bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physically Based Real‐Time Rendering of Atmospheres using Mie Theory
Authors: Schneegans S. , Meyran T. , Ginkel I. , Zachmann G. , Gerndt A.
Published: April 2024

Most real‐time rendering models for atmospheric effects have been designed and optimized for Earth's atmosphere. Some authors have proposed approaches for rendering other atmospheres, but these methods still use approximations that are only valid on Earth. For instance, the iconic blue glow of Martian sunsets can not be represented properly as the complex interference effects of light scattered at dust particles can not be captured by these approximations. In this paper, we present an approach for generalizing an existing model to make it capable of rendering extraterrestrial atmospheres. This is done by replacing the approximations with a physical model based on Mie Theory. We use the particle‐size distribution, the particle‐density distribution as well as the wavelength‐dependent refractive index of atmospheric particles as input. To demonstrate the feasibility of this idea, we extend the model by Bruneton et al. [BN08] and implement it into CosmoScout VR, an open‐source visualization of our Solar System. In a first step, we use Mie Theory to precompute the scattering behaviour of a particle mixture. Then, multi‐scattering is simulated, and finally the precomputation results are used for real‐time rendering. We demonstrate that this not only improves the visualization of the Martian atmosphere, but also creates more realistic results for our own atmosphere.
Physically‐Based Lighting for 3D Generative Models of Cars
Authors: Violante N. , Gauthier A. , Diolatzis S. , Leimkühler T. , Drettakis G.
Published: April 2024

Recent work has demonstrated that Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) can be trained to generate 3D content from 2D image collections, by synthesizing features for neural radiance field rendering. However, most such solutions generate radiance, with lighting entangled with materials. This results in unrealistic appearance, since lighting cannot be changed and view‐dependent effects such as reflections do not move correctly with the viewpoint. In addition, many methods have difficulty for full, 360° rotations, since they are often designed for mainly front‐facing scenes such as faces. We introduce a new 3D GAN framework that addresses these shortcomings, allowing multi‐view coherent 360° viewing and at the same time relighting for objects with shiny reflections, which we exemplify using a car dataset. The success of our solution stems from three main contributions. First, we estimate initial camera poses for a dataset of car images, and then learn to refine the distribution of camera parameters while training the GAN. Second, we propose an efficient Image‐Based Lighting model, that we use in a 3D GAN to generate disentangled reflectance, as opposed to the radiance synthesized in most previous work. The material is used for physically‐based rendering with a dataset of environment maps. Third, we improve the 3D GAN architecture compared to previous work and design a careful training strategy that allows effective disentanglement. Our model is the first that generate a variety of 3D cars that are multi‐view consistent and that can be relit interactively with any environment map.
Non‐Euclidean Sliced Optimal Transport Sampling
Authors: Genest Baptiste , Courty Nicolas , Coeurjolly David
Published: April 2024

In machine learning and computer graphics, a fundamental task is the approximation of a probability density function through a well‐dispersed collection of samples. Providing a formal metric for measuring the distance between probability measures on general spaces, Optimal Transport (OT) emerges as a pivotal theoretical framework within this context. However, the associated computational burden is prohibitive in most real‐world scenarios. Leveraging the simple structure of OT in 1D, Sliced Optimal Transport (SOT) has appeared as an efficient alternative to generate samples in Euclidean spaces. This paper pushes the boundaries of SOT utilization in computational geometry problems by extending its application to sample densities residing on more diverse mathematical domains, including the spherical space 𝕊d, the hyperbolic plane ℍd, and the real projective plane ℙd. Moreover, it ensures the quality of these samples by achieving a blue noise characteristic, regardless of the dimensionality involved. The robustness of our approach is highlighted through its application to various geometry processing tasks, such as the intrinsic blue noise sampling of meshes, as well as the sampling of directions and rotations. These applications collectively underscore the efficacy of our methodology.
Importance of methodological pluralism in deriving counterfactuals for evidence‐based conservation
Authors: Holden Petra , Anderson Molly , Eckardt Frank , Ziervogel Gina , Jack Samuel L. , New Mark G. , Smit Julian , Visser Martine , Hoffman M. Timm
Published: April 2024

Most protected area impact research that uses counterfactuals draws heavily on quantitative methods, data, and knowledge types, making it valuable in producing generalizations but limited in temporal scope, historical detail, and habitat diversity and coverage of ecosystem services. We devised a methodological pluralistic approach, which supports social science qualitative methods, narratives, mixed methods, and interdisciplinarity, to fully unlock the potential of counterfactuals in ensuring a place‐based and detailed understanding of the socioecological context and impacts of protected areas. We applied this approach to derive possible counterfactual conditions for the impact of a montane protected area on 40 years of vegetation change in the Cape Floristic Region—a global biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa. We incorporated diverse methods, knowledge, and information sources, drawing on before–after protected area comparisons for inside and outside the protected area. A significant increase in shrubland vegetation (17–30%) was observed and attributed primarily to a decline in frequent burning for grazing. This also occurred outside the protected area and was driven by socioeconomic drivers and not by concerns over biodiversity conservation or land degradation. Had the protected area not been established the area would have seen intensification of cultivation and increased road networks, buildings, and water storage in dams. Our approach increased historical temporal coverage of socioecological change and contextualized assumptions around causality. Protected area impact evaluation should reengage in place‐based research that fully incorporates pluralism in methodologies for constructing counterfactuals in a way that builds regional and global understanding from the local level upward. We devised 10 key principles for deriving counterfactuals grounded in methodological pluralism, covering aspects of collaboration, cocreation, inter‐ and transdisciplinarity, diverse values and lived experiences, multiple knowledge types, multiple possible causal mechanisms, social science qualitative methods, perceptions, perspectives, and narratives.
Real‐life use of letermovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Saltiel Grégoire , Faure Emmanuel , Assaf Ady , Chopin Marie‐Charlotte , Moreau Fanny , Faure Karine , Goeminne Céline , Vuotto Fanny
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains the predominant opportunistic infection following solid organ transplantation (SOT). While valganciclovir is the drug of choice for CMV prophylaxis, its utility can be compromised due to the risk of cytopenia. Letermovir, a novel agent approved for CMV prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and high‐risk kidney transplant recipients, exhibits reduced toxicity. This study aims to present the practical application of letermovir as both primary and secondary prophylaxis against CMV in heart transplant recipients (HTR).

Methods

In this observational, retrospective, single‐center study, we included all consecutive adult HTRs from June 2020 to January 2022 who were administered letermovir for CMV prophylaxis. We documented instances of CMV breakthrough infections, side effects related to letermovir, changes in neutropenia following the switch from valganciclovir to letermovir, and any drug interactions with the immunosuppressive regimen.

Results

The study comprised 10 patients: two received primary prophylaxis with letermovir due to a high risk of CMV infection (donor‐positive, recipient‐negative serostatus), and eight received it as secondary prophylaxis following a CMV infection. The median duration of letermovir administration was 8 months (range 3–12 months). No CMV breakthrough infections were reported while on prophylaxis. However, three patients experienced CMV breakthrough infections after discontinuing letermovir prophylaxis (30%). No significant side effects were observed, although one patient reported digestive intolerance. Among the nine patients on tacrolimus, six needed reduced doses after switching to letermovir.

Conclusion

This real‐life study appears to support the effectiveness of letermovir prophylaxis in HTR. Nonetheless, the risk of CMV infection post‐treatment cessation is notable. Further drug monitoring and research on the efficacy of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis in SOT patients is warranted.
Gram‐negative anaerobes elicit a robust keratinocytes immune response with potential insights into HS pathogenesis
Authors: Williams Samuel C. , Garcet Sandra , Hur Hong , Miura Shunsuke , Gonzalez Juana , Navrazhina Kristina , Yamamura‐Murai Mika , Yamamura Kazuhiko , Li Xuan , Frew John , Fischetti Vincent A. , Sela Uri , Krueger James G.
Published: April 2024

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic autoinflammatory skin disease with activated keratinocytes, tunnel formation and a complex immune infiltrate in tissue. The HS microbiome is polymicrobial with an abundance of commensal gram‐positive facultative (GPs) Staphylococcus species and gram‐negative anaerobic (GNA) bacteria like Prevotella, Fusobacterium and Porphyromonas with increasing predominance of GNAs with disease severity. We sought to define the keratinocyte response to bacteria commonly isolated from HS lesions to probe pathogenic relationships between HS and the microbiome. Type strains of Prevotella nigrescens, Prevotella melaninogenica, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella asaccharolytica, Fusobacterium nucleatum, as well as Staphylococcus aureus and the normal skin commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis were heat‐killed and co‐incubated with normal human keratinocytes. RNA was collected and analysed using RNAseq and RT‐qPCR. The supernatant was collected from cell culture for protein quantification. Transcriptomic profiles between HS clinical samples and stimulated keratinocytes were compared. Co‐staining of patient HS frozen sections was used to localize bacteria in lesions. A mouse intradermal injection model was used to investigate early immune recruitment. TLR4 and JAK inhibitors were used to investigate mechanistic avenues of bacterial response inhibition. GNAs, especially F. nucleatum, stimulated vastly higher CXCL8, IL17C, CCL20, IL6, TNF and IL36γ transcription in normal skin keratinocytes than the GPs S. epidermidis and S. aureus. Using RNAseq, we found that F. nucleatum (and Prevotella) strongly induced the IL‐17 pathway in keratinocytes and overlapped with transcriptome profiles of HS patient clinical samples. Bacteria were juxtaposed to activated keratinocytes in vivo, and F. nucleatum strongly recruited murine neutrophil and macrophage migration. Both the TLR4 and pan‐JAK inhibitors reduced cytokine production. Detailed transcriptomic profiling of healthy skin keratinocytes exposed to GNAs prevalent in HS revealed a potent, extensive inflammatory response vastly stronger than GPs. GNAs stimulated HS‐relevant genes, including many genes in the IL‐17 response pathway, and were significantly associated with HS tissue transcriptomes. The close association of activated keratinocytes with bacteria in HS lesions and innate infiltration in murine skin cemented GNA pathogenic potential. These novel mechanistic insights could drive future targeted therapies.
Changes in physical activity during the year after the Great East Japan Earthquake and future frailty in older survivors
Authors: Tsubota‐Utsugi Megumi , Sasaki Ryohei , Suzuki Ruriko , Tanno Kozo , Kuno Junji , Shimoda Haruki , Sakata Kiyomi
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study examines whether changes in physical activity (PA) during the first year after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011–2012) contributed to preventing the onset of future frailty among older survivors of the disaster.

Methods

This study tracked 2561 physically active Japanese survivors aged ≥ 65 years (43.6% men; mean age 72.9 years) who had completed self‐administered questionnaires in 2011 and 2012. PA levels for participants were classified into four categories based on ≥23 and <23 metabolic equivalent hours/week in 2011 and 2012: “consistently low,” “decreasing,” “increasing,” and “consistently high.” Frailty was defined as a Kihon Checklist score ≥ 5, which is used in the long‐term care insurance system in Japan. Hazard ratios were calculated for the onset of frailty using a Cox proportional hazards model that fitted the proportional sub‐distribution hazards regression model with weights for competing risks of death.

Results

From 2012 to 2018, 283 men and 490 women developed frailty. Men with consistently high or increasing PA during the first year after the disaster had a lower risk of frailty. Furthermore, even increasing PA by walking for just 30 min/day prevented future frailty in men; however, this association between a change in PA and the decreased risk of frailty was not observed in women.

Conclusions

Older men who remained physically active or resumed PA at an early stage and at a low intensity, even after being physically inactive owing to the disaster, were able to prevent future frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 563–570.
Development of clobetasol‐loaded biodegradable nanoparticles as an endodontic intracanal medicament
Authors: Elmsmari Firas , González Sánchez José Antonio , Delgado Luis M. , Espina Marta , Duran‐Sindreu Fernando , García Maria Luisa , Sánchez‐López Elena
Published: April 2024

Aim

The aim of current study is the development and optimization of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) to be used in the field of Endodontics as intracanal medication in cases of avulsed teeth with extended extra‐oral time, utilizing PLGA polymers loaded with the anti‐inflammatory drug clobetasol propionate (CP).

Methodology

CP‐loaded nanoparticles (CP‐NPs) were prepared using the solvent displacement method. CP release profile from CP‐NPs was assessed for 48 h against free CP. Using extracted human teeth, the degree of infiltration inside the dentinal tubules was studied for both CP‐NPs and CP. The anti‐inflammatory capacity of CP‐NPs was evaluated in vitro measuring their response and reaction against inflammatory cells, in particular against macrophages. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the cytokine release of IL‐1β and TNF‐α.

Results

Optimized CP‐NPs displayed an average size below 200 nm and a monomodal population. Additionally, spherical morphology and non‐aggregation of CP‐NPs were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Interaction studies showed that CP was encapsulated inside the NPs and no covalent bonds were formed. Moreover, CP‐NPs exhibited a prolonged and steady release with only 21% of the encapsulated CP released after 48 h. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, it was observed that CP‐NPs were able to display enhanced penetration into the dentinal tubules. Neither the release of TNF‐α nor IL‐1β increased in CP‐NPs compared to the LPS control, displaying results similar and even less than the TCP after 48 h. Moreover, IL‐1β release in LPS‐stimulated cells, decreased when macrophages were treated with CP‐NPs.

Conclusions

In the present work, CP‐NPs were prepared, optimized and characterized displaying significant increase in the degree of infiltration inside the dentinal tubules against CP and were able to significantly reduce TNF‐α release. Therefore, CP‐NPs constitute a promising therapy for the treatment of avulsed teeth with extended extra‐oral time.
Characterization of a full‐thickness decellularized and lyophilized human placental membrane for clinical applications
Authors: Wetzell Bradley , Ork Britini , Softic Davorka , Morse Jennifer , Hutchens William , Meng Fanwei , McLean Julie B. , Moore Mark A. , Qin Xiaofei
Published: April 2024

Allografts derived from live‐birth tissue obtained with donor consent have emerged as an important treatment option for wound and soft tissue repairs. Placental membrane derived from the amniotic sac consists of the amnion and chorion, the latter of which contains the trophoblast layer. For ease of cleaning and processing, these layers are often separated with or without re‐lamination and the trophoblast layer is typically discarded, both of which can negatively affect the abundance of native biological factors and make the grafts difficult to handle. Thus, a full‐thickness placental membrane that includes a fully‐intact decellularized trophoblast layer was developed for homologous clinical use as a protective barrier and scaffold in soft tissue repairs. Here, we demonstrate that this full‐thickness placental membrane is effectively decellularized while retaining native extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold and biological factors, including the full trophoblast layer. Following processing, it is porous, biocompatible, supports cell proliferation in vitro, and retains its biomechanical strength and the ability to pass through a cannula without visible evidence of movement or damage. Finally, it was accepted as a natural scaffold in vivo with evidence of host‐cell infiltration, angiogenesis, tissue remodelling, and structural layer retention for up to 10 weeks in a murine subcutaneous implant model.
Ecological correlates of alternative reproductive tactics: conspecific brood parasitism rates vary with nest predation and seasonal effects influenced by climate change
Authors: McRae Susan B.
Published: April 2024

Ecological and social factors shape individual reproductive strategies. Climate change has wide‐ranging effects on the timing of reproduction and availability of nesting sites for many birds. Ecological factors such as season length or predation rate could in turn affect the relative success rates of alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs). A new article by Pöysä (2024) featuring a long‐term study of common goldeneyes Bucephala clangula highlights the role of climate change in altering rates of conspecific brood parasitism (CBP) by affecting nest initiation dates and season length. While some authors have emphasized the effects of spatial and temporal aggregation of nests in promoting tactics of reproductive interference, few studies have addressed the effects of environmental variables on rates of CBP and other ARTs. I review some of the evidence for a relationship between population‐level nest predation rate and rates of CBP, principally in ducks and rails, and suggest a role for high rates of nest loss from all sources in the evolution of CBP and host responses. There is a need for further studies that examine environmental correlates of ARTs. Long‐term studies have the highest potential to reveal how shifts in phenology and life history variables may respond to environmental perturbations. Comparative studies of similar species in remote geographic locations can add perspective of how different ecological variables affect the prevalence of ARTs.
An unintentional consequence of taxation: Tax cuts and vertical pay dispersion
Authors: Song Xiaoning , Wu Cen , Zheng Ying
Published: April 2024

We study the effect of tax cuts on the pay dispersion between firms’ executives and rank‐and‐file employees. Using the 2009 value‐added tax (VAT) reform in China as a quasi‐experimental setting, we find that tax cuts are associated with increased vertical pay dispersion, which is an unintentional consequence. We also find that managerial power intensifies the effect of tax cuts on vertical pay dispersion, consistent with the view that the increase in pay dispersion is due to managerial rent extraction. Furthermore, our results are not driven by executives’ higher pay‐for‐performance sensitivity than rank‐and‐file employees. In addition, we find that the VAT reform significantly increases pay dispersion driven by noneconomic factors but has no significant impact on dispersion driven by economic factors. Overall, our results support the rent‐extraction channel for the effect of tax cuts on income inequality.
Coordination of bark and wood traits underlies forest‐to‐savanna evolutionary transitions
Authors: Dantas Vinicius L. , Oliveira Luan Carlos Silva , Marcati Carmen Regina , Sonsin‐Oliveira Júlia
Published: April 2024

Aim

To test the hypothesis that adaptive shifts leading to the assembly of tropical savannas involved coordination between bark and wood traits and to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Location

Tropical South America.

Taxon

Angiosperms (woody).

Methods

We compiled data on three bark traits (total, inner and outer relative bark thickness), wood density, maximum height, five secondary xylem traits and on species' habitat information (light environment, climate, soil and fire history) for Neotropical savanna, forest and generalist species (biome groups). We tested for pairwise and multivariate associations among traits across species and if biome group and habitat conditions explained species positions along the resulting strategy axes.

Results

Traits covaried along four different axes. The first axis was consistent with a trade‐off between fire (thick barks) and shade tolerance (low bark to diameter ratio, high vessel density) and contributed to differentiate the three biome groups according to the preference for shaded environments. Forest species also differed from savanna and generalist species in a separate axis by being more resource acquisitive. Maximum height and wood density did not strongly trade‐off with bark thickness, although maximum height was negatively covaried with relative outer bark thickness. Preference for shaded conditions was the main driver of variation in the two principal strategy axes, but temperature, fire and soil sand content also explained differences in plant stature between savanna and generalist species.

Main Conclusions

Allocation to bark is constrained by trade‐offs with wood, opposing shade‐tolerant and acquisitive forest species to fire‐resistant and conservative savanna species. Rather than a single strategy axis, three axes are necessary to understand the functional differences among savanna, forest and generalist species. Because two of these axes are controlled by light availability, the associated traits tend to covary in space and time, but not across species.
Decoding dynamic interactions between EGFR‐TKD and DAC through computational and experimental approaches: A novel breakthrough in lung melanoma treatment
Authors: Meher Rajesh Kumar , Mir Showkat Ahmad , Singh Kritika , Mukerjee Nobendu , Nayak Binata , Kumer Ajoy , Zughaibi Torki A. , Khan Mohd Shahnawaz , Tabrez Shams
Published: April 2024

In the quest for effective lung cancer treatments, the potential of 3,6‐diaminoacridine‐9‐carbonitrile (DAC) has emerged as a game changer. While DAC's efficacy against glioblastoma is well documented, its role in combating lung cancer has remained largely untapped. This study focuses on CTX‐1, exploring its interaction with the pivotal EGFR‐TKD protein, a crucial target in lung cancer therapeutics. A meticulous molecular docking analysis revealed that CTX‐1 exhibits a noteworthy binding affinity of −7.9 kcal/mol, challenging Erlotinib, a conventional lung cancer medication, which displayed a binding affinity of −7.3 kcal/mol. For a deeper understanding of CTX‐1's molecular mechanics, this study employed rigorous 100‐ns molecular dynamics simulations, demonstrating CTX‐1's remarkable stability in comparison with erlotinib. The Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM‐PBSA) method further corroborated these results, with CTX‐1 showing a free binding energy of −105.976 ± 1.916 kJ/mol. The true prowess of CTX‐1 was tested against diverse lung cancer cell lines, including A549, Hop‐62 and H‐1299. CTX‐1 not only significantly outperformed erlotinib in anticancer activity but also exhibited a spectrum of therapeutic effects. It effectively diminished cancer cell viability, induced DNA damage, halted cell cycle progression, generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), impaired mitochondrial transmembrane potential, instigated apoptosis and successfully inhibited EGFR‐TKD. This study not only underscores the potential of CTX‐1 a formidable contender in lung cancer treatment but also marks a paradigm shift in oncological therapeutics, offering new horizons in the fight against this formidable disease.
The role of anoctamin 1 in liver disease
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Yongfeng , Zhang Li , Yao Shun , Liu Qian , Jin Hai , Tuo Biguang
Published: April 2024

Liver diseases include all types of viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, liver failure (LF) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver disease is now one of the leading causes of disease and death worldwide, which compels us to better understand the mechanisms involved in the development of liver diseases. Anoctamin 1 (ANO1), a calcium‐activated chloride channel (CaCC), plays an important role in epithelial cell secretion, proliferation and migration. ANO1 plays a key role in transcriptional regulation as well as in many signalling pathways. It is involved in the genesis, development, progression and/or metastasis of several tumours and other diseases including liver diseases. This paper reviews the role and molecular mechanisms of ANO1 in the development of various liver diseases, aiming to provide a reference for further research on the role of ANO1 in liver diseases and to contribute to the improvement of therapeutic strategies for liver diseases by regulating ANO1.
Glutathione peroxidase 4 restrains temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis progression by inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Pang Chunyan , Zhang Hongmei , Liu Yi , Tang Na , Tian Kun , Mu Yandong , Li Xue , Xiao Li
Published: April 2024

There are few effective therapeutic strategies for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) due to the unclear pathology and mechanisms. We aimed to confirm the roles of GPX4 and ferroptosis in TMJOA progression. ELISA assay was hired to evaluate concentrations of ferroptosis‐related markers. The qRT‐PCR assay was hired to assess gene mRNA level. Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry were hired to verify the protein level. CCK‐8 assay was hired to detect cell viability. Human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) were cultured to confirm the effects of GPX4 and indicated inhibitors, and further verified the effects of GPX4 and ferroptosis inhibitors in TMJOA model rats. Markers of ferroptosis including 8‐hidroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) and iron were notably increased in TMJOA tissues and primary OA‐FLSs. However, the activity of the antioxidant system including the glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione (GSH) contents, and glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio was notably inhibited in TMJOA tissues, and the primary OA‐FLSs. Furthermore, the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression was down‐regulated in TMJOA tissues and primary OA‐FLSs. Animal and cell experiments have shown that ferroptosis inhibitors notably inhibited ferroptosis and promoted HLS survival as well as up‐regulated GPX4 expression. Also, GPX4 knockdown promoted ferroptosis and GPX4 overexpression inhibited ferroptosis. GPX4 also positively regulated cell survival which was the opposite with ferroptosis. In conclusion, GPX4 and ferroptosis regulated the progression of TMJOA. Targeting ferroptosis might be an effective therapeutic strategy for TMJOA patients in the clinic.
The moderating role of conscientiousness in the temporal association of stress on sleep
Authors: Quaedflieg Conny W. E. M. , Bossi Camilla , Bruijel Jessica
Published: April 2024

Personality traits have been associated with sleep problems and stress experience. However, their impact on objective sleep and the temporal relationship of stress on sleep has remained elusive. This study examined whether daytime stress predicts sleep the following night, and the moderating role of neuroticism and conscientiousness in this relationship. To introduce stress variability in natural daily stressors, we measured college students (N = 92) during exams (e.g. high academic stress) and at the start of new course period (e.g. low academic stress). Both objective (actigraphy) and subjective sleep, and daily self‐reported stress, were measured for 14 days and personality traits once. Reported daily stress was significantly higher in the exam period compared with baseline, suggesting that our natural manipulation did indeed result in variation in stress levels. Intra‐individual daily variations in stress were not associated with the following night's sleep timing, duration or fragmentation, implying that more stress during the day did not affect sleep the following night. Higher levels of neuroticism were associated with poorer daily subjective sleep quality and higher stress levels over the complete period. Neuroticism did not moderate the temporal association of stress on sleep. Conscientiousness moderated the association between intra‐individual stress and sleep fragmentation, and intra‐individual stress and wake‐up time. This implied that highly conscientious participants experienced less sleep fragmentation and woke‐up earlier after more stressful days. These results suggest an interconnected relationship among stress, sleep and personality. Focusing on one aspect, like handling stress or enhancing sleep quality, might yield positive effects on the rest.
Older people's experiences of vulnerability in a trust‐based welfare society affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lausund Hilde , Jøranson Nina , Breievne Grete , Myrstad Marius , Heiberg Kristi Elisabeth , Walle‐Hansen Marte Meyer , Heggestad Anne Kari Tolo
Published: April 2024

The early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak inflicted vulnerability on individuals and societies on a completely different scale than we have seen previously. The pandemic developed rapidly from 1 day to the next, and both society and individuals were put to the test. Older people's experiences of the early outbreak were no exception. Using an abductive analytical approach, the study explores the individual experiences of vulnerability as described by older people hospitalised with COVID–19 in the early outbreak. In these older people, we found that the societal context and the individual experiences of vulnerability were inextricable linked. The study demonstrates that despite significant individual stress, informants displayed an interesting ability to also view their situation to reorient their perspective. The experience of vulnerability is both conditional and individual, which imposes a degree of unpredictability that neither they nor others were able to negotiate. The article discusses the phenomenon of unpredictability in light of a modern society with regard to how individuals and society may encounter unexpected events in the future where the potential to reorient will be vital.
Rosa aharbalensis (Rosaceae), a new species from Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Wani Ishfaq Ahmad , Singh Kanwaljeet , Gairola Sumeet
Published: April 2024

The new species Rosa aharbalensis is described and illustrated from Tehsil Damhal Hanjipura of Jammu and Kashmir. It is morphologically similar to Rosa canina, but characterized by having velvety leaves, leaves with up to 9 leaflets, hairy stipules with glandular margins, hairy and eglandular pedicels, one bract and two bracteoles, sepal margins with numerous pinnae, emarginate and obcordate petals, hairy style, larger number of hips per inflorescence, more numerous stamens per flower, hips (pseudo fruits) sub‐globose to ovoid, achenes with sparse hairs, thin pollen exine and indistinct striae and narrow grooves on the exine surface.
ISPP presidential address: Why political psychology (and ISPP) benefit from including work (and members) from varieties of political systems, positions and locations, political cultures, theories, and methods
Authors: Pratto Felicia
Published: April 2024

Political psychology has greatly benefited from work that together addresses the enormous variety of political problems faced by people around the world, including those that are universal (e.g., how one gains access to basic needs, how power should be governed) and problems that confront people in particular situations (e.g., transitions of governmental forms, war, group exclusion, rapid economic change, decolonization, external intervention, national dominance). Adopting multiple standpoints and research agendas is necessary for us collectively to make our work useful to publics and to further the work each of us does. Another strength of our discipline is to employ the assumptions of multiple disciplines and of a variety of research methods. I will illustrate these points with research examples from several ISPP members and discuss ways that those in our discipline try to confront the difficulties that lack of commonality in theory, standpoint, methods, and epistemological assumptions can pose. Finally, I will summarize some of the work that various ISPP members have done to promote the development of political psychology and our society this year and invite further suggestions and contributions from members in how we can serve one another.
Research in brief: How prevalent is rough sex? Results from a national online sample of adults in Germany
Authors: Döring Nicola , Mohseni M. Rohangis , Pietras Laura , Dekker Arne , Briken Peer
Published: April 2024

Background

Rough sex refers to consensual sexual activities that incorporate playful aggression, such as hair pulling, spanking, or choking. It is relevant in the context of sexual health as it can enhance sexual arousal, pleasure, and intimacy among consenting partners. However, it can also be associated with consent violations, discomfort, and injuries ranging from mild to severe or even fatal. The prevalence of rough sex in Germany is widely unknown. Our study aims to establish, for the first time, the overall age‐related and gender‐related prevalence rates of active and passive rough sex involvement among adults in Germany.

Methods

A national online sample of 1101 adults from Germany, aged 18–69 years (50% men, 49% women, 1% gender‐diverse individuals) gave informed consent and reported on their lifetime engagement in rough sex in active and passive roles. We recruited participants through a professional panel provider for a multi‐themed sexual health survey. Data analysis was conducted using R, with 95% confidence intervals of prevalence rates computed to answer the research questions.

Results

Lifetime prevalence of rough sex involvement was 29%. Adults below the age of 40 reported higher rates of involvement (up to 43%) than people over 40 (up to 26%). Men reported predominantly active role involvement and women reported primarily passive role involvement.

Discussion

Results show that rough sex is common. Sexual health professionals, educators, and researchers should be prepared to guide current and aspiring practitioners of rough sex, helping them understand potential benefits, risks, and age‐ and gender‐related differences.
Innovating medical education: Development of an affordable, 3‐D printed knot‐tying simulator
Authors: Pourak Kian , Zugris Nicholas , Palmon Itai , Monovoukas Demetri , Waits Seth
Published: April 2024

Background

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) printing offers an innovative option to produce clinical simulators because of its low production costs and widespread availability. We aimed to develop a low‐cost, 3‐D printed knot‐tying simulator that overcomes the barriers students face in self‐directed skills development.

Approach

Medical students completing a procedural residency preparation course (PRPC) completed a pre‐survey with Likert scales and multiple choice questions to assess their perceptions of and barriers to self‐directed knot‐tying practice. Subsequently, a 3‐D printed knot‐tying simulator, which contains a progression of knot‐tying challenges and a designated video curriculum, was designed. After utilising the simulator in a 1‐hour, faculty‐guided knot‐tying session, PRPC students assessed the educational utility and usability of the simulator via a post‐survey.

Evaluation

The primary barriers students faced in engaging in self‐directed knot‐tying practice included limited accessibility to simulators and insufficient knowledge of knot‐tying techniques. Many students (91.3%, n = 21) agreed that practicing with the simulator improved their knot‐tying motor skills and was easy to use (100%, n = 23). Twenty‐two (95.7%) students agreed that they would continue to use the simulator beyond the knot‐tying session and PRPC.

Implications

We demonstrate the educational utility and usability of a novel 3‐D printed knot‐tying simulator for medical education. Enabling students to engage in self‐directed technical skills development is critical in developing surgical skills that can translate to clinical environments. Our simulator highlights the benefits of 3‐D printers as an innovative, inexpensive option to improve the availability and accessibility to medical education tools.
The time‐asymptotic expansion for the compressible Euler equations with damping
Authors: Huang Feimin , Wu Xiaochun
Published: April 2024

In 1992, Hsiao and Liu first showed that the solution to the compressible Euler equations with damping time‐asymptotically converges to the diffusion wave of the porous media equation. Geng et al. proposed a time‐asymptotic expansion around the diffusion wave , which is a better asymptotic profile than . In this paper, we rigorously justify the time‐asymptotic expansion by the approximate Green function method and the energy estimates. Moreover, the large time behavior of the solution to compressible Euler equations with damping is accurately characterized by the time‐asymptotic expansion.
Laboratory Demonstration of Grating Embedded Mirrors for Single-Shot Heliostat Optical Metrology
Authors: Wisniewski Hayden J. , Arnold Ian J. , Kim Daewook , Zuo Heng E. , Chalifoux Brandon D.
Published: April 2024

Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants need to monitor the surface slope error of thousands of heliostats with sub-milliradian accuracy. Large numbers of heliostats installed in harsh environments mean that measurement speed and durability are key design considerations for metrology systems. We present a compact, accurate, and high-speed heliostat slope error metrology system that is robust to the harsh environmental conditions at CSP plants. The system is composed of (1) grating embedded mirrors (GEMs), which have multiple different phase diffraction gratings written within a glass mirror substrate, and (2) a compact optical system, the diffractive auto-stigmatic Hartmann camera (DASHCam). Using focused ultrafast laser pulses, we write phase gratings within second-surface float glass mirror without damaging the reflective coating on the backside. The gratings direct a small fraction of incident light to non-specular directions, which the DASHCam senses from a virtual center of curvature to measure the mirror slopes at each grating patch. In a CSP plant, each heliostat mirror would be a GEM, and the DASHCam would rapidly measure slope and canting errors during heliostat manufacturing, installation, or operation. We fabricated 0.1 meter-diameter GEMs with 24 grating patches, built a prototype DASHCam system, and tested the system repeatability and accuracy by comparing against a Fizeau interferometer. Our results show, in a laboratory environment, 24μrad root mean square (RMS) measurement repeatability and 47μrad RMS accuracy, with single-shot image capture. The combination of GEMs and DASHCam is a promising metrology approach that could lead to improved optical accuracy of heliostats throughout their life cycle. This work serves as a proof of principle for this system.
Practice Design and Coaching to Support Learning in Elite Youth Soccer Players: Recommendations From International Coaches, Coach Educators, and Researchers
Authors: Bergmann Fynn , Wachsmuth Svenja , O’Connor Donna , Larkin Paul , Dugandzic Damir , Höner Oliver
Published: April 2024

Providing optimal learning support is a major challenge within talent development settings. To accomplish this challenge, practitioners’ decisions, and actions should be informed by a blend of practical experiences and academic knowledge. This study explored experts’ recommendations on how to facilitate learning in elite adolescent soccer players during practice. Special focus was dedicated to why certain practice and coaching approaches were recommended to better understand experts’ justifications. Eighteen semistructured interviews were conducted with international experts representing three complementary groups of expertise (i.e., six of each soccer coaches; coach educators/developers; and researchers in talent development, motor learning, or coaching pedagogy). By employing a reflexive thematic analysis three themes were constructed: (I) differentiating overarching learning goals to address players’ individual needs, (II) designing purposeful training sessions with the game in mind, and (III) coaching interventions to support player learning within a group environment. Overall, the experts recommended the complementary use of different practice and coaching strategies to address individual learning needs. While some strategies may be associated with conflicting theoretical paradigms and established pedagogical approaches, the findings inform a purposeful integration of those different approaches in practical work. Therefore, participants’ recommendations can be discussed by integrating interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives.
Reimagining the Coach–Athlete–Environment Relationships in the Digital Communications Era
Authors: Taylor Sarah , Renshaw Ian , Pinder Ross , Polman Remco , Davids Keith , Gorman Adam D.
Published: April 2024

The evolution of 4G and 5G digital technologies is (re)shaping contemporary methods of coaching by removing the requirement for coaches to be physically present at practice and competition venues. This technological advance provides opportunities for sports organisations, especially those with limited resources, to implement innovative learning and performance solutions by delivering remote coaching. In this insight paper, we reimagine what “the coaching environment” could look like by considering how the remote context may shape coaching. Currently, there is limited understanding of the use and implementation of such approaches, highlighting a need for further research to be conducted to better understand how online environments may impact the coaching process. We propose how adopting an ecological dynamics approach may align with existing research within coaching science and contemporary theorising in skill acquisition and motor learning, advocating a learner-centred approach to coaching. We then introduce and discuss the work of Roger Barker with a focus on “behaviour settings” and how this perspective may provide a lens for future research to explore different coaching environments. When complemented by ethnographic methodologies, this approach may provide a novel way to understand how coach–athlete interactions are framed in situ.
Measurement Reactivity in Ecological Momentary Assessment Studies of Movement-Related Behaviors
Authors: Maher Jaclyn P. , Arigo Danielle , Baga Kiri , Salvatore Gabrielle M. , Pasko Kristen , Hudgins Brynn L. , König Laura M.
Published: April 2024

Measurement reactivity has implications for behavioral science, as it is crucial to determine whether changes in constructs of interest represent true change or are an artifact of assessment. This study investigated whether measurement reactivity occurs for movement-related behaviors, motivational antecedents of behavior, and associations between them. Data from ecological momentary assessment studies of older adults (n = 195) and women in midlife (n = 75) lasting 8–10 days with 5–6 prompts/day and ambulatory monitoring of movement were used for this secondary data analysis. To examine potential drop-off patterns indicative of measurement reactivity, multilevel models tested whether behavior, antecedents, and associations changed after the first or first 2 prompts compared with remaining prompts and the first, first 2, or first 3 days compared with remaining days. Older adults’ sedentary behavior was lower, and time spent upright and intentions and self-efficacy to stand/move were higher on the first 2 and first 3 days compared with remaining days. Associations between intentions and self-efficacy and subsequent sedentary behavior were weaker earlier in the study compared to later. For women in midlife, light physical activity was higher at the first and first 2 prompts compared with remaining prompts, and physical activity motivation was higher across all prompts and days tested. There was a stronger association between intended and observed minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on the first 2 days compared with remaining days. Measurement reactivity appeared as expected for movement-related behaviors and motivational antecedents, though changes in associations between these constructs are likely do not reflect measurement reactivity.
Efficacy of an oral lipid nanocrystal formulation of amphotericin B (MAT2203) in the neutropenic mouse model of pulmonary mucormycosis
Authors: Gu Yiyou , Gebremariam Teclegiorgis , Alkhazraji Sondus , Youssef Eman , El-Gamal Sabrina , Matkovits Theresa , Cobb Jenel , Mannino Raphael , Ibrahim Ashraf S.
Published: April 2024

Invasive mucormycosis (IM) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. MAT2203 is an orally administered lipid nanocrystal formulation of amphotericin B, which has been shown to be safe and effective against other fungal infections. We sought to compare the efficacy of MAT2203 to liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) treatment in a neutropenic mouse model of IM due to
Rhizopus arrhizus
var.
delemar
or
Mucor circinelloides f. jenssenii
DI15-131. In
R. arrhizus
var.
delemar
-infected mice, 15 mg/kg of MAT2203 qd was as effective as 10 mg/kg of LAMB in prolonging median survival time vs placebo (13.5 and 16.5 days for MAT2203 and LAMB, respectively, vs 9 days for placebo) and enhancing overall survival vs placebo-treated mice (40% and 45% for MAT2203 and LAMB, respectively, vs 0% for placebo). A higher dose of 45 mg/kg of MAT2203 was not well tolerated by mice and showed no benefit over placebo. Similar results were obtained with mice infected with
M. circinelloides
. Furthermore, while both MAT2203 and LAMB treatment resulted in a significant reduction of ~1.0–2.0log and ~2.0–2.5log in
Rhizopus delemar
or
M. circinelloides
lung and brain burden vs placebo mice, respectively, LAMB significantly reduced tissue fungal burden in mice infected with
R. delemar
vs tissues of mice treated with MAT2203. These results support continued investigation and development of MAT2203 as a novel and oral formulation of amphotericin for the treatment of mucormycosis.