bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of Electrocardiogram Based Photoplethysmogram Generated Using U-Net Based Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Sohn Jangjay , Shin Heean , Lee Joonnyong , Kim Hee Chan
Published: December 2023

Photoplethysmogram (PPG) performs an important role in alarming atrial fibrillation (AF). While the importance of PPG is emphasized, there is insufficient amount of openly available atrial fibrillation PPG data. We propose a U-net-based generative adversarial network (GAN) which synthesize PPG from paired electrocardiogram (ECG). To measure the performance of the proposed GAN, we compared the generated PPG to reference PPG in terms of morphology similarity and also examined its influence on AF detection classifier performance. First, morphology was compared using two different metrics against the reference signal: percent root mean square difference (PRD) and Pearson correlation coefficient. The mean PRD and Pearson correlation coefficient were 27% and 0.94, respectively. Heart rate variability (HRV) of the reference AF ECG and the generated PPG were compared as well. The p-value of the paired t-test was 0.248, indicating that no significant difference was observed between the two HRV values. Second, to validate the generated AF PPG dataset, four different datasets were prepared combining the generated PPG and real AF PPG. Each dataset was used to optimize a classification model while maintaining the same architecture. A test dataset was prepared to test the performance of each optimized model. Subsequently, these datasets were used to test the hypothesis whether the generated data benefits the training of an AF classifier. Comparing the performance metrics of each optimized model, the training dataset consisting of generated and real AF PPG showed a test accuracy result of 0.962, which was close to that of the dataset consisting only of real AF PPG data at 0.961. Furthermore, both models yielded the same F1 score of 0.969. Lastly, using only the generated AF PPG dataset resulted in test accuracy of 0.945, indicating that the trained model was capable of generating valuable AF PPG. Therefore, it can be concluded that the generated AF PPG can be used to augment insufficient data. To summarize, this study proposes a GAN-based method to generate atrial fibrillation PPG that can be used for training atrial fibrillation PPG classification models.
Trauma Level, Coping with Stress and Post-Traumatic Change in University Students Experiencing Kahramanmaraş Centered Earthquake: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bahar Aynur , Çuhadar Döndü
Published: December 2023

Objective:

The aim of this research is to examine the levels of post-traumatic stress, coping with stress, and post-traumatic change in university students after the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes in February 2023.

Method:

The research is descriptive and relational. The sample of the study consists of 221 university students. Personal Information Form, Post-earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale, Strategies for Coping with Earthquake Stress Scale, and Post-Traumatic Change Scale were used as data collection tools. Descriptive analyses (percentage, arithmetic mean), correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data.

Results:

It was determined that the students were highly traumatized after the earthquake, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were observed in a significant majority of the students. It was determined that the students used the post-earthquake coping strategies effectively. Post-traumatic change is positive. Inter-scale correlations are significant (P < 0.05). According to regression analysis, the level of post-earthquake trauma and the level of coping with earthquake stress are significant predictors of post-traumatic change. In addition, the damage to houses during the earthquake significantly affects the post-traumatic change.

Conclusions:

We think that pre-planning the psychological support services, increasing social supports, and teaching methods of coping with stress that can be applied after disasters such as earthquakes will be effective in preventing post-traumatic problems in university students at risk after trauma. It is hoped that the findings of this study will assist researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in implementing effective strategies for post-disaster.
A hydrozoan from the eurypterid-dominated Silurian Bertie Group Lagerstätten of North America
Authors: Larson Evelyn , Briggs Derek E.G.
Published: December 2023

Fossil capitate hydrozoans require exceptional conditions for preservation. Here we describe Bertratis ciurcae new genus, new species from the Silurian (Pridoli) of southern Ontario and upper New York State, where it occurs in association with a diverse assemblage of eurypterids. Only the float (pneumatophore) is well preserved, surviving as a thick carbonaceous compression. The new taxon is the largest fossil capitate reported, reaching a width of 17 cm, and the third Porpita-like example known from the Paleozoic. It was a rare pelagic component of the biota of the well-known Bertie Group Lagerstätten.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/1eb789e3-67b4-4e46-9baf-6320d4b67d6c
From Fitness-Centered to Trait-Centered Explanations: What Evolutionary Transitions in Individuality Teach Us About Fitness
Authors: Takacs Peter , Doulcier Guilhem , Bourrat Pierrick
Published: December 2023

Fitness has taken center stage in debates concerning how best to identify evolutionary transitions in individuality (ETIs). An influential framework proposes that an ETI occurs only when fitness is exported from constituent particles to a collective. We reformulate the conceptual structure of this framework as involving three steps. The culminating step compares “counterfactual” fitnesses against a long-run measure of fitness. This comparison assumes that collective-level fitness mereologically supervenes on particle fitness. However, if this assumption is rigorously enforced, the proposed conditions for identifying ETIs prove to be too weak. We here suggest an alternative model of ETIs centered around traits.
Synopsis of gastropod-associated nematodes of Ciscaucasia (Russian Federation) with the description of a new species of Pellioditis Dougherty, 1953 (syn. Phasmarhabditis Andrássy, 1976)
Authors: Ivanova E.S. , Spiridonov S.E.
Published: December 2023

Caucasus is known as one of the few biodiversity hotspots in Europe and is characterised by rich gastropod fauna while the nematode fauna in association with gastropods has remained largely understudied. Surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021 in the North Caucasus of the Russian Federation (Stavropol Upland and western and central parts of Krasnodar Krai) has revealed the presence of three new species of Pellioditis, a facultative parasite of land gastropods, and two species of obligate parasites, the intestinal parasite Angiostoma kimmeriense and a new, still undescribed species of a larval ectoparasite Alloionema sp. The new associations of Cruznema sp. and Rhabditophanes sp. with land gastropods were recorded for the first time in the Russian Federation. The new species of Pellioditis Dougherty, 1953 described here is based on the analysis of morphology and molecular studies of two distant and morphologically distinct strains, thermalis and sindicae. Pellioditis thermalis n. sp. was characterised by females possessing a tail of about 95–100 μm long, broadly conical in shape in the thermalis and sindicae strains, with a rounded anterior part and a subulate terminal part as long as the former; prominent phasmids located at the mid-tail, equatorial vulva position, a lateral field of three ridges (four incisions), males with spicules featuring a hole at the distal tip, ensheathed infective juveniles with average length 717 μm in the thermals strain and 771 μm in the sindicae strain, and exsheathed ones 644 μm and 682 μm, respectively. ITS-based phylogenetic analyses revealed that all Pellioditis species found in Ciscaucasia and Transcaucasia probably belong to two separate clades, with independent evolutionary histories of colonisation of this area. The entire Caucasus range area appears to serve as a biodiversity hotspot for the genus Pellioditis, presumably due to its complicated geological history and repeated isolation events for its terrestrial mollusc hosts.
HEALTH, HEIGHT AND REGIONAL DISPARITIES IN ITALY: EVIDENCE FROM CONSCRIPTS’ DATA, 1843-1871
Authors: Daniele Vittorio , Samà Francesco
Published: December 2023

This article contributes to the debate on regional disparities in living standards in Italy at the time of national unification (1861) by examining the health standards of army conscripts born between 1843 and 1871. Data regarding the conscripts born in 1843-1856 show that 35.4 per cent of youths examined were unfit for military service. Overall, the rejection rate in the peninsular south was similar to that of the northern regions. In the south, however, the share of conscripts rejected for insufficient height was notably higher. It is very likely that the persistent north-south gradient in average height in Italy is related to genetic factors.
What is attractive about becoming a music teacher? Exploring the motivations of pre-service music teachers towards the profession
Authors: Mateos-Moreno Daniel
Published: December 2023

Uncovering the motivations towards a profession may contribute to a better understanding of how the profession is chosen and will be pursued. However, the research on the attractiveness of the music teaching profession is rather limited and predominantly focused on identity development, thereby overlooking other aspects that may play a role. In pursuing a case study, my aim is to contribute to this field of research by investigating the views of pre-service music teachers enrolled at the University of Karlstad in Sweden. The results depict a unique motivational profile compared to their counterparts in other subjects. These differential aspects are threefold, indicating a high prevalence of ‘extrinsic motivations’ driving their choice of profession, that ‘altruistic reasons’ have lower significance as a motivating factor, and that there is a poor perceived relevance of these individuals’ future profession. In addition, this study provides evidence of the prevalence of ‘musician identities’ over ‘teaching identities’ and foresees the dependence between the participants’ motivation and their future students’ progression. Moreover, I hypothesise that career changes and Pygmalion effects are to be expected if intrinsic motivation towards the profession is not fostered or if this population’s motivation is linked to the progress of their students rather than the challenge of motivating them in the first place.
Differences in the structure of bat assemblages among habitats in the Caatinga dry forest
Authors: Vargas-Mena Juan Carlos , Cordero-Schmidt Eugenia , Rodríguez-Herrera Bernal , Venticinque Eduardo Martins
Published: December 2023

The Caatinga is the largest seasonal tropical dry forest with extreme environmental and meteorological conditions. It harbours many phytophysiognomies and vegetational units, but bat fauna is poorly known in many regions. We analysed the structure of bat assemblages by mist-netting during 99 nights in seven habitats throughout six sites in the northeasternmost region of the Caatinga in Rio Grande do Norte State, in the Brazilian northeast. With a sampling effort of 239 665 m2h, we captured 1575 individuals of 31 species of bats. Bat assemblages’ structure and species distribution changed according to the habitat type, and differences in richness, abundance, species composition, and trophic guild representation were found. The frugivore A. planirostris was widespread, and its superabundance hold for all habitats. The distinct array of the most abundant species with several exclusive species in each habitat suggests species- and trophic guild-specific preferences to particular habitats. Differences in the structure of bat assemblages may be driven by each habitat’s vegetational structure and plant composition (e.g., semi-open habitats vs. tall forest stands) that offers distinct exploitable resources (e.g., food and roosts). Finally, we discuss the importance of foraging habitats for the conservation of these unique bat assemblages in the northeasternmost region of the Caatinga dry forest.
An Operational Perspective on the Ethics of the Use of Autonomous Weapons
Authors: Deptula David A.
Published: December 2023

Rapid technological change is resulting in the development of ever increasingly capable autonomous weapon systems. As they become more sophisticated, the calls for developing restrictions on their use, up to and including their complete prohibition, are growing. Not unlike the call for restrictions on the sale and use of drones, most proposed restrictions are well-intentioned but are often ill-informed, with a high likelihood of degrading national security and putting additional lives at risk. Employed by experienced operators well-versed in the laws of armed conflict, autonomous weapons can advance the objectives of those who would prohibit their use. This essay takes an operational perspective to examine the role that autonomous weapon systems can play while complying with the laws of armed conflict. With responsible design and incorporation of applicable control measures, autonomous weapons will be able not just to comply but also to enhance the ethical use of force. This essay contends that efforts by the international community to use international legal means and/or institutions to over-regulate or even ban lethal autonomous weapons are counterproductive. It considers and describes the end-game results of the use of autonomous weapons in enhancing the application of both international law and human ethical values.
Accountability for the Taking of Human Life with LAWS in War
Authors: Reed Esther D.
Published: December 2023

Accountability for developing, deploying, and using any emerging weapons system is affirmed as a guiding principle by the Group of Governmental Experts on Emerging Technologies in the Area of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems. Yet advances in emerging technologies present accountability challenges throughout the life cycle of a weapons system. Mindful of a lack of progress at the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons since 2019, this essay argues for a mechanism capable of imputing accountability when individual agent accountability is exceeded, forensic accountability unreliable, and aspects of political accountability fail.
Mapping the Lethal Autonomous Weapons Debate: An Introduction
Authors: Jackson Josephine
Published: December 2023

The UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) can, on the one hand, be considered vital for the global governance process—in the sense of urging international cooperation on the ethical, developmental, and standards aspects of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS). On the other hand, the CCW may also embody a global trend that does not augur well for international solidarity, namely the lack of credible and comprehensive collaboration to advance global objectives of peace and security. In 2022, a majority of the 125 nations that belong to the CCW requested limits on a specific type of lethal autonomous weapons: “killer robots.” Yet, most of the major global powers—namely the United States, Russia, and China—opposed not only a ban on LAWS but also on any restrictions on the development of these weapons, not least because the United States, Russia, and China are actively developing this weapons technology. While there is currently much focus on the technological evolution of LAWS, less has been written about how ethical values can exert influence on a growing global consciousness around factors such as power, technology, human judgment, accountability, autonomy, dehumanization, and the use of force. This introduction lays the groundwork for dealing with these issues. It does so by showing that all these factors warrant a pluralist approach to the global governance of LAWS, based on multiple grounds, including the military, tech, law, and distinctive theoretical-ethical orientations; the rationale being to combine this expertise into a collection for publication. Reflecting the contributing authors’ firsthand experiences of the ethics surrounding the management of LAWS to address decisive and critical questions at an expert level, it provides a framing for the collection, showing that the use of international legal mechanisms like the CCW are crucial to considering both the potential and the limits of LAWS, as well as what it can contribute to areas such as international law, human rights, and national security.
Coronary artery bypass grafting in adolescent with myocardial infarction complicating undiagnosed Kawasaki disease
Authors: Gürses Dolunay , Yılmaz Münevver , Oğuz Merve , Ufuk Furkan , Baltalarlı Ahmet
Published: December 2023

Although Kawasaki disease is often self-limiting, significant cardiovascular sequelae may occur in the acute or late stage. The most common late complication is persistent coronary artery aneurysm, which can lead to myocardial ischaemia and even myocardial infarction. We report a case of coronary artery bypass grafting in a 16-year-old boy with a history of undiagnosed Kawasaki disease. Increased awareness of Kawasaki disease, especially among children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, can increase early treatment and prevent serious complications that may occur in the future.
Body as Artifact
Authors: Whaley Savannah
Published: December 2023

Reading Ana Mendieta’s Untitled: Glass on Body Imprints (1972), Cassils’s Becoming an Image (2012–present), and Cassils’s Pressed (2018) through Marxian “value theory” makes the gendered body visible as an “artifact”: a result rather than a precondition of the capitalist mode of production. In this reading, Mendieta and Cassils convey a “felt sense” of the relationship between the particularities of sensory embodied experience and the capitalist totality, where gender is produced and maintained through indirect compulsions and direct forms of violence.
Performance Capital - Law as Performance: Theatricality, Spectatorship, and the Making of Law in Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern Europe. By Julie Stone Peters. Oxford University Press, 2022; 350 pp.; $115 cloth. - Awkward Rituals: Sensations of Governance in Protestant America. By Dana W. Logan. University of Chicago Press, 2022; 185 pp; $97.50 cloth, $27.50 paper. - Strolling Players of Empire: Theater and Performances of Power in the British Imperial Provinces, 1656–1833. By Kathleen Wilson. Cambridge University Press, 2023; 480 pp; $39.99 cloth.
Authors: Sherwin Richard K.
Published: December 2023

Assuming responsibility and developing the tools needed for self- and political construction are hallmarks of the liberal imagination. A newly emerging subfield of performance studies—call it “performance capital studies”—teaches us what those tools are and how they may be put to use. “Performance” now comes to be seen as an exchange of cultural, legal, and identity capital retailing different forms of knowledge and power in the constitution and regulation of governance.
Consumer preferences for produce grown with reduced pesticides: a choice experiment in Missouri
Authors: Tran Lan , McCann Laura , Su Ye
Published: December 2023

There have been growing concerns about exposure to chemical pesticides in fresh fruits and vegetables, which are an important part of a healthy diet. This study investigates consumer preferences for reduced pesticide, organic, local, and Missouri Grown produce using a discrete choice experiment. An online survey of fresh tomato consumers was conducted in Missouri to collect choice data, demographic information, and the individual health and environmental attitudes of shoppers. Respondents were willing to pay a premium of 6% for tomatoes produced with 50% less pesticide than conventional tomatoes. The finding indicates there may be a demand for reduced pesticide produce as a compromise between conventional and organic products in terms of price and safety. Also, we found complementary effects between the reduced pesticide attribute and local or Missouri Grown labels, which means consumers in this segment would pay more for fruits and vegetables that were also locally produced. The results suggest important implications for local producers and policy makers in terms of the production and marketing of reduced pesticide produce, such as the need to develop a reduced pesticide label.
Grit effects on grass weeds and grit-weeding in aronia berry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Authors: Forcella Frank , Dalman Nathan , Poppe Steve , Hoover Emily
Published: December 2023

Two sequential experiments examined the effects of abrasive grit on seedlings of grass weeds and young shoots of perennial weeds. First, four types of grit derived from agricultural residues (bone meal, eggshell, hazelnut shell, and sugar beet pulp) were tested under high air pressure in a controlled environment for their abilities to abrade seedlings of an annual grass, Setaria faberi Herrm., and the perennials Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Poa pratensis L., and Elymus repens (L.) Gould. Differing grit particle sizes and amounts, as well as weed seedling stages, were examined for efficacy after abrasion by each type of grit. Second, hazelnut shell grit was used to control P. pratensis and Taraxicum officinale Weber in field trials with aronia (Aronia melanocarpa [Michx.] Elliott), which is a new, shrubby, berry crop in the midwestern USA. Grit weeding was compared to two other treatments: manual weeding (hand-hoeing + hand-pulling) and no weed control (weedy check) over two years. In the grit comparison experiment, control of S. faberi was highest for egg-shell grit (63–100% across grit particle sizes, rates, and seedling stages) and least for sugar beet pulp (17–97%). The former grit had the highest bulk density of all grits, and the latter had the lowest bulk density. For damage to perennial weeds, egg-shell grit performed best (17–80% control) and bone meal least (10–47% control). Elymus repens was controlled better than other perennial grasses, especially by eggshell grit (up to 73% control) and hazelnut shell grit (up to 67% control) with particle sizes of 1–2 mm. In the aronia experiment, both grit abrasion and manual weeding achieved comparable levels of weed suppression (≥87%) and required similar amounts of cumulative seasonal time spent weeding (3–4 min per shrub). Thus, applications of abrasive grit derived from agricultural residues are potential alternatives for non-chemical management of weeds in aronia and, perhaps, in other high-value perennial crops.
Dominant Drivers for Terrestrial Water Storage Changes Are Different in Northern and Southern China
Authors: Li Congcong , Yu Qiang , Zhang Yongqiang , Ma Ning , Tian Jing , Zhang Xuanze
Published: December 2023

Subsurface water storage is a key component in the water cycle, and China is facing severe issues with water resource shortage. This study estimates the terrestrial water storage (TWS) changes from 2003 to 2017 using a water balance approach over seven large basins in China. The estimated inter‐annual variations and trends in TWS correspond well with those obtained from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment observation. Variance analysis shows that annual precipitation in northern China plays a more important role in controlling annual TWS variability than that in southern China. This increased sensitivity is primarily attributed to the limited availability of water resources and the arid climate conditions prevalent in northern China. Interestingly, actual evapotranspiration is the dominant driver, contributing more than 55% to the declining trend in TWS in two northern basins: Hai River and Yellow River basins, where the leaf area index has strongly increased. Precipitation and evapotranspiration account for over 89% of the TWS trend over basins in northeastern China. Meanwhile, the dominant drivers for TWS in southern China are precipitation (50%–54%) and runoff (33%–41%). Our results suggest that it requires strong ecological conservation actions in order to keep water resources sustainable in northern China.
Urolithin C alleviates pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in type 1 diabetes by activating Nrf2 signaling
Authors: Luo Cheng , Hou Can , Yang Danyi , Tan Tingting , Chao Chen
Published: December 2023

Aims

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder that destroys insulin-generating pancreatic β-cells. Preserving pancreatic β-cell function is important for treating T1D. Our study aims to explore the mechanism underlying urolithin C (UC)-mediated regulation of β-cell function.

Methods

Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were administrated with UC to evaluate UC-mediated protection of T1D. The inflammation of the pancreas islets was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assay and oral glucose tolerance test were applied to evaluate the progression of T1D. MIN6 cells were treated with TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ in the presence of UC. Cell viability was analyzed by CCK-8. Cell apoptosis, proliferation and DNA fragmentation were examined by Annexin V-FITC and PI staining, EdU incorporation and comet assays. Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 were examined by western blot. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to detect Nrf2 and insulin.

Results

UC administration significantly reduced diabetes incidence, attenuated insulitis, elevated insulin levels and GSIS and reduced blood glucose and AUC in NOD mice. Cytokine treatment suppressed MIN6 cell viability and proliferation but enhanced apoptosis and DNA damage, and these detrimental effects were relieved by UC treatment. Furthermore, UC administration inhibited Keap1 expression and promoted the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 in NOD mice. Nrf2 signaling has been reported to be implicated in preventing the onset of diabetes, and HO-1 and NQO1 are phase II antioxidant enzymes that are regulated by Nrf2 signaling. Cytokine treatment upregulated Keap1 and downregulated Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 in MIN6 cells, but it was reversed by UC. The nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was prevented by cytokine treatment, but UC promoted its nuclear translocation. UC-mediated upregulation of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1, decreased cell apoptosis and increased proliferation and insulin secretion were abolished by silencing of Nrf2.

Conclusion

UC improves pancreatic β-cell function by activating Nrf2 signaling, thereby alleviating T1D progression.
Preliminary evidence that ketamine alters anterior cingulate resting-state functional connectivity in depressed individuals
Authors: Alexander Laith , Hawkins Peter C. T. , Evans Jennifer W. , Mehta Mitul A. , Zarate Carlos A.
Published: December 2023

Activity changes within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are implicated in the antidepressant effects of ketamine, but the ACC is cytoarchitectonically and functionally heterogeneous and ketamine’s effects may be subregion specific. In the context of a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial investigating the clinical and resting-state fMRI effects of intravenous ketamine vs. placebo in patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD) vs. healthy volunteers (HV), we used seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analyses to determine differential changes in subgenual ACC (sgACC), perigenual ACC (pgACC) and dorsal ACC (dACC) rsFC two days post-infusion. Across cingulate subregions, ketamine differentially modulated rsFC to the right insula and anterior ventromedial prefrontal cortex, compared to placebo, in TRD vs. HV; changes to pgACC-insula connectivity correlated with improvements in depression scores. Post-hoc analysis of each cingulate subregion separately revealed differential modulation of sgACC-hippocampal, sgACC-vmPFC, pgACC-posterior cingulate, and dACC-supramarginal gyrus connectivity. By comparing rsFC changes following ketamine vs. placebo in the TRD group alone, we found that sgACC rsFC was most substantially modulated by ketamine vs. placebo. Changes to sgACC-pgACC, sgACC-ventral striatal, and sgACC-dACC connectivity correlated with improvements in anhedonia symptoms. This preliminary evidence suggests that accurate segmentation of the ACC is needed to understand the precise effects of ketamine’s antidepressant and anti-anhedonic action.
Compatibility of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/EVA films with gamma, electron-beam, and X-ray irradiation
Authors: Ni Yelin , Bisel Tucker T. , Hasan Md Kamrul , Li Donghui , Fuchs Witold K. , Cooley Scott K. , Nichols Larry , Pharr Matt , Dupuy Nathalie , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Murphy Mark K. , Pillai Suresh D. , Dorey Samuel , Fifield Leonard S.
Published: December 2023

Many polymer-based medical devices are sterilized by gamma irradiation. To reduce the use of cobalt-60 gamma-ray sources, transition from gamma ray to alternative irradiation technologies was proposed, namely electron beam (e-beam) and X-ray. A major impediment for such a transition is the knowledge gap in material compatibility with the different radiation sources. In this study, multi-layer films consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) components were irradiated to target doses of 30, 45, and 60 kGy by gamma-ray, e-beam, and X-ray sources. Effects of irradiation were evaluated on 12 material properties, and statistical comparisons between gamma irradiation and alternative technologies were conducted using the two one-sided t-test (or “equivalence test”) and classic t-test. Melting temperature and UV absorbance below 300 nm showed dose dependencies, while other investigated properties such as discoloration and mechanical durability did not change with dose up to 60 kGy. Based on these results, there is no material compatibility issue associated with the transition from gamma to e-beam or to X-ray as source of sterilization radiation of the studied multi-layer film.
Insights into the sticking probability of volcanic ash particles from laboratory experiments
Authors: Diaz-Vecino Carolina , Rossi Eduardo , Pollastri Stefano , Fries Allan , Lemus Jonathan , Bonadonna Costanza
Published: December 2023

Although the characterization of the sticking and aggregation probability is essential to the description of volcanic ash dispersal and sedimentation, there is still no general model describing the sticking probability of volcanic ash. Experiments of dry particle–plate collisions in an enclosed box were carried out to characterize quantitatively the sticking efficiency of volcanic particles and silica beads in a limit case scenario where the mass of one of the particles is much greater than the others. Silica beads and volcanic particles from a Sakurajima Vulcanian eruption were filmed impacting a glass plate with a High-Speed Camera. The sticking probability is calculated from an equation depending on the particle diameter, impact velocity, and two experimental parameters (a, q). Particle size was found to dominantly control the sticking probability, with small particles more likely sticking on the glass plate than large particles. These experiments represent a significant step forward in the quantification of the sticking efficiency of fine volcanic ash (< 63 μm).
Understanding belief in political statements using a model-driven experimental approach: a registered report
Authors: Perez Santangelo Agustín , Solovey Guillermo
Published: December 2023

Misinformation harms society by affecting citizens' beliefs and behaviour. Recent research has shown that partisanship and cognitive reflection (i.e. engaging in analytical thinking) play key roles in the acceptance of misinformation. However, the relative importance of these factors remains a topic of ongoing debate. In this registered study, we tested four hypotheses on the relationship between each factor and the belief in statements made by Argentine politicians. Participants (N = 1353) classified fact-checked political statements as true or false, completed a cognitive reflection test, and reported their voting preferences. Using Signal Detection Theory and Bayesian modeling, we found a reliable positive association between political concordance and overall belief in a statement (median = 0.663, CI95 = [0.640, 0.685]), a reliable positive association between cognitive reflection and scepticism (median = 0.039, CI95 = [0.006, 0.072]), a positive but unreliable association between cognitive reflection and truth discernment (median = 0.016, CI95 = [− 0.015, 0.046]) and a positive but unreliable association between cognitive reflection and partisan bias (median = 0.016, CI95 = [− 0.006, 0.037]). Our results highlight the need to further investigate the relationship between cognitive reflection and partisanship in different contexts and formats.

Protocol registration

The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 22 August 2022. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EBRGC.
A 1D model characterizing the role of spatiotemporal contraction distributions on lymph transport
Authors: Sedaghati Farbod , Dixon J. Brandon , Gleason Rudolph L.
Published: December 2023

Lymphedema is a condition in which lymph transport is compromised. The factors that govern the timing of lymphatic contractions are largely unknown; however, these factors likely play a central role in lymphatic health. Computational models have proven useful in quantifying changes in lymph transport; nevertheless, there is still much unknown regarding the regulation of contractions. The purpose of this paper is to utilize computational modeling to examine the role of pacemaking activity in lymph transport. A 1D fluid–solid modeling framework was utilized to describe the interaction between the contracting vessel and the lymph flow. The distribution of contractions along a three-lymphangion chain in time and space was determined by specifying the pacemaking sites and parameters obtained from experimentation. The model effectively replicates the contractility patterns in experiments. Quantitatively, the flow rates were measured at 5.44 and 2.29 $${\upmu L}/\mathrm{h}$$

μ
L

/
h

, and the EF values were 78% and less than 33% in the WT and KO models, respectively, which are consistent with the literature. Applying pacemaking parameters in this modeling framework effectively captures lymphatic contractile wave propagations and their relation to lymph transport. It can serve as a motivation for conducting novel studies to evaluate lymphatic pumping function during the development of lymphedema.
Impact of frailty on mortality and healthcare costs and utilization among older adults in South Korea
Authors: Nari Fatima , Park Eun-Cheol , Nam Chung- Mo , Jang Sung-In
Published: December 2023

Frailty has become increasingly relevant in a rapidly aging society, highlighting the need for its accurate identification and exploring associated clinical outcomes. Using a multidimensional framework to estimate frailty in a sample of community dwelling older adults, its effect on mortality, incurred healthcare costs and utilization were investigated. We obtained data from the 2008–2018 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). After excluding individuals aged < 65 years and those with missing data, a total of 3578 participants were included in our study. Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of frailty on all-cause mortality by generating hazard ratios (HRs) and population attributable risks (PARs). Healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket costs incurred by frailty were examined using the Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM). Subgroup analyses were conducted according to frailty components. Among 3578 older adults, 1052 individuals died during a 10-year follow up period. Compared to the low risk frailty group, the moderate risk group (HR: 1.52, 95% CI:1.37–1.69) and severe risk group (HR: 3.10, 95% CI: 2.55–3.77) had higher risks for all-cause mortality. 27.4% (95% CI: 19.0–35.3%) of all-cause mortality was attributable to frailty, and the PARs ranged from 0.5 to 22.6% for individual frailty components. Increasing frailty levels incurred higher total healthcare costs and cost per utilization, including inpatient and outpatient costs. Frailty also increased likelihood of inpatient use, longer length of stay and more frequent outpatient visits. Among the frailty components, Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) in particular were linked to elevated mortality, higher incurred healthcare costs and utilization. Frailty-tailored interventions are of utmost relevance to policy makers and primary caregivers as frailty threatens the ability to maintain independent living and increases risk of detrimental outcomes such as mortality and increased utilization and out-of-pocket costs of healthcare in older adults.
Extracellular Fe2+ and Fe3+ modulate osteocytic viability, expression of SOST, RANKL and FGF23, and fluid flow-induced YAP1 nuclear translocation
Authors: Chankamngoen Wasutorn , Krungchanuchat Saowalak , Thongbunchoo Jirawan , Sirinonthanawech Naraporn , Teerapornpuntakit Jarinthorn , Panupinthu Nattapon , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol
Published: December 2023

Iron overload negatively affects bone mass and strength. However, the impact of iron excess on osteocytes—important bone cells for mechanotransduction and remodeling—is poorly understood. Herein, we examined the effects of iron exposure on osteocytes during their maturation process. We discovered that iron overload caused apoptosis of osteocytes in early and late stages of differentiation. Notably, the expression of key proteins for iron entry was downregulated during differentiation, suggesting that mature osteocytes were less susceptible to iron toxicity due to limited iron uptake. Furthermore, iron overload also enriched a subpopulation of mature osteocytes, as indicated by increased expression of Dmp1, a gene encoding protein for bone mineralization. These iron-exposed osteocytes expressed high levels of Sost, Tnfsf11 and Fgf23 transcripts. Consistently, we demonstrated that exogenous FGF23 stimulated the formation and survival of osteoclasts, suggesting its regulatory role in bone resorption. In addition, iron overload downregulated the expression of Cx43, a gene encoding gap junction protein in the dendritic processes, and impaired YAP1 nuclear translocation in response to fluid flow in differentiated osteocytes. It can be concluded that iron overload induces cellular adaptation in differentiating osteocytes, resulting in insensitivity to mechanical stimulation and potential disruption of the balance in bone remodeling.
Mechanisms of Wharton’s Jelly-derived MSCs in enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Shin Young Ho , Choi Soon Jin , Kim Jae Kwang
Published: December 2023

Warton’s jelly-derived Mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) play key roles in improving nerve regeneration in acellular nerve grafts (ANGs); however, the mechanism of WJ-MSCs-related nerve regeneration remains unclear. This study investigated how WJ-MSCs contribute to peripheral nerve regeneration by examining immunomodulatory and paracrine effects, and differentiation potential. To this end, WJ-MSCs were isolated from umbilical cords, and ANGs (control) or WJ-MSCs-loaded ANGs (WJ-MSCs group) were transplanted in injury animal model. Functional recovery was evaluated by ankle angle and tetanic force measurements up to 16 weeks post-surgery. Tissue biopsies at 3, 7, and 14 days post-transplantation were used to analyze macrophage markers and interleukin (IL) levels, paracrine effects, and MSC differentiation potential by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence staining. The WJ-MSCs group showed significantly higher ankle angle at 4 weeks and higher isometric tetanic force at 16 weeks, and increased expression of CD206 and IL10 at 7 or 14 days than the control group. Increased levels of neurotrophic and vascular growth factors were observed at 14 days. The WJ-MSCs group showed higher expression levels of S100β; however, the co-staining of human nuclei was faint. This study demonstrates that WJ-MSCs' immunomodulation and paracrine actions contribute to peripheral nerve regeneration more than their differentiation potential.
SPH simulations and experimental investigation of water flow through a Venturi meter of rectangular cross-section
Authors: Sigalotti Leonardo Di G. , Alvarado-Rodríguez Carlos E. , Aragón Fernando , Álvarez Salazar Valeriano S. , Carvajal-Mariscal Ignacio , Real Ramirez Cesar A. , Gonzalez-Trejo Jesus , Klapp Jaime
Published: December 2023

The flow of water through a horizontal small-scale Venturi tube of rectangular cross-section is simulated using a modified version of the open-source code DualSPHysics, which is based on Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) methods. Water is simulated using the Murnaghan-Tait equation of state so that weak compressibility is allowed. The hydrodynamics is coupled to a Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence model. The convergence properties of SPH are improved by adopting a C$$^{2}$$

2

Wendland function as the interpolation kernel, increased number of neighboring particles and non-reflective open boundary conditions at the outlet of the Venturi tube. The flow structure and differential pressure as well as the mainstream velocity profiles at different stations are compared with calibrated experimental data. A resolution independence test shows that good convergence to the experimental measurements is achieved using four million particles. At this resolution the simulations predict the experimental centerline velocity profile along the Venturi meter for a volumetric flow rate of ten liters per minutes (lpm) with a root-mean-square error of 4.3%. This error grows to 7.1% when the volumetric flow rate increases to 25 lpm. The predicted differential pressure matches the experimental data with errors varying from 1.4% (for 10 lpm) to 6.8% (for 25 lpm). Cross-sectional velocity profiles within the throat and divergent sections differ from the experimental measurements in less than 5.5%. In general, it is shown that the SPH model can provide an efficient and accurate method for recalibrating flow meters at moderately high Reynolds numbers instead of using costly experimental tests.
Differential effects of pesticides on dioxin receptor signaling and p53 activation
Authors: Fauteux Myriam , Côté Nadia , Bergeron Sandra , Maréchal Alexandre , Gaudreau Luc
Published: December 2023

As modern agricultural practices increase their use of chemical pesticides, it is inevitable that we will find a number of these xenobiotics within drinking water supplies and disseminated throughout the food chain. A major problem that arises from this pollution is that the effects of most of these pesticides on cellular mechanisms in general, and how they interact with each other and affect human cells are still poorly understood. In this study we make use of cultured human cancer cells to measure by qRT-PCR how pesticides affect gene expression of stress pathways. Immunoblotting studies were performed to monitor protein expression levels and activation of signaling pathways. We make use of immunofluorescence and microscopy to visualize and quantify DNA damage events in those cells. In the current study, we evaluate the potential of a subset of widely used pesticides to activate the dioxin receptor pathway and affect its crosstalk with estrogen receptor signaling. We quantify the impact of these chemicals on the p53-dependent cellular stress response. We find that, not only can the different pesticides activate the dioxin receptor pathway, most of them have better than additive effects on this pathway when combined at low doses. We also show that different pesticides have the ability to trigger crosstalk events that may generate genotoxic estrogen metabolites. Finally, we show that some, but not all of the tested pesticides can induce a p53-dependent stress response. Taken together our results provide evidence that several xenobiotics found within the environment have the potential to interact together to elicit significant effects on cell systems. Our data warrants caution when the toxicity of substances that are assessed simply for individual chemicals, since important biological effects could be observed only in the presence of other compounds, and that even at very low concentrations.
The generation of genuine quadripartite Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen steering in an optical superlattice
Authors: Shen Y. R. , Chen T. H. , Liang S. L. , Cheng X. Y. , Lv J. W. , Jiang Y. X. , Cheng L. , Yu Y. B. , Jin G. R. , Chen A. X.
Published: December 2023

Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) steering is a quantum effect based on quantum entanglement and it is the key resource for building quantum networks because of its useful properties. Based on the criterion for genuine multipartite EPR steering, the genuine quadripartite EPR steering is confirmed and it can be generated by a spontaneous parametric down-conversion cascaded process with two sum-frequency generations in an optical superlattice. This occurs either below the oscillation threshold and without oscillation threshold. The influence of the parameters of cascaded nonlinear process on the quadripartite EPR steering among signal, idler, and two sum-frequency beams are also discussed. Choosing appropriate nonlinear parameters can achieve good quadripartite quantum steering. This scheme of the generation of genuine quadripartite EPR steering has potential applications in quantum communication and computing.
PVA-based bulk microneedles capable of high insulin loading and pH-triggered degradation for multi-responsive and sustained hypoglycemic therapy
Authors: Ma Yuhong , Wang Wei , He Mujiao , Liu Yunzhu , Li Caihua , Zhong Yinan , Bu Quanmin , Huang Dechun , Qian Hongliang , Chen Wei
Published: December 2023

“Closed-loop” insulin-loaded microneedle patches show great promise for improving therapeutic outcomes and life quality for diabetes patients.
Potential of electro-sprayed purified mangiferin nanoparticles for anti-aging cosmetic applications
Authors: Chomchoei Neungreuthai , Leelapornpisid Pimporn , Tipduangta Pratchaya , Sangthong Padchanee , Papan Phakorn , Sirithunyalug Busaban , Samutrtai Pawitrabhorn
Published: December 2023

The fabrication of mangiferin nanoparticles using an electrospraying technique is a new and promising method for developing nanoparticles with higher efficiency and safety.
An overview on animal/human biomass-derived carbon dots for optical sensing and bioimaging applications
Authors: Dubey Prashant
Published: December 2023

Animal/human-derived biomass has shown a significant potential for the sustainable/green synthesis of luminescent carbon dots with wide applicability in the fields of sensing, bioimaging and many more.
Insights into a co-precursor driven solid-state thermal reaction of ferrocene carboxaldehyde leading to hematite nanomaterial: a reaction kinetic study
Authors: Chakraborty Manisha , Kundu Sani , Bhattacharjee Ashis
Published: December 2023

Thermal decomposition of a mixture of ferrocene carboxaldehyde and oxalic acid dihydrate in O2 atmosphere produced rod-like hematite nanomaterial. Kinetic analysis of the reaction demonstrated the co-precursor as reaction enhancer.
Multi-objective Bayesian optimisation using q-noisy expected hypervolume improvement (qNEHVI) for the Schotten–Baumann reaction
Authors: Zhang Jiyizhe , Sugisawa Naoto , Felton Kobi C. , Fuse Shinichiro , Lapkin Alexei A.
Published: December 2023

Multi-objective Bayesian optimisation allows for finding trade-off solutions of the Schotten–Baumann reaction in a continuous flow. The effect of mixing efficiency on the fast reaction results in the complexity of the reaction space.
Interfacial assembly and rheology of multi-responsive glycyrrhizic acid at liquid interfaces
Authors: Cai Jiyang , Wu Jiahao , Yu Xinke , Wan Zhili , Yang Xiaoquan
Published: December 2023

Multi-responsive glycyrrhizic acid shows varying and intriguing adsorption behaviors, structural reassembly, and interfacial rheological responses at liquid interfaces.