was concluded plank variations alter activation levels and activation ratios of shoulder and scapular muscles. Plank exercises may be used in shoulder rehabilitation and the progression in plank variations can be achieved by changing elbow position and BWB status based on individual requirements.
Selective Activation of Subthalamic Nucleus Output Quantitatively Scales Movements
Authors: Friedman Alexander D. , Yin Henry H.
Published: October 2023

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a common target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments of Parkinsonian motor symptoms. According to the dominant model, the STN output can suppress movement by enhancing inhibitory basal ganglia (BG) output via the indirect pathway, and disrupting STN output using DBS can restore movement in Parkinson's patients. But the mechanisms underlying STN DBS remain poorly understood, as previous studies usually relied on electrical stimulation, which cannot selectively target STN output neurons. Here, we selectively stimulated STN projection neurons using optogenetics and quantified behavior in male and female mice using 3D motion capture. STN stimulation resulted in movements with short latencies (10–15 ms). A single pulse of light was sufficient to generate movement, and there was a highly linear relationship between stimulation frequency and kinematic measures. Unilateral stimulation caused movement in the ipsiversive direction (toward the side of stimulation) and quantitatively determined head yaw and head roll, while stimulation of either STN raises the head (pitch). Bilateral stimulation does not cause turning but raised the head twice as high as unilateral stimulation of either STN. Optogenetic stimulation increased the firing rate of STN neurons in a frequency-dependent manner, and the increased firing is responsible for stimulation-induced movements. Finally, stimulation of the STN's projection to the brainstem mesencephalic locomotor region was sufficient to reproduce the behavioral effects of STN stimulation. These results question the common assumption that the STN suppresses movement, and instead suggest that STN output can precisely specify action parameters via direct projections to the brainstem.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur results question the common assumption that the subthalamic nucleus (STN) suppresses movement, and instead suggest that STN output can precisely specify action parameters via direct projections to the brainstem.
Satisfaction, self-confidence and self-efficacy in the use of clinical simulations: comparisons between health undergraduates and professionals
Authors: Almeida Viviane Christine dos Reis Alves , Lima Jaqueline Costa , Ferreira Gímerson Erick , Oliveira João Lucas Campos de , Miraveti Jocilene de Carvalho , Ribeiro Mara Regina Rosa
Published: October 2023

Objective: to analyze the levels of satisfaction, self-confidence, and self-efficacy in clinical simulations among health undergraduates and professionals. Methods: cross-sectional study based on Design Science Research Methodology, with 156 health professionals and 149 health undergraduates who participated in an educational session about personal protective equipment use during the COVID-19 pandemic, mediated by Rapid-Cycle Deliberate Practice. Participants responded to a social and work-related questionnaire and to validated scales. For descriptive analysis of independent samples, Chi-squared test and Student's t were used considering p<0.05 as significant. Results: we found generally high satisfaction levels (mean ± standard deviation: 4.72±0.58), self-confidence (4.44±0.78), and self-efficacy (4.03±1.17) for favorable items. There were significant statistical differences in seven items in the scale of satisfaction and self-confidence with learning in students, and in six items of the general self-efficacy scale, with p<0.05. Conclusion: undergraduates showed higher means of satisfaction and self-confidence with learning, while professionals had higher means of self-efficacy. These results can collaborate for the continuity of clinical simulation practices, increasing procedural safety and quality. Contributions to practice: the results show that the activities had a positive contribution, increasing learning opportunities and practical experiences that reflect on the excellence of the routine.
Implementation of Non-state Pension Provision in Ukraine in the System of Strengthening Social Protection
Authors: Cheberyako Oksana , Varnalii Zakharii , Нurochkina Viktoriia , Miedviedkova Nataliia
Published: October 2023

This paper is devoted to identifying the features and finding solutions to the problems of the formation and improvement of the non-state pension provision of Ukraine in the system of strengthening social security and preventing the degradation of the social structure. It presents the results of a study of emergent dynamics of the main performance indicators of non-state pension provision in Ukraine and the behavioural aspects of its beneficiaries when choosing a financial intermediary in the implementation of a new metadata specification based on three areas: banking institutions, non-state pension funds (NPFs) and life insurance companies. These results are the following: identification of key trends in non-state pension provision in Ukraine; disclosure of problems, obstacles, and major shortcomings of an organizational and legal nature; determination of directions for solving problems and the dominant factors in the development of non-state pension provision in Ukraine.
Contemporary integrative interpersonal theory in diagnosing relational dynamics in personality disorders
Authors: Starus Anna , Soroko Emilia
Published: October 2023

Accumulating empirical evidence suggests that despite some issues of clinical utility, dimensional models of personality disorders perform better than categorical ones. The aim of the paper was to present the contemporary integrative interpersonal theory (CIIT), which can become an extension of dimensional models by taking into account the pathomechanism and relational dynamics of personality disorders. Interpersonal situation, which is the field for the expression of personality pathology, is the basic unit of analysis of functioning in the presented approach. The interpersonal situation model is structured by the motives of causality and communality, and more precisely defined by the concept of four systems: self, affect, perception and behaviour. Personality pathology manifests itself through a combination of dysregulation and distortion in each system, and the coordinated pattern of motivation, perception, emotions and behaviours can be depicted as an interpersonal signature. The concept can be used to analyse internal and interpersonal relationships of an individual, as well as to monitor and diagnose the relational processes between the patient and the clinician. Using the presented theory in practice would increase the accuracy of conceptualisation by understanding an individual pathomechanism, including both external and internal relevant factors. Additionally, the interpersonal situation model can be a valuable tool to help identify and organise patient data.
Apostrof (Apostrophe) as a Means of Disambiguation in Number According to Antistih (Anti-Verse) Principle
Authors:   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod – National Research University, Bolshakov Aleksandr
Published: October 2023

The author of the article considers the development of the differentiating function of the apostrof (apostrophe), which is realized in the contemporary Church Slavonic language in the pronominal paradigm. The comparison of facts in grammars and old-printed editions shows that the application of apostrophe-dissimilator was not presupposed by the Grammar of 1648, and appeared in the course of the work of the Moscow Print Yard correctors (from the Service Book of 1655). It first appeared in the forms yazhe, izhe with the support of productive forms (ya, i), then it spread to the forms im, imzhe (by external analogy with other forms of DatPl) and further to the rest of the pronominal homoforms (by internal analogy). The development of this spelling innovation was consistently reflected in the Moscow editions of the second half of the 17 th century up to its stage-by-stage codification in grammars of 1721, 1723, 1725 and 1733. The pronominal nature of the apostrophe-dissimilator predetermined the limitations in its functioning; however, the acquisition of a differentiating function became a necessary stage in the formation of the system of antistih (anti-verse) in its modern form. The expansion of apostrophe functioning, which has a precedent in the Grammar by F. Maximov (1723), may contribute to the logical completion of this formation. Also, the obtained data on the development of the apostrof (apostrophe) differentiating function can be used to identify Moscow editions along with other innovations, introduced in the period of the Nikon's correctors work.
Dialogue Category in Media Genres: Review of the Foreign Studies
Authors:   Dostoevsky Omsk State University, Issers Oxana , Gerasimova Anastasia ,   Dostoevsky Omsk State University
Published: October 2023

The review gives critical evaluation of the latest decade publications by nonnative colleagues devoted to the description of dialogic genres in modern media. The works related to the analysis of the dialogue structure peculiarities in social networks and on television are converged on. The dialogue category in online space is noted to be studied within structural-semantic and functional approach (the research into general principles of building a dialogue in social networks, and the functions of journalists in "digital" newspapers); communicative-and-pragmatic approach (the description of dialogic interaction between companies and consumers, including marketing strategies, dialogic cooperation strategies, strategies for neutralizing critical consumers' reviews), and axiological approach (manifestation of the evaluative and emotional components of dialogic communication). The analysis of the dialogue on TV is highly relevant within the framework of the communicative-strategic paradigm with reference to the genre of the television program, the image of the presenter, the national, cultural and gender identity of the speakers, their role status, as well as the target audience. In addition, a specific area of research is formed by works dedicated to the analysis of the features of a television political interview and the phenomenon of dialogue imitation in monologue genres. The results of the research prove that the development of both social networks and new media genres provide the growth of works devoted to the dialogue category description, thus, media discourse is becoming more and more attractive in terms of linguistic analysis.