bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Gender Diversity Among Orthopaedic Applicants, Residents, Physician Associates, and Faculty
Authors: Kalyanasundaram Gokul , Mener Amanda , DiCaprio Matthew
Published: September 2024

Orthopaedic surgery has struggled with low female representation, spurring new initiatives to recruit diverse applicants to the field. We aimed to characterize trends in gender diversity among orthopaedic applicants, residents, physician assistants, and faculty and compare these trends with all other surgical and medical specialties. Data on applicants, residents, physician assistants, and faculty of every specialty from 2016-2020 were obtained. Female representation increased between 2016 to 2020 among orthopaedic applicants from 14.7% to 19.7%, among orthopaedic residents from 14.8% to 16.0%, among orthopaedic physician assistants from 50.1% to 52.3%, and among orthopaedic faculty from 18.2% to 20.5%. Orthopaedics had less female representation among residents (16.0%) compared to applicants (19.7%). In addition, orthopaedics had lower female representation among applicants, residents, physician assistants, and faculty between 2016-2020 than every surgical and medical specialty (p<0.01). Female representation among orthopaedic applicants, residents, physician assistants, and faculty is increasing over time. However, orthopaedic surgery had lower female representation among applicants, residents, physician assistants, and faculty compared to every surgical and medical specialty. While female orthopaedic applicant representation increased 5% over the last five years, female orthopaedic resident representation only increased 1.2%, suggesting difficulty among female applicants matching into orthopaedics.
Fires from the Shore: Supporting the Fight for Sea Control
Authors: Callahan Shaun
Published: September 2024

The struggle to obtain, maintain, and exploit sea control during a campaign is an inherently Joint endeavor requiring a multi-Service, ­cross-domain application of firepower and maneuver. Maritime strikes from the land domain provide a critical offset to the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) growing strength at sea and enable Joint force maneuver in the Western Pacific. To have a meaningful impact on the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) surface action groups and contribute to a Joint force objective to gain sea control in the Western Pacific as part of a coordinated campaign, the U.S. Army’s maritime strike capability must be aggregated into effective salvos by the supported maritime component commander. If deterrence fails in a strategically near future, naval operations in the Western Pacific will need to incorporate the U.S. Army’s multidomain task forces and their maritime strike capability to defeat the PRC’s antiaccess, area-denial (A2/AD) strategy.
Facilitating and supporting employability in law: Reflections on the need for agile communication
Authors: Tubridy Kate
Published: September 2024

There is an increasing focus on enhancing employability for students in higher education. Yet academics who facilitate and encourage opportunities to support student employability are often doing so with a quiet agility. This paper reflects on my first year coordinating a work-integrated learning program and the development of skills necessary for such roles in a tertiary law context. Grounded in the well-recognised literature on positive professional identity and contemplating the concept of ‘pracademic identity’, these reflections offer insights on the experience of traversing across multiple professional spheres to enhance employability for students. In particular, this reflection piece seeks to uncover and highlight the skills essential to roles facilitating employability for law students.
Collaborative strategies for designing employability curriculum in a liberal arts context
Authors: Clifford Katrina
Published: September 2024

In Australian higher education, the push for curriculum innovation to enhance graduate employability is crucial but faces contention and debate. While the importance of integrating employability skills is widely recognised, perspectives on how and whether to incorporate these as curricular objectives vary, especially in liberal arts programs. This paper explores a multidisciplinary academic team’s experiences of embedding employability units into the Bachelor of Arts and undergraduate Communication and Creative Arts degrees at one Australian university. It addresses the challenges of diverse disciplinary perspectives on employability, career education, and work-integrated learning (WIL), and the design for a diverse student cohort, including career starters, career advancers, and career changers from multiple disciplinary contexts. Utilising Tuckman’s ‘forming, storming, norming, and performing’ model, the paper evaluates the team’s dynamics, offering insights and guidance for academics and institutions undertaking similar curriculum innovation projects to enhance graduate employability. This case study highlights the institutional support necessary for fostering sustainable curriculum reforms and the positive effects of collaborative curriculum design on the professional development and teaching capabilities of the educators involved.
On Mapping Local Foam Mobility in Porous Media from Computed Tomography Data
Authors: Chapiro G. , Quinelato T. O. , Pereira W. , dos Santos R. W. , Zitha P. L. J.
Published: September 2024

Recovering apparent viscosity and foam texture fields from coreflooding experiments is challenging, even with modern computed tomography (CT) scan equipment. In this work, we present an explicit expression for efficiently calculating effective foam viscosity and propose an improved procedure for processing CT scan images to obtain accurate water saturation profiles. Using these techniques, we processed data from a CT scan of a coreflooding experiment, showing that the increase in effective foam viscosity due to foam generation occurs early during injection and before breakthrough. The fast increment in apparent viscosity is due to foam generation before breakthrough. After breakthrough, foam texture reaches its maximum, and effective foam viscosity grows logarithmically over time as the foamed gas sweeps out the water phase. The pressure drop obtained by using the effective foam viscosity showed good agreement with the experimentally obtained values before breakthrough. The workflow proposed here could be readily adapted to other foam models, provided reasonable estimates for these new quantities can be determined from experiments.
WITHDRAWN: Endometriosis related sex steroid hormones, hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis hormones and related animal modeling: A comprehensive review of published articles and endometriosis induction methods from 2010 to 2021 with scoring based approach
Authors: Salehpour Aria , Zare Afshin , Khoradmehr Arezoo , Mahdipour Mahdi , Tamadon Amin
Published: September 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Subcellular Systems Observe Onsager Reciprocity
Authors: Horowitz Arie
Published: September 2024

The complexity of prokaryotic and, exceedingly, of eukaryotic cells, challenges the implementation of methodologies to determine causality and quantify intracellular dynamics. Although stochastic thermodynamics can be used to effectively quantify the energetics of single proteins or complexes, there is no statistical approach to determine the macrostate of a whole cell from its subcellular microstates. Onsager reciprocity, a coupling between thermodynamic flows, could potentially be leveraged to quantify and to establish causality among subcellular systems. A prototypical thermodynamic profile of the cell is formulated as a model system to enable representation of its sub systems as force-driven thermodynamic flows. Onsager reciprocity is validated on the bacterial flagellum and ATP synthase. It is then tested on the putative coupling between the contractile ring and treadmilling of the cytoskeleton in bacterial binary fission and eukaryotic cytokinesis, with opposite outcomes. All thermodynamic flows and forces are formulated to comply with their canonical definitions.
Performance and Mechanism of Polycarboxylate Superplasticiser in Red Mud Blended Cementitious Materials
Authors: Yang Lei , Liu Zhuo , Luo Shuqiong , Wang Yaxin , Ren Jun
Published: September 2024

The utilisation of red mud by blending them into cement paste is still facing the poor workability issues due to the finer particle size and higher water absorption of the red mud, which can be solved by the addition of polycarboxylate superplasticiser (PCE) to effectively maintain the working performance. However, the specific mechanisms by which different topologies of PCEs, in terms of water-reducing (WR) and slump-retaining (SR) type PCEs, influence red mud blended cement paste require further clarification. This research investigates the effect of WR-PCE and SR-PCE on the rheological properties, mechanical properties, and microscopic morphology of red mud blended cement paste under different red mud contents. Results demonstrated that at saturated dosages of 0.5% WR-PCE and 0.75% SR-PCE, both type PCEs improved paste fluidity, reduced plastic viscosity and shear stress. Moreover, the time-dependent fluidity loss rate of the SR-PCE incorporated paste was lower to that of the WR-PCE incorporated paste at 30 and 60 minutes. With 0% and 25% red mud contents, compressive strengths at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days were higher by WR-PCE other than SR-PCE due to enhanced hydration of C2S and C3S, particularly with WR-PCE. Furthermore, hydration products in the WR-PCE incorporated paste were more uniformly distributed compared to the SR-PCE incorporated paste. However, a 50% red mud content negatively impacted paste strength, likely due to high alkalinity destabilizing the PCE. This study aims to elucidate the mechanistic relationship between PCE topology and the improved performance of red mud blended cement paste.
Effect of early postural management on gait development in preterm infants:a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Yanzhen , Zhou Wenzhi , Lei Qiaoling , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Xia
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIndependent walking is an important milestone in motor development and an important indicator of developmental follow-up in preterm infants. The aim of this study is to understand the effect of early postural management on gait development in preterm infants.MethodsA retrospective study was performed for the effect of early postural management on gait development in 622 preterm infants, there were 321 cases in the experimental group and 301 cases in the control group. Both groups underwent regular early exercise intervention and developmental evaluation, and the experimental group regularly visited the hospital for postural management guidance for 3 months after visiting the rehabilitation department. The sex, age, gestational age, and age of independent walking were collected in the two groups, at the same time, gait video observation and analysis results, Berg balance index and the gross motor function development quotient (DQ) score of GESELL test results in the two groups were recorded before and after 3 months.ResultsThere were no significant differences in sex, age, gestational age, and age of independent walking between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the ratio of ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, torso and upper limb swing control, Berg balance index and gross motor DQ score between the two groups before postural management (P>0.05). After postural management for 3 months, the ratio of ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, trunk and upper limb swing control were higher than those in the control group without posture management, and Berg balance index and the DQ score of gross movement in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and all the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).ConclusionsEarly postural management promotes the control of each joint during walking, balance function and gross motor development, thereby playing a positive role in the gait development of preterm infants.
Etomidate-Induced Myoclonus in Sprague‒Dawley Rats Involves the Activation of Neocortical Calpain-2 and Its Cleavage on KCC2 Protein
Authors: Feng Yan , Wang Xing-hao
Published: September 2024

Background
Etomidate-induces myoclonus has become an urgent clinical problem with an incidence of 50–80%. The mechanism remains uncertain.
Methods
Behavioral scores of rats in vivo and western blotting of KCC2 in vitro were evaluated. Muscular tension and KCC2 protein were analyzed in rats microinjected with a calpain-2 inhibitor (MDL-28170) or MDL-28170 + NMDA in the neocortical motor cortex during etomidate anesthesia. MDL-28170 or vitamin E was injected intravenously prior to etomidate, and the muscular tension, KCC2 protein and duration of loss of righting reflex (LORR) of rats were evaluated to verify the calpain-2 inhibitor effect of vitamin E.
Results
0.5µM and 1µM etomidate induced the cleavage of neocortical KCC2 protein compared to the control group. NMDA activated AP5 inhibited 0.5 and 1 µM etomidate-induced cleavage of neocortical KCC2 protein. MDL-28170 and NMDA plus MDL-28170 microinjected into the neocortex during etomidate anesthesia blocked not only the cleavage of KCC2 protein but also etomidate and etomidate + NMDA-induced muscular tension,. Intravenous injection of vitamin E prevented etomidate-induced muscular tension and cleavage of the KCC2 protein.
Conclusion
Calpain-2 was involved in the process of etomidate-induced myoclonus and the activity of NMDAR, promoting the cleavage of KCC2 protein. Vitamin E, a calpain-2 inhibitor that can effectively prevent etomidate-induced myoclonus.
Indigenous farmers’ knowledge and perception of desertification and soil erosion in Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Gambo Abdulkadir , Fullen Michael A. , Baldwin Timothy C.
Published: September 2024

Desertification and soil erosion are major agro-environmental issues in Northern Nigeria. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and perception of these phenomena in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Data for the study was obtained through a questionnaire survey of 500 farmers, using random sampling techniques, and in-depth key informant interviews. Of the 500 distributed questionnaires, 383 were completed, representing a response rate of 76.6%. Most (86.9%) respondents were male and within the age group 35–50 years of age. Most respondents (48.6%) had 11–15 years of farming experience, with 70.5% of respondents having a large family (6–11 members) and an annual family income of < N151,000 (USD 130.77). All interviewees were aware of desertification, and most (80.2%) perceived desertification as a problem on their farm. The majority (88.3%) perceived that soil erosion had increased desertification problems and identified sand dune deposition (40.2%) and decreased crop yields (20.9%) as the main indicators of soil erosion on their farms. Most respondents identified changes in soil colour as the main indicator of soil fertility depletion. The main (56.4%) identified soil colour was reddish yellow (Munsell Colour Notation 7.5YR/8/6). The major soil conservation practise employed by respondents is tree planting (52.0%) and crop rotation (26.6%). Many of the trees (62.1%) were planted as windbreaks. The main planted tree species were date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) (65.8%) and gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) (29.2%). In summary, this study provides useful information upon which local policymakers can aid and advise local farmers to control soil erosion and reduce the rate of desertification. In addition, it also adds to our knowledge and understanding of these issues in relation to similar data obtained in other states in Northern Nigeria and other countries within the Sahelian region of Africa.
Study on the Dynamic Response Characteristics of Bionic Legs During Instantaneous Ground Contact
Authors: song mengjun , wei jinggong , Zhang Liping
Published: September 2024

Musculoskeletal system vibrations are initiated at paw-strike in animal’s high-speed running. The short ground contact moment suggests that there exists a transient dynamic response of the impact between the leg and the ground, which is a high nonlinear problem and not well understood. From the anatomical measurement data of a domestic cat, a musculoskeletal system model of the quadruped animal was constructed in this study. The changes of muscle forces and joint moments were computed based on a high-speed motion sequence. The elastic moduli were measured and calculated for different parts of the tibia by a nano-indentation technique. On the basis of the measured material parameters, the substructure technique for dynamics was employed to numerically solve the contact-impact behavior of bio-materials and bionic components. To record the contact-impact process, high-speed videos (more than 10,000 fps) were taken during the capture experiments. Results demonstrated that multiple impacts existed in the tibia and the PLA leg at the moment of contact-impact. The results from this paper further reveal that the multiple contact-impact phenomena are adapted to cats during running, which may provide a certain support for selecting bionic components and improving the performance of the bionic mechanism.
Design and experiments of 2FX-1 offset organic fertilizer machine
Authors: Liu Dejiang , ma shimin , li shude , zhang xiao , yao keheng , zhong chengyi , zhang wenxiang
Published: September 2024

In view of the problems of high labor intensity, low operation efficiency and no joint operation, a biased orchard fertilization machine with wheeled tractor as the power source and suitable for joint operation is developed. The power output shaft of the wheeled tractor is connected to the transmission box, and the power is transmitted to the opening device, the mixing device and the backfill device through the transmission box and the chain transmission. The walking wheel of the crawler tractor drives the organic fertilizer discharging fertilizer and the fertilizer distributor through the chain drive, so as to complete the joint operation of ditch fertilization, mixing and backfilling. The results of the field test show that the performance of the machine and tool is stable and the operation is good, the average value of fertilization width is 31.5cm, the stability coefficient of fertilization width is 98.8%, the average value of fertilization depth is 40.5cm, and the stability coefficient of fertilization depth is 97.9%, which meets the requirements of fertilization depth and width of the orchard.
Ophthalmologic Manifestations in Psoriasis: A Comparative Case-Control Study
Authors: Alizadeh Narges , Aref-Eshghi Arefeh , Azimi Seyyede Zeinab , Kazemnezhad-Leyli Ehsan , Alizadeh Yousef , Ruhani Parisa , Brumandpur Fariborz , Darjani Abbas , Eftekhari Hojat , Rafiei Rana , Gharainejad Kaveh
Published: September 2024

Background
Psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with increased risk of several comorbidities, of which eye-related complications have been recently noticed.
Aims
Given the current ambiguity and contradictory findings regarding this comorbidity, the objective of this study is to compare the prevalence of ocular manifestations in individuals with psoriasis in comparison to those without the condition.
Methods
A case-control study was performed on 116 subjects with psoriasis and 116 age- and sex-matched controls. Comparisons were made between the two groups to assess differences in the rates of various eye disorders and their associated factors using descriptive statistics and logistic regression modeling.
Results
The ophthalmic findings were 82.8% in psoriatic cases compared with 67% in controls (p = 0.002). Meibomian gland dysfunction (73.28% vs. 50.86%, p < 0.001) and blepharitis (23.28% vs 8.62%, p = 0.009) were the most differentially distributed eye diseases. Ocular manifestations were also independently associated with age, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia), and outdoor occupations. Among psoriatic patients, those receiving systemic treatment showed higher rates of eye diseases (95.1% vs. 76.0%, p = 0.009), with most presentations were observed in patients were treated with retinoid and cyclosporine. After consideration of confounding factors, the chance of ocular disease in individuals with psoriasis was estimated to be 5.77-fold higher than in controls (p = 0.001). No association was found between psoriasis and cataract, uveitis, or corneal disease.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the importance of ophthalmological examinations in psoriatic patients for preventative care and modification of the treatment plan.
Sensory Plasticity Caused by Up-down Regulation Encodes the Information of Short-term Learning and Memory
Authors: Wu Zheng-Xing , Wang Ping-Zhou , Ge Ming-Hai , Su Pan , Wu Piao-Ping , Wang Lei , Zhu Wei , Li Rong , Liu Hui , Wu Jing-Jing , Xu Yu , Zhao Jia-Lu , Li Si-Jia , Wang Yan , Chen Li-Ming , Wu Taihong
Published: September 2024

Learning and memory are essential for animals’ well-being and surviving. The underlying mechanisms are a major task of neuroscience studies. In this study, we identified a circuit consisting ASER, RIC, RIS, and AIY, required for short-term salt chemotaxis learning (SCL) in C. elegans. ASER NaCl sensation possesses ON- and OFF-responses and is remodeled by salt conditioning. RIC integrates sensory information of NaCl stimulation and food deprivation and generates a suppression of its NaCl calcium response by salt conditioning. RIC plasticity combining with interaction between ASER and RIS generates ASER sensory plasticity that is required for learning and memory recalling. We further identify the signaling pathways between neurons in the circuit: tyramine/TYRA-2 and octopamine/OCTR-1 signaling mediate neurohumoral regulation of AIY and ASER by RIC; FLP-14/FRPR-10 and PDF-2/PDFR-1 signalings mediate the transmission of humoral regulation from ASER to RIS and the feedback from RIS to ASER, respectively. Thus, ASER sensory plasticity encodes the information of the short-term SCL, which can facilitate animal adaptation to dynamic environments.
Association of vitamin D levels with bone density in patients with osteoporosis
Authors: Abbasifard Mitra , Jafarizadeh Kosar , Taghipoor Mobina , Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Zahra
Published: September 2024

Background
Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Given the growing recognition of the association between vitamin D (VitD) and bone health, there is a pressing need to conduct studies focusing on the level of VitD and its correlation with bone mineral density (BMD) in osteoporosis patients. This study aims to address this critical knowledge gap by exploring the association between VitD levels and bone mineral density in osteoporosis patients from an Iranian population.
Methods
We recruited 500 subjects with osteoporosis and 500 non-osteoporosis cases. The BMD of the cases was measured in the hip, femur neck, and L1-L4 spine using the Stratos device via DXA method. VitD level was measured in the serum of study participants using ELISA.
Results
VitD level was significantly lower in the osteoporosis cases (31.15 ± 9.44 nmol/L) compared to the non-osteoporosis subjects (41.65 ± 10.25 nmol/L). It was significantly higher in the male subjects compared to female patients in the osteoporosis group (P = 0.048). In both osteoporosis (P = 0.008) and non-osteoporosis (P = 0.001) subjects, the level of VitD was significantly lower in the subjects with a history of bone fracture compared to those without a history of bone fracture. The VitD level had significantly positive correlation with the BMD of hip (r = 0.44, P = 0.001), spine, and femur.
Conclusions
VitD deficiency in the osteoporosis patients is associated with BMD and bone fractures.
The Construction of Blood Vessel Organoids - A Convenient and Efficient New Technology
Authors: Zhou Zhuxin , Feng Benchi , Cheng Xiaoyuan , Zhang Xin , Yu Chaowen , Gao Yong , Chen Shiyuan
Published: September 2024

Cardiovascular diseases remain among the primary causes of death in modern society, primarily due to vascular changes. Traditional research methodologies, such as cell culture, tissue samples, and animal models, have provided a foundation for studying vascular disorders. Despite these approaches, they cannot fully replicate the complexity and physiological environment of human blood vessels. Organoid technology enables the creation of organ-like constructs with similar tissue composition and functional characteristics outside the body, significantly accelerating advancements in disease research. Induced from artificial hematopoietic stem cells are three-dimensional human blood vessel organoids (BVOs) derived from extra-organ tissues, opening up new avenues for vascular research. However, the existing protocols for BVOs preparation present operational complexities, expensive inducer reagents, and intricate experimental conditions, thereby limiting their widespread adoption and utilization in routine experiments. This study proposes a novel synthesis scheme through optimizing experimental design. We directly construct human BVOs in 96-well ultra-low adsorption plates, avoiding fusion between organoid spheroids as well as the need for repeated resuspension. An additional improvement lies in the direct encapsulation of cell spheres within ultra-low adsorption 96-well plates at U-bottom, obviating the need for dissection as per the original protocol and enabling the flexible adjustment of the number of desired organoids needed for culture. Furthermore, we employed mTeSR1 culture medium in lieu of the original protocol's concentrated medium, replacing Transfection Reagents ReLeSR for EDTA and Accutase. Our scheme optimized operational procedures, lowered experimental costs, shortened preparation cycles, making the construction of BVOs more economical and efficient. This progression holds promise in promoting the widespread application of BVOs technology, fostering advancements in basic research and clinical translation.
Adherence to Mediterranean diet and food literacy among asthma adult patients as compared to healthy adults: A case control study
Authors: Hamed Dareen , Awwad Rawand , Natour Nihal , Badrasawi Manal , Rahhal Belal
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
This study was conducted to assess nutritional literacy and adherence to healthy dietary habits among patients with asthma compared to their matching controls without asthma.
Methods
This was a case-control study. The participants in both groups underwent spirometry. Sociodemographic variables, frequency of using labelled nutritional facts, dietary habits, and the extent to which daily routine habits/feelings affected eating habits were collected. The participants were also asked to answer a knowledge test on healthy diet and items in the Mediterranean lifestyle index.
Results
In this study, 65 patients with asthma and 50 matching controls were included. The FEV1/FVC was significantly lower for patients with asthma (77.7 [72.1, 83.6] vs. 90.5 [84.0, 95.0], p-value < 0.001). Significantly more patients with asthma faced difficulty buying enough food (p-value < 0.001) compared to the controls. The Newest Vital Sign (NVS) quiz showed that the patients with asthma more frequently identified the allergic components in the product after reading the label compared to the controls. Patients with asthma reported significantly higher frequent drinking skim or 1% milk (p-value = 0.016) compared to their matching controls. On the other hand, the patients with asthma reported less frequent using low fat cheese (p-value = 0.047) and using frozen yogurt instead of ice-cream (p-value = 0.044) compared to their matching controls. Similarly, the patients with asthma reported significantly higher frequent adding cheese and mayonnaise (p-value = 0.006) compared to their matching controls. patients with asthma reported significantly higher efficacy scores compared to their matching controls (p-value = 0.048). Controls were less frequently adherent to the recommended amounts of fish compared to the patients with asthma (p-value = 0.018). On the other hand, patients with asthma were less adherent to the recommended amounts of eggs compared to their matching controls (p-value = 0.001).
Conclusion
Differences in adherence to healthy dietary habits were identifying between patients with asthma and their matching controls. Future interventional studies should be conducted to increase adherence to healthy dietary habits among patients with asthma.
Hat in hand: Does fiscal dependence polarize electoral democracies?
Authors: Castro Marcelo , Cisalpino Tiago
Published: September 2024

Does the economic dependence of small jurisdictions on central government grants lead to electoral support for the central government's incumbent party? To answer this question, we explore the discontinuities in an unconditional federal grant to Brazilian municipalities to estimate the causal effects of a larger share of grants in the local budget revenue on electoral results throughout 28 years — when three rival parties came to power in succession. Higher dependence on federal grants benefits the central government party in presidential races, whereas the coalition of parties supporting the federal incumbent gains more votes in the National Congress. Enforcing small municipalities' economic reliance on unconditional grants from the central government can be a channel of political alignment — local politicians need federal representatives aligned with the federal government to request budget amendments. Larger jurisdictions can be resilient places for the opposition, as the relative size of their governments is smaller and the average income fluctuates more.
JEL: H11, H72, H77 D72
Exercise habits and mental health among university students: A causal exploration based on instrumental variables
Authors: Zhu Lixian , Zhai Yifei , Xiong Xuan , Li Zhongquan
Published: September 2024

Background
Exercise habits, as one of the factors enabling university students to exercise autonomously and continuously are crucial for promoting mental health. However, previous studies often overlook endogeneity issues, making it difficult to establish the causal relationship between the two. This study uses the instrumental variable approach to explore the causal relationship between exercise habits and mental health among university students.
Methods
Questionnaires were distributed to students from three universities in a certain city, collecting valid samples from 1,120 college students. The the instrumental variable approach and the ordinary least squares explore the mental health benefits of university students' exercise habits.
Results
The results from the ordinary least squares method show that exercise habits are positively correlated with university students' positive affect (β = 0.179, p < .001), life satisfaction (β = 0.134, p < .001), and self-actualization (β = 0.086, p < .001). The results from the instrumental variable approach indicate that exercise habits have a positive impact on university students' positive affect (β = 0.263, p < .001), life satisfaction (β = 0.151, p = 0.006 < .01), and self-actualization (β = 0.102, p = 0.013 < .05). Comparing the estimation results, it is evident that the ordinary least squares underestimates the psychological health benefits of exercise habits.
Conclusions
Exercise habits can promote the mental health of university students. Specifically, exercise habits can enhance university students' positive affect, and improve their life satisfaction and self-actualization. To alleviate and prevent mental health issues among university students, it is recommended that universities implement sports programs aimed ultimately at cultivating students' exercise habits.
LINC00601 promotes the progression of glioma via the p-STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Ma Chao , Wang Linqi , Zhang Renwu , Li Tong , Li Peng , Ding Yuxiang , Wu Dejun , Wang Yinyan
Published: September 2024

Background
Gliomas, the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system, primarily originate from glial cells, which support nerve cells. Due to their high malignancy and aggressiveness, gliomas frequently result in poor prognoses. Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have diverse roles in cancer; however, their specific functions in gliomas remain poorly understood. This study elucidates the roles and potential mechanisms of the lncRNA LINC00601 in glioma.
Methods
Bioinformatics analysis was utilized to identify the expression of LINC00601 and to perform related survival analysis. Glioma cells were transfected with a control vector small interfering RNA (si-NC) or small interfering RNA LINC00601 (si-LINC00601). Cell proliferation was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay and plate colony formation assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using the Transwell assay. Protein expression was detected by Western blot analysis, and lncRNA levels were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
Results
Bioinformatics analysis revealed that LINC00601 is associated with the pathological grade and prognosis of glioma, as evidenced by data from the TCGA and CGGA databases. In vivo experiments showed that LINC00601 knockdown inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of U251 and U87 cells. Based on sequencing and Western blot results, this effect is thought to be linked to changes in Phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (p-STAT3) expression. Additionally, in vitro knockdown of LINC00601 has been shown to inhibit glioma growth.
Conclusions
LINC00601, which facilitates glioma progression by modulating the p-STAT3 signaling pathway, could serve as a potential molecular target for glioma therapy.
High-temperature resistance and thermal insulation performance of continuous SiMOC ceramic fibers fabricated by the modified sol-gel method combined with dry spinning
Authors: Wang Meijing , Chen Jianjun , Ahmad Zahoor , Li Xiaohong , Chen Fuling
Published: September 2024

Ceramic fibers are ideal candidates for high-temperature resistance material due to their excellent oxidation resistance, ablation resistance, and mechanical properties. In this study, precursor solutions of the continuous SiOC, and SiMOC (M = Al/Zr) ceramic fibers were prepared by a modified sol-gel method. The precursor fibers were fabricated by dry spinning, followed by pyrolysis at 800 ℃, 1000 ℃, and 1200 ℃ to yield continuous SiOC, SiAlOC, and SiZrOC ceramic fibers. The microstructure, surface morphologies, compositions, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the continuous SiOC and SiMOC ceramic fibers were thoroughly examined by relevant characterization tools. The results showed that the continuous SiMOC fibers exhibited smooth surfaces and dense structures with effective formation of Si-O-M bonds. The measured tensile strength of fabricated continuous SiAlOC and SiZrOC ceramic fibers revealed optimum values of 139.8 MPa and 162.4 MPa, respectively, much higher than the continuous SiOC ceramic fibers (124 MPa). The continuous SiMOC fibers demonstrated remarkable resistance to high-temperature ablation and oxidation, maintaining structural integrity after exposure to a butane flame for 60 seconds and heat treatment in air at 1300 ℃ for 1 h. Additionally, the continuous SiZrOC fibers displayed excellent infrared reflectance of 10.28%, suggesting their potential as superior thermal insulation material in high-temperature applications.
Ground calibration and network of the first CATCH pathfinder
Authors: Huang Yiming , Xiao Jingyu , Tao Lian , Zhang Shuang-Nan , Yin Qian-Qing , Wang Yusa , Zijian Zhao , Zhang Chen , Zhao Qingchang , Ma Xiang , Zhao Shujie , Zhou Heng , Wen Xiangyang , Li Zhengwei , Xiong Shaolin , Zhang Juan , Bu Qingcui , Cang Jirong , Cao Dezhi , Chen Wen , Ding Siran , Dai Yanfeng , Gao Min , Gao Yang , He Huilin , Hou Shujin , Hou Dongjie , Hu Tai , Huang Guoli , Huang Yue , Jia Liping , Jin Ge , Li Dalin , Li Jinsong , Li Panping , Li Yajun , Liu Xiaojing , Ma Ruican , Men Lingling , Pan Xingyu , Qi Liqiang , Song Liming , Sun Xianfei , Tang Qingwen , Xiong Liyuan , Xu Yibo , Yang Sheng , Yang Yanji , Yang Yong , Zhang Aimei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Yueting , Zhao Donghua , Zhao Kang , Zhu Yuxuan
Published: September 2024

The Chasing All Transients Constellation Hunters (CATCH) space mission is focused on exploring the dynamic universe via X-ray follow-up observations of various transients. The first pathfinder of the CATCH mission, CATCH-1, was launched on June 22, 2024, alongside the Space-based multiband astronomical Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) mission. CATCH-1 is equipped with narrow-field optimized Micro Pore Optics (MPOs) featuring a large effective area and incorporates four Silicon Drift Detectors (SDDs) in its focal plane. This paper presents the system calibration results conducted before the satellite integration. Utilizing the data on the performance of the mirror and detectors obtained through the system calibration, combined with simulated data, the ground calibration database can be established. Measuring the relative positions of the mirror and detector system, which were adjusted during system calibration, allows for accurate installation of the entire satellite. Furthermore, the paper outlines the operational workflow of the ground network post-satellite launch.
Neuroprotective effects, mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of the Kv7/KCNQ channel opener QO-83 in ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Huiran , Tian Yanfei , Zhang Yan , Wang Yan , Qi Jinlong , Wang Xiangyu , Yuan Yi , Chen Rong , Zhao Yupeng , Liu Chang , Zhou Najing , Liu Lanxin , Hao Han , Du Xiaona , Zhang Hailin
Published: September 2024

Ischemic stroke is a worldwide disease with high mortality and morbidity. Kv7/KCNQ channels are key modulators of neuronal excitability and microglia function, and activation of Kv7/KCNQ channels has emerged as a potential therapeutic avenue for ischemic stroke. In the present study, we focused on a new Kv7/KCNQ channel opener QO-83 on the stroke outcomes and its therapeutic potential. Transient or distal middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established with C57 mouse to evaluate the role of QO-83. Solitary dose of QO-83 contributes to the microglia inhibition and fibrotic scar mitigation post stroke. QO83 shows prominent effect on reducing infarction area, alleviating cerebral edema, maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, and enhancing neurogenesis. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing unveils neuroprotection and specific microglial subclusters influenced by QO-83. More importantly, QO83 shows promise in enhancing survival rates with dose dependence. Notably, these protective effects extend beyond the 4–6 h post-reperfusion window. Additionally, continuous dosing of QO-83 correlates with enhanced cognition. In conclusion, this study highlights QO-83 as a protective agent against ischemic brain injury, showcasing its multifaceted effects and potential as a therapeutic strategy.
MMP-9 expression in rat pup incisor teeth is not altered by maternal hypertension or maternal atenolol treatment during pregnancy and lactation.
Authors: ELIAS Gracieli Prado , Horta Haylla de Faria , MATEUS Alanna Ramalho , PES Laura Valentina Borges , LOPES Adrielle Ouchi , CHIBA Fernando , DELBEM Alberto Carlos Botazzo , SASSAKI Kikue Takebayashi , OKAMOTO Roberta , ANTONIALI Cristina
Published: September 2024

Hypertension alters tooth formation and Atenolol, a β-blocker, reduces the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) during pregnancy and lactation, and as demonstrated before, increases the microhardness of the SHR offspring's teeth. We hypothesize hypertension alters the expression of MMP-9 in dental structures of SHR offspring and that treating female SHR with atenolol prevents this alteration. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) in incisor teeth (IT) in male offspring of SHR (30 days old) treated or untreated with Atenolol (At, 100 mg/kg/day, orally) during pregnancy and lactation. MMP-9 expression was evaluated in ameloblasts (AM), enamel matrix (EM), odontoblasts (OD), and pre-dentin (PD) of IT through immunohistochemical reactions (immunoperoxidase). Data were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0.05), with Dunn post-test. Histological differences were not observed between IT tissues of SHR and normotensive Wistar rats. For the first time, our data showed that MMP-9 expression in specific dental structures is not altered in SHR. Atenolol treatment increased MMP-9 immunostaining in EM of Wistar rat, however, Atenolol did not alter the MMP-9 in the IT tissues of SHR. Our results suggest that neither hypertension nor atenolol treatment alters MMP-9 expression in dental tissues of SHR.
Spatial regulation of rice leaf morphology by miRNA-targets complexes during viral infection
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Jialin , Li Shanshan , Ren Junjie , Yang Liyuan , Ye Wenyang , Ying Xinrong , Liu Jiajun , Liu Xinzhou , M.S Salem , Ding Chengqiang , Wu Zujian , Wu Jianguo , Zhao Shanshan
Published: September 2024

Background: Leaf morphogenesis is essential for plant growth and development, yet the mechanisms by which plant viruses induce changes in leaf shape are not well understood. Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV) infection induces distinct morphological abnormalities in rice leaves, including leaf tip curling and serrated margins, through unknown pathogenic mechanisms.
Results: This study reveals that key regulatory microRNAs (miR164, miR319, and miR156) and their target genes (CUC, TCP, and SPL) exhibit entirely opposite expression patterns in healthy and RRSV-infected leaves, indicating a profound impact on the leaf morphogenesis network. Significantly, the core protein OsCUC1, which typically functions by forming dimers, shows abnormal expression in the peripheral zone of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) under viral infection, leading to disruptions in leaf development. OsTCP1 was found to dynamically regulate OsCUC1 dimer formation by modifying its subcellular localization and interacting with OsSPL14 and OsSPL17, thereby influencing their regulatory functions. Genetic disruptions of OsCUC1, OsTCP1, and OsSPL14/OsSPL17 enhance the severity of RRSV infection, demonstrating their critical involvement in the viral pathogenic strategy.
Conclusions: The research uncovers a novel mechanism by which RRSV manipulates the expression and interactions of key regulatory factors, disrupting the delicate balance of the leaf morphogenesis network. These findings expand our understanding of viral manipulation of host development and provide a foundation for innovative strategies to enhance crop resilience.
Artificial Intelligence Role in Advancing the Design Education Process
Authors: Idelbi Yamen
Published: September 2024

The current research paper explores the creative integration between science and arts, highlighting its significance in intellectual and professional fields such as architectural design, advertising design, and fashion design. This integration aims to enhance creativity and innovation among learners by providing them with tools and methodologies that develop their creative abilities, including intellectual fluency, and examining the impact of this integration on design outcomes. It also highlights the importance of updating and developing educational methods, with a focus on the role of artificial intelligence as an assistive tool in this context. The study emphasizes the necessity of human oversight to ensure a balanced and creative learning environment, as artificial intelligence is currently incapable of fully performing human tasks. In the applied section of the research, two different educational experiments were conducted in 2024 at the Architecture College, Yarmouk Private University, on a single group consisting of 15 students, selected as a purposive target sample. In the first experiment, the traditional method was employed for teaching and supervising a swimming pool hall design project, while in the second experiment, an approach based on artificial intelligence was utilized for a museum design project. Finally, the study concluded that the integration of science with the arts in design education using artificial intelligence can enhance learners' problem-solving skills, innovation, and critical thinking. It also enables them to develop new skills that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of design processes. The achievement of the aforementioned objectives was facilitated by a series of procedures using the descriptive methodology, which involves the application of certain artificial intelligence tools in the design education process, followed by their interpretation and discussion. Subsequently, the applied analytical methodology was employed in the research's practical section, where the results of the studied group were examined and analyzed using SPSS (a software specialized in statistical data analysis).
Is ultrasound suited to probe electrochemical processes in batteries? An operando multiprobe investigation of NMC/graphite commercial cell
Authors: Villevieille Claire , Renais Corentin , Mercier-Guyon Benjamin , Wasylowski David , Sonnet Morian , Dechent Philipp , Servajon Maxime , Blanc Nils , Lyonnard Sandrine , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: September 2024

Ultrasound technique has recently been employed to probe the internal dynamics of closed-form battery cells, offering a cost-effective means to gain real-time insights into electrochemical processes. It therefore has the potential to be a core part of the cell development process. However, existing literature has primarily focused on establishing superficial correlations between electrochemical and ultrasonic parameters, thereby severely constraining the interpretability of alterations of the ultrasound transmission properties of a cell upon cycling. This study aims to enhance the interpretability of these variations through simultaneous operando measurements of ultrasound and synchrotron X-rays diffraction (XRD) during electrochemical cycling and relaxation measurements. The results are further correlated to mechanical and electrochemical changes obtained through operando nano-dilatometry measurement. Thereby, we demonstrate the influence of both NMC and graphite on ultrasound features upon cycling. This work marks a significant advancement of the application of synchrotron XRD analysis to establish an understanding of ultrasound interactions with commercial cells.
Person-specific digitally measured air pollutant exposure and biomarkers of Alzheimer disease: findings from a pilot study
Authors: Xiong Chengjie , Lu Ruijin , Bui Quoc , Popp Brent , Schindler Suzanne , Shriver Leah , Cruchaga Carlos , Hassenstab Jason , Benzinger Tammie , Agboola Folasade , Gremminger Emily , Streitz Marissa , Hall Charles , Moulder Krista , Morris John
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: Person-specific measures of particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) may better associate with Alzheimer disease (AD) biomarkers, including plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analytes and amyloid and tau positron emission tomography (PET) signal.
METHODS: Fifty nine older participants underwent 7-day digital collection of exposure to PM and VOC by Atmotube Pro, a validated wearable air quality sensor. Person-specific levels of PM and VOC were correlated with biomarkers.
RESULTS: The first functional principal components (FFPC) of PM and VOC captured 75% to 86% of the total variation, and were correlated with tau biomarkers (r=0.63, 0.60, and 0.60 between PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and CSF total tau, respectively; p<5%). The FFPC of VOC was marginally correlated with amyloid biomarkers (r=-0.41 with CSF Aβ42/40, r=0.45 with CSF Aβ40, and r=0.25 with PET amyloid centiloid).
DISCUSSION: Person-level air pollutant exposure is associated with AD biomarkers, but larger and longitudinal studies are needed.