bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smelling an odor present during PMR does not impact heart rate during a stressful cognitive task
Authors: Mahmut Mehmet K. , Classen Carl‐Philipp , Croy Ilona , Hummel Thomas
Published: November 2023

Previous research on the impact of odors on current emotional state has been mixed, with some studies finding odors can induce feelings of relaxation while others have not. The aim of Part 1 of the current study was to investigate whether a feeling of relaxation, measured by a self‐report positive and negative affect scale and heart rate (HR), could be associated with an odor after completing three supervised sessions of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training while wearing an odorized nasal clip. Although the Part 1 results revealed no differences in positive or negative affect or HR between participants who wore an odorized or non‐odorized nasal clip, the PMR training was effective in reducing HR and negative affect overall. The aim of Part 2 was to determine whether the PMR training sessions in Part 1, could help reduce an objective measure of stress (i.e., HR) during four conditions of a cognitively stressful task, with and without an odorized nasal clip. The results for Part 2 revealed there were no differences in HR between participants who trained with odorized or non‐odorized nasal clips in any of the four conditions. However, given no explicit tests of learned odor‐PMR associations were performed, the lack of group differences may be due to various reasons, including a reduction in any learned association before testing Part 2. In summary and contrary to the hypothesis, participants who completed PMR training with an odorized nasal clip did not demonstrate a lower HR during a stressful cognitive task while wearing the odorized nasal clip, compared to those who wore a non‐odorized nasal clip during PMR training. Future research on the association between odors and relaxation may benefit from adapting the training protocol to include more frequent or longer associations between the behavior and the odor.

Practical Application

The findings provide preliminary evidence that wearing an odorized nasal clip during light activities such as progressive muscle relaxation is tolerated well but further research exploring whether this pairing leads to feelings of relaxation when odors are presented alone is warranted.
Novel pharmacological developments in the management of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: Time for guideline update – A narrative review
Authors: Lee Rachel BY , Gasparetto Marco
Published: November 2023

Aim

The incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase in both adults and children across the globe, with more than one third of the patients not responding to anti‐tumour necrosis factor biologics and immune modulators. This narrative review provides an overview of novel pharmacological developments in the management of paediatric IBD, including new biological therapies.

Methods

A PubMed Medline search was performed to include randomised controlled trials, retrospective and prospective observational studies, and relevant case reports of children with IBD published between 2018 and January 2023. Guidelines and protocols from relevant paediatric and adult gastroenterology societies, such as the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation, were also included. Non‐pharmacological treatments including therapeutic diets and faecal microbiota transplantation were outside the scope of this work.

Results

Early real‐world evidence suggests that newer biologics and small molecules, such as anti‐integrins, interleukin‐12 and/or interleukin‐23 inhibitors, Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins inhibitors, are safe and effective in adult patients with IBD, with promising growing evidence for paediatric IBD.

Conclusion

While many developments have been achieved with novel pharmacological treatments to manage IBD, ongoing research is required to confirm their effectiveness and safety in the paediatric age. Extending the licence of novel treatments to children will be crucial to tackle the increasing loss of response to conventional treatments. International guidelines will require timely updating to incorporate novel treatments within the existing protocols.
Pseudomonas syringae coffee blight is associated with the horizontal transfer of plasmid‐encoded type III effectors
Authors: McTavish Kathryn J. , Almeida Renan N. D. , Tersigni Jonathan , Raimundi Melina K. , Gong Yunchen , Wang Pauline W. , Gontijo Guilherme F. , de Souza Ricardo M. , de Resende Mario L. V. , Desveaux Darrell , Guttman David S.
Published: November 2023

The emergence of new pathogens is an ongoing threat to human health and agriculture. While zoonotic spillovers received considerable attention, the emergence of crop diseases is less well studied. Here, we identify genomic factors associated with the emergence of Pseudomonas syringae bacterial blight of coffee.

Fifty‐three P. syringae strains from diseased Brazilian coffee plants were sequenced. Comparative and evolutionary analyses were used to identify loci associated with coffee blight. Growth and symptomology assays were performed to validate the findings.

Coffee isolates clustered in three lineages, including primary phylogroups PG3 and PG4, and secondary phylogroup PG11. Genome‐wide association study of the primary PG strains identified 37 loci, including five effectors, most of which were encoded on a plasmid unique to the PG3 and PG4 coffee strains. Evolutionary analyses support the emergence of coffee blight in PG4 when the coffee‐associated plasmid and associated effectors derived from a divergent plasmid carried by strains associated with other hosts. This plasmid was only recently transferred into PG3. Natural diversity and CRISPR‐Cas9 plasmid curing were used to show that strains with the coffee‐associated plasmid grow to higher densities and cause more severe disease symptoms in coffee.

This work identifies possible evolutionary mechanisms underlying the emergence of a new lineage of coffee pathogens.
A comparison of maxillary posterior changes following facemask therapy: Skeletal anchorage versus tooth‐borne anchorage
Authors: Lee Hyeon‐Jong , Jeong Hannah , Park Jae Hyun , Choi Dong‐Soon , Jang Insan , Cha Bong‐Kuen
Published: November 2023

Objective

To compare changes in the maxillary posterior structure as seen in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images resulting from facemask therapy using skeletal (miniplate/FM) anchorage versus tooth‐borne anchorage (RME/FM).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 20 patients divided into the miniplate/FM group (nine patients aged 9.5 ± 1.4 years) and the RME/FM group (11 patients aged 9.2 ± 1.4 years). CBCT images before and after facemask therapy were evaluated to assess changes in the maxillary posterior structure.

Results

The miniplate/FM group had greater advancement of the maxilla and midface compared to the RME/FM group (p < .05). Specifically, there was about three times more advancement of the pterygomaxillary suture in the miniplate/FM group than in the RME/FM group (p < .05). Moreover, the advancement of the pterygomaxillary suture was about half the advancement of A point in the miniplate/FM group, while only about 25% in the RME/FM group. Finally, the miniplate/FM group showed an increase in the transverse dimension of the posterior and superior parts of the maxilla (p < .05).

Conclusion

There was greater forward movement of the pterygomaxillary suture with facemask therapy using the skeletal anchorage compared to tooth‐borne anchorage, leading to a more significant advancement of the maxilla and midface.
Pediatric influenza vaccination in the perioperative setting: A quality improvement project
Authors: Meyer Andrew J. , Smith Jill R. , Wright Tara L. , Engler Laurie J. , Bigham Michael T. , Bhalla Tarun
Published: November 2023

Introduction/Background

Unmet need for seasonal influenza vaccination administration to pediatric patients exists at national and local levels. Vaccination during the perioperative period remains controversial, though opportunity exists to meet vaccination need through perioperative programs. The initial SMART Aim of this quality improvement initiative was to establish and increase seasonal influenza vaccination rate in eligible patients during in person preoperative clinic visits in a pediatric perioperative surgical home (PSH) to 10%. Informed by each prior season's experience, we increased our SMART Aim target for vaccinations in seasons two and three to 15 and 18%, respectively.

Methods

Following the Model for Improvement methodology, the PSH team developed and implemented a perioperative pediatric influenza vaccination program. Across three influenza seasons, key interventions included updates to organizational perioperative vaccination policy, obtaining material influenza vaccination supplies, development of EHR tools, PSH staff education, and communication with patient–families. Rate of eligible patients receiving influenza vaccination at their PSH clinic appointment was tracked over time. Influenza vaccination rates were reported monthly during Season 1, then weekly during seasons two and three. The balancing measure was same day surgery case cancellations related to influenza vaccination given at PSH clinic appointment. Statistical analysis methods utilized include Shewart's control chart and statistical process control (SPC) standards. Special cause variation was determined by eight or more consecutive data points above or below the centerline.

Results

The influenza vaccination rates in each of the three influenza seasons exceeded vaccination rate goals of 10, 15, and 18%, respectively. A total of 695 vaccines have been administered since program inception. No same day surgical case cancellations were observed as balancing measure.

Conclusions

Over three consecutive influenza vaccination seasons, we safely established and met vaccination rate goals of 10, 15, and 18% to eligible patients during preoperative clinic visits within a pediatric PSH system. Through iterative PDSA cycles, we continue to identify opportunities for future improvement. This suggests that the perioperative period presents opportunity for seasonal influenza vaccination with potential program expansion to include routine vaccines of childhood.
Incidence of subsequent surgical decompression following minimally invasive approaches to treat lumbar spinal stenosis: A retrospective review
Authors: Shahzad Hania , Hussain Nasir , D'Souza Ryan S. , Bhatti Nazihah , Orhurhu Vwaire , Abdel‐Rasoul Mahmoud , Simopoulos Thomas , Essandoh Michael K. , Khan Safdar N. , Weaver Tristan
Published: November 2023

Background Context

Surgical decompression is the definitive treatment for managing symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis; however, select patients are poor surgical candidates. Consequently, minimally invasive procedures have gained popularity, but there exists the potential for failure of therapy necessitating eventual surgical decompression.

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of patients who require surgical decompression following minimally invasive procedures to treat lumbar spinal stenosis.

Study Design/Setting

Retrospective review.

Patient Sample

Patients who underwent minimally invasive procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis (Percutaneous Image‐guided Lumbar Decompression [PILD] or interspinous spacer device [ISD]) and progressed to subsequent surgical decompression within 5 years.

Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was the rate of surgical decompression within 5 years following the minimally invasive approach. Secondary outcomes included demographic and comorbid factors associated with increased odds of requiring subsequent surgery.

Methods

Patient data were collected using the PearlDiver‐Mariner database. The rate of subsequent decompression was described as a percentage while univariable and multivariable regression analysis was used for the analysis of predictors.

Results

A total of 5278 patients were included, of which 3222 (61.04%) underwent PILD, 1959 (37.12%) underwent ISD placement, and 97 (1.84%) had claims for both procedures. Overall, the incidence of subsequent surgical decompression within 5 years was 6.56% (346 of 5278 patients). Variables associated with a significantly greater odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of requiring subsequent surgical decompression included male gender and a prior history of surgical decompression by 1.42 ([1.14, 1.77], p = 0.002) and 2.10 times ([1.39, 3.17], p < 0.001), respectively. In contrast, age 65 years and above, a diagnosis of obesity, and a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of three or greater were associated with a significantly reduced OR [95% CI] by 0.64 ([0.50, 0.81], p < 0.001), 0.62 ([0.48, 0.81], p < 0.001), and 0.71 times ([0.56, 0.91], p = 0.007), respectively.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive procedures may provide an additional option to treat symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis in patients who are poor surgical candidates or who do not desire open decompression; however, there still exists a subset of patients who will require subsequent surgical decompression. Factors such as gender and prior surgical decompression increase the likelihood of subsequent surgery, while older age, obesity, and a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score reduce it. These findings aid in selecting suitable surgical candidates for better outcomes in the elderly population with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Conditional emotions
Authors: Dietz Christina Hope
Published: November 2023

Some conditional involving factive emotives present a prima facie challenge to the thesis that conditionals obey modus ponens. Drawing on recent work by Timothy Williamson, I offer an error‐theoretic diagnosis of the phenomenon, one that appeals to a heuristic that we use in suppositional reasoning.
Hydrological niche regulation induced by different resistance strategies facilitates coexistence of P. longipes and L. communis under drought stress
Authors: Yao Kai , Zhang Aoli , Rang Bo , Yang Junting , Liu Yingliang , Wu Yanyou
Published: November 2023

Under global warming, the availability of water resources is one of the most important factors affecting trait evolution and plant species distribution across terrestrial ecosystems, and the relationships between drought resistance strategies and the hydrological niche characteristics of plants are worth studying. We continuously monitored physiological drought response parameters such as gs, Tr, proline, soluble sugar, gene expression and activities of SOD, POD, and CAT to assess drought resistance strategies of Platycarya longipes and Lindera communis; determined plant soil hydrological niche separation by stable H and O isotope analysis; and analysed the effects of interspecific water competition by comparing the differences in morphological and physiological parameters between solo and mixed planting. Under drought stress, L. communis exhibited a drought avoidance strategy, and P. longipes exhibited a drought tolerance strategy. L. communis utilized the water within the shallow soil layer, while P. longipes mainly utilized the water in the deeper soil layer; there were fewer parameters with significant differences between the solo planting and the mixed planting of L. communis compared to P. longipes. Overall, P. longipes benefited from coexistence with L. communis under drought stress, which may be because L. communis employs a drought avoidance strategy, reducing soil water consumption in the drought environment. These results suggested that differences in functional traits or resistance strategies among species benefit species' coexistence in a community under drought stress.
Clinical applicability of external and internal body dimensions in predicting dystocia in late‐gestation Holstein‐Friesian heifers
Authors: Nogalski Zenon , Piwczyński Dariusz , Nogalska Anna
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical applicability of maternal intrapelvic area (PA) and selected morphometric parameters that can be measured before parturition in predicting dystocia in dairy heifers. The measurements were performed in 374 late‐gestation Holstein‐Friesian heifers. Inner pelvic height and width were measured using a pelvimeter, and PA was calculated. The heifers were monitored continuously around the time of calving, and calving difficulty was categorized as: unassisted calving (UC), slight assistance (SA), considerable difficulty (CD) and veterinary assistance (VA). Calving performance was analysed with the χ2 test, and the effect of body dimensions on the course of parturition was evaluated by one‐way analysis of variance. Dystocia (CD + VA) was predicted with the use of the classification tree method. Dystocia accounted for 29.14% of all deliveries. The percentages of stillbirths and retained placenta increased (p < .01) with increasing calving difficulty. Average PA immediately before parturition was smaller (p < .01) in group VA (223.2 cm2) than in group UC (253.3 cm2). According to the classification tree, dystocia may occur (74.07% odds) in heifers with PA < 254.2 cm2 and a rump angle <5.68° before parturition. Measurements of heifer's cannon circumference and sire's body size improve the accuracy of dystocia prediction.
Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk: Low‐Income, First‐Generation Students' Perceptions of College Administrative Support
Authors: Lee Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2023

Selective colleges have become more attentive to, and publicly supportive of, low‐income and first‐generation (LIFG) students over the last 20 years. However, despite claims of support, LIFG students report lower senses of campus belonging, satisfaction, and other important outcomes than do more affluent peers, suggesting a disjuncture between expressed and perceived support. This article draws on data gathered from 33 interviewees across 18 campuses, each of whom is from a low‐income and/or first‐generation background and involved in campus advocacy supporting LIFG students, to examine three questions: To what extent did interviewees perceive a disjuncture between campus stated support and meaningful support for LIFG students? What meaning did they draw from this disjuncture? Finally, what informed their perceptions? The findings show that interviewees indeed perceived a substantial disjuncture between expression and experience of support, which they interpreted as evidence that administrative support was disingenuous. This perception was driven by negative messages from administrators' words and actions.
The Dynamics of Land Rents in Housing Submarkets: A Marxian Perspective
Authors: Park Joon
Published: November 2023

This theoretical study delves into the dynamics of housing submarkets with the framework of Marxian land rents. It examines the relationship between residential spaces and the reproduction of labour power in terms of commuting and the differentiated quality of reproduction by submarket. This study shows that the differentiation process of venturing to create distinct spaces for surplus profit and the emulation process of copycatting spaces of higher rents consequently form multiple housing submarkets, each characterised by different land rents of monopoly, intra‐differential rent (intra‐DR) and inter‐differential rent (inter‐DR). The coexistence of these multiple layers of land rents, in turn, becomes a driving force propelling dynamic capital movements that seek to exploit rent gaps between the layers. To illustrate these concepts, the study reviews the case of high‐rise mixed‐use residential developments in Seoul, highlighting the dual dynamic processes through which land rents are pursued.
Two levels in the feeling of familiarity
Authors: Lisco Sonia Maria , Ervas Francesca
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the role of phenomenology in the understanding of the cognitive processes of coupling/decoupling, defending the Wittgensteinian idea that phenomenology can play a crucial role as a description of immediate (social) experience. We argue that epistemic feelings can provide a phenomenological description of the development of a subject's everyday experience, tracking the transition from the processes of coupling/decoupling and recoupling with the world. In particular, the feeling of familiarity, whose key features can be considered the core of epistemic feelings, signals a novelty in the flow of experience that makes sense and is worthy of remarking on or even articulating. By describing the primary features and sources of the feeling of familiarity, we highlight a conceptual tension related to its sources, which could be based on processing both fluency and discrepancy. We proposed a solution to the conceptual tension by introducing two levels of the feeling of familiarity: epistemic and experiential.
Rice tetraspanins express in specific domains of diverse tissues and regulate plant architecture and root growth
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Li Wei , Zeng Jiayue , Huang Yifan , Cai Qiang
Published: November 2023

Tetraspanins (TETs) are small transmembrane scaffold proteins that distribute proteins into highly organized microdomains, consisting of adaptors and signaling proteins, which play important roles in various biological events. In plants, understanding of tetraspanin is limited to the Arabidopsis TET genes' expression pattern and their function in leaf and root growth. Here, we comprehensively analyzed all rice tetraspanin (OsTET) family members, including their gene expression pattern, protein topology, and subcellular localization. We found that the core domain of OsTETs is conserved and shares a similar topology of four membrane‐spanning domains with animal and plant TETs. OsTET genes are partially overlapping expressed in diverse tissue domains in vegetative and reproductive organs. OsTET proteins preferentially targeted the endoplasmic reticulum. Mutation analysis showed that OsTET5, OsTET6, OsTET9, and OsTET10 regulated plant height and tillering, and that OsTET13 controlled root growth in association with the jasmonic acid pathway. In summary, our work provides systematic new insights into the function of OsTETs in rice growth and development, and the data provides valuable resources for future research.
EXPRESIONES ARTÍSTICAS Y PROCESOS DE IDENTIDAD EN EL MEDIO RURAL. UNA ETNOGRAFÍA EN LA MANCHA CENTRAL.
Authors:   Universidad de Castilla y la Mancha, De Haro Honrubia Alejandro
Published: November 2023

Este trabajo se ha elaborado a partir de los datos obtenidos en una investigación de campo etnográfico en el medio rural en la Mancha central. La investigación se ha desarrollado concretamente en la localidad de Tomelloso en la provincia de Ciudad Real. Hemos recurrido - junto a la información obtenida a través del uso de algunas técnicas de investigación etnográfica (observación directa y participante, entrevistas semiestructuras abiertas, conversaciones informales…)-. Hemos estudiado los diferentes expresiones artísticas y los procesos de identidad de esta localidad de la Mancha central.
Prediction-based psychoacoustic analysis of multirotor noise under gusty wind conditions
Authors: Ko Jeongwoo , Kim Younghoon , Jeong Jaeheon , Lee Soogab
Published: November 2023

This study presents a comprehensive numerical framework for auralizing multirotor noise during complex maneuvers, incorporating rotor tonal and broadband noise prediction, synthesis, and psychoacoustic analysis. Validation studies for various flight scenarios, including single rotors and quadrotors, confirm the capability of this framework in the prediction-based psychoacoustic analysis of multirotor configurations. The primary focus of this research is to assess the flyover and takeoff noise of multirotors under diverse operating conditions. When tracking the mission profile under gusty wind conditions, the multirotor noise is characterized by frequency and amplitude modulations induced by rotational speed control for each rotor. A high-resolution time-frequency analysis is conducted for the tonal noise to highlight these modulation characteristics. Additionally, the prediction-based psychoacoustic analysis is performed for cross- and plus-type quadrotor configurations to clarify the effects of gusty wind profiles and flight control. The results demonstrate that variations in the rotational speed of each rotor, influenced by mission profiles and gusty wind conditions, contribute to the distinct acoustic characteristics of multirotor configurations in both physical and psychological aspects. The synthesized noise time signal and modulation characteristics provide valuable insights into the impact of operational environments on psychoacoustic metrics and annoyance.
Estimation of the random incidence sound absorption coefficients of different size rectangular samples
Authors: Zhao Yujun , Sauro Ronald , Hallman Robert Alan , Davy John Laurence , Fard Mohammad
Published: November 2023

The sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of materials measured in a reverberation room is affected by both the intrinsic properties of the material and geometrical dimensions of the sample. A different size of the same material may produce a different SAC primarily due to the edge effect phenomenon. In this research, the experimental data from multiple laboratories was analyzed to evaluate the influence of the edge effect. An empirical function was established based on these measurement data and the linear relationship between the SAC and the relative edge length. Thomasson's method, the two geometric methods, and the analytical method were used to estimate the SAC of an absorber from measurements on a different size sample and compared with results obtained using the empirical function. The results show that the proposed empirical method is a reliable way to predict the SAC of a sample from measurements on a different size sample of the same material, which only requires the thickness, density, and size of the material.
Topological aspects of matters and Langlands program
Authors: Ikeda Kazuki
Published: November 2023

The Langlands program is a vast mathematical projection linking number theory and geometry. In high-energy physics, a connection with mirror symmetry has been suggested in string theory, but it has been little studied in low-energy physics. In the framework of the Langlands program, we present a unified description of the integer and fractional quantum Hall effect and the duality found in the fractal nature of the energy spectrum of two-dimensional Bloch electrons, statistical physics, and quantum computation. The new unified view of existing dualism presented in this paper raises the entirely new question of how each theory of physics is connected as a piece of the Langlands program.
A general spammer indicator of rating systems uncovering rating preferences and bias
Authors: Zhou Jian , Xu Rui-Qing , Gu Liang-Liang , Sun Hong-Liang
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of e-commerce recently, massive spammers purposely distort the ranking of goods, which affects the market order and the fair competition of businesses seriously. Therefore, identifying such spammers is significant to rational decision making of customers. However, it is difficult to discriminate between normal users and malicious spammers on extremely large rating networks. In this paper, we propose a common indicator based on the historic rating records from spammers and normal users, which is widely applied to many existing methods. It is inspired by the idea that normal users have their preferences and rating bias shown in rating ladder, while spammers do not have such rating ladders in practice. Such an indicator is complement with other existing methods including Deviation-based Ranking (DR), Iterative Group-based Ranking (IGR) and Iterative Balance Ranking (IBR). Experimental study on three real rating networks shows that this indicator can significantly improve the accuracy of DR, IGR and IBR. To deal with malicious spammers, DR, IGR and IBR are improved by at least 9.38%, 2.90% and 2.53%, respectively. To deal with random spammers, DR, IGR and IBR are improved by at least by 5.52%, 17.12% and 32.24%, respectively.
Symmetric polynomials in free center-by-metabelian Lie algebras of rank 2
Authors: Kofinas C. E.
Published: November 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be the free center-by-metabelian Lie algebra of rank 2 freely generated by the set [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the Lie subalgebra of symmetric polynomials in [Formula: see text], that is, [Formula: see text] consists of all the elements [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. We give a linear basis and a minimal infinite generating set for [Formula: see text], thus extending results of Ş. Findik and N. Ögüşlü [Palindromes in the free metabelian Lie algebras, Internat. J. Algebra Comput. 29(5) (2019) 885–891].
Facial synthesis of Cu@Ag core-shell particles through temperature gradient method with excellent oxidation resistance
Authors: Fu Junjie , Xu Shiyu , Yuan Meiyu , Zhu Haojie , Cui Sheng
Published: November 2023

To improve the oxidation resistance of Cu particles, the temperature gradient method is used to prepare Cu@Ag core-shell particles (TG-Cu@AgCSPs) with uniform particle size and enhanced oxidation resistance. The TG-Cu@AgCSPs are spherical, with an average size of 2.9 [Formula: see text] m, and the average thickness of the Ag shells is 280 nm. The morphological analysis and thermogravimetric results show that the TG-Cu@AgCSPs possess denser Ag shells and better oxidation resistance compared to core-shell particles prepared by the thermostatic method. The thermal oxidation behavior of TG-Cu@AgCSPs is investigated by heating in air. When heated below 300[Formula: see text]C, the Ag shells can keep intact morphology and protect the Cu cores from oxidation. Whereas the original Cu particles will be oxidized at 150[Formula: see text]C. In addition, the TG-Cu@AgCSPs are prepared as low-temperature conductive pastes to investigate their electrical properties. Compared with commercial Cu@Ag core-shell particles, the TG-Cu@AgCSPs possess more outstanding performance advantages and have the potential for commercial applications.
Structures, dielectric properties and AC impedance characteristics of BiFeO3–BaTiO3 high-temperature lead-free piezoceramics synthesized by the hydrothermal method
Authors: Li Shuangchi , Wang Fang , Tang Lanxin , Tan Daniel Q. , Chen Yu
Published: November 2023

Among the lead-free piezoceramics, ([Formula: see text])BiFeO[Formula: see text]BaTiO3 (BF-BT) is considered a promising candidate for high-temperature piezoelectric materials owing to its high Curie temperature ([Formula: see text]C) and good electromechanical properties. In this work, the hydrothermal synthesis method was used to prepare the precursor powders of BiFeO3 and BaTiO3, and then the mixed powder compacts with the chemical composition of 0.7BF–0.3BT were sintered under pressureless conditions. The influence of the hydrothermal reaction times (12–24[Formula: see text]h) of BiFeO3 on the structures and electric properties of the sintered ceramics was instigated. First, all the samples synthesized with the tetragonal BaTiO3 and BiFeO3 powders were identified with relatively stable dielectric properties. As the hydrothermal reaction time to synthesize BiFeO3 increased, the dielectric properties as well as the temperature stability of the 0.7BiFeO3–0.3BaTiO3 ceramics also improved. At the condition of a hydrothermal reaction time of 24[Formula: see text]h, the sample obtained possesses both the lowest temperature coefficient of dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]C between RT and [Formula: see text]C) and the highest Curie temperature ([Formula: see text]C at 100[Formula: see text]kHz). Moreover, at high temperatures, it exhibits a higher AC impedance than others. The calculating result based on the resistive constant-phase-element model (R-CPE) circuit model showed that the grain boundary of the 0.7BF–0.3BT ceramics contributes more resistance to the conductivity at high temperatures. In summary, the hydrothermal reaction proved to be a useful way that achieves the preparation of single-phase 0.7BF–0.3BT ceramics with improved electrical properties.
An Analysis of Prediction of Students’ Results Using Deep Learning
Authors: Dahal Narayan Prasad , Shakya Subarna
Published: November 2023

Many efforts have already been carried out for education mining in the past. Many techniques and models are already developed to predict and identify students’ performance, learning behavior, status, and education level. However, there is no exact solution for the student’s result prediction since it is affected by the level of the student, the field of study, the location of the data collection, different sizes and nature of data, etc. Different research shows that there can be up to 10% difference in the accuracy of results with and without a feature selection process. Thus, the proposed model designs a better model for student result prediction using feature selection and deep learning techniques. The proposed dissertation task compares and analyzes Correlation-based Feature Selection (CFS), Chi-Square ([Formula: see text]), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Information Gain (IG), Maximum Relevance Minimum Redundancy (mRMR), ReliefF, and Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) feature selection techniques with the Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) machine learning algorithms. In the proposed model, a feature selection process CFS and prediction using CNN is recommended. The recommended model (CFS–CNN) is tested with a primary dataset collected from bachelor-level students. The recommended model provides improved performance compared to old techniques. The major contribution of the proposed dissertation is to design a better model for the prediction of students’ results using demographic data and past examination results.
Overheating of Cities: Magnitude, Characteristics, Impact, Mitigation and Adaptation, and Future Challenges
Authors: Feng Jie , Gao Kai , Khan H. , Ulpiani G. , Vasilakopoulou K. , Young Yun G. , Santamouris M.
Published: November 2023

Urban overheating is the most documented phenomenon of climate change impacting humans. This article presents the most recent developments on the magnitude and characteristics of urban overheating and the potential synergies with global climatic change. It analyses the latest qualitative and quantitative data on the impact of higher urban temperatures on buildings’ energy supply and demand, heat-related mortality, morbidity and wellbeing, human productivity, survivability of low-income populations, and environmental quality of cities. It describes the state of the art on the development of innovative mitigation materials, advanced urban greenery, heat dissipation, and evaporative techniques as the main mitigation and adaptation technologies to offset the impact of urban overheating. It also analyses the current knowledge on the impact of each mitigation technology on energy, health, environmental quality, urban economy, and survivability. Finally, this article presents the main future challenges related to urban overheating and proposes a specific research agenda to alleviate and counterbalance its impact on human life.
Modulation of fast sodium current in airway smooth muscle cells by exchange protein directly activated by cAMP
Authors: Matthews Ruth M. , Bradley Eamonn , Hollywood Mark A. , Lundy Fionnuala T. , McGarvey Lorcan P. , Sergeant Gerard P. , Thornbury Keith D.
Published: November 2023

β-adrenergic agonists are commonly used in inhalers to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These work by causing bronchodilation and reducing inflammation. The present study provides evidence that these drugs have an additional action, namely, to reduce sodium influx into airway smooth muscle cells via fast voltage-dependent channels. This may have the dual effect of promoting bronchodilation and reducing remodeling of the airways, which has a detrimental effect in these diseases.
Impact of maternal obesity on resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity during uncomplicated pregnancy: a longitudinal assessment
Authors: Hissen Sarah L. , Takeda Ryosuke , Badrov Mark B. , Arias-Franklin Sonia , Patel Shivani , Nelson David B. , Babb Tony G. , Fu Qi
Published: November 2023

The impact of maternal obesity on resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity was examined during (early and late) and after uncomplicated pregnancy. Resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity is not different during early pregnancy or postpartum but is significantly elevated in women with obesity during late pregnancy when compared with normal-weight women. Future research is needed to determine if this is linked with an increased risk of adverse outcomes or is required to maintain homeostasis in pregnancy.
The intensity-dependent effects of exercise and superimposing environmental heat stress on autophagy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from older men
Authors: McCormick James J. , McManus Morgan K. , King Kelli E. , Goulet Nicholas , Kenny Glen P.
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate that autophagic stimulation occurs in response to short-duration (30-min) vigorous-intensity exercise in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from older adults; however, no changes in autophagy occur during low- or moderate-intensity exercise. Moreover, older adults exhibit autophagic impairments when the same vigorous-intensity exercise is performed in hot ambient conditions. When paired with an attenuated heat shock response, as well as elevated apoptotic responses, older men may exhibit greater cellular vulnerability to exertional heat stress.
Adenylate cyclase 3: a potential genetic link between obesity and major depressive disorder
Authors: Fitzpatrick Mackenzie , Solberg Woods Leah C.
Published: November 2023

Obesity and major depressive disorder (MDD) are both significant health issues that have been increasing in prevalence and are associated with multiple comorbidities. Obesity and MDD have been shown to be bidirectionally associated, and they are both influenced by genetics and environmental factors. However, the molecular mechanisms that link these two diseases are not yet fully understood. It is possible that these diseases are connected through the actions of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Within this pathway, adenylate cyclase 3 ( Adcy3) has emerged as a key player in both obesity and MDD. Numerous genetic variants in Adcy3 have been identified in humans in association with obesity. Rodent knockout studies have also validated the importance of this gene for energy homeostasis. Furthermore, Adcy3 has been identified as a top candidate gene and even a potential blood biomarker for MDD. Adcy3 and the cAMP/PKA pathway may therefore serve as an important genetic and functional link between these two diseases. In this mini-review, we discuss the role of both Adcy3 and the cAMP/PKA pathway, including specific genetic mutations, in both diseases. Understanding the role that Adcy3 mutations play in obesity and MDD could open the door for precision medicine approaches and treatments for both diseases that target this gene.
Spontaneous nonsense mutation in the tuftelin 1 gene is associated with abnormal hair appearance and amelioration of glucose and lipid metabolism in the rat
Authors: Šilhavý Jan , Mlejnek Petr , Šimáková Miroslava , Liška František , Malínská Hana , Marková Irena , Hüttl Martina , Miklánková Denisa , Mušálková Dita , Stránecký Viktor , Kmoch Stanislav , Sticová Eva , Vrbacký Marek , Mráček Tomáš , Pravenec Michal
Published: November 2023

A new spontaneous mutation, abnormal hair appearance in the rat, has been identified as a nonfunctional tuftelin 1 ( Tuft1) gene. The pleiotropic effects of this mutation regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Analysis of the liver proteome revealed possible molecular mechanisms for the metabolic effects of the Tuft1 gene.
Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patient with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rinaldi Ikhwan , Muthalib Abdul , Sutandar Januar Widodo , Kuncoro Hendro Adi , Harsono Bambang Irawan , Susanto Nelly , Setiawan Tjondro , Winston Kevin , Dewantara Idham Rafly , Amin Ihya Fakhrurizal , Shufiyani Yuli Maulidiya
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a widespread condition that can affect individuals of all ages. Most cases of CMV infection are mild and resolve on their own. However, in immunocompromised individuals, such as post-transplant patients or those with cancer, severe infections can occur. While there have been several studies on CMV infection in post-transplant patients, there is limited literature on CMV infection in cancer, particularly in kidney cancer. Case Report. In this case report, we present the case of a 61-year-old man with clear cell renal cell carcinoma who underwent targeted therapy with the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor lenvatinib and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus. The patient was hospitalized for 26 days and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to shortness of breath, decreased oxygen saturation, and irregular breathing. Cytomegalovirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results were positive. Given the high prevalence of CMV infection in developing countries, it is likely that the patient had a reactivation of CMV. As such, the patient was subsequently treated with ganciclovir for 14 days and showed improvement in symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fever, and increased oxygen saturation. Following recovery, the patient received maintenance therapy with oral valganciclovir for 7 days. No further symptoms appeared during subsequent cancer treatments. Conclusion. Cancer patients who are undergoing treatment are at a higher risk for developing opportunistic infections, which can result in morbidity and mortality. Therefore, healthcare professionals should be aware of the possibility of CMV infection in cancer patients and be prepared to diagnose and treat the infection, particularly in areas where the prevalence of CMV infection is high.
Absence of BTK, BCL2, and PLCG2 Mutations in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Relapsing after First-Line Treatment with Fixed-Duration Ibrutinib plus Venetoclax
Authors: Jain Nitin , Croner Lisa J. , Allan John N. , Siddiqi Tanya , Tedeschi Alessandra , Badoux Xavier C. , Eckert Karl , Cheung Leo W.K. , Mukherjee Anwesha , Dean James P. , Szafer-Glusman Edith , Seymour John F.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Mutations in BTK, PLCG2, and BCL2 have been reported in patients with progressive disease (PD) on continuous single-agent BTK or BCL2 inhibitor treatment. We tested for these mutations in samples from patients with PD after completion of first-line treatment with fixed-duration ibrutinib plus venetoclax for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the phase II CAPTIVATE study.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 191 patients completed fixed-duration ibrutinib plus venetoclax (three cycles of ibrutinib then 12–13 cycles of ibrutinib plus venetoclax). Genomic risk features [del(11q), del(13q), del(17p), trisomy 12, complex karyotype, unmutated IGHV, TP53 mutated] and mutations in genes recurrently mutated in CLL (ATM, BIRC3, BRAF, CHD2, EZH2, FBXW7, MYD88, NOTCH1, POT1, RPS15, SF3B1, XPO1) were assessed at baseline in patients with and without PD at data cutoff; gene variants and resistance-associated mutations in BTK, PLCG2, or BCL2 were evaluated at PD.

Results:

Of 191 patients completing fixed-duration ibrutinib plus venetoclax, with median follow-up of 38.9 months, 29 (15%) developed PD. No baseline risk feature or gene mutation was significantly associated with development of PD. No previously reported resistance-associated mutations in BTK, PLCG2, or BCL2 were detected at PD in 25 patients with available samples. Of the 29 patients with PD, 19 have required retreatment (single-agent ibrutinib, n = 16, or ibrutinib plus venetoclax, n = 3); 17 achieved partial response or better, 1 achieved stable disease, and 1 is pending response assessment.

Conclusions:

First-line fixed-duration combination treatment with ibrutinib plus venetoclax may mitigate development of resistance mechanisms associated with continuous single-agent targeted therapies, allowing for effective retreatment.

See related commentary by Al-Sawaf and Davids, p. 471
Supplementary Figure 2 from Risk Prediction of Metachronous Colorectal Cancer from Molecular Features of Adenomas: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Jodal Henriette C. , Akwiwu Eddymurphy U. , Lemmens Margriet , Delis-van Diemen Pien M. , Klotz Dagmar , Leon Leticia G. , Lakbir Soufyan , de Wit Meike , Fijneman Remond J.A. , van Leerdam Monique E. , Dekker Evelien , Spaander Manon C.W. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Løberg Magnus , Coupé Veerle M.H. , Kalager Mette , Carvalho Beatriz
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Figure 2 shows a Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluating the timing of development of me-CRC in advanced adenomas with or without molecular high-risk features.
Glutamate-Sensing Genes Are Conserved among Populations Compared to Glutamate Metabolism Genes
Authors: Goto Kosuke , Masuzawa Yoko , Kohmura Masanori , Takumi Asuka , Takeyama Haruko , Miyazaki Satoru , Gojobori Takashi , Mineta Katsuhiko
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Glutamate is a representative taste molecule with an umami flavor and is a major nutrient found abundantly in nature. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in the human body as a key metabolic intermediate and neurotransmitter. Therefore, the divergence of glutamate functions among populations during their evolution is of particular interest with a hypothesis that the genetic variation can lead to understanding divergence in taste perception. To elucidate variation in glutamate applications and to deepen our understanding of taste perception, we examined the nucleotide diversity of genes associated with glutamate sensing and metabolism among human populations. Methods: We first established 67 genes related to glutamate sensing and metabolism based on the database and literature survey. Then, for those genes, we used a population genomics approach based on ten populations over 76,156 human genomes in the gnomAD database. Results: Statistical tests of means and medians of the minor allele frequencies did not show any significant difference among populations. However, we observed substantial differences between two functional groups, glutamate sensing and glutamate metabolism, in populations of Latino/admixed American, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Others. Interestingly, we could find significant differences between the African population and the East Asian population at the single nucleotide polymorphism level of glutamate metabolism genes, but no clear differences were noted in glutamate-sensing genes. These suggest that glutamate-sensing genes are under the functional constraint compared to glutamate metabolism genes. Conclusion: Thus, glutamate-sensing genes and metabolism genes have a contrasting mode of the evolution, and glutamate-sensing genes are conservatively evolved, indicating its functional importance.