bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A graph-based superframework for mixture model estimation using EM: an analysis of US wholesale electricity markets
Authors: Mari Carlo , Baldassari Cristiano
Published: April 2023

A fully unsupervised graph-based superframework is proposed to handle the EM initialization problem for estimating mixture models on financial time series. Using a complex network approach that links time series and graphs, the graph-structured information derived from the observed data is exploited to produce a meaningful starting point for the EM algorithm. It is shown that structural information derived by complex graphs can definitely capture time series behavior and nonlinear relationships between different observations. The proposed methodology is employed to estimate Gaussian mixture models on US wholesale electricity market prices using two different configurations of the superframework. The obtained results show that the proposed methodology performs better than conventional initialization methods, such as K-means based techniques. The improvements are significant on the overall representation of the empirical distribution of log-returns and, in particular, on the first four moments. Moreover, this approach has a high degree of generalization and flexibility, exploiting graph manipulation and employing functional operating blocks, which can be adapted to very different empirical situations.
Incorporation of carbon black into a sonogel matrix: improving antifouling properties of a conducting polymer ceramic nanocomposite
Authors: Sierra-Padilla Alfonso , López-Iglesias David , Calatayud-Macías Paloma , García-Guzmán Juan José , Palacios-Santander José María , Cubillana-Aguilera Laura
Published: April 2023

A new electrochemical sensor device has been developed through the modification of a polyaniline-silicon oxide network with carbon black (CB). Enhanced electrical conductivity and antifouling properties have been achieved due to the integration of this cheap nanomaterial into the bulk of the sensor. The structure of the developed material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize electrochemically the Sonogel-Carbon/Carbon Black-PANI (SNG-C/CB-PANI) sensor device. In addition, differential pulse voltammetry was employed to evaluate the analytical response of the sensor towards sundry chlorophenols, common environmental hazards in aqueous ecosystems. The modified sensor material showed excellent antifouling properties, which led to a better electroanalytical performance than the one displayed with the bare sensor. Notably, a sensitivity of 5.48 × 103 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a limit of detection of 0.83 μM were obtained in the determination of 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (PCMC) at a working potential of 0.78 V (vs. 3 M Ag/AgCl/KCl), along with proficient values of reproducibility and repeatability (relative standard deviation < 3%). Finally, the analysis of PCMC was carried out in multiple validated water samples using the synthesized SNG-C/CB-PANI sensor device, obtaining excellent results of recovery values (97–104%). The synergetic effect of polyaniline and carbon black leads to novel antifouling and electrocatalytic effects that improve the applicability of this sensor in sample analysis versus complex conventional devices.

Graphical abstract
Temporal analysis and the joint probability distribution of rainfall indexes in the Taihu Lake Basin, China
Authors: Hao Manqiu , Gao Cheng , Chen Jian
Published: April 2023

Taking the Taihu Lake Basin as an example, in this study, the characteristics of the rainfall factors in the study area were analyzed using daily rainfall data from 1955 to 2019. Three factors, i.e., the contribution rate of the rainfall in the flood season, the rainfall frequency, and the maximum daily rainfall, were selected to determine the optimal probability distribution function for each single factor. Furthermore, the root mean square error goodness-of-fit test was used to determine the optimal copula function for the three-dimensional joint probability distribution characteristics of the rainfall factors. The research results show that the three-dimensional copula joint probability method contains much more information than the results of the single variable probability calculation. The copula function can be used to analyze the multi-dimensional joint distribution of rainfall factors, which can fill the gap in research on multiple rainfall factors.
Minimally invasive non-surgical therapy (MINST) in stage III periodontitis patients: 6-month results of a split-mouth, randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kučič Alja Cmok , Gašperšič Rok
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To determine if minimally invasive non-surgical therapy (MINST) outperforms classical non-surgical periodontal therapy for stage III periodontitis with primarily suprabony (horizontal) type defects.

Materials and methods

In a split-mouth randomised controlled trial, 20 patients’ dental quadrants were randomly assigned to MINST or classical non-surgical treatment. The primary outcome variable was the number of sites with probing pocket depth ≥ 5 mm and BOP. Treatment method, tooth type, smoking status, and gender were evaluated using a multivariate multilevel logistic regression model.

Results

After 6 months, the percentage of sites with PD ≥ 5 mm and BOP that healed (MINST = 75.5%; control group = 74.1%; p = 0.98), and the median number of persisting sites (MINST: 6.5, control group: 7.0; p = 0.925) were similar in both groups. In the test and control groups, respectively, median probing pocket depths (2.0 mm vs. 2.1 mm) and clinical attachment level (1.7 mm vs. 2.0 mm) changed significantly (p < 0.05) but similarly. Significantly less gingival recession occurred in the MINST group’s deep molar pockets compared to the control group (p = 0.037). Men (OR = 0.52, p = 0.014) and non-molars (OR = 3.84, p 0.001) had altered odds for healing of sites with PD ≥ 5 mm and BOP.

Conclusions

MINST reduces gingival recession associated with molar teeth, although it performs similarly to traditional non-surgical therapy in treating stage III periodontitis with predominately horizontal-type defects.

Clinical relevance

MINST performs similarly to non-surgical periodontal therapy in stage III periodontitis with predominantly suprabony defects.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04036513) on June 29, 2019.
Effectiveness of the platelet-rich fibrin in the control of pain associated with alveolar osteitis: a scoping review
Authors: La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Marcianò Antonia , Priolo Carlotta Ylenia , Peditto Matteo , Pedullà Eugenio , Bianchi Alberto
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The aim of this scoping review was to determine the effectiveness of the platelet-rich fibrin in the control of pain associated with alveolar osteitis.

Materials and methods

Reporting was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify all clinical studies on the application of platelet-rich fibrin in the control of pain caused by alveolar osteitis. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and qualitatively described.

Results

The initial search returned 81 articles, with 49 identified after duplicates removal; of these, 8 were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Three of the eight studies were randomized controlled clinical trials, and four were non-randomized clinical studies, two of which were controlled. One study was case series. In all of these studies, pain control was evaluated using the visual analog scale. Overall, the use of platelet-rich fibrin resulted effective in the control of pain determined by alveolar osteitis.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this scoping review, the application of platelet-rich fibrin in the post-extra-extraction alveolus reduced the pain associated with alveolar osteitis in almost all the included studies. Nevertheless, high-quality randomized trials with adequate sample size are warranted to draw firm conclusions.

Clinical relevance

Pain associated with alveolar osteitis causes discomfort to the patient and is challenging to be treated. Use of platelet-rich fibrin could be a promising clinical strategy for pain control in alveolar osteitis if its effectiveness will be confirmed by further high-quality studies.
On the convergence of numerical integration as a finite matrix approximation to multiplication operator
Authors: Sarmavuori Juha , Särkkä Simo
Published: April 2023

We study the convergence of a family of numerical integration methods where the numerical integration is formulated as a finite matrix approximation to a multiplication operator. For bounded functions, convergence has already been established using the theory of strong operator convergence. In this article, we consider unbounded functions and domains which pose several difficulties compared to the bounded case. A natural choice of method for this study is the theory of strong resolvent convergence which has previously been mostly applied to study the convergence of approximations of differential operators. The existing theory already includes convergence theorems that can be used as proofs as such for a limited class of functions and extended for a wider class of functions in terms of function growth or discontinuity. The extended results apply to all self-adjoint operators, not just multiplication operators. We also show how Jensen’s operator inequality can be used to analyse the convergence of an improper numerical integral of a function bounded by an operator convex function.
The effect of preservation on biomass and length estimates and its variation within and between two mayfly species
Authors: Dekanová Vladimíra , Streberová Zuzana , Novikmec Milan , Svitok Marek
Published: April 2023

Biomass estimation offers insight into aquatic ecosystem processes and represents a powerful tool for measuring biomass in communities. However, the accuracy of this estimate depends considerably on the sample preservation method and biological traits of species. We quantified the effect of commonly used preservatives (70% ethanol, 4% formaldehyde, freezing), preservation time and initial body length on the estimation bias of body length, wet mass and dry mass in two mayfly species with dorsoventrally flattened (Rhithrogena carpatoalpina) and cylindrically elongated (Habroleptoides confusa) bodies. Freezing caused the largest relative bias in the length estimates (up to 18%). Both ethanol and freezing led to significant underestimation of wet mass of preserved animals (up to 26%). The most severe biases were observed in dry weights, where all preservation methods reduced body mass by up to 89%. Importantly, initial body mass influenced the bias caused by preservation, and the larger animals were less affected by mass losses. In contrast, larger individuals were subject to greater length reduction. Additionally, the length–mass relationship for R. carpatoalpina, based on fresh mass of living animals, was significantly different from relationships based on preserved animals. Overall, formaldehyde caused the least biased estimates of length and biomass in both examined species. This case study indicates that direct measurements of unpreserved individuals or length–mass equations based on fresh material are likely the best ways to avoid severe underestimation of biomass in aquatic insects. However, more studies covering a broader range of taxa are needed to reach general conclusions.
Bryophyte diversity, composition and functional traits in relation to bedrock and tree species composition in close-to-nature managed forests
Authors: Kutnar Lado , Kermavnar Janez , Sabovljević Marko S.
Published: April 2023

Bryophytes respond to a variety of environmental factors, including tree species composition and geological conditions, which are influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Bryophytes growing on a variety of substrates were identified in ICP Forests monitoring plots in a wide range of close-to-nature managed forests, from lowland to high mountain areas in Slovenia. Based on data on tree layer composition (broadleaves vs. conifers) and on bedrock and soil type (calcareous vs. siliceous bedrock), all study plots were classified into five groups representing forest types. Different ordination analyses and statistical tests were used to represent differences between forest types in bryophyte composition, richness and functional traits. Almost 200 bryophyte species were identified in managed forests, with the most common being Hypnum cupressiforme, Brachytheciastrum velutinum and Polytrichum formosum. Bryophyte species composition varied considerably along the tree species composition and edaphic gradients represented by the selected forest types. Bryophyte species richness was significantly higher on calcareous bedrock than on siliceous bedrock. The higher occurrence of rocks on the ground surface may significantly increase the availability of various microhabitats for bryophytes. Bedrock had a significant influence on the functional diversity and composition of bryophytes, while tree species composition had less influence. Bedrock and tree species composition are important drivers of bryophyte species composition and diversity at taxonomic and functional trait levels. The high diversity of bryophyte species in Slovenian forests can also be attributed to close-to-nature and sustainable forest management practices that preserve favourable microclimatic conditions in forest stands and maintain diverse substrates.
Rant or rave: variation over time in the language of online reviews
Authors: Ziser Yftah , Webber Bonnie , Cohen Shay B.
Published: April 2023

We examine how the language of online reviews has changed over the past 20 years. The corpora we use for this analysis consist of online reviews, each of which is paired with a numerical rating. This allows us to control for the perceived sentiment of a review when examining its linguistic features. Our findings show that reviews have become less comprehensive, and more polarized and intense. We further analyzed two subgroups to understand these trends: (1) reviews labeled “helpful” and (2) reviews posted by persistent users. These trends also exist for helpful reviews (albeit in a weaker form), suggesting that the nature of reviews perceived as helpful is also changing. A similar pattern can be observed in reviews by persistent users, suggesting that these trends are not simply associated with new users but represent changes in overall user behavior. Additional analysis of Booking.com reviews indicates that these trends may reflect the increasing use of mobile devices, whose interface encourages briefer reviews. Lastly, we discuss the implications for readers, writers, and online reviewing platforms.
Comparative toxicological evaluations of novel forms nano-pesticides in liver and lung of albino rats
Authors: Abdel-Azeem Abeer M. , Abdel-Rehiem Eman S. , Farghali Ahmed A. , Khidr Fatma K. , Abdul-Hamid Manal
Published: April 2023

Copper oxide Nanoparticles (CuONPs) are used in different agricultural applications. Large amounts of CuONPs cause organ dysfunction in animals. Our study aim to compare between the toxic effects of CuONanSphere (CuONSp) and CuONanoFlower (CuONF) as new nano-pesticides, determine a less toxic form when used in agricultural applications. To characterize CuONSp and CuONF, we used X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Zeta-sizer device.18 adult male albino rats were divided into three groups (n = 6), (I) control group, (II) and (III) groups were given orally 50 mg/kg/day of CuONSp and CuONF 30 days respectively. CuONSp induced oxidant-antioxidant abnormalities, including an increase in malondialdhyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) in comparison to CuONF-treated one. CuONSp induced an increase in liver enzymes activities compared to CuONF. Tumour necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) detected an increased in liver and lung compared to CuONF. However, histological examinations revealed changes in CuONSp group than CuONF group. Changes in immune-expressions of TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kβ) and tumour suppressor gene (p53) were also more identified in CuONSp group than CuONF group. Ultrastructural studies of liver and lung tissues marked alternations were observed in CuONSp group than CuONF group. In conclusion, CuONSp induced biological alternation in liver and lung more than CuONF. So, CuONF is less toxic compared to CuONSp when used as nano-pesticide in agricultural applications.

Graphical abstract
Video steganography: recent advances and challenges
Authors: Kunhoth Jayakanth , Subramanian Nandhini , Al-Maadeed Somaya , Bouridane Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Video steganography approach enables hiding chunks of secret information inside video sequences. The features of video sequences including high capacity as well as complex structure make them more preferable for choosing as cover media over other media such as image, text, or audio. Video steganography is a prominent as well as the evolving field in the information security domain and significant number of video steganography methods are proposed in recent years. This article provides a comprehensive review of video steganography methods proposed in the literature. This article initially reviews various raw domain-based video steganography methods. In particular, the raw domain-based methods include spatial domain approaches such as least significant bits (LSB), transform domain-based methods such as discrete wavelet transform, discrete cosine transform, etc. Furthermore, the article looks into various compressed domain steganography methods. A critical comparative analysis is included in the article to analyze and contrast the steganography methods proposed in the literature. A brief description of various evaluation matrices for video steganography methods is provided in this article. Moreover, a brief introduction to steganalysis and video steganalysis is provided. The article concludes with a discussion focused on the limitations and challenges of the video steganography methods. Further, a brief insight into future directions in video steganography systems is provided.
Entrepreneurial ecosystems, institutional quality, and the unexpected role of the sustainability orientation of entrepreneurs
Authors: Audretsch David Bruce , Belitski Maksim , Eichler Georg Maximilian , Schwarz Erich
Published: April 2023

While research on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) has consolidated over the last decade, one question remains unanswered: how can the sustainability orientation of EE actors facilitate the intensity and growth orientation of entrepreneurship in the ecosystem? Entrepreneurship activity relies on the sustainability orientation of the ecosystem, which is lacking in most developing countries where reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the most pressing concern. Using primary data on 1789 EE actors from 17 cities in East and South-East Europe and econometric analysis techniques, we investigate the relationship between the sustainability orientation of EE actors and EE outcomes. We find that this relationship is conditional on the country’s institutional quality and is consistent for a variety of EE outcomes. Practical implications for regional policymakers and entrepreneurs are developed.
Modeling Gender Life Expectancy Ratio in a Multi-population Framework
Authors: Cefalo Leonardo , Levantesi Susanna , Nigri Andrea
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to assess whether the male-to-female ratio in life expectancy is driven by cross-national long-period common trends. If a common trend is detected across a group of countries, then a model taking it into account should provide a more reliable description of the process in scope. We model the gender life expectancy ratio of a set of countries as a multivariate time series. Since our study includes data from 25 countries that are characterized by different longevity patterns, we preliminarily aggregate populations in clusters. Once we verify that all these series are non-stationary, we apply Johansen’s cointegration rank test to each cluster. The idea behind this methodology is to detect any stationary linear combination out of nonstationary variables, which implies that the series share some underlying long-period equilibrium relationships. If the cointegration rank test provides evidence for any cointegrating relationship, we further check whether estimated linear combinations of the single series - namely the error correction terms - are stationary. Finally, we measure forecasting errors with respect to the 10-year testing set. At least for two clusters over six, we find enough evidence to outline some cointegrating relationships in the male-to-female life expectancy ratio. This result leads us to assume that an underlying long-period equilibrium in life expectancy gender differentials does exist among the single countries included in these clusters.
The transcription regulator ATF4 is a mediator of skeletal muscle aging
Authors: Miller Matthew J. , Marcotte George R. , Basisty Nathan , Wehrfritz Cameron , Ryan Zachary C. , Strub Matthew D. , McKeen Andrew T. , Stern Jennifer I. , Nath Karl A. , Rasmussen Blake B. , Judge Andrew R. , Schilling Birgit , Ebert Scott M. , Adams Christopher M.
Published: April 2023

Aging slowly erodes skeletal muscle strength and mass, eventually leading to profound functional deficits and muscle atrophy. The molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle aging are not well understood. To better understand mechanisms of muscle aging, we investigated the potential role of ATF4, a transcription regulatory protein that can rapidly promote skeletal muscle atrophy in young animals deprived of adequate nutrition or activity. To test the hypothesis that ATF4 may be involved in skeletal muscle aging, we studied fed and active muscle-specific ATF4 knockout mice (ATF4 mKO mice) at 6 months of age, when wild-type mice have achieved peak muscle mass and function, and at 22 months of age, when wild-type mice have begun to manifest age-related muscle atrophy and weakness. We found that 6-month-old ATF4 mKO mice develop normally and are phenotypically indistinguishable from 6-month-old littermate control mice. However, as ATF4 mKO mice become older, they exhibit significant protection from age-related declines in strength, muscle quality, exercise capacity, and muscle mass. Furthermore, ATF4 mKO muscles are protected from some of the transcriptional changes characteristic of normal muscle aging (repression of certain anabolic mRNAs and induction of certain senescence-associated mRNAs), and ATF4 mKO muscles exhibit altered turnover of several proteins with important roles in skeletal muscle structure and metabolism. Collectively, these data suggest ATF4 as an essential mediator of skeletal muscle aging and provide new insight into a degenerative process that impairs the health and quality of life of many older adults.
Entrepreneurial intention and creative performance – the role of distress tolerance
Authors: Caniëls Marjolein C. J. , Motylska-Kuźma Anna
Published: April 2023

The Person-Entrepreneurship fit perspective poses that individuals are drawn to work settings that match their personal preferences, attitudes and goals. We argue that compatibility between personal attributes of individuals and their intention to become an entrepreneur is positively associated to creative (entrepreneurial) performance. While previous studies have branded trait creativity as an important personal resource for entrepreneurs, research has yet to investigate entrepreneurial intention as antecedent of entrepreneurs’ creative performance. Therefore, this two-wave study investigates the conditions under which entrepreneurial intentions of student entrepreneurs are related to their creative performance. Specifically, we investigate the three-way interaction between entrepreneurial intention, opportunity recognition and distress tolerance in determining creative performance in a sample of 142 Polish student entrepreneurs. We use Hayes’ process function for R to examine the hypothesized three-way moderation effect (Model template 3). Theoretical contributions of this study lie in (1) advancing theory on creative performance in the context of entrepreneurship, as well as (2) extending the work on Person-Entrepreneurship fit, by establishing a contingency model in which individuals aiming at entrepreneurship and having specific personal attributes may be more likely to display entrepreneurial creativity under certain conditions. Findings indicate that opportunity recognition and distress tolerance act as boundary conditions, moderating the intention-performance relationship. The relationship between entrepreneurial intention and creative performance only holds for entrepreneurs with high levels of opportunity recognition. Moreover, low distress tolerance impedes the stimulating effect of opportunity recognition on the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and creative performance.
Quantification of olanzapine and its three metabolites by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in human body fluids obtained from four deceased, and confirmation of the reduction from olanzapine N-oxide to olanzapine in whole blood in vitro
Authors: Nozawa Hideki , Minakata Kayoko , Hasegawa Koutaro , Yamagishi Itaru , Miyoshi Naotomo , Suzuki Masako , Kitamoto Takuya , Kondo Minako , Watanabe Kanako , Suzuki Osamu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Quantification of olanzapine (OLZ) and its metabolites such as N-desmethylolanzapine (DM-O), 2-hydroxymethylolanzapine (2H-O) and olanzapine N-oxide (NO-O) in five kinds of human body fluids including whole blood by liquid chromatography (LC)–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been presented; the quantification methods were carefully devised and validated using the matrix-matched calibration and standard addition methods.

Methods

OLZ and its three metabolites were extracted from 40 μL each of body fluids by two-step liquid–liquid separations. The samples and reagents were pre-cooled in a container filled with ice for the extraction because of the thermal instability of OLZ and its three metabolites especially in whole blood.

Results

The limits of quantification (LOQs) of OLZ and 2H-O were 0.05 ng/mL and those of DM-O and NO-O were 0.15 ng/mL in whole blood and urine, respectively. The concentrations of OLZ and its metabolites in heart whole blood, pericardial fluid, stomach contents, bile and urine were determined for two cadavers and those in whole blood and urine for the other two cadavers. The reduction from NO-O to OLZ was observed at 25 ℃ in whole blood in vitro.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report on the quantification of metabolites of olanzapine in the authentic human body fluids by LC–MS/MS as well as on the confirmation of in vitro reduction from NO-O to OLZ in whole blood that seems to have induced the quick decrease of NO-O.
Higher body weight-dependent neural activation during reward processing
Authors: Richter Maike , Widera Sophia , Malz Franziska , Goltermann Janik , Steinmann Lavinia , Kraus Anna , Enneking Verena , Meinert Susanne , Repple Jonathan , Redlich Ronny , Leehr Elisabeth J. , Grotegerd Dominik , Dohm Katharina , Kugel Harald , Bauer Jochen , Arolt Volker , Dannlowski Udo , Opel Nils
Published: April 2023

Obesity is associated with alterations in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to reward processing. Although brain structural investigations have demonstrated a continuous association between higher body weight and reduced gray matter in well-powered samples, functional neuroimaging studies have typically only contrasted individuals from the normal weight and obese body mass index (BMI) ranges with modest sample sizes. It remains unclear, whether the commonly found hyperresponsiveness of the reward circuit can (a) be replicated in well-powered studies and (b) be found as a function of higher body weight even below the threshold of clinical obesity. 383 adults across the weight spectrum underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during a common card-guessing paradigm simulating monetary reward. Multiple regression was used to investigate the association of BMI and neural activation in the reward circuit. In addition, a one-way ANOVA model comparing three weight groups (normal weight, overweight, obese) was calculated. Higher BMI was associated with higher reward response in the bilateral insula. This association could no longer be found when participants with obesity were excluded from the analysis. The ANOVA revealed higher activation in obese vs. lean, but no difference between lean and overweight participants. The overactivation of reward-related brain areas in obesity is a consistent finding that can be replicated in large samples. In contrast to brain structural aberrations associated with higher body weight, the neurofunctional underpinnings of reward processing in the insula appear to be more pronounced in the higher body weight range.
A new species of phytophagous flower fly (Diptera, Syrphidae), feeding on holoparasitic broomrape plants (Orobanchaceae) for the first time in Europe
Authors: Aracil Andrea , Grković Ana , Pérez-Bañón Celeste , Kočiš Tubić Nataša , Juan Ana , Radenković Snežana , Vujić Ante , Rojo Santos
Published: April 2023

The first data on the interaction between a phytophagous hoverfly and holoparasitic broomrape plants in Europe is reported. Description of the new species Eumerus larvatus sp. nov. Aracil, Grković et Pérez-Bañón is presented from specimens feeding within the fleshy hypogeal stems of Cistanche phelypaea in different localities of Southeast of Iberian Peninsula. Both, adult and preimaginal morphology are studied, including also a molecular analysis based on COI gene sequences. The molecular data, together with the diagnostic morphological characteristics of the adult, indicate that the species belongs to the Eumerus tricolor species-group. This paper presents the first in-depth and detailed description of the preimaginal morphology of a representative of this species group, based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images.
Mapping Community-Engaged Implementation Strategies with Transgender Scientists, Stakeholders, and Trans-Led Community Organizations
Authors: Restar Arjee , Minalga Brian J. , Quilantang Ma. Irene , Adamson Tyler , Dusic Emerson , van der Merwe Leigh-Ann , Millet Greg , Rosadiño Danvic , Laguing Tanya , Lett Elle , Everhart Avery , Phillips Gregory , Janamnuaysook Rena , Seekaew Pich , Baker Kellan , Ashley Florence , Wickersham Jeffrey , Wallace Stephaun E. , Operario Don , Gamarel Kristi E.
Published: April 2023

Purpose of Review

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents one of the most effective methods of prevention for HIV, but remains inequitable, leaving many transgender and nonbinary (trans) individuals unable to benefit from this resource. Deploying community-engaged PrEP implementation strategies for trans populations will be crucial for ending the HIV epidemic.

Recent Findings

While most PrEP studies have progressed in addressing pertinent research questions about gender-affirming care and PrEP at the biomedical and clinical levels, research on how to best implement gender-affirming PrEP systems at the social, community, and structural levels remains outstanding.

The science of community-engaged implementation to build gender-affirming PrEP systems must be more fully developed. Most published PrEP studies with trans people report on outcomes rather than processes, leaving out important lessons learned about how to design, integrate, and implement PrEP in tandem with gender-affirming care. The expertise of trans scientists, stakeholders, and trans-led community organizations is essential to building gender-affirming PrEP systems.
Toxoplasma gondii-derived antigen modifies tumor microenvironment of Ehrlich solid carcinoma murine model and enhances immunotherapeutic activity of cyclophosphamide
Authors: Ismail Cherine A. , Eissa Maha M. , Gaafar Maha R. , Younis Layla K. , El Skhawy Nahla
Published: April 2023

Pathogen-based cancer vaccine is a promising immunotherapeutic weapon to stimulate cancer immunosuppressive state. Toxoplasma gondii is a potent immunostimulant, and low-dose infection was linked to cancer resistance. Our goal was to evaluate the therapeutic antineoplastic activity of autoclaved Toxoplasma vaccine (ATV) against Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC) in mice in reference to and in combination with low-dose cyclophosphamide (CP), a cancer immunomodulator. Mice inoculation with ESC was followed by applying different treatment modalities including ATV, CP, and CP/ATV. We evaluated the impact of the different treatments on liver enzymes and pathology, tumor weight, volume, and histopathological changes. Using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated CD8+ T cell, FOXP3+ Treg, CD8+/Treg outside and inside ESC, and angiogenesis. Results showed significant tumor weights and volumes reduction with all treatments with 13.3% inhibition of tumor development upon combined CP/ATV use. Significant necrosis and fibrosis were noted in ESC by all treatments with improved hepatic functions versus non-treated control. Although ATV was almost equivalent to CP in tumor gross and histopathology, it promoted an immunostimulatory activity with significant Treg cells depletion outside ESC and CD8+ T cells infiltration inside ESC with higher CD8+ T/Treg ratio inside ESC superior to CP. Combined with CP, ATV exhibited significant synergistic immunotherapeutic and antiangiogenic action compared to either treatment alone with significant Kupffer cells hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Exclusively, therapeutic antineoplastic and antiangiogenic activity of ATV against ESC was verified that boosted CP immunomodulatory action which highlights a novel biological cancer immunotherapeutic vaccine candidate.
Diaries as Technologies for Sense-making and Self-transformation in Times of Vulnerability
Authors: Bernal Marcos Marcos José , Zittoun Tania , Gillespie Alex
Published: April 2023

Diaries have been generally understood as “windows” on sense-making processes when studying life ruptures. In this article, we draw on Michel Foucault’s conceptualization of self-writing as a “technology of the self” and on sociocultural psychology to propose that diaries are not “windows” but technologies that aid in the sense-making. Concretely, we analyzed three non-exhaustive and non-exclusive uses of diary writing in times of vulnerability: (1) imagination of the future and preparation to encounter difficulties; (2) distancing from one’s own experience; and (3) creating personal commitments. Our longitudinal data comprised three public online diaries written over more than twenty years, belonging to three anonymous individuals selected from a database of more than 400 diaries. We analyzed these three diaries by iterating between qualitative and quantitative analysis. We conclude that: (1) beyond their expressive dimension, diaries are technologies that support the sense-making process, but not without difficulties; (2) diaries form a self-generated space for dialogue with oneself in which the diarist also becomes aware of the social nature of her life story; (3) diaries are not only technologies for the Socratic “know thyself” but also technologies to work on oneself, especially in terms of the personal perspective on the past or the future; and (4) the practice of diary writing goes beyond sense-making towards personal development and the desire to transform one’s life trajectory.
ACT-Endorsing Libertarianism, Constitutive Luck, and Basic Moral Responsibility
Authors: Taggart Christopher P.
Published: April 2023

Because an agent’s constitutive luck may seem to preclude free will, it may seem to preclude moral responsibility. An agent is basically morally responsible for performing actionAat timetonly if there is another possible world with the same past up totand the same laws of nature in which the agent does not performAatt. A compatibilist can solve the constitutive luck problem for moral responsibility without worrying about basic moral responsibility. According to compatibilism, if determinism is true, then agents can be morally responsible for performing actions without being basically morally responsible for performing them. But a libertarian who thinks agents can be basically morally responsible for what they do must explain how basic moral responsibility is possible. ACT-endorsing libertarianism can both solve the constitutive luck problem for moral responsibility and explain how agents can be basically morally responsible for what they do.
Mental Health and Involuntary Retirement from Sports Post-Musculoskeletal Injury in Adult Athletes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Furie Kira , Park Anna L. , Wong Stephanie E.
Published: April 2023

Purpose of Review

The psychological aspects of musculoskeletal injury are often overlooked in the rehabilitation process. This review examines the effects of musculoskeletal injury on mental health in adult athletes and identifies themes to guide further research.

Recent Findings

Athletes are at risk for mental health struggles due to high athletic identity and identity foreclosure. Injured athletes have specifically been shown to have higher rates of anxiety and depression when compared to the general population. There is a lack of intervention-based research on the psychological well-being of athletes, and there are no systematic reviews synthesizing the impact of musculoskeletal injury on the mental health of adult athletes across a variety of sports.

Across professional, college-level, and amateur athletes, musculoskeletal injury is associated with worse mental health scores, including higher distress, higher anxiety and depression, lower social functioning, and lower health-related quality of life. For adults, involuntary retirement from sports due to musculoskeletal injury is a common theme associated with increased psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. In the reviewed literature, 22 unique mental health and 12 distinct physical health screening tools were used. Two articles studied interventions addressing mental health post-injury. Further research using an integrated physical and psychological approach to recovery is warranted and may improve mental and physical outcomes for injured athletes.
An overview of land degradation, desertification and sustainable land management using GIS and remote sensing applications
Authors: AbdelRahman Mohamed A. E.
Published: April 2023

Land degradation (LD) poses a major threat to food security, livelihoods sustainability, ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. The total area of arable land in the world is estimated at 7616 million acres or only 24% of the total area of the land surface, and currently about half of this area is cultivated. The productivity of arable land depends mainly on soil formation and management. Soil contains mineral components, organic matter and microorganism in a natural dynamic balance whose components have been formed in thousands and millions of years (geologic ages). Disruption of this balance due to human pressures and poor land use leads to soil degradation in few years. Scientists differed in setting a precise definition of the concept and dimensions of land degradation, but many agreed on the general concept of land degradation: ‘quantitative or qualitative change in the properties of soil that reduces the land's potential for production’ and the more comprehensive definition that land degradation is Change in the characteristics of the Earth. Leading to the creation of more desert or drier conditions, due to the decline or deterioration of the load of biological energy for a period of time does not have to be continuous, but temporary. Additionally, organic farming might be a substitute to prevent the deterioration of our soil. The emphasis of the current review is on how land degradation affects agriculture and the environment, as well as how we can manage our lands to prevent further degradation. Therefore, this review will focus in explain the land degradation definition and concept, and presenting two case studies from Egypt and India.
The Ethnobotanical Evolution of the Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Authors: Weick Cynthia Wagner , Aamir Naela , Reichart Jayme
Published: April 2023

The Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is an evergreen conifer that belongs to the Cupressaceae, which is the first plant family whose detailed evolutionary history traces the break-up of the supercontinent Pangaea roughly 150 million years ago. The broad and deep economic and socio-cultural significance of the species began in at least the third millennium BCE. This interdisciplinary review highlights the tree’s exemplary uses and meanings, starting in ancient Elam, Sumer, Egypt, and Persia, and continuing to the Graeco-Roman world, Islamic Empires, and Western Europe. The Mediterranean cypress has been used as timber for buildings, coffins, furniture, and statuary; in religious and spiritual symbolism; as ornamentals in gardens and cemeteries; in aromatic anointments and medicine; as literary metaphors; and as motifs in decorative and fine art. Many of the artifacts, artworks, and literature known to be influenced by the cypress are iconic: the Gudea cylinders, the outer coffin of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, the poetry of Virgil and Ferdowsi, Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, Shakespeare’s plays, and the paintings of Vélasquez and Van Gogh. Knowledge gaps in the scholarly literature on the species are identified, which require additional research in a variety of fields. For example, the number of varieties within the species remains inconclusive. Identifying the precise timing and geographic location of the tree’s influence on human civilization is hampered by methodological challenges. Studies of other plant species might benefit from the holistic approach taken in this review.
On the Evolution of Symbols and Prediction Models
Authors: Feistel Rainer
Published: April 2023

The ability of predicting upcoming events or conditions in advance offers substantial selective advantage to living beings. The most successful systematic tool for fairly reliable prognoses is the use of dynamical causal models in combination with memorised experience. Surprisingly, causality is a fundamental but rather controversially disputed concept. For both models and memory, symbol processing is requisite. Symbols are a necessary and sufficient attribute of life from its very beginning; the process of their evolutionary emergence was discovered by Julian Huxley a century ago. In behavioural biology, this universal symmetry-breaking kinetic phase transition became known as ritualisation. Symbol use for predicting future dynamical processes has culminated in the unprecedented complexity of mental models used in science and technology, coining the historical ascent of modern humans. Observation and measurement transform structural information of physical exchange processes into symbolic information from which state quantities are derived by means of mental models. However, phylogenetically inherited models such as naïve realism do not necessarily explain the sophisticated insights revealed by modern experiments with, say, entangled quantum states. It is suggested to carefully distinguish observed exchange quantities from predicted unobservable state quantities, and physical reality from mental models thereof.
Development and Application of a Quality Assessment Tool for Oncological Question Prompt Lists
Authors: Josfeld Lena , Zieglowski Nathalie , Möller Julia , Keinki Christian , Hübner Jutta
Published: April 2023

No specific quality criteria yet exist for question prompt lists (QPLs), so this study aims to develop a quality assessment tool to then use for an evaluation of online-available QPLs. An online search was conducted for German-language QPLs using different internet search engines and terms. A wide range of existing quality criteria for patient information was adapted to the field of QPLs to build an assessment tool and evaluate all identified QPLs by four independent raters. All new quality criteria were applicable to QPLs. The overall quality of 46 oncological QPLs was low, though the tool’s subcategories were mostly fulfilled to over 80% by at least one QPL. For-profit organizations published lesser quality than medical organizations. The quality of breast- and prostate-cancer-specific QPLs was higher than that of general ones. High-quality QPLs could be created if more aspects were taken into account, but the available QPLs only focus on few quality aspects. The ambiguous results of effectiveness studies to date may be a result of vastly differing quality of the QPLs used for the interventions. The criteria provided in this study present a solid basis to assess the quality of QPLs. The creation of future QPLs as well as effectiveness studies should be more firmly based on quality criteria.
AFM probe for measuring ∼10−5 ultra-low friction coefficient: Design and application
Authors: Chen Yushan , Jiang Liang , Qian Linmao
Published: April 2023

Superlubricity provides a novel approach to addressing friction and wear issues in mechanical systems. However, little is known regarding improving the atomic force microscope (AFM) friction coefficient measurement resolution. Accordingly, this study established the theoretical formula for the AFM friction coefficient measurement and deduced the measurement resolution. Then, the formula was applied to the AFM probe with a rectangular cross-section cantilever. The measurement resolution is associated with the dimensional properties of the AFM probe, the mechanical properties of the cantilever material, the properties of the position-sensitive detector (PSD), and probably the anti-vibration performance of the AFM. It is feasible to make the cantilever as short as possible and the tip as high as possible to improve the measurement resolution. An AFM probe for measuring an ultra-low friction coefficient was designed and fabricated. The cantilever’s length, width, and thickness are 50, 35, and 0.6 µm, respectively. The tip height is 23 µm. The measurement resolution can reach 7.1×10−6under the maximum normal force. Moreover, the AFM probe was applied to measure the superlubricity between graphene layers. The friction coefficient is 0.00139 under 853.08 nN. This work provides a promising method for measuring a ∼10−5friction coefficient of superlubricity.