bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shared space and resource use within a building environment: An indoor geography
Authors: Villarreal Mark , Baird Timothy D. , Tarazaga Pablo A. , Kniola David J. , Pingel Thomas J. , Sarlo Rodrigo
Published: August 2024

Indoor spaces are essential to most humans' lives. Furthermore, in many cases, buildings are shared indoor environments that contain diverse people and resources. Spatial patterns of use are important but under‐examined aspects of human‐building interactions. This study leverages perspectives from human‐environment geography and mechanical engineering to examine spatial patterns of use within a network of shared indoor spaces in an academic building at a research university in the United States. Here we ask: (1) What spaces and resources do building users value? and (2) How are values associated with observed measures of use? We hypothesise that spatial patterns of use follow an ideal free distribution (IFD), a common ecological model of resource use. To test this, we define measures of value and use derived from mixed qualitative (n = 50) and survey‐based social data (n = 196) and data from a building‐based system of accelerometers. Our analyses provide some support for the IFD hypothesis. We discuss the implications of this finding and potential new avenues for geographic research in shared indoor environments.
English teachers’ professional identity incorporated with perceived anxiety in the context of flipped teaching: Scale development and model extension
Authors: Luo Shuqiong , Zou Di
Published: August 2024

Research examining teachers’ professional identity in the online context has recently increased; however, there have been few attempts (if any) to design a scale to assess foreign language teachers’ professional identity integrated with technology use in the flipped context. There have also been no extensions to the professional teacher identity model for flipped language teaching incorporated with psycho‐emotional factors. The current study first developed and validated an instrument for English teachers’ professional identity of technology integration in the flipped context (ETITF) to fill in the research gap that the majority of existing instruments for teachers’ professional identity have not considered the characteristics of technology integration in the flipped teaching environment in the subject area of English. Additionally, this present research also attempted to extend the professional teacher identity model by investigating the influence of the psycho‐emotional factor, namely, perceived anxiety of flipped teaching on professional teacher identity coped with technology in the flipped context by English teachers. Grounded by the identity theory and technology acceptance model, 233 in‐service English teachers from mainland China served to explore the constructs of the ETITF and the model extension with perceived anxiety. Results of exploratory factor analysis, first‐order, and second‐order confirmatory factor analysis supported a three‐dimension scale with 15 items: task perception (TP), motivation (M), and teacher self‐efficacy (SE). The results of the study revealed that the ETITF is valid and reliable that could be used by researchers, educators, and education institutions to gain a greater understanding of English language teachers’ professional development and can serve as a tool to support the procedures of developing teacher identity integrated with technology in the flipped context with specific items related to English teaching. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that task perception significantly predict English teachers’ motivation, while motivation showed positive influence on in‐service teachers’ self‐efficacy. This developed tool of ETITF and the extended professional identity with technology incorporation model may contribute to the development of flipped language teaching, which may provide implications for English educators and researchers to facilitate teachers’ effective technology integration in flipped English teaching.
‘I cannot accept it’ distressing experiences in parents of children diagnosed with cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Jin Xiaohuan , Wong Cho Lee , Li Huiyuan , Yao Wenying
Published: August 2024

Aims

To explore the distressing experiences of Chinese parents of children with cancer from the perspective of psychological inflexibility.

Design

A qualitative study using a descriptive qualitative approach based on the model of psychological inflexibility was adopted.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews through synchronized online video were conducted with 21 Chinese parents of children with cancer from October 2020 to May 2021. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Four themes and 11 subthemes were identified: (i) immersion in struggling and suffering, (ii) avoidance and suppression, (iii) blaming and complaint and (iv) helplessness and worthlessness. Parents were unwilling to accept the diagnosis and witness their children's suffering, trapped in uncontrollable negative emotions and thoughts. Avoiding emotions and socializing, blaming themselves or complaining of injustice were common. They felt helpless towards life and valueless without the child.

Conclusion

The research findings provide additional perspectives in understanding the distressing experiences in parents of children with cancer. Overall, the emotional and coping styles indicated the lack of psychological flexibility of parents when facing childhood cancer, which is profoundly influenced by Chinese culture.

Implications for the Profession

Healthcare professionals are recommended to provide culturally sensitive strategies or interventions for building psychological flexibility in addressing parental psychological distress.

Impact

The study provides insights into exploring distressing experiences and reveals the inflexible psychological and behavioural patterns in parents of children with cancer, which could benefit healthcare providers in managing parental psychological distress and helping these parents build flexible coping strategies.

Reporting Method

The COREQ guideline was followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.
Latent trajectories of anxiety and depression among women during subsequent pregnancy following pregnancy loss
Authors: Shen Qiaoqiao , Luo Xiangping , Wei Meijuan , Chen Bizhen
Published: August 2024

Aim

To determine the longitudinal trajectories of anxiety and depression among pregnant women who have experienced pregnancy loss, and to explore the association between post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) related to pregnancy loss and these trajectories.

Design

A prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

Between October 2022 and August 2023, pregnant women with a history of pregnancy loss were recruited from four hospitals in Guangdong Province, China. Eligible participants were screened for PTSS related to pregnancy loss upon enrolment. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed in early, mid and late pregnancy using the Pregnancy‐related Anxiety Questionnaire‐Revised 2 and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, respectively. Latent class growth analysis was employed to categorize anxiety and depression trajectories, and multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between PTSS and these trajectories.

Results

Of the 388 participants included in the analysis, 158 individuals (40.7%) reported high PTSS scores. The best‐fitting models identified three trajectories for both anxiety and depression: low (anxiety: 35.6%, depression: 48.7%), moderate (anxiety: 44.8%, depression: 40.5%) and high (anxiety: 19.6%, depression: 10.8%). Pregnant women with high PTSS levels were significantly more likely to experience moderate‐to‐high trajectories of anxiety and depression compared to those with low PTSS levels.

Conclusion

Pregnant women who have experienced pregnancy loss exhibit higher incidences of elevated anxiety and depression trajectories. Screening for PTSS and targeted supportive care are recommended to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms in this population.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

This study underscores the importance of early psychological screening and tailored interventions for pregnant women with a history of pregnancy loss. Trauma‐informed care should be prioritized to mitigate anxiety and depression trajectories in this vulnerable population.

Patient or public contribution

There was no patient or public involvement.
Feasibility and acceptability of a culinary nutrition programme for adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability: FLIP Food and Lifestyle Information Programme
Authors: Asher R. C. , Shrewsbury V. A. , Innes B. , Fitzpatrick A. , Simmonds S. , Cross V. , Rose A. , Hinton E. , Collins C. E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Culinary nutrition education can support improved diet‐related health and wellbeing. This pre‐post pilot study aimed to assess feasibility and acceptability of an eight‐session culinary nutrition programme, the Food and Lifestyle Information Programme (FLIP), for adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability. A secondary aim was to evaluate preliminary programme effectiveness.

Method

Participants were recruited through a disability service provider. Feasibility measures were: recruitment and retention; implementation; engagement and participation; adverse outcomes; and feasibility of outcome measures. Acceptability was assessed using an interactive process evaluation. Effectiveness measures included cooking frequency, cooking and food skill confidence and diet quality.

Results

Six of eight participants completed the intervention with high attendance and programme engagement. FLIP was well received by participants and support workers. No adverse outcomes occurred. Diet quality was feasible to assess.

Conclusions

Findings can inform content, delivery and evaluation of future culinary nutrition programmes for adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability.
Product market competition and disclosure content differentiation: A topic modeling analysis
Authors: Chu Yongqiang , Huang Bo , Li Haitong , Liu Junqi
Published: August 2024

We examine how product market competition affects firms’ disclosure content. Theory suggests that competition leads firms to strategically disclose to avoid proprietary costs; however, the empirical evidence has been mixed. We investigate whether firms manage disclosure content to protect proprietary information, a disclosure strategy under‐researched in the literature. We use a topic‐modeling technique to extract and compare thematic topics that industry peers disclose in management discussion and analysis (MD&A) in 10‐K filings. Exploiting large reductions in US import tariff rates as an exogenous shock to product market competition, we find that firms differentiate disclosure topics in response. This effect is more pronounced when disclosures incur higher proprietary costs, as theoretically predicted, and stronger for firms with greater product similarity to industry peers and those with longer MD&A disclosure texts.
Hepatitis B clinical care provision in pregnancy: A whole‐of‐population linkage study in Victoria, Australia
Authors: MacLachlan Jennifer H , Romero Nicole , Allard Nicole , Rowe Stacey L , Cowie Benjamin C
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim

Pregnancy is a key setting for engagement in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) care, due to the implications for transmission to the infant and antenatal diagnosis representing an opportunity for ongoing follow‐up. This study aimed to identify the coverage and predictors of clinical care for women with CHB during and after pregnancy in a population‐level cohort.

Methods

Notified CHB cases in Victoria, Australia, were linked with hospitalizations, medical services, and prescribing data, covering the period 1991–2018. Women with an admission for a live birth were identified and services provided during pregnancy were assessed, including general practitioner (GP) or specialist visits, viral load and serology testing, and antiviral treatment. Viral load and serology testing coverage ware also assessed for the 2‐year period following pregnancy. Demographic and clinical predictors of viral load testing during pregnancy were assessed.

Results

A total of 11 015 birth events occurred for 6090 women with CHB. During pregnancy most had a GP consultation (91.6%); however, only 39.5% had viral load testing and 41.4% had a gastroenterology or infectious diseases specialist consultation. Viral load testing and serology testing in the 2 years after pregnancy occurred in approximately half (47.9% and 52.2%, respectively) with increases over time. Viral load testing was more likely in those born overseas, those with more than one previous birth, and those living in Melbourne.

Conclusions

Despite improvements over time, key gaps were identified in the provision of CHB clinical care during and after pregnancy, with implications for ongoing transmission and adverse outcomes.
Progesterone may be a regulator and B12 could be an indicator of the proximal D4Z4 repeat methylation status on 4q35ter
Authors: Hangul Ceren , Ozcan Filiz , Darbas Sule , Uysal Hilmi , Koc Ayse Filiz , Berker Karauzum Sibel
Published: August 2024

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) has a hypomethylation‐related epigenetic background and exhibits a different course in male and female patients. The differences between males and females have been linked to the levels of sex hormones. This study is the first to investigate the possible effect of these hormones on methylation status. We hypothesized that the levels of sex‐related hormones, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, and prolactin might be associated with the methylation status of the proximal part of the D4Z4. We also investigated the effect of fT3, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels. We collected blood from 28 FSHD patients and 28 controls. DNA was extracted from each individual for bisulfite methylation analysis and serum was separated for biochemical analysis of estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, fT3, folic acid, and B12 analysis. Methylation analysis was specified to the DR1, 5P regions and the proximal region covering both DR1 and 5P. Methylation levels were compared between FSHD patients and controls. The correlation of methylation levels with estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, fT3, folic acid, and B12 was investigated. We found that the 5P region and the proximal region were significantly hypomethylated in FSHD patients compared to the controls, but not the DR1 region. Male patients exhibited a significant reduction in DNA methylation compared to male controls. Older FSHD patients exhibited a notable decrease in fT3 levels and hypomethylation of the 5P region. Analyses of each CpG revealed seven hypomethylated positions that were significantly different from the control group. Two of the positions demonstrated a correlation with progesterone in the control group. With the exception of one position, the methylation levels were inversely correlated with vitamin B12 in FSHD patients. The results of our study indicate that the methylation of the proximal D4Z4 region, particularly at specific positions, may be associated with progesterone. In addition, vitamin B12 may be an indicator of hypomethylation. We suggest that examining position‐specific methylations may be a useful approach for the development of epigenetic treatment modalities.

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Your coworkers can make you sick: An investigation of coworker undermining and employee health
Authors: Costa Sandra , Velez Maria João , López Aníbal
Published: August 2024

Although mistreatment in the workplace has been widely acknowledged, the impact of coworker undermining has not been adequately explored in the literature. Using insights from the job demands–resources model, we suggest that coworker undermining is a job demand that is associated with negative affect and somatic complaints. In mitigation of this, we propose two personal resources (i.e. forgiveness and revenge cognitions) as buffers of the positive relationship between coworker undermining and somatic complaints via negative affect. We explore these relationships in a time‐lagged study involving 229 participants who responded to three surveys over a month‐long period. Our findings show that coworker undermining is related to high levels of negative affect in the following week, and that this spills over to somatic complaints. However, this is only true for victims of undermining who do not forgive their colleagues.
Evidence, Policy, Education, and Neuroscience—The State of Play in the UK
Authors: Thomas Michael S. C. , Howard‐Jones Paul , Dudman‐Jones Jeremy , Palmer Lucy R. J. , Bowen Astrid E. J. , Perry Roisin C.
Published: August 2024

In this article, we give an overview of translational educational neuroscience (mind, brain, and education) in the United Kingdom. We consider the state of translation, describing respectively the state of the dialogue between researchers and educators, the state of evaluation of approaches to improve educational outcomes, and the state of innovation in research translation. We consider the teacher perspective. What do UK teachers think about educational neuroscience and its potential for informing classroom practice, and how do ideas about pedagogical approaches feature among their everyday concerns? We describe the results of a recent survey from a representative sample of over 1,000 UK teachers, and a case study of a UK high school teacher who employs educational neuroscience in his practice and what this entails. Lastly, we consider the policy perspective and assess the recent move by the UK government to introduce knowledge of cognitive science into initial and early‐career teacher training.
Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study to evaluate the effect of long‐acting mesalamine on postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
Authors: Tuteja Ashok K. , Leung Daniel T. , Fang John C. , Talley Nicholas. J. , Stoddard Gregory J.
Published: August 2024

Background

A subset of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) develop their symptoms after gastroenteritis, referred to as postinfectious IBS (PI‐IBS). PI‐IBS is associated with low‐grade intestinal inflammation. Previous studies have evaluated mesalamine, an anti‐inflammatory drug, in patients with IBS. We evaluated the efficacy of long‐acting mesalamine in patients with PI‐IBS.

Methods

Sixty‐one patients who developed diarrhea‐predominant IBS (IBS‐D) after gastroenteritis were randomized to receive either 2.4 g of long‐acting mesalamine or placebo daily for 8‐weeks. The symptoms assessed were abdominal pain, bloating, stool frequency, stool consistency, severity of diarrhea and constipation, satisfaction with bowel habits, and IBS affecting or interfering with life. Quality‐of‐life (QOL) was assessed using the IBS‐QOL questionnaire. The prespecified primary outcome variable was the overall bowel symptom score (BSS) after 8‐weeks of treatment. Effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean differences (Cohen's d).

Results

Fifty‐four patients completed the 8‐week treatment (n = 28 mesalamine, n = 26 placebo), 49 (91%) were male, and age range 23–71 years (mean ± SD 43 ± 13). Mesalamine demonstrated superior efficacy compared to placebo on the primary outcome variable, overall BSS (Cohen's d = 0.57, p = 0.042). Mesalamine was also superior for the secondary outcome of how much IBS affects your life in general (d = 0.72, p = 0.01). For the secondary outcomes of IBS symptoms, 7 of the 7 symptoms had trends of mesalamine superiority. For the secondary outcomes of IBS‐QOL subscales, 8 of 9 had trends of mesalamine superiority.

Conclusion

In patients with PI‐IBS, long‐acting mesalamine demonstrated to be effective in reducing IBS symptoms and improving QOL.
Use of telehealth simulation to teach the enhanced primary care RN role through community/public health‐focused simulations
Authors: Sawin Erika Metzler , Hummel Rebecca , Lam Christina , Mullen Lauren , Switzer Tina , Robinson Jamie , Walton Brandi
Published: August 2024

America is facing a primary care provider shortage. Enhanced primary care RNs (EPC‐RNs), registered nurses working at the top of their practice scope, can be an important part of community‐based primary care provision. Typically, community health nursing education has not included primary care‐based clinical experiences, and there is a clinical site shortage. Teaching students about EPC‐RN roles can be an important domain of community/public health nursing education. Simulation is a creative pedagogical approach to learning about the EPC‐RN role. The purpose of this manuscript is to 1) describe EPC‐RN Telehealth Simulation development; and 2) describe student simulation feedback.

Nursing faculty and simulation experts designed five simulations for community health students to teach about the EPC‐RN role, incorporating recommendations from the Quad Council Coalition of Public Health Nursing Organizations community/public health nursing competencies and the National Competencies for Registered Nurses in Primary Care.

Retrospective, descriptive quantitative, and qualitative student feedback data (n = 519) was collected through QuestionPro over multiple semesters. Student feedback data demonstrated support of the use of the simulations in community/public health nursing education.

The EPC‐RN Telehealth Simulations prepared pre‐licensure nursing students to practice in community‐based primary care settings. Innovative, sustainable experiences such as this can improve community/public health nursing education.
Antifungal activity of Bacillus velezensis and Pseudomonas azotoformans isolated from compost tea against anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) on strawberry fruit
Authors: Popescu Irina , Loganathan A. Kiripuvaney , Graham Hailey R. , Avis Tyler J.
Published: August 2024

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is a threat to strawberry production globally. Unlike their chemical counterparts, microbial biofungicides offer a method of postharvest fungal disease control that is safe, sustainable and less affected by pathogen resistance. The present study evaluated the antifungal effects of three bacteria, Bacillus velezensis strains SH1 and SH2 and Pseudomonas azotoformans strain SH3, obtained from sheep manure compost tea. The bacteria or their cell‐free filtrates were tested against Colletotrichum acutatum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in bioassays and against strawberry anthracnose. In addition, precipitated or extracted extracellular fractions were tested to determine the effects on membrane permeability of Colletotrichum spp. spores. Confrontation assay results showed all bacteria inhibited mycelial growth, with B. velezensis SH1 and P. azotoformans SH3 being the most effective. All cell‐free filtrates inhibited mycelial growth with B. velezensis SH1 and SH2 resulting in the highest inhibition. The bacteria suppressed anthracnose lesions on strawberry fruit although effective treatments varied by causal mould. B. velezensis SH1 and SH2 significantly permeabilized spore membranes, indicating antibiosis as a possible mode of action. Investigation into antimicrobial compound production found various homologues of the lipopeptides fengycin, iturin and surfactin were produced by B. velezensis SH1 and SH2. Results suggest that lipopeptides produced by B. velezensis strains permeabilize Colletotrichum cell membranes, and that fengycins were the most inhibitory of the lipopeptides against Colletotrichum spp.
Can world heritage sites boost sales in non‐tourism firms? The role of visibility
Authors: Liu Yiming , Cheng Hua
Published: August 2024

World Heritage sites can positively impact local manufacturing industries. Using two‐way fixed effects estimation, we find that manufacturing firms in cities with World Heritage sites see a 9% increase in operating revenue. This finding is robust to matching methods and a control function method. The impact is especially strong for businesses with low online visibility, highlighting that World Heritage sites enhance visibility toward lesser‐known enterprises. The study also shows that the positive impact on sales is greater in cities with better support for economic development, consistent with the notion that firms need good industrial infrastructure and financial resources to produce high‐quality goods.
Somatosensory processing in long COVID fatigue and its relations with physiological and psychological factors
Authors: Thomas Bethan , Pattinson Rachael , Bundy Christine , Davies Jennifer L.
Published: August 2024

Fatigue is prevalent amongst people with long COVID, but is poorly understood. The sensory attenuation framework proposes that impairments in sensory processing lead to heightened perception of effort, driving fatigue. This study aims to investigate the role of somatosensory processing impairments in long COVID fatigue and quantify how sensory processing relates to other prominent symptoms of long COVID including autonomic dysfunction, mood and illness beliefs in driving the experience of fatigue. We will recruit 44 individuals with long COVID fatigue and 44 individuals with neither long COVID nor fatigue (controls). Our primary objective is to compare baseline somatosensory processing between individuals with long COVID fatigue and controls. Additionally, we will explore the associations between somatosensory processing, fatigability and the level of fatigue induced by cognitive and physical exertion. Due to the complex nature of fatigue, we will also investigate how long COVID, state fatigue, perceived effort, mood, illness beliefs, autonomic symptoms and autonomic nervous system function interact to predict trait fatigue. This comprehensive investigation aims to elucidate how sensory processing and other prominent symptoms interact to impact the experience of fatigue.
Modeling and Experimental Validation of Prechamber Jet Penetration Considering Jet Density and Ejection Pressure Variations
Authors: Wu Shen , Moriyoshi Yasuo , Li Tie , Zhou Xinyi , Kuboyama Tatsuya , Chen Run , Morikawa Koji , Kimura Shin , Huang Shuai , Tanoue Kimitoshi
Published: August 2024

Although prechamber (PC) is regarded as a promising solution to enhance ignition in lean-burn gas engines, a lack of comprehensive understanding of PC jet penetration dynamics remains. This study proposed a zero-dimensional (0D) model for PC jet penetration, considering the mixing of combustion products and unburned gases in jets and the floating ejection pressure. A combustion completion degree was defined by employing fuel properties and heat release to estimate the time-varying jet density. Pressure differences between the PC and the main chamber (MC) were referred to as the ejection pressure. Then, this model was validated against experimental data from a constant volume chamber (CVC) and a rapid compression and expansion machine (RCEM) with CH4-H2 blends at different equivalent ratios. Results showed that the proposed model can provide a good prediction in stationary and turbulent fields with the calibrated model coefficient. The overall jet penetration exhibits a t0.5 dependence due to its single-phase characteristic and the relatively lower density compared to the ambient gas in MC. The flame propagation speed and heat release in PC influence the combustion completion degree at the start of jet ejection. The mass fraction of burned gas in the ejected jet grows in response to the mixture equivalent ratio. Jet penetration is primarily driven by ejection pressure, with tip dynamics barely affected by the pressure difference after peaks. Tip penetration intensity rises with increasing fuel equivalent ratio and H2 addition, owing to the faster flame propagation. These findings can offer useful suggestions for model-based design and combustion model development for gas engines.
Damage to a High Bypass Ratio Fan During Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Ingestions
Authors: D'Souza Kiran , Sirivolu Dushyanth , Gomez Luis , Olivares Gerardo
Published: August 2024

Foreign object ingestion into engines has been studied for many years, but the focus has been on soft bodies (i.e., birds, ice). Recently, there has been a dramatic increase of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) in the airspace that represent a new threat to aircraft engines due to key components like the motor, battery, and camera being composed of hard components. Due to the differences between hard bodies and soft bodies, studies are required to understand the new threat these UAS pose to aircraft. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of various factors such as impact orientation, fan rotational speed, relative translational speed, and radial impact location on the damage caused to a representative fan assembly. This study aims to analyze the sensitivity of these factors and their influence on the overall damage to the fan. The ingestion simulations will use a representative fan assembly model and a UAS model that has been experimentally validated at the conditions of an ingestion. This work will identify critical parameters of the ingestion and then utilize them to anticipate the extent of damage that may arise during specific stages of a flight where an ingestion is most probable. Moreover, it also compares these cases with some known baseline cases, such as a fan blade out (FBO) and bird ingestion of similar mass, to understand the likely severity compared to more studied common cases.
The dopaminergic system promotes neprilysin-mediated degradation of amyloid-β in the brain
Authors: Watamura Naoto , Kakiya Naomasa , Fujioka Ryo , Kamano Naoko , Takahashi Mika , Nilsson Per , Saito Takashi , Iwata Nobuhisa , Fujisawa Shigeyoshi , Saido Takaomi C.
Published: August 2024

Deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain can impair neuronal function and contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we found that dopamine and the dopamine precursor levodopa (also called
l
-DOPA) induced Aβ degradation in the brain. Chemogenetic approaches in mice revealed that the activation of dopamine release from ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons increased the abundance and activity of the Aβ-degrading enzyme neprilysin and reduced the amount of Aβ deposits in the prefrontal cortex in a neprilysin-dependent manner. Aged mice had less dopamine and neprilysin in the anterior cortex, a decrease that was accentuated in AD model mice. Treating AD model mice with levodopa reduced Aβ deposition and improved cognitive function. These observations demonstrate that dopamine promotes brain region–specific, neprilysin-dependent degradation of Aβ, suggesting that dopamine-associated strategies have the potential to treat this aspect of AD pathology.
The Cambrian collision of the Yangtze Block with Gondwana: Evidence from provenance analyses
Authors: Han Yuyue , Ran Bo , Santosh M. , Liu Shugen , Li Zhiwu , Ye Yuehao , Lv Fan , Wang Han , Li Chao
Published: August 2024

The Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic Proto-Tethys Ocean has preserved critical records of Earth’s evolutionary history. The Lower Cambrian detrital strata along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block provide valuable information for gaining insight into the evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean, which is important in understanding the collision between the Yangtze Block and the Gondwana assembly. Here, we present comprehensive U-Pb ages and trace elements of zircons from Lower Cambrian detrital strata in the Yangtze Block. Our results revealed prominent age peaks at 600–500 Ma and 1100–800 Ma for detrital zircons in the Cambrian strata. The trace element characteristics of the detrital zircon indicate that the source rocks were mainly intermediate-felsic magmatic suites with minor input from mafic sources. These results suggest that the detrital materials were not only supplied from the interior of the Yangtze Block but also from magmatic sources in the internal orogenic belt of Gondwana.

Furthermore, the kernel density estimate plots of detrital zircon U-Pb ages indicate a stable source-sink system in the Yangtze Block during the Early Cambrian. However, our data indicate that the crustal thickness of the Yangtze Block increased significantly since ca. 526 Ma, and the cumulative characteristics of the detrital zircons indicate that the rocks were deposited in a compressional tectonic environment after ca. 526 Ma, in contrast to those during the late Neoproterozoic, which were generally deposited in an extensional tectonic environment. This transition indicates that the initial collision between the Yangtze Block and the Gondwana supercontinent might have occurred at ca. 526 Ma, marking the rapid aggregation of the northern domain of the Gondwana assembly and potentially serving as an important indicator of the closure of the Yangtze-associated Proto-Tethys Ocean. Our findings provide key insights into late Neoproterozoic–early Paleozoic ocean-land evolution.
Impacts of the High-Pressure Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station on Fish Population of the Bratsk Reservoir
Authors: Gerasimov Yu. V. , Pavlov D. D. , Strelnikova A. P. , Shlyapkin I. V. , Borisenko E. S.
Published: August 2024

Environmental and ecological effects of the dam of the high-pressure Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station (HPS) on the fish population and the probability of fish downstream migration from the Bratsk Reservoir have been studied. It has been revealed that thermal stratification of the water column is a significant factor in the ecological differentiation of the fish population in the upper reaches of high-pressure hydroelectric plants. According to hydroacoustics data, most of the ichthyomass, consisting of “warm-water” representatives of the Percidae (65%) and Cyprinidae (22%) families, is concentrated in the relatively warm layer of the epilimnion. Juvenile fish from 30 to 50 mm in size (up to 70% of the total fish number in this layer) are also concentrated here. In the cold-water hypolimnion, the fish population is represented by large single individuals of whitefish (Coregoninae). The data on distribution of fish in the lower and upper reaches of the dam, fish nutrition patterns, growth rate, and the presence of injuries that occur when fish pass downstream through hydroelectric plant dams are presented. Revealed differences in the growth rate of perches from the upper and lower reaches are associated with their constant inhabiting of water masses with contrasting temperatures. Net catches in the lower reaches over the four seasons of research lack injured individuals. These facts prove the absence of mass downstream passage of fish through the Bratsk HPS dam. Juveniles of cyprinids and perches accumulate in the upper warm layer of 0–10 m, i.e. outside the zone of the intake flow formation, which makes their entrance to intake openings at a depth of more than 20 m hardly possible.
X-Ray- and Synchrotron-Radiation Study of the Defect Structure of Epitaxial ZnO Films Grown by Magnetron Deposition on Al2O3 and LaMgAl11O19 Substrates with (0001) Orientation
Authors: Zhernova V. A. , Volkovsky Yu. A. , Folomeshkin M. S. , Seregin A. Yu. , Prosekov P. A. , Muslimov A. E. , Butashin A. V. , Ismailov A. M. , Grigoriev Yu. V. , Pisarevsky Yu. V. , Kanevsky V. M. , Blagov A. E. , Kovalchuk M. V.
Published: August 2024

The results of studying the structural features of samples of zinc-oxide films obtained by magnetron deposition on chips of lanthanum-magnesium hexaaluminate and the surface of sapphire substrates with a gold buffer layer are presented. Analysis of the structure and morphology of the films is carried out using a set of methods, including high-resolution X-ray diffractometry, the method of constructing pole figures, and transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that when using cleavages of lanthanum-magnesium hexaaluminate, an epitaxial ZnO film is formed without signs of growth rotating domains. The use of a gold buffer layer during growth on sapphire substrates improves the crystalline quality of ZnO films, but does not completely suppress domain growth.
Dynamic chest radiographic evaluation of the effects of tiotropium/olodaterol combination therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the EMBODY study protocol for an open-label, prospective, single-centre, non-controlled, comparative study
Authors: Ikari Jun , Katsumata Megumi , Urano Akira , Imamoto Takuro , Suzuki Yuri , Nishiyama Akira , Yokota Hajime , Ono Kojiro , Okamoto Kentaro , Abe Eriko , Kamata Tomoko , Fujii Shota , Okumura Kenichiro , Ota Joji , Suzuki Eiko , Kawata Naoko , Ozawa Yoshihito , Masuda Yoshitada , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Sakao Seiichiro , Uno Takashi , Tatsumi Koichiro , Suzuki Takuji
Published: August 2024

Introduction

To date, there is limited evidence on the effects of bronchodilators on respiratory dynamics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dynamic chest radiography (DCR) is a novel radiographic modality that provides real-time, objective and quantifiable kinetic data, including changes in the lung area (Rs), tracheal diameter, diaphragmatic kinetics and pulmonary ventilation during respiration, at a lower radiation dose than that used by fluoroscopic or CT imaging. However, the therapeutic effect of dual bronchodilators on respiratory kinetics, such as chest wall dynamics and respiratory muscle function, has not yet been prospectively evaluated using DCR.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the effects of bronchodilator therapy on respiratory kinetics in patients with COPD using DCR.

Methods and analysis

This is an open-label, prospective, single-centre, non-controlled, comparative study. A total of 35 patients with COPD, aged 40–85 years, with a forced expiratory volume in the first second of 30–80%, will be enrolled. After a 2–4 weeks washout period, patients will receive tiotropium/olodaterol therapy for 6 weeks. Treatment effects will be evaluated based on DCR findings, pulmonary function test results and patient-related outcomes obtained before and after treatment. The primary endpoint is the change in Rs after therapy. The secondary endpoints include differences in other DCR parameters (diaphragmatic kinetics, tracheal diameter change and maximum pixel value change rate), pulmonary function test results and patient-related outcomes between pre-therapy and post-therapy values. All adverse events will be reported.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Chiba University Hospital. The results of this trial will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

jRCTs032210543.
Multiple metal exposures associate with higher amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk and mortality independent of genetic risk and correlate to self-reported exposures: a case-control study
Authors: Jang Dae-Gyu , Dou John F , Koubek Emily J , Teener Samuel , Zhou Lili , Bakulski Kelly M , Mukherjee Bhramar , Batterman Stuart A , Feldman Eva L , Goutman Stephen A
Published: August 2024

Background

The pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involves both genetic and environmental factors. This study investigates associations between metal measures in plasma and urine, ALS risk and survival and exposure sources.

Methods

Participants with and without ALS from Michigan provided plasma and urine samples for metal measurement via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. ORs and HRs for each metal were computed using risk and survival models. Environmental risk scores (ERS) were created to evaluate the association between exposure mixtures and ALS risk and survival and exposure source. ALS (ALS-PGS) and metal (metal-PGS) polygenic risk scores were constructed from an independent genome-wide association study and relevant literature-selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Results

Plasma and urine samples from 454 ALS and 294 control participants were analysed. Elevated levels of individual metals, including copper, selenium and zinc, significantly associated with ALS risk and survival. ERS representing metal mixtures strongly associated with ALS risk (plasma, OR=2.95, CI=2.38–3.62, p<0.001; urine, OR=3.10, CI=2.43–3.97, p<0.001) and poorer ALS survival (plasma, HR=1.37, CI=1.20–1.58, p<0.001; urine, HR=1.44, CI=1.23–1.67, p<0.001). Addition of the ALS-PGS or metal-PGS did not alter the significance of metals with ALS risk and survival. Occupations with high potential of metal exposure associated with elevated ERS. Additionally, occupational and non-occupational metal exposures were associated with measured plasma and urine metals.

Conclusion

Metals in plasma and urine associated with increased ALS risk and reduced survival, independent of genetic risk, and correlated with occupational and non-occupational metal exposures. These data underscore the significance of metal exposure in ALS risk and progression.
Climate bottlenecks off Newfoundland and Labrador for Atlantic cod in relation to eastern Canadian marine protected areas
Authors: Thayer Julie A. , Kristiansen Trond , Konecny Cassandra A. , Koval Gammon , Laing Rodd , Côté David
Published: August 2024

Climate change presents challenges for marine area-based conservation measures through altered habitat and associated species range shifts. We conducted statistical downscaling for the eastern Canadian coastal domain over a range of global climate models, focusing on habitat suitability for Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua), a numerically depressed, but ecologically, economically, and culturally important species in this region. We examined cod egg survival, juvenile growth, and spawning habitat suitability, combining these into one habitat index to compare within-closure habitat suitability for multiple life stages through time. Areas of high cod egg habitat suitability are projected to shift northward and increase across all area closures studied, while optimum juvenile habitat shifts north and eastward, increasing in almost all closures except the south. Spawning habitat as a function of temperature and oxygen will likely decrease through time across the entire region, but less in northern locations. Overall cod habitat is forecasted to decline in the south of the region while increasing at central and northern latitudes, highlighting the importance of existing and developing northern shelf area closures. While warming will bring temperatures closer to optimum levels for cod in this cold-water system, oxygen limitation will become more prevalent in the south of the region and should be monitored as an important ocean health indicator.
Survey on Federated Learning for Intrusion Detection System: Concept, Architectures, Aggregation Strategies, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Khraisat Ansam , Alazab Ammar , Singh Sarabjot , Jan Tony , Jr. Gomez Alfredo
Published: August 2024

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are essential for securing computer networks by identifying and mitigating potential threats. However, traditional IDS face challenges related to scalability, privacy, and computational demands as network data complexity increases. Federated Learning (FL) has emerged as a promising solution, enabling collaborative model training on decentralized data sources while preserving data privacy. Each participant retains local data repositories, ensuring data sovereignty and precluding data sharing. Leveraging the FL framework, participants locally train machine learning models on their respective datasets, subsequently transmitting model updates to a central server for aggregation. The central server then disseminates the aggregated model updates to individual participants, collectively striving to bolster intrusion detection capabilities. This article presents a comprehensive survey of FL applications in IDS, covering core concepts, architectural approaches, and aggregation strategies. We evaluate the strengths and limitations of various FL methodologies for IDS, addressing privacy and security concerns and exploring privacy-preserving techniques and security protocols. Our examination of aggregation strategies within the FL framework for IDS aims to highlight their effectiveness, limitations, and potential enhancements.
Non-Binary and Trans-Inclusive AI: A Catalogue of Best Practices for Developing Automatic Gender Recognition Solutions
Authors: Perilo Michel , Valença George , Telles Aldenir
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly optimized processes across various sectors, enhancing efficiency and transforming digital interactions. However, as AI becomes more integrated into daily life, concerns about its social impacts and inherent biases have emerged. This study explores how AI technologies, such as facial recognition and Automatic Gender Recognition (AGR), can perpetuate and amplify societal prejudices, especially against transgender and non-binary individuals. The 2018 case of Amazon's Rekognition technology, which exhibited high false positive rates for individuals with dark skin, highlights the risks of algorithmic bias and mass surveillance. Given these challenges, this research performed performed a systematic mapping study of the literature on AI to present an analysis of problems and respective causes brought by facial recognition and AGR applications to trans and non-binary people. In a second phase, we developed and empirically assessed a catalog of 19 best practices for an ethical AI development grounded in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles. We aim to establish ethical standards that promote inclusivity to trans and non-binary people, mitigating algorithmic discrimination.
Chair's Letter
Authors: Palamidessi Catuscia
Published: August 2024

Dear SIGLOG members,

As I am writing this letter, LICS is starting in Tallinn, Estonia, colocated with ICALP 2024 and FSCD 2024. Many thanks to the Local Organizer Pawel Sobocinski, and to the Program Committee Chairs Ugo Dal Lago and Javier Esparza for all their work. Many thanks also to the invited speakers Martin Escardo and Alexandra Silva, as well as to the invited tutorialists Sam Buss and Alex Simpson.
Reliability of CT Enterography for Describing Fibrostenosing Crohn Disease
Authors: Rieder Florian , Ma Christopher , Hanzel Jurij , Fletcher Joel G. , Baker Mark E. , Wang Zhongya , Guizzetti Leonardo , Shackelton Lisa M. , Rémillard Julie , Patel Mihir , Niu Jiafei , Ottichilo Ronald , Santillan Cynthia S. , Capozzi Nunzia , Taylor Stuart A. , Bruining David H. , Zou Guangyong , Feagan Brian G. , Jairath Vipul , Rimola Jordi ,   for the Stenosis Therapy and Anti-Fibrotic Research (STAR) Consortium
Published: August 2024

Maximal associated small bowel dilation, stricture length, and maximal stricture wall thickness at CT enterography can reliably describe Crohn disease stricture severity and serve as eligibility or efficacy criteria in antistricture therapy trials.
A novel mouse model of hepatocyte-specific apoptosis-induced myeloid cell-dominant sterile liver injury and repair response
Authors: Bu Heng-Fu , Subramanian Saravanan , Chou Pauline M. , Liu Fangyi , Sun Leyu , Geng Hua , Wang Xiao , Liao Jie , Du Chao , Hu Joyce , Tan Stephanie C. , Nathan Nirmal , Yang Guang-Yu , Tan Xiao-Di
Published: August 2024

Bu et al. present a triple-transgenic mouse model, namely, 3xTg-iHAP mice that are engineered to explore hepatocyte apoptosis-triggered sterile liver injury and regeneration. This model demonstrates a full spectrum of liver wound-healing responses from asymptomatic apoptosis to injury, myeloid cell-dominant sterile inflammation, and repair after induction of hepatocyte-specific apoptosis. The robust nature of this model makes it an invaluable in vivo tool for studying sterile liver inflammation, regeneration, and new therapeutic strategies.
Decreased expression of DRA (SLC26A3) by a p38-driven IL-1α response contributes to diarrheal disease following in vivo challenge with Brachyspira spp.
Authors: Challa Nitin , Enns Cole B. , Keith Brandon A. , Harding John C. S. , Loewen Matthew E.
Published: August 2024

The diarrheal disease caused by the two infectious spirochete spp. B. hyodysenteriae and B. hampsonii reduced the expression of DRA ( SLC26A3), a major Cl−/HCO–3 exchanger involved in Cl− absorption. This is attributed to the upregulation of IL-1α driven by p38 MAPK. This work also describes a potential new mechanism in inflammatory diseases while showing the importance of IL-1α in maintaining DRA levels.