bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanische Konditionierung von künstlichem Herzmuskelgewebe
Authors: Lu Kun , Seidel Thomas , Tomasi Roland , Hagl Christian , Dendorfer Andreas
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Künstlich hergestelltes Myokard („engineered heart tissue“, EHT) ist vielversprechend als Ersatz für beschädigtes Herzmuskelgewebe und als Modell zur Erforschung kardialer Erkrankungen, doch seine Unreife in Morphologie und Funktion bleibt eine Herausforderung. In dieser Arbeit wurde progressive Dehnung als eine innovative Stimulation zur Förderung der Ausreifung von EHT entwickelt und systematisch evaluiert.

Methoden

Ringförmige EHT wurden aus humanen induziert-pluripotenten Stammzellen erstellt und in einem biomimetischen Gewebekultursystem schrittweise in 4 verschiedenen Geschwindigkeiten gedehnt. Der selbst entwickelte Bioreaktor ermöglichte eine kontinuierliche elektrische Stimulation und Messung der Kontraktionskräfte von 8 parallel kultivierten EHT.

Ergebnisse

Die durch Dehnung konditionierten EHT entwickelten innerhalb von 3 Wochen eine dem menschlichen Herzmuskel vergleichbare Kontraktionskraft. Nach dieser Phase wiesen sie charakteristische funktionelle Eigenschaften des menschlichen Myokards auf, inklusive einer positiven Kraft-Frequenz-Abhängigkeit, einer deutlichen Zunahme der Kontraktionskraft bei Steigerung der Vorlast und eines physiologischen Aktionspotenzials. Zudem führte die progressive Dehnung zu Längenwachstum und linearer Ausrichtung der Kardiomyozyten sowie zu verbesserter Dichte und Reifung der Sarkomere.

Schlussfolgerung

Konditionierung durch progressive Dehnung unterstützt die mechanische, elektrische und strukturelle Reifung von künstlich hergestelltem Myokard. Dieser Ansatz verringert den Unterschied zwischen künstlichem Gewebe und dem adulten menschlichen Myokard und könnte so wichtige Anforderungen der Krankheitsmodellierung und des myokardialen Gewebeersatzes erfüllen.
SubSol-HIe is an AMPK-dependent hypoxia-responsive subnucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarius that coordinates the hypoxic ventilatory response and protects against apnoea in mice
Authors: MacMillan Sandy , Burns David P. , O’Halloran Ken D. , Evans A. Mark
Published: April 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) suggests that the hypoxic ventilatory response is facilitated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), not at the carotid bodies, but within a subnucleus (Bregma -7.5 to -7.1 mm) of the nucleus tractus solitarius that exhibits right-sided bilateral asymmetry. Here, we map this subnucleus using cFos expression as a surrogate for neuronal activation and mice in which the genes encoding the AMPK-α1 (Prkaa1) and AMPK-α2 (Prkaa2) catalytic subunits were deleted in catecholaminergic cells by Cre expression via the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter. Comparative analysis of brainstem sections, relative to controls, revealed that AMPK-α1/α2 deletion inhibited, with right-sided bilateral asymmetry, cFos expression in and thus activation of a neuronal cluster that partially spanned three interconnected anatomical nuclei adjacent to the area postrema: SolDL (Bregma -7.44 mm to -7.48 mm), SolDM (Bregma -7.44 mm to -7.48 mm) and SubP (Bregma -7.48 mm to -7.56 mm). This approximates the volume identified by fMRI. Moreover, these nuclei are known to be in receipt of carotid body afferent inputs, and catecholaminergic neurons of SubP and SolDL innervate aspects of the ventrolateral medulla responsible for respiratory rhythmogenesis. Accordingly, AMPK-α1/α2 deletion attenuated hypoxia-evoked increases in minute ventilation (normalised to metabolism), reductions in expiration time, and increases sigh frequency, but increased apnoea frequency during hypoxia. The metabolic response to hypoxia in AMPK-α1/α2 knockout mice and the brainstem and spinal cord catecholamine levels were equivalent to controls. We conclude that within the brainstem an AMPK-dependent, hypoxia-responsive subnucleus partially spans SubP, SolDM and SolDL, namely SubSol-HIe, and is critical to coordination of active expiration, the hypoxic ventilatory response and defence against apnoea.
Utilization of the gastrocnemius flap for post-traumatic knee reconstruction: a systematic review
Authors: Gupta Rohun , Weisberger Joseph , Herzog Isabel , Roth Jacquelyn , Lee Edward S.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

High-energy injuries to the knee may lead to extensive soft tissue loss, fractures, and potential loss of extensor function. The gastrocnemius flap is a prominent reconstructive option for patients with injuries involving the knee and proximal third of the lower extremity. To the best of our knowledge, there has not been an informative review that has evaluated outcomes of patients who have undergone post-traumatic knee reconstruction with a pedicled medial or lateral gastrocnemius flap. The goal of this study is to assess outcomes in patients who have undergone gastrocnemius flap reconstruction after traumatic injuries to the knee.

Methods

The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology. Four databases were utilized including PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, Embase, and CINAHL. Our search criteria consisted of the following keywords: gastrocnemius, flap, knee, and traum*.

Results

A total of 204 studies were imported for screening, from which five papers met our final inclusion/exclusion criteria. The most common studies utilized in this review were case series followed by retrospective chart reviews. In total, 43 patients with traumatic soft tissue knee defects were included with an average patient age of 27.28 years. All patients had successful and clinical viable flaps post-operatively, and there were a total of five patients who had complications.

Conclusion

The gastrocnemius flap has demonstrated to be an effective option for individuals undergoing post-traumatic knee reconstruction. Infection rates, loss of mobility, and scarring represent a minority of complications that may be seen when this reconstructive technique is utilized. Still, additional randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies are required in order to further evaluate for other potential complications that may occur in this patient population.
Amlodipine inhibits Synaptotagmin-4’s oncogenic activity on gastric cancer proliferation by targeting calcium signaling
Authors: Huang Wen , Yang Shuo , Deng Minying , Luo Rongkui , Liang Huaiyu , Shen Yanyan , Yang Biyu , Xu Chen , Hou Yingyong
Published: April 2024

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally. Synaptotagmin-4 (SYT4), a calcium-sensing synaptic vesicle protein, has been implicated in the oncogenesis of diverse malignancies. Purpose: This study delineates the role of SYT4 in modulating clinical outcomes and biological behaviors in GC. Methods: We evaluated SYT4 expression in GC specimens using bioinformatics analyses and immunohistochemistry. Functional assays included CCK8 proliferation tests, apoptosis assays via flow cytometry, confocal calcium imaging, and xenograft models. Western blotting elucidated MAPK pathway involvement. Additionally, we investigated the impact of the calcium channel blocker amlodipine on cellular dynamics and MAPK pathway activity. Results: SYT4 was higher in GC tissues, and the elevated SYT4 was significantly correlated with adverse prognosis. Both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed SYT4 as an independent prognostic indicator for GC. Functionally, SYT4 promoted tumorigenesis by fostering cellular proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and enhancing intracellular Ca2+ influx, predominantly via MAPK pathway activation. Amlodipine pre-treatment attenuated SYT4-driven cell growth and potentiated apoptosis, corroborated by in vivo xenograft assessments. These effects were attributed to MAPK pathway suppression by amlodipine. Conclusion: SYT4 emerges as a potential prognostic biomarker and a pro-oncogenic mediator in GC through a Ca2+-dependent MAPK mechanism. Amlodipine demonstrates significant antitumor effects against SYT4-driven GC, positing its therapeutic promise. This study underscores the imperative of targeting calcium signaling in GC treatment strategies.
The relationship between benevolence and attitudes towards preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden
Authors: Åberg Louise , Osika Walter , Kollberg Gustav , Einhorn Stefan
Published: April 2024

Aim

The COVID–19 pandemic initially required sustainable behavioural changes to mitigate the spread of the infection. Thus, people were requested to comply with the recommendations given by the authorities. However, adherence to the recommendations varied considerably. Therefore, it is important to understand the driving forces behind such behavioural change. This study aims to investigate how people’s willingness to comply with preventive behaviour, including vaccination, during a pandemic is related to the prosocial emotion of benevolence, the inclination to do well.

Subject and methods

An online cross-sectional study was performed (N = 1014).

Result

The result showed a significant correlation for the whole study population between how well they followed the recommendations (M = 4.16, S = 0.92) and the levels of benevolence (M = 3.58, S = 0.74) r = 0.22, p =  < 0.001.

Conclusion

Further, there was a significant correlation between altruistic motives and compliance with recommendations, including the view on taking the vaccine. Our findings add to the concept that prosocial orientation during the COVID-19 pandemic increases compliance with preventive behaviour.
Automated machine learning: past, present and future
Authors: Baratchi Mitra , Wang Can , Limmer Steffen , van Rijn Jan N. , Hoos Holger , Bäck Thomas , Olhofer Markus
Published: April 2024

Automated machine learning (AutoML) is a young research area aiming at making high-performance machine learning techniques accessible to a broad set of users. This is achieved by identifying all design choices in creating a machine-learning model and addressing them automatically to generate performance-optimised models. In this article, we provide an extensive overview of the past and present, as well as future perspectives of AutoML. First, we introduce the concept of AutoML, formally define the problems it aims to solve and describe the three components underlying AutoML approaches: the search space, search strategy and performance evaluation. Next, we discuss hyperparameter optimisation (HPO) techniques commonly used in AutoML systems design, followed by providing an overview of the neural architecture search, a particular case of AutoML for automatically generating deep learning models. We further review and compare available AutoML systems. Finally, we provide a list of open challenges and future research directions. Overall, we offer a comprehensive overview for researchers and practitioners in the area of machine learning and provide a basis for further developments in AutoML.
Impact of a varied combinatorial mixture of β-1, 3 glucan and fructooligosaccharides on growth performance, metabolism, intestinal morphometry, expression of antioxidant-related genes, immunity, and protection against Vibrio alginolyticus in Red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus)
Authors: Eissa El-Sayed Hemdan , Ahmed Ragaa A. , Abd El-Aziz Yasmin M. , Hendam Basma M. , Eissa Moaheda E. H. , ElBanna Noha I.
Published: April 2024

Immunosaccharides such as β-glucans and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) strengthen the host’s immune responses. This study examined the influences of three levels of the β-1, 3 glucan-FOS combination on Red tilapia performance. Four diets were prepared: T0 as a control, while T0.5, T1, and T1.5 indicate the addition of β-1, 3 glucan-FOS mixture at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, respectively. Then, 240 red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus) (weight 6.1 ± 0.07gm) were allocated into four groups, and every group was fed tested diets for 56 days. After the feeding trial, growth parameters, erythrogram profile, liver and kidney function testes, glucose, histopathological analysis, and gene expressions for antioxidants, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) besides growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF1-related markers were assessed. Red tilapia fed T0.5, T1, and T1.5 exhibited consistent growth, survival rate, and homeostasis compared with the control group. Different supplement concentrations displayed varying levels of responses. The hepatorenal biomarkers (alanine transaminase (ALT = SGPT) and aspartate transaminase (AST = SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP = ALK), urea, and creatinine) and glucose showed a significant reduction in the supplemented groups compared with the control, especially in the T1 and T1.5 groups. The intestinal morphometric study revealed that fish group fed on T1 represented the best result, whereas group T1.5, followed by group T0.5, was moderately treated, compared to the control. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis displayed up-regulated expression of antioxidant and growth-correlated genes in the T1.5 groups. After 56 days, the β-1,3 glucan-FOS fed groups also exhibited an increase in survival rates compared to the control when challenged with a pathogenic Vibrio alginolyticus. Current findings suggest that inclusion of β-1,3 glucan-FOS in diets could enhance red tilapia biochemical parameters, growth, and protection against pathogenic V. alginolyticus infection.
Outcomes of Best-Practice Guided Digital Mental Health Interventions for Youth and Young Adults with Emerging Symptoms: Part II. A Systematic Review of User Experience Outcomes
Authors: Opie Jessica E. , Vuong An , Welsh Ellen T. , Esler Timothy B. , Khan Urooj Raza , Khalil Hanan
Published: April 2024

Although many young people demonstrate resilience and strength, research and clinical evidence highlight an upward trend in mental health concerns among those aged 12 to 25 years. Youth-specific digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) aim to address this trend by providing timely access to mental health support for young people (12–25 years). However, there is a considerable gap in understanding young people user experiences with digital interventions. This review, co-designed with Australia’s leading mental health organization Beyond Blue, utilizes a systematic methodology to synthesize evidence on user experience in youth-oriented digital mental health interventions that are fully or partially guided. Five relevant online databases were searched for articles published from 2018 to 2023, yielding 22,482 articles for screening and 22 studies were included in the present analysis. User experience outcomes relating to satisfaction and engagement were assessed for each included intervention, with experience indicators relating to usefulness, usability, value, credibility, and desirability being examined. Elements associated with positive/negative outcomes were extracted. Elements shown to positively influence user experience included peer engagement, modern app-based delivery, asynchronous support, and personalized content. In contrast, users disliked static content, homework/log-keeping, the requirement for multiple devices, and social media integration. Asynchronous interventions showed high satisfaction but faced engagement issues, with combined asynchronous/synchronous interventions reporting better completion rates. DMHIs offer a promising platform for youth mental health support and has the potential to dramatically increase the reach of interventions through the adoption of technological and user experience best practices. While young people respond positively to many aspects of intervention modernization, such as interactive, app-based design, other concepts, such as social media integration, they need to be adopted by the field more cautiously to ensure trust and engagement.

Trial Registration CRD42023405812
Air Pollution and Respiratory Infectious Diseases
Authors: Provenzano Sandro , Roth Sefi , Sager Lutz
Published: April 2024

Recent research suggests that short-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an elevated prevalence of respiratory infectious disease. In this paper, we examine the relationship between the air quality index and weekly cases of COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the United States. We address potential bias from omitted variables and measurement error with an instrumental variable approach using atmospheric temperature inversions. Unlike other recent studies, we find no relationship between air quality and either COVID-19 or ILI cases.
Genome-wide association analysis for drought tolerance and component traits in groundnut gene pool
Authors: Abady Seltene , Shimelis Hussein , Janila Pasupuleti , Wankhade Ankush , Chimote Vivek P.
Published: April 2024

The potential production and productivity of groundnuts are limited due to severe drought stress associated with climate change. The current study aimed to identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with drought tolerance and component traits for gene introgression and to guide marker-assisted breeding of groundnut varieties. Ninety-nine genetically diverse groundnut genotypes were phenotyped under drought-stressed and non-stressed field conditions in 2018/19 and 2019/20, and using the LeasyScan platform under non-stressed conditions in 2019/20 at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)/India. The samples were genotyped using 48 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers at the University of Georgia/USA. Phenotypic data was collected on 17 agronomic traits and subjected to statistical analyses. The SNP data were computed, and population structure was inferred using a Bayesian clustering method in Structure version 2.3.4, while linkage disequilibrium was calculated using the GAPIT program in R software. Marker-trait associations were deduced using Tassel 5.2.86. Significant phenotypic variations were recorded for drought tolerance and the assessed agronomic traits. GWAS analysis using PCA + K and Q + K models identified significant SNPs associated with leaf area (1 SNP), leaf area Index (1 SNP), specific leaf area (1 SNP), leaf relative water content (43 SNPs), number of primary branches (1 SNP) and hundred seed weight (1 SNP). Forty-seven and one marker-trait associations were detected under drought-stressed and non-stressed conditions, respectively. The candidate genes and markers identified in the current study are useful for accelerated groundnut breeding targeting drought tolerance and market-preferred traits.
Phenotypic and Immunological Characterization of Patients with Activated PI3Kδ Syndrome 1 Presenting with Autoimmunity
Authors: Li Qifan , Wang Wenjie , Wu Qi , Zhou Qinhua , Ying Wenjing , Hui Xiaoying , Sun Bijun , Hou Jia , Qian Feng , Wang Xiaochuan , Sun Jinqiao
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Autoimmunity is a significant feature of APDS1 patients. We aimed to explore the pathogenic immune phenotype and possible mechanisms of autoimmunity in APDS1 patients.

Methods

The clinical records and laboratory data of 42 APDS1 patients were reviewed. Immunophenotypes were evaluated by multiparametric flow cytometry. Autoantibodies were detected via antigen microarray analysis.

Results

A total of 42 children with PIK3CD gene mutations were enrolled. Immunological tests revealed increased proportions of effector memory cells (86%) and central memory cells (59%) among CD4+ T cells; increased proportions of effector memory cells (83%) and terminally differentiated effector memory T cells (38%) among CD8+ T cells. Fewer CD3+ T cells and B cells and higher IgG levels were reported in patients with autoimmunity. The proportion of Tregs was decreased, and the proportions of Th9, Tfh, and Tfr cells were increased in APDS1 patients. Among APDS1 patients, higher proportion of Th2 and Tfr cells were found in those with autoimmunity. The proportions of CD11c+ B and CD21lo B cells in patients with autoimmunity were significantly increased. Antigen microarray analysis revealed a wide range of IgG/IgM autoantibodies in patients with APDS1. In patients with autoimmunity, the proportion of Tfr might be positively correlated with autoantibodies.

Conclusions

The pathogenic immune phenotype of APDS1 patients included (1) deceased CD3+ T-cell and B-cell counts and increased IgG levels in patients with autoimmunity, (2) an imbalanced T helper cell subset, (3) increased proportions of autoreactive B cells, and (4) distinct autoantibody reactivities in patients with autoimmunity.
Characterisation of different types of power plant ashes as potential lunar regolith simulants
Authors: Mrówka Maciej , Moskal Grzegorz , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Mikuśkiewicz Marta , Wagner Paweł
Published: April 2024

Ashes from various Polish coal-fired power plants were analysed in this investigation as the source material for preparing simulants of lunar regolith. The chemical and phase constituents were the most important parameters used to describe these ashes. The second parameter was particle size and morphology, specifically characterising technological properties such as flowability or density. The final element of the investigation was related to the characterisation of thermal properties. Differential thermal analysis yields information on phase transitions, melting temperatures and other characteristic temperatures of stimulants. Thermogravimetry with Fourier transform infrared analysis provides information on evolved gas species and their evolution temperature profiles.
Key breeding habitats of threatened golden eagles across Eastern Canada identified using a multi-level, multi-scale habitat selection approach
Authors: Maynard Laurie D. , Lemaître Jérôme , Therrien Jean-François , Miller Tricia A. , Katzner Todd , Somershoe Scott , Cooper Jeff , Sargent Robert , Lecomte Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Context

In a conservation context, identifying key habitats suitable for reproduction, foraging, or survival is a useful tool, yet challenging for species with large geographic distributions and/or living in remote regions.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to identify selected habitats at multiple levels and scales of the threatened eastern North American population of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). We studied habitat selection at three levels: landscape (second order of selection), foraging (third order of selection), and nesting (fourth order of selection).

Methods

Using tracking data from 30 adults and 366 nest coordinates spanning over a 1.5 million km2area in remote boreal and Arctic regions, we modelled the three levels of habitat selection with resource selection functions using seven environmental features (aerial, topographical, and land cover). We then calculated the relative probability of selection in the study area to identify regions with higher probabilities of selection.

Results

Eagles selected more for terrain ruggedness index and relative elevation than land cover (i.e., forest cover, distance to water; mean difference in relative selection strength: 1.2 [0.71; 1.69], 95% CI) at all three levels. We also found that the relative probability of selection at all three levels was ~ 25% higher in the Arctic than in the boreal regions. Eagles breeding in the Arctic travelled shorter foraging distances with greater access to habitat with a high probability of selection than boreal eagles.

Conclusion

Here we found which aerial and topographical features were important for several of the eagles’ life cycle needs. We also identified important areas to monitor and preserve this threatened population. The next step is to quantify the quality of habitat by linking our multi-level, multi-scale approach to population demography and performance such as reproductive success.
Can GPU performance increase faster than the code error rate?
Authors: dos Santos Fernando Fernandes , Rech Paolo
Published: April 2024

Graphics processing units (GPUs) are the reference architecture to accelerate high-performance computing applications and the training/interference of convolutional neural networks. For both these domains, performance and reliability are two of the main constraints. It is believed that the only way to increase reliability is to sacrifice performance, e.g., using redundancies. We show in this paper that this is not always the case. As a very promising result, we found that most GPUs performance improvements also bring the benefit of increasing the number of executions correctly completed before experiencing a silent data corruption (SDC). We consider four different common GPUs’ performance optimizations: architectural solutions, software implementations, compiler optimizations, and threads degree of parallelism. We compare different implementations of a variety of parallel codes and, through beam experiments and applications profiling, we show that the performance improvement typically (but not necessarily) increases the GPU SDC rate. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of the configurations the performance gain is much higher than the SDC rate increase, allowing to process a higher amount of correct data. As we show, the programmer choices can increase up to $$25\times {}$$

25
×

the number of correctly completed executions without redesigning the algorithm nor including specific hardening solutions.
Can episodic memory deter cheating and promote altruism?
Authors: Keven Nazim
Published: April 2024

Episodic memory gives us the ability to mentally travel back in time to revisit and relive past experiences. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the function of episodic memory. According to the orthodox view, episodic memory should be considered a part of a constructive system that simulates the future for sophisticated foresight and flexible planning. In this paper, I offer a novel alternative view. I argue that episodic memory provides invaluable information about the past behavior of others, allowing us to identify reliable and trustworthy partners while avoiding dealing with cheaters. Theoretical models demonstrate that cooperation in groups can be maintained if potential partners use information about an individual’s past behavior to guide their behavior toward that individual. In these reputation-based models of human cooperation, individuals with a history of cheating are ostracized, whereas those with a history of cooperative behavior flourish. Against this theoretical background, it is possible to see a function of episodic memory in facilitating information exchange about others, helping group members make effective partner choices, and avoiding the risk of interacting with cheaters. If correct, episodic memory may have played a significant role in the evolution of human cooperation.
Restricted nominalism about number and its problems
Authors: Snyder Eric , Samuels Richard , Shapiro Stewart
Published: April 2024

Hofweber (Ontology and the ambitions of metaphysics, Oxford University Press, 2016) argues for a thesis he calls “internalism” with respect to natural number discourse: no expressions purporting to refer to natural numbers in fact refer, and no apparent quantification over natural numbers actually involves quantification over natural numbers as objects. He argues that while internalism leaves open the question of whether other kinds of abstracta exist, it precludes the existence of natural numbers, thus establishing what he calls “restricted nominalism” about natural numbers. We argue that Hofweber’s internalism fails to establish restricted nominalism. Not only is his primary argument for restricted nominalism invalid, the analysis of quantification proposed threatens to collapse internalism into either a traditional form of error theory or realism.
A comprehensive examination of temporal-seasonal variations of PM1.0 and PM2.5 in taiwan before and during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Room Shahzada Amani , Chiu Yi Chen , Pan Shih Yu , Chen Yu-Cheng , Hsiao Ta-Chih , Chou Charles C.-K. , Hussain Majid , Chi Kai Hsien
Published: April 2024

COVID-19 has been a significant global concern due to its contagious nature. In May 2021, Taiwan experienced a severe outbreak, leading the government to enforce strict Pandemic Alert Level 3 restrictions in order to curtail its spread. Although previous studies in Taiwan have examined the effects of these measures on air quality, further research is required to compare different time periods and assess the health implications of reducing particulate matter during the Level 3 lockdown. Herein, we analyzed the mass concentrations, chemical compositions, seasonal variations, sources, and potential health risks of PM1.0 and PM2.5 in Central Taiwan before and during the Level 3 lockdown. As a result, coal-fired boilers (47%) and traffic emissions (53%) were identified as the predominant sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM1.0, while in PM2.5, the dominant sources of PAHs were coal-fired boilers (28%), traffic emissions (50%), and iron and steel sinter plants (22.1%). Before the pandemic, a greater value of 20.9 ± 6.92 μg/m3 was observed for PM2.5, which decreased to 15.3 ± 2.51 μg/m3 during the pandemic due to a reduction in industrial and anthropogenic emissions. Additionally, prior to the pandemic, PM1.0 had a contribution rate of 79% to PM2.5, which changed to 89% during the pandemic. Similarly, BaPeq values in PM2.5 exhibited a comparable trend, with PM1.0 contributing 86% and 65% respectively. In both periods, the OC/EC ratios for PM1.0 and PM2.5 were above 2, due to secondary organic compounds. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of PAHs in PM2.5 decreased by 4.03 × 10-5 during the pandemic, with PM1.0 contributing 73% due to reduced anthropogenic activities.
Financial health and economic growth responsiveness as solution to environmental degradation in Pakistan
Authors: Golo Mansoor Ahmed , Han Dongping , Balsalobre-Lorente Daniel , Radulescu Magdalena
Published: April 2024

This study analyses the impact of GDP per capita, domestic credit, savings, and population on the environment in Pakistan from 1995 to 2019. The country has consistently been ranked eighth, fifth, and eight as an environmentally vulnerable nation from 1998 to 2017, 1999 to 2018, and 2000 to 2019, respectively. Therefore, the study explores the role of environmental awareness as a potential strategy for making peace with nature. Findings of the ARDL bounds testing approach confirm the long-run cointegration among variables of concern. In further assessment, the study determines that increased per capita income is detrimental to environmental quality in the long run. However, in the short run, it shows a favourable impact. On the other hand, domestic credit worsens the environment in the long and short runs. However, savings are positively insignificant in this regard. Furthermore, the total population significantly harms the environment in the long and short run. Fortunately, environmental awareness has emerged as a key solution to environmental degradation in Pakistan. Findings show that an increase in the dissemination of environmental awareness through the Internet, mobile, and landline phones, as well as by increasing education expenditures, mitigates the populations’ detrimental impact on the environment and improves environmental quality in the long run.

Graphical Abstract
Cash Transfers and After-School Programs: A Randomized Controlled Trial for Young Men at Risk of Violence Exposure in Wilmington, Delaware
Authors: Stacy Christina Plerhoples , Teles Daniel , González-Hermoso Jorge , Walker Fay , Morgan Anna , Huettner Steven , Thornton Rachel L. J. , Matson Pamela A.
Published: April 2024

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether an after-school program paired with a cash transfer (a conditional cash transfer) or a cash transfer alone (an unconditional cash transfer) can help improve health and economic outcomes for young men between the ages of 14 and 17 whose parents have low incomes and who live in neighborhoods with high crime rates. We find that receiving the cash transfer alone was associated with an increase in healthy behaviors (one of our primary outcome composite measures) and that the cash transfer paired with after-school programming was associated with an improvement in the financial health of participants (one of our secondary outcome composite measures). We find no differences in spending on alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or other drugs between either the treatment group and the control group. Neither the cash transfer alone nor the programming plus cash transfer had statistically significant effects on our other primary composite measures (physical and mental health or school attendance and disciplinary actions), or our other secondary composite measures (criminal justice engagement or social supports) but in most cases, confidence intervals were too large to rule out meaningful effects. Results suggest that cash transfers hold promise to improve the health of youth without any indication of any adverse effects.
Limiting money: redesigning the artifact that shapes modern people
Authors: Hornborg Alf
Published: April 2024

The transdisciplinary argument in this article is that the social and ecological unsustainability of modern, globalized capitalism ultimately derives from the design of its central artifact: what Polanyi called all- or general-purpose money. The notion of a singular measure of economic value is a peculiar cultural conception that is inherently at odds with physical reality, yet it pervades modern economic thought and practice as if it were immutable. To transcend the political impasse of economic globalization, a complementary national currency (CC) exclusively for local use could distinguish a sphere of exchange and special-purpose currency for basic needs from a global sphere of more remote exchange-values. To avoid the pitfalls and failures of earlier experiments with local currencies, such a CC would require the support of national authorities, the specified objective of sustainable consumption and production, and systematic efforts to provide citizens and entrepreneurs with ample incentives to utilize it. In combining the concept of a CC with that of a universal basic income (UBI), the reform would allow their advantages to complement each other, joining the generalized scale of UBI with the potential of politically influencing consumption patterns that is inherent in CC. An essential difference in relation to earlier experiments would be that the reach of the CC would not be defined in terms of the geographical location of retailers but in terms of the derivation, relative to the consumer, of the products and services into which it could be converted. Although no such system yet exists, this should not stop us from imagining its possibilities.
Comparison of Old and New Systemic Treatments for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Yim Hyun J. , Jean Tiffany , Ong Peck Y.
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

Historically, systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD) primarily consisted of immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids and Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDS), which provided symptomatic relief but often had long-term adverse effects. Newer treatments have shown significant efficacy with less side effects in clinical trials. This review discusses and compares conventional and newer systemic treatments for AD.

Recent Findings

Newer medications for AD including dupilumab, tralokinumab, lebrikizumab, and oral JAK inhibitors have been shown to be safe and efficacious. High dose cyclosporine and dupilumab were more effective than methotrexate and azathioprine in improving clinical signs of AD. High-dose upadacitinib was shown in another meta-analysis to be most effective in the measured outcomes but had the highest frequency of adverse events.

Targeted biologic treatments are increasingly favored over traditional immunosuppressive treatments of AD. Treatment can be individualized based on potency, adverse side effects, mechanism of action, and administration preference. Ongoing research continues to expand treatment options for AD.
Perceived parental psychological control and the risk of internet gaming disorder in adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Turan Nazan , Alkan Afra , Çekiç Yasemin
Published: April 2024

It is stated that parental psychological control (PC), which appears to hinder psychological development in children and adolescents, is associated with internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, parenting styles and practices vary across cultures. For this reason, to determine the risk of IGD in adolescents who are in the process of psychological development and to prevent it at an early stage, there is a need to better understand the effect of PC on the development of IGD. In this context, this study aims to examine the impact of perceived parental psychological control on the risk of Internet gaming disorder in Turkish adolescents. A cross-sectional design was used. The sample group consisted of 4498 students from eight public high schools in Turkey. Participant Information Form, the Psychological Control Scale, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short Form were used for collecting data. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the risk of IGD increased as maternal disrespect-maternal psychological control and father disrespect scores increased. Paternal psychological control score had no significant effect on IGD risk. In the multivariate model, age, father’s education level, spending money on games, time spent playing daily games on weekdays and weekends, and father’s psychological score were found to be associated with IGD risk. The effects of maternal disrespect and maternal psychological control scores on the IGD risk varied according to the number of siblings and the education level of the mother. As a result, parental PC was determined to affect the risk of IGD in Turkish adolescents significantly.
The impact of acculturation and psychological wellbeing on South Asian immigrant adolescents and youth: a scoping review
Authors: Kodippili Tirani , Ziaian Tahereh , Puvimanasinghe Teresa , Esterman Adrian , Clark Yvonne
Published: April 2024

Among the global immigrant population, one of the fastest growing populations is the South Asian community. South Asian youth have experienced difficulties acculturating to the host culture. These difficulties have caused issues relating to identity and conflicts with family members relating to dating, marriage, and education. This scoping review will aim to summarize the literature available on acculturation and psychological well-being. The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Askey & O’Malley’s approach to data extraction. During the initial search, 220 full-text articles were retrieved from the APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus databases. Ten articles were included in the final review. The following four themes were formulated: acculturation style, family conflict, coping style, and discrimination. We highlight that policies supporting collaboration between mental health practitioners, educators, researchers, and South Asian communities are critical for creating intervention programs that help South Asian families.
The Influence of Time, Tide, and Place on Fine-Scale Nekton Distribution: Insights from the San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Young Matthew J. , Feyrer Frederick , Hassrick Jason , Acuña Shawn , Ayers David , Donovan John , Grimaldo Lenny
Published: April 2024

The location of estuarine organisms varies based on geophysical cycles and environmental conditions, which can strongly bias understanding of organism abundance and distribution. In the San Francisco Estuary, California, extensive monitoring surveys have provided insight into the life history and ecology of certain commercially important or legislatively protected fish species. However, there remains substantial uncertainty in factors influencing the vertical and lateral distributions of many other nekton species in the San Francisco Estuary, including longfin smelt Spirinchus thaleichthys, for whom such distributional information may highly influence interpretation of existing data. We carried out paired sampling using surface and demersal gears to address three questions: (1) Does diel phase influence the vertical position of nekton (e.g., surface versus demersal)? (2) Do environmental conditions, specifically turbidity, influence the vertical and lateral positions of nekton (e.g., center channel versus peripheral shoal)? (3) Does tidal variability influence vertical and lateral distributions of nekton? We documented variability in sampled nekton densities across diel phase (day/night), vertical position (surface/bottom), and lateral position (channel/shoal). Tidal phase and turbidity concentration influenced vertical and lateral distributions for some species at certain locations. Although infrequently encountered, we documented associations of longfin smelt with the lower water column and shoal habitats, with some evidence for upward vertical shifts in low light conditions brought about by nightfall or elevated turbidity. Observed habitat associations provide insight into how interacting geophysical and environmental factors may influence the distribution of nekton and thus the vulnerability of individual species to detection by sampling gears.
The future of clinical trials—goals, ideas, and discussion
Authors: Gnant Michael , Gili Manuela , Schwarz Magdalena , Fesl Christian , Hlauschek Dominik , Jallitsch-Halper Anita , Fohler Hannes
Published: April 2024

Clinical trials are subject to an ever-evolving landscape of treatment options, regulatory requirements, socioeconomic conditions, and paradigms of scientific research. In this opinion paper, we illustrate current methods and topics with a focus on clinical trial designs, conduct and modes of collaboration. The example of successful clinical breast cancer research in Austria demonstrates the opportunities, but also the challenges for academic research. We also investigate potential pitfalls, and suggest new ideas and strategies on how to increase practicability along with transparency and fairness, but ultimately also scientific and clinical relevance of clinical trials in oncology.
New rules for sharing benefits from the use of digital sequence information
Authors: Halewood Michael
Published: April 2024

It is important for scientists engaged in genome editing to appreciate that the international community is currently engaged in highly dynamic negotiations to develop new rules for sharing benefits derived from the use of digital sequence information/genomic sequence data (DSI/GSD). Over the course of 10 years, this issue has grown in importance to the point where it is a key sticking point in at least four different United Nations fora. This paper examines why benefit-sharing from the use of DSI/GSD has become such an important topic, provides and overview of the current state of negotiations in key UN fora, and considers different potential outcomes.
Constacyclic locally recoverable codes from their duals
Authors: Zengin Rabia , Köroǧlu Mehmet Emin
Published: April 2024

A code has locality r if a symbol in any coordinate of a codeword in the code can be recovered by accessing the value of at most r other coordinates. Such codes are called locally recoverable codes (LRCs for short). Since LRCs can recover a failed node by accessing the minimum number of the surviving nodes, these codes are used in distributed storage systems such as Microsoft Azure. In this paper, constacyclic LRCs are obtained from their parity-check polynomials. Constacyclic codes with locality $$r\le 2$$

r
≤
2

and dimension 2 are obtained and a sufficient and necessary condition for these codes to have locality 1 is given. Then, the construction is generalized. Distance optimal constacyclic LRCs with distance 2 are obtained. Also, constacyclic codes with locality 1 are constructed. They may be so useful in practice thanks to their minimum locality. Constacyclic codes whose locality is equal to their dimension are given. Furthermore, constacyclic LRCs are obtained from cyclotomic cosets.
Hermeneutical Injustice and Bisexuality: Toward New Conceptual Tools
Authors: Boncompagni Anna
Published: April 2024

The starting point of this paper is a clarification of the forms that hermeneutical injustice takes for bisexual individuals. While it is often thought that bisexuals do not need special protections or politics because they easily “pass” for straight and thus enjoy so-called hetero privilege, this precise situation is a source of oppression, silencing, erasure, and discrimination for many of them within both straight and gay environments. Bi-invisibility, bi-erasure, and persistent negative stereotypes contribute to specific forms of hermeneutical injustice for this segment of the population. Reflection on these forms, however, as well as reflection on bisexual identity, highlights some problematic aspects connected to the metaphor of hermeneutical “gaps” and the underlying theoretical model that are often used or assumed in research on epistemic injustice. With the aim of clarifying and responding to such difficulties, I introduce Wittgenstein's notion of hinges as a conceptual tool to better understand these phenomena. The case of bisexuality shows that seeing hermeneutical injustice in the light of the metaphor of hinges, instead of that of gaps, helps better grasp its features, its causes, and the forms that it can assume.
Exploring the Nexus of Integration and Discrimination: A Comprehensive Study of Racial Dynamics Faced by Nigerian Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Jack-Vickers Esther C.
Published: April 2024

This study examines racial discrimination faced by Black immigrants in the US, focusing on its impacts on well-being, social integration, and intergroup relations. It highlights a gap in understanding African immigrants' discrimination experiences despite documented hate crimes. The research aims to understand how Nigerian immigrants are affected by integration into US society. Using a mixed methodology with surveys and interviews, the study reveals varied correlations between integration factors and discrimination experiences. It provides nuanced insights into how integration, national identity, and social networks influence Nigerian immigrants' relationships and encounters with discrimination in the US, contributing valuable perspectives on integration-discrimination dynamics.
Liberating Consumption, Urban Communities, and Women's Activism during Late Stalinism
Authors: Laas Nataliia
Published: April 2024

In the first post-war decade, Stalinist authorities resumed pre-war practices of voluntary gatherings of store patrons in large cities. Such meetings, called “consumer conferences,” constituted embryonic manifestations of proletarian governance that municipal officials considered ideologically safe to employ in a period when Kremlin elites increased their crackdown measures against the wartime liberalization initiatives. Drawing on people's insider knowledge of local communities, city authorities aimed to gather economic information about consumer needs to improve the retail system. Yet, urban working-class women, the most committed conference participants, saw stores more than as simply places of consumption: the store contributed to the local community's safety, hygiene, health, emotional comfort, and mutual trust. Consumer conferences therefore turned into a forum for women's activism as female urbanites used customer gatherings to carve out part of a state-curated public space in which they exercised a measure of control over their neighborhoods’ well-being.