bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of grey feed forward back propagation-neural network model based on wavelet denoising to predict the residual settlement of goafs
Authors: Zhang Xiangdong , Li Wenliang , Zhang Xuefeng , Cai Guanjun , Meng Kejing , Shen Zhen
Published: May 2023

To study the residual settlement of goaf’s law and prediction model, we investigated the Mentougou mining area in Beijing as an example. Using MATLAB software, the wavelet threshold denoising method was used to optimize measured data, and the grey model (GM) and feed forward back propagation neural network model (FFBPNN) were combined. A grey feed forward back propagation neural network (GM-FFBPNN) model based on wavelet denoising was proposed, the prediction accuracy of different models was calculated, and the prediction results were compared with original data. The results showed that the prediction accuracy of the GM-FFBPNN was higher than that of the individual GM and FFBPNN models. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the combined model was 7.39%, the root mean square error (RMSE) was 49.01 mm, the scatter index (SI) was 0.06%, and the BIAS was 2.42%. The original monitoring data were applied to the combination model after wavelet denoising, and MAPE and RMSE were only 1.78% and 16.05 mm, respectively. Compared with the combined model before denoising, the prediction error was reduced by 5.61% and 32.96 mm. Thus, the combination model optimized by wavelet analysis had a high prediction accuracy, strong stability, and accorded with the law of change of measured data. The results of this study will contribute to the construction of future surface engineering in goafs and provide a new theoretical basis for similar settlement prediction engineering, which has strong popularization and application value.
No evidence for a mixing benefit—A registered report of voluntary dialect switching
Authors: Declerck Mathieu , Kirk Neil W.
Published: May 2023

Previous language production research with bidialectals has provided evidence for similar language control processes as during bilingual language production. In the current study, we aimed to further investigate this claim by examining bidialectals with a voluntary language switching paradigm. Research with bilinguals performing the voluntary language switching paradigm has consistently shown two effects. First, the cost of switching languages, relative to staying in the same language, is similar across the two languages. The second effect is more uniquely connected to voluntary language switching, namely a benefit when performing in mixed language blocks relative to single language blocks, which has been connected to proactive language control. While the bidialectals in this study also showed symmetrical switch costs, no mixing effect was observed. These results could be taken as evidence that bidialectal and bilingual language control are not entirely similar.
The N-terminus of CXCR4 splice variants determines expression and functional properties
Authors: Park Hee-Kyung , Nguyen Lan Phuong , Nguyen Thai Uy , Cho Minyeong , Nguyen Huong Thi , Hurh Sunghoon , Kim Hong-Rae , Seong Jae Young , Lee Cheol Soon , Ham Byung-Joo , Hwang Jong-Ik
Published: May 2023

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12) is an essential chemokine for organ development and homeostasis in multiple tissues. Its receptor, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4(CXCR4), is expressed on the surface of target cells. The chemokine and receptor are expressed almost ubiquitously in human tissues and cells throughout life, and abnormal expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 is observed in pathological conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. CXCR4 is reportedly translated into five splicing variants of different lengths, which each have different amino acids in the N-terminus. As the N-terminus is the first recognition site for chemokines, CXCR4 variants may respond differently to CXCL12. Despite these differences, the molecular and functional properties of CXCR4 variants have not been thoroughly described or compared. Here, we explored the expression of CXCR4 variants in cell lines and analyzed their roles in cellular responses using biochemical approaches. RT-PCR revealed that most cell lines express more than one CXCR4 variant. When expressed in HEK293 cells, the CXCR4 variants differed in protein expression efficiency and cell surface localization. Although variant 2 demonstrated the strongest expression and cell surface localization, variants 1, 3, and 5 also mediated chemokine signaling and induced cellular responses. Our results demonstrate that the N-terminal sequences of each CXCR4 variant determine the expression of the receptor and affect ligand recognition. Functional analyses revealed that CXCR4 variants may also affect each other or interact during CXCL12-stimulated cellular responses. Altogether, our results suggest that CXCR4 variants may have distinct functional roles that warrant additional investigation and could contribute to future development of novel drug interventions.
A pragmatic evaluation of university student experience of remote digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on lessons learned for future practice
Authors: Brown Menna , Hoon Alice E. , Edwards Maisie , Shabu Shawn , Okoronkwo Imannuella , Newton Philip M.
Published: May 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent national lockdowns resulted in drastic changes to the way that higher education was delivered. A mixed-methods research study was conducted to explore university students’ perceptions of online learning during the 2020/21 academic year. Students from across all Welsh higher education institutions were invited to participate. First, a series of focus groups (n = 13) were conducted to explore students’ experiences of online learning during the pandemic. Two were conducted in Welsh, the remaining eleven in English. Thematic analysis led researchers to develop eight key themes: Seeking the positives, Facilitators to learning, Barriers to learning, Lost sense of community, Let down by University, Workload, Assessment, and Health and well-being. These themes informed the design of a quantitative survey which was completed by 759 students. It was found that students were largely satisfied with the quality of online learning, however there were specific challenges associated with a lack of community, wellbeing concerns, and challenges with loneliness and isolation. Data from the focus groups and survey informed recommendations for practice in three key categories; teaching practice, institutional level recommendations, and student health and wellbeing considerations.
Symmetric collateral pattern on CTA predicts favorable outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion stroke
Authors: Regenhardt Robert W. , Lev Michael H. , He Julian , Dmytriw Adam A. , Vranic Justin E. , Rabinov James D. , Stapleton Christopher J. , Patel Aman B. , Singhal Aneesh B. , Gonzalez R. Gilberto
Published: May 2023

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has revolutionized large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke management, but often requires advanced imaging. The collateral pattern on CT angiograms may be an alternative because a symmetric collateral pattern correlates with a slowly growing, small ischemic core. We tested the hypothesis that such patients will have favorable outcomes after EVT. Consecutive patients (n = 74) with anterior LVOs who underwent EVT were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were available CTA and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). CTA collateral patterns were symmetric in 36%, malignant in 24%, or other in 39%. Median NIHSS was 11 for symmetric, 18 for malignant, and 19 for other (p = 0.02). Ninety-day mRS ≤2, indicating independent living, was achieved in 67% of symmetric, 17% of malignant, and 38% of other patterns (p = 0.003). A symmetric collateral pattern was a significant determinant of 90-day mRS ≤2 (aOR = 6.62, 95%CI = 2.24,19.53; p = 0.001) in a multivariable model that included age, NIHSS, baseline mRS, thrombolysis, LVO location, and successful reperfusion. We conclude that a symmetric collateral pattern predicts favorable outcomes after EVT for LVO stroke. Because the pattern also marks slow ischemic core growth, patients with symmetric collaterals may be suitable for transfer for thrombectomy. A malignant collateral pattern is associated with poor clinical outcomes.
Identification of the pore-forming and binding domains of the Sneathia vaginalis cytopathogenic toxin A
Authors: O’Brien Cathyrn K. , Raskin Jacob R. , Amankwa Asare Ivypel , Wei Christine , Ma Joy , McCoy Zion T. , Jefferson Kimberly K.
Published: May 2023

The association between Sneathia vaginalis and preterm birth is emerging. The Gram-negative anaerobe produces a large exotoxin, the cytopathogenic toxin A (CptA), that forms pores in human epithelial cells and red blood cells. The structure of the toxin has not been determined, but in silico analysis predicts that a large amino-terminal region of the protein is globular and separated from the carboxy-terminal tandem repeats by a disordered region. We found that a recombinant protein consisting of the predicted structured amino-terminal portion of CptA and devoid of the repeat region was sufficient to permeabilize epithelial cells and red blood cells. The repeat region was capable of binding to epithelial cells but did not permeabilize them or lyse red blood cells. CptA is the only S. vaginalis virulence factor that has been examined mechanistically to date, and this analysis sets the foundation for an understanding of how this novel pore-forming toxin exerts its activity.
Adoption is not associated with immunological and virological outcomes in children with perinatally acquired HIV infection in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Den Hof Malon , Smit Colette , Rossum Annemarie M. C. Van , Fraaij Pieter L. A. , Wolfs Tom F. W. , Geelen Sibyl P. M. , Scherpbier Henriette J. , Schölvinck Elisabeth H. , Aerde Koen Van , Reiss Peter , Wit Ferdinand W. N. M. , Pajkrt Dasja ,   on behalf of the ATHENA cohort study group
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To provide an overview of the demographics, treatment characteristics and long-term outcomes of children with perinatal HIV-1 infection (PHIV) living in the Netherlands (NL) and to specifically investigate whether outcomes differ by children’s adoption status.

Design

A prospective population-based open cohort including children with PHIV in NL.

Methods

We included children with PHIV who had entered HIV care in NL since 2007, in view of a sharp increase in the number of adopted children with PHIV since that year. We compared the proportion with virologic suppression and CD4+T-cell count over time between the following groups of children with PHIV: adopted and born outside NL, non-adopted born in NL, and non-adopted born outside NL, using generalized estimating equations and linear mixed effects models, respectively. To account for the variation in cohort inclusion, we analyzed data of children exposed to at least one year of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Results

We included 148 children (827.5 person-years of follow-up, 72% adopted, age at start care in NL 2.4 (0.5–5.3)). Under-18 mortality was zero. Over the years, a boosted PI-based regimen was most often prescribed. The use of integrase inhibitors increased since 2015. Non-adopted children born in NL were less likely to achieve virological suppression compared to adopted children (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.51–0.86, p = 0.001), which disappeared after excluding one child with suspected treatment nonadherence (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.57–1.25, p = 0.400). CD4+T-cell Z-score trajectories were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Despite considerable and increasing diversity of the population of children with PHIV in NL, geographical origin and adoption status do not seem to pose important challenges in achieving good immunological and virological outcomes.
Feasibility of measuring fusional vergence amplitudes objectively
Authors: Rovira-Gay Cristina , Mestre Clara , Argiles Marc , Vinuela-Navarro Valldeflors , Pujol Jaume
Published: May 2023

Two tests to measure fusional vergence amplitudes objectively were developed and validated against the two conventional clinical tests. Forty-nine adults participated in the study. Participants’ negative (BI, base in) and positive (BO, base out) fusional vergence amplitudes at near were measured objectively in an haploscopic set-up by recording eye movements with an EyeLink 1000 Plus (SR Research). Stimulus disparity changed in steps or smoothly mimicking a prim bar and a Risley prism, respectively. Break and recovery points were determined offline using a custom Matlab algorithm for the analysis of eye movements. Fusional vergence amplitudes were also measured with two clinical tests using a Risley prism and a prism bar. A better agreement between tests was found for the measurement of BI than for BO fusional vergence amplitudes. The means ± SD of the differences between the BI break and recovery points measured with the two objective tests were -1.74 ± 3.35 PD and -1.97 ± 2.60 PD, respectively, which were comparable to those obtained for the subjective tests. For the BO break and recovery points, although the means of the differences between the two objective tests were small, high variability between subjects was found (0.31 ± 6.44 PD and -2.84 ± 7.01 PD, respectively). This study showed the feasibility to measure fusional vergence amplitudes objectively and overcome limitations of the conventional subjective tests. However, these tests cannot be used interchangeably due to their poor agreement.
Intention for international assignment among workers in Ghana: Modelling the role of motivators, demotivators and cultural disposition
Authors: Segbenya Moses , Oppong Nana Yaw
Published: May 2023

This study examined intention for international assignment among workers in Ghana by modelling the role of motivators, demotivators and cultural disposition on such intentions. The cross-sectional survey design was used to sample 723 workers drawn from Northern Ghana. Data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire. The Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling was used to analyse the data collected. The study found from individual workers’ and developing economy perspectives that cultural disposition influences motivation for accepting international assignments and expatriates’ intention to accept international assignments. Motivation and demotivation among workers were also found to have had a statistically significant relationship between expatriate intention and significantly mediated the relationship between cultural disposition and expatriate intention to participate in international assignments. Cultural disposition was, however, found to have a non-significance relationship with expatriates’ intention to accept an international assignment. It is therefore recommended that human resource managers should make international assignments attractive for workers and expose workers to cross-cultural training through job rotations, working in teams and experiential training. It is expected that such opportunities prepare individuals for an international assignment.
Effects of brand and brand trust on initial trust in fully automated driving system
Authors: Cui Zixin , Tu Nianzhi , Itoh Makoto
Published: May 2023

Before Automated Driving Systems (ADS) with full driving automation (SAE Level 5) are placed into practical use, the issue of calibrating drivers’ initial trust in Level 5 ADS to an appropriate degree to avoid inappropriate disuse or improper use should be resolved. This study aimed to identify the factors that affected drivers’ initial trust in Level 5 ADS. We conducted two online surveys. Of these, one explored the effects of automobile brands and drivers’ trust in automobile brands on drivers’ initial trust in Level 5 ADS using a Structural Equation Model (SEM). The other identified drivers’ cognitive structures regarding automobile brands using the Free Word Association Test (FWAT) and summarized the characteristics that resulted in higher initial trust among drivers in Level 5 ADS. The results showed that drivers’ trust in automobile brands positively impacted their initial trust in Level 5 ADS, which showed invariance across gender and age. In addition, the degree of drivers’ initial trust in Level 5 ADS was significantly different across different automobile brands. Furthermore, for automobile brands with higher trust in automobile brands and Level 5 ADS, drivers’ cognitive structures were richer and varied, which included particular characteristics. These findings suggest the necessity of considering the influence of automobile brands on calibrating drivers’ initial trust in driving automation.
Progressive Platelet Rich Fibrin tissue regeneration matrix: Description of a novel, low cost and effective method for the treatment of chronic diabetic ulcers—Pilot study
Authors: Saboia-Dantas Carlos José , Dechichi Paula , Fech Roberto Lichtsztejn , de Carvalho Furst Rafael Vilhena , Raimundo Rodrigo Daminello , Correa João Antonio
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Chronic lower limb ulcers (CLLU) are those injuries that persist for more than six weeks despite adequate care. They are relatively common; it is estimated that 10/1,000 people will develop CLLU in their lifetime. Diabetic ulcer, because of its unique pathophysiology (association between neuropathy, microangiopathy, and immune deficiency), is considered one of the most complex and difficult etiologies of CLLU for treatment. This treatment is complex, costly, and sometimes frustrating, as it is often ineffective, which worsens the quality of life of patients and makes its treatment a challenge.

Objective

To describe a new method for treating diabetic CLLU and the initial results of using a new autologous tissue regeneration matrix.

Method

This is a pilot, prospective, an interventional study that used a novel protocol of autologous tissue regeneration matrix for the treatment of diabetic CLLU.

Results

Three male cases with a mean age of 54 years were included. A total of six Giant Pro PRF Membrane (GMPro) were used varying their application between one to three sessions during treatment. A total of 11 liquid phase infiltrations were performed varying their application between three and four sessions. The patients were evaluated weekly and a reduction in the wound area and scar retraction was observed during the period studied.

Conclusion

The new tissue regeneration matrix described is an effective and low-cost method for the treatment of chronic diabetic ulcers.
Availability optimization of power generating units used in sewage treatment plants using metaheuristic techniques
Authors: Saini Monika , Kumar Ashish , Saini Dinesh Kumar , Gupta Punit
Published: May 2023

Metaheuristic techniques have been utilized extensively to predict industrial systems’ optimum availability. This prediction phenomenon is known as the NP-hard problem. Though, most of the existing methods fail to attain the optimal solution due to several limitations like slow rate of convergence, weak computational speed, stuck in local optima, etc. Consequently, in the present study, an effort has been made to develop a novel mathematical model for power generating units assembled in sewage treatment plants. Markov birth-death process is adopted for model development and generation of Chapman-Kolmogorov differential-difference equations. The global solution is discovered using metaheuristic techniques, namely genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. All time-dependent random variables associated with failure rates are considered exponentially distributed, while repair rates follow the arbitrary distribution. The repair and switch devices are perfect and random variables are independent. The numerical results of system availability have been derived for different values of crossover, mutation, several generations, damping ratio, and population size to attain optimum value. The results were also shared with plant personnel. Statistical investigation of availability results justifies that particle swarm optimization outdoes genetic algorithm in predicting the availability of power-generating systems. In present study a Markov model is proposed and optimized for performance evaluation of sewage treatment plant. The developed model is one that can be useful for sewage treatment plant designers in establishing new plants and purposing maintenance policies. The same procedure of performance optimization can be adopted in other process industries too.
Improved reinforcement learning path planning algorithm integrating prior knowledge
Authors: Shi Zhen , Wang Keyin , Zhang Jianhui
Published: May 2023

In order to realize the optimization of autonomous navigation of mobile robot under the condition of partial environmental knowledge known. An improved Q-learning reinforcement learning algorithm based on prior knowledge is proposed to solve the problem of slow convergence and low learning efficiency in mobile robot path planning. Prior knowledge is used to initialize the Q-value, so as to guide the agent to move toward the target direction with a greater probability from the early stage of the algorithm, eliminating a large number of invalid iterations. The greedy factor ε is dynamically adjusted based on the number of times the agent successfully reaches the target position, so as to better balance exploration and exploitation and accelerate convergence. Simulation results show that the improved Q-learning algorithm has a faster convergence rate and higher learning efficiency than the traditional algorithm. The improved algorithm has practical significance for improving the efficiency of autonomous navigation of mobile robots.
Increased serum extracellular vesicle miR-144-3p and miR-486a-3p in a mouse model of adipose tissue regeneration promote hepatocyte proliferation by targeting Txnip
Authors: Niitsu Yoshihiro , Komiya Chikara , Takeuchi Akira , Hara Kazunari , Horino Masato , Aoki Jun , Okazaki Rei , Murakami Masanori , Tsujimoto Kazutaka , Ikeda Kenji , Yamada Tetsuya
Published: May 2023

Adipose-derived stem cells are expected to be applied to regenerative medicine for various incurable diseases including liver cirrhosis. Although microRNAs contained in extracellular vesicles (EV-miRNAs) have been implicated in their regenerative effects, the precise mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Tamoxifen-inducible adipocyte-specific insulin receptor knockout (iFIRKO) mice are known to exhibit acute adipose tissue regeneration with increased numbers of adipose stem and progenitor cells (ASPCs). Because adipose tissue is the major source of circulating EV-miRNAs, we investigated alterations in serum EV-miRNAs in iFIRKO mice. A comprehensive analysis using miRNA sequencing on serum EVs revealed that most EV-miRNAs were decreased due to the loss of mature adipocytes, but there were 19 EV-miRNAs that were increased in the serum of iFIRKO mice. Among them, miR-144-3p and miR-486a-3p were found to be increased in the liver as well as serum EVs. While the expression levels of pri-miR-144-3p and pri-miR-486a-3p were not increased in the liver, they were elevated in the adipose tissue, suggesting that these miRNAs may be delivered from ASPCs increased in the adipose tissue to the liver via EVs. Increased hepatocyte proliferation was observed in the liver of iFIRKO mice, and we found that both miR-144-3p and miR-486a-3p have a function to promote hepatocyte proliferation by suppressingTxnipexpression as a target gene. miR-144-3p and miR-486a-3p can be candidate therapeutic tools for conditions requiring hepatocyte proliferation, such as liver cirrhosis, and our current study suggests that examining EV-miRNAs secretedin vivomay lead to the discovery of miRNAs involved in regenerative medicine that have not been identified byin vitroanalysis.
Evaluating the effect of non-invasive force feedback on prosthetic grasp force modulation in participants with and without limb loss
Authors: Barontini Federica , Van Straaten Meegan , Catalano Manuel G. , Thoreson Andrew , Lopez Cesar , Lennon Ryan , Bianchi Matteo , Andrews Karen , Santello Marco , Bicchi Antonio , Zhao Kristin
Published: May 2023

Grasping an object is one of the most common and complex actions performed by humans. The human brain can adapt and update the grasp dynamics through information received from sensory feedback. Prosthetic hands can assist with the mechanical performance of grasping, however currently commercially available prostheses do not address the disruption of the sensory feedback loop. Providing feedback about a prosthetic hand’s grasp force magnitude is a top priority for those with limb loss. This study tested a wearable haptic system, i.e., the Clenching Upper-Limb Force Feedback device (CUFF), which was integrated with a novel robotic hand (The SoftHand Pro). The SoftHand Pro was controlled with myoelectrics of the forearm muscles. Five participants with limb loss and nineteen able-bodied participants completed a constrained grasping task (with and without feedback) which required modulation of the grasp to reach a target force. This task was performed while depriving participants of incidental sensory sources (vision and hearing were significantly limited with glasses and headphones). The data were analyzed with Functional Principal Component Analysis (fPCA). CUFF feedback improved grasp precision for participants with limb loss who typically use body-powered prostheses as well as a sub-set of able-bodied participants. Further testing, that is more functional and allows participants to use all sensory sources, is needed to determine if CUFF feedback can accelerate mastery of myoelectric control or would benefit specific patient sub-groups.
The prevalence and factors associated with mental disorders in a community setting in central Uganda
Authors: Akena Dickens , Kiguba Ronald , Muwhezi Wilson W. , Kwesiga Brendan , Kigozi Gwendolyne , Lukwata Hafsa , Nakasujja Noeline
Published: May 2023

Background

Mental disorders are known to predict poverty, morbidity and mortality. In resource limited settings, low levels of mental health literacy (MHL) and high mental illness stigma (MIS) have been sighted as possible factors that may impede access to mental health care. However, little has been done to examine the association between mental disorders and these factors (MHL and MIS) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We assessed for the prevalence of major depressive disorders (MDD), substance use disorders (SUD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), documented MHL and MIS among 814 participants from 24 villages in central Uganda. We conducted regression analyses to examine the association between the prevalence of mental disorders, demographic factors as well as MIS and MHL.

Results

Over two thirds of the participants 581 (70%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 38 years (SD± 13.5). The prevalence of mental disorders ranged from 6.8–32%. Participants who were older were less likely to screen positive for GAD (OR 0.98; 0.96–0.99), female gender was protective against SUD (OR 0.46; 0.3–0.68) and those with MDD had lower education level (OR 0.23; 0.1–0.53). The mean MIS score was 11.3 (SD± 5.4) with a range of 6–30 and the mean MHL score was 21.7 (SD ±3.0) with a range of 10–30. MIS was negatively associated with GAD [β = -1.211 (-2.382 to -0.040)]. There no statistically significant association between MHL and a mental disorder.

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of mental disorders in the community that we studied. Adequate resources should be allocated to address this burden.
Influence of farmland confirmation on farmland abandonment in China
Authors: Wu Zhidong , Zheng Wolin , Yang Zechen
Published: May 2023

The general view is that land ownership affirmation provides incentives for farmers to internalize external benefits, optimizes farmers’ allocation of agricultural production factors, and then reduces farmers’ farmland wastage behavior. This study examines the influence of residual control and claim rights in farmland right confirmation on farmers’ farmland wastage behavior. Results show that residual control rights guarantee the farmers’ exclusive right to use the farmland independently, and residual claim stimulates the farmers to pursue the goal of agricultural production surplus value. However, the residual claim rights are related to the constraint conditions of agricultural production; thus, the farmland right confirmation is situational dependent on farmers’ farmland wastage behavior. The surplus value of the farming output of low-income families is low, and the willingness to realize the surplus claim through agricultural reproduction is weak. Residual control reduces the risk of land loss, accelerates the transfer of the labor force, and shows the behavior of farmland wastage. Nonpoor households with high agricultural production surplus value tend to increase the allocation of agrarian production factors to maximize the income, improve the allocation efficiency of agricultural land resources, and reduce farmland wastage behavior. Conclusion: The implementation effect of accurate farmland affirmation is progressive and internally unbalanced. The institutional basis of matching policy should be to deal with the relationship between residual control right and residual claim right.
Effect of spring nitrogen fertilization on bearing and branching behaviors of young apple trees
Authors: Mészáros Martin , Hnátková Hana , Čonka Patrik , Lošák Tomáš , Náměstek Jan
Published: May 2023

The total aboveground biomass production, nutritional status, bearing and branching behaviors of the central leader and one year old shoots of young apple trees have been analyzed. The shoots were further characterized according to the length, shoot demography, and the production of terminal and lateral flowers. All the characteristics are described in connection with nitrogen supply and cultivar. Nitrogen represents one of the major macronutrients involved in the growth and development of the fruit trees. The understanding of the effect of nitrogen supply for flower bud formation can be further improved by detailed analyses of tree architecture. While the biomass production was cultivar specific, the trees within particular cultivar were characterized by almost similar growth with respect to the nitrogen supply. Cultivar ´Rubinola´ exhibited similar branching pattern, but higher vigor than ´Topaz´. As a result of higher apical dominance, ´Rubinola´ produced higher proportion of long shoots, but a lower quality of short shoots than ´Topaz´. Consequently, cultivar ´Rubinola´ produced only few terminal flowers on short shoots and lateral flowers dominantly in the distal zone, while ´Topaz´ was characterized by intensive terminal flowering, but the lateral flowers were more abundant in the median zone. Even a lower dose of spring nitrogen improved the flower bud formation on both terminal and lateral positions extending the flowering zone on one-year-old shoots. This further changed the branching and bearing behavior of the apple trees, which particularly allows to optimize their fertilization management. However, this effect appears to be further regulated by mechanism connected with apical dominance.
Investigating effect modification between childhood maltreatment and genetic risk for cardiovascular disease in the UK Biobank
Authors: Urquijo Helena , Soares Ana Gonçalves , Fraser Abigail , Howe Laura D. , Carter Alice R.
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Childhood maltreatment is associated with CVD and may modify genetic susceptibility to cardiovascular risk factors. We used genetic and phenotypic data from 100,833 White British UK Biobank participants (57% female; mean age = 55.9 years). We regressed nine cardiovascular risk factors/diseases (alcohol consumption, body mass index [BMI], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lifetime smoking behaviour, systolic blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke) on their respective polygenic scores (PGS) and self-reported exposure to childhood maltreatment. Effect modification was tested on the additive and multiplicative scales by including a product term (PGS*maltreatment) in regression models. On the additive scale, childhood maltreatment accentuated the effect of genetic susceptibility to higher BMI (Peffect modification: 0.003). Individuals not exposed to childhood maltreatment had an increase in BMI of 0.12 SD (95% CI: 0.11, 0.13) per SD increase in BMI PGS, compared to 0.17 SD (95% CI: 0.14, 0.19) in those exposed to all types of childhood maltreatment. On the multiplicative scale, similar results were obtained for BMI though these did not withstand to Bonferroni correction. There was little evidence of effect modification by childhood maltreatment in relation to other outcomes, or of sex-specific effect modification. Our study suggests the effects of genetic susceptibility to a higher BMI may be moderately accentuated in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment. However, gene*environment interactions are likely not a major contributor to the excess CVD burden experienced by childhood maltreatment victims.
Dental size variation in admixed Latin Americans: Effects of age, sex and genomic ancestry
Authors: Yang Guangrui , Chen Yingjie , Li Qing , Benítez Daniel , Ramírez Luis Miguel , Fuentes-Guajardo Macarena , Hanihara Tsunehiko , Scott G. Richard , Acuña Alonzo Victor , Gonzalez Jose Rolando , Bortolini Maria Catira , Poletti Giovanni , Gallo Carla , Rothhammer Francisco , Rojas Winston , Zanolli Clément , Adhikari Kaustubh , Ruiz-Linares Andres , Delgado Miguel
Published: May 2023

Dental size variation in modern humans has been assessed from regional to worldwide scales, especially under microevolutionary and forensic contexts. Despite this, populations of mixed continental ancestry such as contemporary Latin Americans remain unexplored. In the present study we investigated a large Latin American sample from Colombia (N = 804) and obtained buccolingual and mesiodistal diameters and three indices for maxillary and mandibular teeth (except third molars). We evaluated the correlation between 28 dental measurements (and three indices) with age, sex and genomic ancestry (estimated using genome-wide SNP data). In addition, we explored correlation patterns between dental measurements and the biological affinities, based on these measurements, between two Latin American samples (Colombians and Mexicans) and three putative parental populations: Central and South Native Americans, western Europeans and western Africans through PCA and DFA. Our results indicate that Latin Americans have high dental size diversity, overlapping the variation exhibited by the parental populations. Several dental dimensions and indices have significant correlations with sex and age. Western Europeans presented closer biological affinities with Colombians, and the European genomic ancestry exhibited the highest correlations with tooth size. Correlations between tooth measurements reveal distinct dental modules, as well as a higher integration of postcanine dentition. The effects on dental size of age, sex and genomic ancestry is of relevance for forensic, biohistorical and microevolutionary studies in Latin Americans.
Norwegian version of the Edinburgh cognitive and behavioural ALS screen: Construct validity, internal consistency, inter-rater, and test-retest reliability
Authors: Taule Tina , Eide Irmelin Smith , Fjær Line , Myrberget Mari-Anne , Oseland Marit Sofie , Renså Marit Arnevik , Revheim Tone , Tysnes Ole-Bjørn , Aßmus Jörg , Rekand Tiina
Published: May 2023

Background

Research collaboration highlight a need for validated tests in other languages than English. Translation and culture adjustments may threaten essential features of the original instrument.

Objective

To assess the internal consistency, inter-rater and test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the Norwegian version of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Screen (ECAS-N).

Methods

Performance of 71 subjects with ALS, 85 healthy controls (HC) and 6 controls with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were assessed with the ECAS-N. Test-retest interval was four months. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha; reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cohen’s kappa, and Bland Altman plot. Five hypothesis, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screen, was evaluated for construct validity.

Results

ECAS-N total score produced a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.65, had excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.99) and acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73). Construct validity analysis suggested valid use of the ECAS-N to distinguish people with ALS-specific cognitive impairment from HC (p = 0.001) and those with AD (p = 0.002). The MoCA and ECAS-N were moderately correlated (r = 0.53).

Conclusion

The ECAS-N has potential to be used by different testers in clinical practice and research to screen patients with ALS who speak Norwegian and for documenting cognitive impairment over time.
Breakfast habits, sedentary behavior, and suicide among Korean adolescents: A cross-sectional national study
Authors: Kim Ji-Su , Seo Yeji
Published: May 2023

This study aims to identify the relationships between breakfast habits, leisure-time sedentary behavior, and suicidal behaviors among Korean adolescents, including the mediating effect of leisure-time sedentary behavior on the relationship between breakfast habits and suicidal behaviors. We conducted a cross-sectional national study using secondary data from the 2017–2019 (13–15th) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Surveys, analyzing data from a final sample of 153,992 Korean adolescents using multivariate logistic regression. No breakfast habits were statistically significantly related to suicidal ideation (crude OR [COR], 95% CI = 1.218, 1.172–1.265), suicidal plans (COR, 95% CI = 1.305, 1.228–1.385), and suicide attempts (COR, 95% CI = 1.533, 1.432–1.642). The effects of breakfast habits (independent variable) on suicidal behaviors (outcome variables) were mediated by leisure-time sedentary behavior (mediating variable). Leisure-time sedentary behavior had a statistically significant indirect effect on breakfast habits and suicidal behaviors (p < 0.05). The mediating effect size of breakfast habits mediated by leisure-time sedentary behavior was 3.46% for suicidal ideation, 2.48% for suicidal plans, and 1.06% for suicide attempts. Adolescents who did not consume breakfast demonstrated a significantly higher possibility of suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, and suicide attempts. Parents and teachers should be aware of and monitor adolescents’ leisure-time sedentary behavior and breakfast habits to prevent suicidal behavior among this age group.
RyR2 regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry, phospholipase C activity, and electrical excitability in the insulinoma cell line INS-1
Authors: Harvey Kyle E. , Tang Shiqi , LaVigne Emily K. , Pratt Evan P. S. , Hockerman Gregory H.
Published: May 2023

The ER Ca2+ channel ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is required for maintenance of insulin content and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, in part, via regulation of the protein IRBIT in the insulinoma cell line INS-1. Here, we examined store-operated and depolarization-dependent Ca2+entry using INS-1 cells in which either RyR2 or IRBIT were deleted. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) stimulated with thapsigargin was reduced in RyR2KO cells compared to controls, but was unchanged in IRBITKO cells. STIM1 protein levels were not different between the three cell lines. Basal and stimulated (500 μM carbachol) phospholipase C (PLC) activity was also reduced specifically in RyR2KO cells. Insulin secretion stimulated by tolbutamide was reduced in RyR2KO and IRBITKO cells compared to controls, but was potentiated by an EPAC-selective cAMP analog in all three cell lines. Cellular PIP2 levels were increased and cortical f-actin levels were reduced in RyR2KO cells compared to controls. Whole-cell Cav channel current density was increased in RyR2KO cells compared to controls, and barium current was reduced by acute activation of the lipid phosphatase pseudojanin preferentially in RyR2KO cells over control INS-1 cells. Action potentials stimulated by 18 mM glucose were more frequent in RyR2KO cells compared to controls, and insensitive to the SK channel inhibitor apamin. Taken together, these results suggest that RyR2 plays a critical role in regulating PLC activity and PIP2 levels via regulation of SOCE. RyR2 also regulates β-cell electrical activity by controlling Cav current density and SK channel activation.
Developing sustainable career paths as teacher-researchers in a changing academic landscape: A tale of two EFL teachers in China
Authors: Lu Hua , Zhang Xiaorong
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study aimed to investigate how two English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers integrated their teacher and researcher identities to achieve sustainable professional growth in the context of a changing academic landscape.

Methods

Using purposive sampling, two EFL teachers from a non-elite public university in China were selected as participants for this qualitative study. Data were collected and triangulated from multiple sources, including semi-structured interviews, narrative frames, document analysis, and the academic profiles of the participants. A qualitative, inductive thematic approach was employed in the data analysis. Adopting “identity” as an analytical lens, this study examined how the two participants underwent different identity trajectories to develop into teacher-researchers under the influence of their personal values and beliefs, as well as contextual factors such as institutional research policy.

Findings

Throughout their identity construction process, the two participants encountered identity deficits and tensions between multiple professional roles, leading to their struggles with identity and complex identity (re)construction. While the participants underwent interactions between various forms of identity throughout their careers, they enacted agency to take actions and draw on available resources to address their identity deficits and conflicts, ultimately resolving them by pursuing a sustainable career path as teacher-researchers in their situated socio-institutional environment.

Conclusion

Despite their different identity trajectories, the construction of the participants’ teacher-researcher identity facilitated their continuing professional development. This study contributes to our understanding of the complexities of EFL teachers’ identity (re)construction when seeking to establish sustainable career paths in a changing academic context. This study also has implications for both EFL academics and university management on how to assist EFL teachers in integrating teacher and researcher identities to achieve sustainable professional development in higher education.
A tool for measuring mental workload during prosthesis use: The Prosthesis Task Load Index (PROS-TLX)
Authors: Parr Johnny V. V. , Galpin Adam , Uiga Liis , Marshall Ben , Wright David J. , Franklin Zoe C. , Wood Greg
Published: May 2023

When using a upper-limb prosthesis, mental, emotional, and physical effort is often experienced. These have been linked to high rates of device dissatisfaction and rejection. Therefore, understanding and quantifying the complex nature of workload experienced when using, or learning to use, a upper-limb prosthesis has practical and clinical importance for researchers and applied professionals. The aim of this paper was to design and validate a self-report measure of mental workload specific to prosthesis use (The Prosthesis Task Load Index; PROS-TLX) that encapsulates the array of mental, physical, and emotional demands often experienced by users of these devices. We first surveyed upper-limb prosthetic limb users who confirmed the importance of eight workload constructs taken from published literature and previous workload measures. These constructs were mental demands, physical demands, visual demands, conscious processing, frustration, situational stress, time pressure and device uncertainty. To validate the importance of these constructs during initial prosthesis learning, we then asked able-bodied participants to complete a coin-placement task using their anatomical hand and then using a myoelectric prosthesis simulator under low and high mental workload. As expected, using a prosthetic hand resulted in slower movements, more errors, and a greater tendency to visually fixate the hand (indexed using eye-tracking equipment). These changes in performance were accompanied by significant increases in PROS-TLX workload subscales. The scale was also found to have good convergent and divergent validity. Further work is required to validate whether the PROS-TLX can provide meaningful clinical insights to the workload experienced by clinical users of prosthetic devices.
Estimating the relative load from movement velocity in the seated chest press exercise in older adults
Authors: Marques Diogo Luís , Neiva Henrique Pereira , Marinho Daniel Almeida , Pires Ivan Miguel , Nunes Célia , Marques Mário Cardoso
Published: May 2023

Aim

This study aimed to i) determine the load-velocity relationship in the seated chest press in older adults, ii) compare the magnitude of the relationship between peak and mean velocity with the relative load, and iii) analyze the differences between sexes in movement velocity for each relative load in the chest press.

Material and methods

Thirty-two older adults (17 women and 15 men; 79.6±7.7 years) performed a chest press progressive loading test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM). The fastest peak and mean velocity reached with each weight were analyzed. Quadratic equations were developed for both sexes and the effectiveness of the regression model was analyzed through a residual analysis. The equations were cross-validated, considering the holdout method. The independent samples t-test analyzed i) the differences in the magnitude of the relationship between peak and mean velocity with the relative load and ii) the differences between sexes in the peak and mean velocity for each relative load.

Results

It was possible to observe very strong quadratic load-velocity relationships in the seated chest press in women (peak velocity: r2 = 0.97, standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 4.5% 1RM; mean velocity: r2 = 0.96, SEE = 5.3% 1RM) and men (peak velocity: r2 = 0.98, SEE = 3.8% 1RM; mean velocity: r2 = 0.98, SEE = 3.8% 1RM) without differences (p>0.05) in the magnitude of the relationship between peak and mean velocity with the relative load. Furthermore, there was no overfitting in the regression models due to the high and positive correlation coefficients (r = 0.98–0.99). Finally, men presented higher (p<0.001) lifting velocities than women in almost all relative loads, except for 95–100% 1RM (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Measuring repetition velocity during the seated chest press is an objective approach to estimating the relative load in older adults. Furthermore, given the velocity differences between older women and men at submaximal loads, it is recommended to use sex-specific equations to estimate and prescribe the relative loads in older adults.