bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Stability of Double Fortified Salt by Determining the Coating Quality of the Encapsulated Iron Premix
Authors: Siddiqui Juveria , Modupe Oluwasegun , Vatandoust Azadeh , Diosady Levente L.
Published: May 2022

The technology to simultaneously fortify salt with iron and iodine was developed in Canada and transferred and scaled up in India. The double fortified salt has reached more than 60 million consumers so far. Double fortification of salt is a cost-effective and reliable means of improving iron and iodine deficiencies at a population level. However, high-quality iron premix is essential for the stability of iodine and the program’s success. Therefore, we developed a reliable and cost-effective method for premix coating quality evaluation in the field, especially in low-income settings. The integrity and chemical composition of the coating and exposure of iron at the surface (∼10 μm deep) were determined using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to predict the stability of the fortified salt. The phenanthroline colour dropper test was used to test the quality of the double fortified salt by reaction with ferrous iron present on the premix surface. Five iron premix samples were compared. Based on the iron release, coating composition, and the reaction with phenanthroline, Premix-3, and its corresponding DFS, obtained from a local shop in India had the lowest quality among all samples tested. The results of the dropper test corresponded with the analysis using sophisticated analytical tools, confirming it as a simple, reliable, and cost-effective test for iron premix coating quality and integrity. This simple test would be crucial for a successful double fortification program, especially in low-income countries, in predicting iron premix quality, a critical determinant of iodine stability during storage, distribution, and retail. These study results can help governments and NGOs to establish quality standards for iron premix used for salt fortification programs.
[Retracted] Hyperspectral Image Analysis of Colon Tissue and Deep Learning for Characterization of Health care
Authors: Akram Abdulrazzaq Ammar , Sulaiman Hamid Sana , Al-Douri Asaad T. , Hamad Mohamad A. A. , Selvi D. , Mohamed Ibrahim Abdelrahman
Published: May 2022

Colon cancer is a disease characterized by the unusual and uncontrolled development of cells that are found in the large intestine. If the tumour extends to the lower part of the colon (rectum), the cancer may be colorectal. Medical imaging is the denomination of methods used to create visual representations of the human body for clinical analysis, such as diagnosing, monitoring, and treating medical conditions. In this research, a computational proposal is presented to aid the diagnosis of colon cancer, which consists of using hyperspectral images obtained from slides with biopsy samples of colon tissue in paraffin, characterizing pixels so that, afterwards, imaging techniques can be applied. Using computer graphics augmenting conventional histological deep learning architecture, it can classify pixels in hyperspectral images as cancerous, inflammatory, or healthy. It is possible to find connections between histochemical characteristics and the absorbance of tissue under various conditions using infrared photons at various frequencies in hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Deep learning techniques were used to construct and implement a predictor to detect anomalies, as well as to develop a computer interface to assist pathologists in the diagnosis of colon cancer. An infrared absorbance spectrum of each of the pixels used in the developed classifier resulted in an accuracy level of 94% for these three classes.
The Effect of Perceived Vaccination on Students’ Online Learning Intentions: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Nong Thi Xuan , Nguyen Hoai Than , Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc
Published: May 2022

The current study proposed and tested a moderated mediation model to reveal the effect of perceived vaccination (PV) on students’ online learning intentions (SOLI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire was distributed to 663 full- and part-time students at Vietnamese universities, and 632 responses were analyzed. SPSS 20 software and Hayes SPSS Process Macro (model 5) were used to test five hypotheses, all of which were supported. The study found that students’ online learning intentions decreased after being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and that perceived invulnerability played a mediating role in the relationship between perceived vaccination and students’ online learning intentions. The study also revealed that student age moderated a negative association between perceived vaccination and online learning intention, as this negative relationship was stronger for younger students than for older students. Theoretical and practical implications from our research contribute recommendations for governments, policymakers, and educators to consider adjusting educational management strategy, as well as adopting appropriate forms of learning in different epidemic contexts and vaccine coverage rates.
Plasma cfDNA for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wu Zhiwei , Yu Lijiang , Hou Juan , Cui Lihua , Huang Yufeng , Chen Qing , Sun Yan , Lu Wangkun , Zhang Chenggong , Sun Di
Published: May 2022

Objective. To evaluate the value of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. Peripheral blood specimens of 120 CRC patients and 90 healthy volunteers (as a control cohort) were extracted. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to determine the cfDNA expression. Following correlation analyses for cfDNA and clinical endpoints, a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was established to assess the sensitivity and specificity of cfDNA, CEA, VEGF, and CA125 and for evaluating the disease-free survival (DFS) of patients. Results. The plasma cfDNA level of colorectal cancer patients was significantly higher than that of healthy subjects (

P
<
0.05

), and after chemotherapy, cfDNA level was significantly lower than that before chemotherapy (

P
<
0.05

). CA125/CEA/VEGF expression significantly correlated with cfDNA level, but not with cfDNA integrity. There was also a significant correlation between tumor differentiation and the cfDNA level. cfDNA has a higher ROC value than the current tumor biomarkers. Survival analysis showed that the DFS of the low cfDNA expression group was longer (29.99 ± 0.78 months) than that of the high cfDNA expression group (27.66 ± 1.05 months,

P
=
0.031

). Conclusion. The blood cfDNA is associated with the pathological features of CRC clinical cases and represents a possible indicator for CRC diagnosis and prognosis.
Dexmedetomidine Combined with Low-Dose Propofol Declines Learning and Memory Impairment and Neural Cell Injury in Developing Rats
Authors: Yin Xiaoxu , Jiang Peng , Li Jing
Published: May 2022

Background. General anesthesia in early childhood may affect all aspects of neurodevelopment, resulting in learning and behavior defects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safe anesthetics or put forward more comprehensive anesthesia schemes to solve the negative effects caused by existing anesthetics. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of dexmedetomidine (Dex) incorporated with low-dose propofol (PRO) on learning and memory ability and neural cells in developing rats. Methods. Eighty SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups including the Sham group, Lipid group, L-PRO group, and Dex + L-PRO group. After treatment, the spatial learning and memory ability of rats in each group were assessed by the water maze test and the passive avoidance test. The damage of hippocampal tissues was assessed by Nissl staining; the apoptosis, the levels of inflammatory factors, and the level of oxidative stress were measured by Tunel staining, ELISA, and biochemical assays, respectively. Besides, qRT-PCR and Western Blot determined the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, neurotrophic factors, and MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins in the hippocampus. Results. Compared with the L-PRO group, the Dex + L-PRO group had better spatial learning and memory ability. Administration of Dex and L-PRO greatly alleviated neural cell damage in the hippocampus and decreased the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Besides, it significantly decreased the content of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), when up-regulating the levels of IL-10, antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and BDNF, receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) related to hearing function and significantly lower activity of MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion. Dex combined with low-dose PRO can significantly inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress response, neuronal apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway activity and promote the secretion of neurokines in hippocampus to reduce neural cell damage and avoid the learning and memory impairment caused by anesthetics in developing rats.
Cytokeratins 5 and 17 Maintain an Aggressive Epithelial State in Basal-Like Breast Cancer
Authors: McGinn Olivia , Riley Duncan , Finlay-Schultz Jessica , Paul Kiran V. , Kabos Peter , Sartorius Carol A.
Published: May 2022

Basal-like breast cancers (BLBC) are the most common triple-negative subtype (hormone receptor and HER2 negative) with poor short-term disease outcome and are commonly identified by expression of basal cytokeratins (CK) 5 and 17. The goal of this study was to investigate whether CK5 and CK17 play a role in adverse behavior of BLBC cells. BLBC cell lines contain heterogeneous populations of cells expressing CK5, CK17, and the mesenchymal filament protein vimentin. Stable shRNA knockdown of either CK5 or CK17 compared with non-targeting control in BLBC cells was sufficient to promote an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene signature with loss of E-cadherin and an increase in vimentin expression. Relative to control cells, CK5 and CK17 knockdown cells acquired a more spindle-like morphology with increased cell scattering and were more invasive in vitro. However, CK5 or CK17 knockdown compared with control cells generated decreased lymph node and lung metastases in vivo. Loss of CK5 or CK17 moderately reduced the IC50 dose of doxorubicin in vitro and led to increased doxorubicin efficacy in vivo. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of BLBC patient-derived xenografts identified heterogeneous populations of CK5/CK17, vimentin, and dual basal CK/vimentin-positive cells that fell on an EMT spectrum of epithelial, mesenchymal, and intermediate, respectively, whereas knockdown of CK5 transitioned cells toward a more mesenchymal score.

Implications:

This study supports that basal CKs 5 and 17 contribute to the adverse behavior of BLBC cells and could be an untapped source of therapeutic vulnerability for this aggressive disease.
The Neuroanatomy of Speech Processing: A Large-scale Lesion Study
Authors: Rogalsky Corianne , Basilakos Alexandra , Rorden Chris , Pillay Sara , LaCroix Arianna N. , Keator Lynsey , Mickelsen Soren , Anderson Steven W. , Love Tracy , Fridriksson Julius , Binder Jeffrey , Hickok Gregory
Published: May 2022

The neural basis of language has been studied for centuries, yet the networks critically involved in simply identifying or understanding a spoken word remain elusive. Several functional–anatomical models of critical neural substrates of receptive speech have been proposed, including (1) auditory-related regions in the left mid-posterior superior temporal lobe, (2) motor-related regions in the left frontal lobe (in normal and/or noisy conditions), (3) the left anterior superior temporal lobe, or (4) bilateral mid-posterior superior temporal areas. One difficulty in comparing these models is that they often focus on different aspects of the sound-to-meaning pathway and are supported by different types of stimuli and tasks. Two auditory tasks that are typically used in separate studies—syllable discrimination and word comprehension—often yield different conclusions. We assessed syllable discrimination (words and nonwords) and word comprehension (clear speech and with a noise masker) in 158 individuals with focal brain damage: left (n = 113) or right (n = 19) hemisphere stroke, left (n = 18) or right (n = 8) anterior temporal lobectomy, and 26 neurologically intact controls. Discrimination and comprehension tasks are doubly dissociable both behaviorally and neurologically. In support of a bilateral model, clear speech comprehension was near ceiling in 95% of left stroke cases and right temporal damage impaired syllable discrimination. Lesion-symptom mapping analyses for the syllable discrimination and noisy word comprehension tasks each implicated most of the left superior temporal gyrus. Comprehension but not discrimination tasks also implicated the left posterior middle temporal gyrus, whereas discrimination but not comprehension tasks also implicated more dorsal sensorimotor regions in posterior perisylvian cortex.
Oscillatory and Aperiodic Neural Activity Jointly Predict Language Learning
Authors: Cross Zachariah R. , Corcoran Andrew W. , Schlesewsky Matthias , Kohler Mark J. , Bornkessel-Schlesewsky Ina
Published: May 2022

Memory formation involves the synchronous firing of neurons in task-relevant networks, with recent models postulating that a decrease in low-frequency oscillatory activity underlies successful memory encoding and retrieval. However, to date, this relationship has been investigated primarily with face and image stimuli; considerably less is known about the oscillatory correlates of complex rule learning, as in language. Furthermore, recent work has shown that nonoscillatory (1/ƒ) activity is functionally relevant to cognition, yet its interaction with oscillatory activity during complex rule learning remains unknown. Using spectral decomposition and power-law exponent estimation of human EEG data (17 women, 18 men), we show for the first time that 1/ƒ and oscillatory activity jointly influence the learning of word order rules of a miniature artificial language system. Flexible word-order rules were associated with a steeper 1/ƒ slope, whereas fixed word-order rules were associated with a shallower slope. We also show that increased theta and alpha power predicts fixed relative to flexible word-order rule learning and behavioral performance. Together, these results suggest that 1/ƒ activity plays an important role in higher-order cognition, including language processing, and that grammar learning is modulated by different word-order permutations, which manifest in distinct oscillatory profiles.
How many species are there in the monocot order Petrosaviales? Synonymization of Petrosavia amamiensis with P. sakuraii
Authors: NURALIEV MAXIM S. , SOKOLOFF DMITRY D. , AVERYANOV LEONID V. , REMIZOWA MARGARITA V.
Published: May 2022

A reassessment of taxonomy and geographical distribution of a widespread Asian mycoheterotrophic species Petrosavia sakuraii is presented. Petrosavia amamiensis recently described from the Japanese Ryukyu Islands is demonstrated to fit closely the morphological diversity of P. sakuraii. Data from geography, molecular phylogenetics and reproductive biology also provide no substantial evidences in favor of consideration of the specimens of Petrosavia from Ryukyu as a distinct species. Accordingly, P. amamiensis is here reduced to a taxonomic synonym of P. sakuraii. Worldwide distribution range of P. sakuraii is reviewed to summarize the scattered evidences accumulated to date in the forms of herbarium specimens and publications of range extensions. A disjunct distribution pattern is highlighted between the populations in Sumatra and the rest of the species range: P. sakuraii occurs from the Himalayas to the Honshu Island, but within the Indochinese Peninsula it is known only in its northernmost part. Finally, typification of P. sakuraii and its synonym P. sinii is revised, and lectotypes are designated for both names.
Eulophia myanmarica (Orchidaceae), a new species from Myanmar and notes on Geodorum densiflorum
Authors: NAIVE MARK ARCEBAL K. , HEIN KHANT ZAW , KUMAR PANKAJ , ORMEROD PAUL
Published: May 2022

Eulophia myanmarica, a species new to science is herein described from Monywa District, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. The species superficially resembles E. andamanensis but differs significantly in having 5-veined petals and sepals, narrowly oblong dorsal sepal with acute, slightly cucullate apex, obliquely narrowly oblong-elliptic lateral sepals and obliquely triangular sidelobes of the labellum. Detailed morphological description, a colour plate, notes on phenology, distribution, and a provisional conservation assessment are provided below. With this discovery, Myanmar now holds a total number of 19 Eulophia species. Additionally, after merging the genus Geodorum under Eulophia, a new name is needed for Geodorum densiflorum, for which taxonomic notes have been provided.
Additions to Fitzroyomyces (Stictidaceae, Ascomycota) from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: XU RUIFANG , THIYAGARAJA VINODHINI , DAI DONG-QIN , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C. , TIBPROMMA SAOWALUCK
Published: May 2022

A total of approximately 104,000 fungal species can be expected in Yunnan. However, approximately 6000 fungal species have been reported from the province leaving much to be described. This study introduces a new species, Fitzroyomyces xishuangbannaensis sp. nov and a new collection of Fit. cyperacearum from Yunnan province, China. The taxa were characterized based on morphological characteristics and combined multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. Both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference posterior probabilities (PP) were conducted for combined LSU, ITS and mtSSU sequences data. The new Fitzroyomyces species formed a distinct clade among the extant species of Fitzroyomyces with high statistical supports in the phylogenetic analyses while our new isolate nested together with the corresponding strains of Fit. cyperacearum. A key to Fitzroyomyces species and a synopsis table of morphological characteristics for Fitzroyomyces are provided to support the taxonomic placement.
Un-British No More: Torture and Interrogation by Britain in Germany, 1945–54
Authors: Photiadou Artemis Joanna
Published: May 2022

Among the thousands of camps Britain operated in the twentieth century were some that gained a notorious reputation for how they treated prisoners. Such places were often seen as aberrations within their individual contexts. Their recurrence across different places and times – including in Aden, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland – nonetheless renders it difficult to dismiss them as mere anomalies. This article examines one of the first post-war camps to have attracted such attention in Allied-occupied Germany, which was closed down following an investigation into its appalling conditions. Seeking to understand how an establishment ended up departing so drastically from accepted interrogation norms, which saw torture as unproductive and un-British, it finds that prisoners were subject to a combination of neglect due to difficult circumstances and malevolence. Tracing the camp's successors, the article also finds that political considerations ensured future camps in Germany did not step out of line; nevertheless, there was a failure to ensure the same for other cases more generally and to turn this into a one-off affair for Britain. Overall, while the camp existed within a unique post-war context, its history points to conditions and structures that may serve as units of analysis for investigating similar establishments.
University and Covid-19: The experience of the academic community of the single-cycle Master’s degree in law of the University of Genoa
Authors: Magarò Patrizia , Accordino Loic , Cugnetto Davide , Gheorghe Constantin , Keqi Anduela , Laigueglia Chiara , Luciani Ludovica , Pellegrino Giovanni , Scarola Laura , Sütő Brigitta Tünde , Valle Margherita
Published: May 2022

The article focuses on challenges and disruption in the higher education sector in Italy due to COVID-19 pandemic. The study explores the experience of the Single-Cycle Master’s Degree in Law of the University of Genoa, especially taking into account students’ perspective.
Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Cyst in a Middle-aged Woman
Authors: Reidy Deirdre , Kreicher Kathryn L. , Yu Mingfu , Parham Kourosh
Published: May 2022

Parathyroid cyst is a rare entity that can closely mimic thyroid and brachial cleft cysts, particularly when located within the thyroid gland. Most commonly, the cysts are non-functional but can produce compressive symptoms. The cyst contains watery content with elevated PTH levels, specifying parathyroid origin 1 . Parathyroid cysts should be considered in the differential in patients with a neck mass. This study describes a rare case of a middle-aged woman with a history of a symptomatic intrathyroidal parathyroid cyst discovered intraoperatively.
Curing Leprosy with DDS: Metamorphosis of Colonial Medicine into Global Health
Authors: Hung Yiling
Published: May 2022

This article addresses the question of how the belief that leprosy is curable became an accepted scientific statement during the processes of colonization and postwar nation-building. Following the use of chaulmoogra oil to the introduction of diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) as a cure for leprosy, the article shows how medical workers in Hong Kong and Taiwan, two contact zones in the global leprosy network, helped transform leprosy medicine into a set of practices centered on the mass administration of DDS. Focusing on the idea of a cure and looking for all the transformations this idea went through afterward, this article argues that it was chaulmoogra oil that created the research and management infrastructure for DDS. DDS did work, but it worked because chaulmoogra oil had already produced the conditions for a cure. This article contributes to recent calls to “provincialize STS” and to investigate postcolonial technoscience by examining the situated production of the global leprosy infrastructure. It shows that by serving as laboratories and extending the network in which the belief of a cure was embedded, the colonies were key to each stage forming the cure for leprosy as an accepted scientific statement.
Multipartner alliances among small firms promoted by external managers: Risk and governance mechanisms
Authors: Vélez María L , Sánchez José M , Araújo Pedro
Published: May 2022

External managers may be key to setting up and managing multi-partner alliances (MPAs) among small firms, but their role has not yet been integrated in previous literature on risk and governance structures. This longitudinal matched-pair case study investigates the dynamics between relational and performance risks and control-based and trust-based governance mechanisms, in MPAs promoted and managed by external managers. The integration of external managers allows the identification of different levels of trust and control among partners. This is also the case between such partners and the external manager who controls/trusts, who is controlled/trusted, and how this changes over time. Our results show that trust and control are influenced by both the external actor and partner’s risk perceptions; they also complement each other to manage high performance and relational risks in a dynamic process. We extend prior knowledge by showing that the analysis of control/trust complementarity must take into consideration both partner-partner and partner-manager relationships.
COVID-19: Challenges and solutions for the provision of care to seriously ill and dying people and their relatives during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic – perspectives of pandemic response team members: A qualitative study on the basis of expert interviews (part of PallPan)
Authors: Klinger Isabell , Heckel Maria , Shahda Sophie , Kriesen Ursula , Schneider Carolin , Kurkowski Sandra , Junghanss Christian , Ostgathe Christoph
Published: May 2022

Background:

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic’s initial waves, bans on visiting and isolation measures placed limits on providing services for seriously ill and dying people and their relatives. Pandemic response teams at governmental level (macro), at federal state and municipal level (meso) and in healthcare facilities (micro) played their role in pandemic management procedures.

Aim:

To explore pandemic-related challenges and solutions of pandemic response teams regarding the provision of care to seriously ill and dying people and their relatives. Findings were to be integrated into a national strategy (PallPan).

Design:

Semi-structured expert interviews (10/2020–2/2021) analysed via structured content analysis.

SettingParticipants:

We interviewed 41 members, who discussed the work of 43 German pandemic response teams (micro n = 23; meso n = 20; no members were available at macro level) from 14 German federal states.

Results:

Twenty-nine of 43 teams took account of the needs of seriously ill and dying. Their main challenges resulted from pandemic-related legal requirements in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The implementation of such was in the remits of the meso level. Dysfunctional or non-existent communication between the levels was reported to be challenging. To foster patient-related solutions the micro level pandemic response teams supported individual decisions to enable patient-relative contact for example, visiting and saying goodbye outside, meeting via digital solutions.

Conclusions:

Pandemic response teams evidently struggled to find appropriate solutions to ease pandemic-related impact on the care of seriously ill and dying patients and their relatives. We recommend bringing palliative care expertise on board.
Neural mechanisms underlying psilocybin’s therapeutic potential – the need for preclinical in vivo electrophysiology
Authors: Smausz Rebecca , Neill Joanna , Gigg John
Published: May 2022

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound with profound perception-, emotion- and cognition-altering properties and great potential for treating brain disorders. However, the neural mechanisms mediating its effects require in-depth investigation as there is still much to learn about how psychedelic drugs produce their profound and long-lasting effects. In this review, we outline the current understanding of the neurophysiology of psilocybin’s psychoactive properties, highlighting the need for additional preclinical studies to determine its effect on neural network dynamics. We first describe how psilocybin’s effect on brain regions associated with the default-mode network (DMN), particularly the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, likely plays a key role in mediating its consciousness-altering properties. We then outline the specific receptor and cell types involved and discuss contradictory evidence from neuroimaging studies regarding psilocybin’s net effect on activity within these regions. We go on to argue that in vivo electrophysiology is ideally suited to provide a more holistic, neural network analysis approach to understand psilocybin’s mode of action. Thus, we integrate information about the neural bases for oscillatory activity generation with the accumulating evidence about psychedelic drug effects on neural synchrony within DMN-associated areas. This approach will help to generate important questions for future preclinical and clinical studies. Answers to these questions are vital for determining the neural mechanisms mediating psilocybin’s psychotherapeutic potential, which promises to improve outcomes for patients with severe depression and other difficulty to treat conditions.
Antidepressant-like effect of tofisopam in mice: A behavioural, molecular docking and MD simulation study
Authors: Turan Yücel Nazlı , Evren Asaf Evrim , Kandemir Ümmühan , Can Özgür Devrim
Published: May 2022

Background:

Depression is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and the discovery and development of effective and safe antidepressant drugs is one of the important topics of psychopharmacology.

Objectives:

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like activity potential of tofisopam, an anxiolytic drug with 2,3-benzodiazepine structure, and to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms mediating this effect.

Methods:

The antidepressant-like activity of tofisopam was investigated using tail suspension and modified forced swimming tests. Possible interactions of tofisopam with µ- and δ-opioid receptor subtypes were clarified by pharmacological antagonism, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies.

Results:

Tofisopam (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly shortened the immobility time of mice in both the tail suspension and the modified forced swimming tests. The drug, at the same doses, prolonged the duration of swimming and climbing behaviours measured in modified forced swimming tests. A dosage of 25 mg/kg was ineffective. Mechanistic studies showed that the pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (serotonin synthesis inhibitor; 4 consecutive days, 100 mg/kg), α-methyl-para-tyrosine methyl ester (catecholamine synthesis inhibitor; 100 mg/kg), naloxonazine (selective µ-opioid receptor blocker, 7 mg/kg) and naltrindole (a selective δ-opioid receptor blocker, 0.99 mg/kg) abolished the anti-immobility effect induced by the 50 mg/kg dose of tofisopam in the tail suspension tests. Our in silico studies supported the behavioural findings that the antidepressant-like effect of tofisopam is mediated by μ- and δ-opioid receptors.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to show that tofisopam has antidepressant-like activity mediated by the serotonergic, catecholaminergic and opioidergic systems.
Bovine intracranial neoplasia: A retrospective case series
Authors: Jahns Hanne , McElroy Maire C.
Published: May 2022

This case series describes the clinical and pathological findings of intracranial neoplasms in cattle, a rare entity. Data and archived tissues from 24 intracranial tumors were reviewed and investigated by immunohistochemistry for S100, glial fibrillary acidic protein, synaptophysin, pancytokeratin, vimentin, neuron-specific enolase, oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1. Ages of affected cattle ranged from 6 months to 14 years (5.7 ± 3.6 years; mean ± SD). Predominant clinical signs were altered mental state, central vestibular dysfunction, and cerebellar incoordination. Twelve gliomas, all high grade, were the most common tumors observed: oligodendrogliomas (n = 6), astrocytomas (n = 4), and undefined gliomas (n = 2). The oligodendrogliomas were located in the brainstem and extended into the ventricles, whereas all astrocytomas were located in the forebrain. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene mutation as described in humans was not detected. The 5 meningiomas exhibited microcystic, chordoid, atypical, papillary, and anaplastic subtypes. Metastatic carcinomas (n = 4) were the only secondary tumor type present, and these were located at the level of the medulla with infiltration of cranial nerves and in one case leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. In addition, 2 medulloblastomas and 1 choroid plexus carcinoma were diagnosed. Immunohistochemistry for vimentin and pancytokeratin was particularly useful to distinguish meningiomas and choroid plexus carcinoma (positive for vimentin only) from mestastatic carcinomas (positive for cytokeratin only) as all showed a papillary growth pattern. Overall, the morphological features were comparable with other species and the human and canine classifications could be applied.
State capitalism, capitalist statism: Sovereign wealth funds and the geopolitics of London’s real estate market
Authors: Ward Callum , Brill Frances , Raco Mike
Published: May 2022

We respond to the special issue’s call for a multiscalar, historicised approach to state capitalism through an exploration of Sovereign Wealth Fund investment into London real estate. We point to how the UK’s ostensibly market-led recovery since the 2008 financial crisis has relied in part on attracting ‘patient’ state capitalist investments. In this, we contextualise the relational regulation of real estate markets as the outcome of intersecting state projects by considering the investment motivations of the single largest owner of London real estate, the Qatari Investment Authority, and the utilisation of their investment by UK governance actors. Focusing on Qatari Investment Authority’s involvement in London’s Olympic Village, we highlight how this strategic coupling in the real estate market realised domestic and geopolitical aims for the Qataris while facilitating the UK government's strategy to ameliorate London’s housing shortage by fostering a ‘build to rent’ asset class. In doing so, we contribute to readings of state capitalism as an ‘uneven and combined’ process beyond the traditional state/market binary by placing sovereign wealth fund investment into the context of city governance, the geopolitics of real estate and resultant relational forms of regulation.
The monoclonal CGRP-receptor blocking antibody erenumab has different effects on brainstem and cortical sensory-evoked responses
Authors: Casillo Francesco , Sebastianelli Gabriele , Di Renzo Antonio , Cioffi Ettore , Parisi Vincenzo , Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Serrao Mariano , Coppola Gianluca
Published: May 2022

Objectives

It is unclear whether the electrophysiological effects of erenumab, a monoclonal antibody against the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, occur only at the periphery of the trigeminal system or centrally and at the cortical level.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 20 patients with migraine who had failed at least two preventative treatments. We measured the nociceptive blink reflex and non-noxious somatosensory evoked potentials in all participants. The area under the curve and habituation of the second polysynaptic nociceptive blink reflex component (R2) as well as the amplitude and habituation of somatosensory evoked potentials N20-P25 were measured. Electrophysiological data were collected at baseline (T0), 28 days (T1), and 56 days (T2) before each injection of erenumab (70 mg).

Results

Erenumab reduced the patients’ mean monthly headache days, headache intensity, and acute medication intake considerably at T1 and T2 (all p < 0.05). The nociceptive blink reflex area under the curve was considerably lower at T1 and T2 than at baseline without changing the habituation slope. At T2, there was a significant increase in the delayed somatosensory evoked potentials amplitude reduction (habituation) but not in the initial cortical activation.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that erenumab, in addition to its well-known peripheral effects, can induce central effects earlier in the brainstem and later in the cortex. We cannot rule out whether these results are due to a direct effect of erenumab on the central nervous system or an indirect effect secondary to peripheral drug modulation.
The Effect of Gender on Study Effort: Nudges Versus Market Incentives
Authors: Schubert Jens
Published: May 2022

In an educational field experiment, I study the role of peers’ study habits (a social norm nudge) and for-credit assignments (a market incentive) on student study effort and learning outcomes. I randomize students in a large-enrollment introductory economics course into one of four treatments: for-credit practice problems only, information about successful peers’ study habits only, for-credit practice problems paired with peer information, and control. The 2x2 experimental design allows me to assess whether peer information and for-credit incentives act as complements or substitutes. I find that for-credit alone works significantly better than peer information alone to improve study effort. Interestingly, peer information works better for men than women. The interaction of the study incentives works best to improve study effort for women. The findings of this study inform micro-targeted educational choice architecture which could help narrow gender performance disparities in economics courses.

JEL Classification: C93, I24, J16, D84, A22
Working With Older Adults in Integrated Health Care: Social Workers’ Perspective
Authors: Weng Suzie S. , Valenzuela Jessica
Published: May 2022

Objective: Older adults are a rapidly growing segment of the global population; a paucity of research exists on social workers supporting this vulnerable group in integrated health care that focuses on both physical and behavioral health. To fill the gap, this study explored social workers’ perspectives of working with older adults in integrated healthcare settings. Methods: Using qualitative methods, a constant comparison data analysis approach was conducted to identify themes. Results: Themes included: (1) working with and highlighting the unique needs of older adults in integrated health, (2) identifying skills needed for working as a social worker within integrated healthcare settings, (3) supporting patient families, and (4) needing to make decisions on behalf of patients. Discussion: Study findings demonstrate social workers as key members of interdisciplinary team as well as highlight the unique needs, skills, and challenges for working with older adults in integrated healthcare settings.
Different properties of poly(L-lactic acid) monofilaments and its corresponding braided springs after constrained and unconstrained annealing
Authors: Zhao Gutian , Ma Siyuan , Li Xin , Tian Yuan , Wu Gensheng , Zhang Yi , Cheng Jie , Ni Zhonghua
Published: May 2022

Thermal annealing is widely applied to enhance the mechanical performance of PLLA monofilaments, which brings in a variety of expected strengths through different constrained methods. In this work, samples with constrained and unconstrained annealing process were both prepared and characterized, including mechanical performance, surface morphology, radial supporting performance and axial flexibility. Experimental results revealed that the monofilaments under constrained annealing showed higher elastic modulus with 6.4 GPa, which were higher than those without any constraint. While the maximal elongation at break with 51.11% were observed in unconstrained annealed monofilaments. Few changes were presented in the molecular weight between the two types of samples. Moreover, the springs under constrained annealing inhibited the most reliable radial supporting performance with higher radial compression force and chronic outward force, 0.665  N/mm and 0.14  N respectively. However, unconstrained annealing springs showed better flexibility with 0.178  N bending stiffness and 1.58  N maximum bending force. These results suggested that filaments and springs with various properties can be obtained under different annealing conditions.
Significantly enhanced thermally conductive epoxy composite composed of caterpillar-like structured expanded graphite/ boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Menghan , Xiao Chao , Qu Qiqi , Da Yunsheng , Liu Yanyan , Tian Xingyou , Wang Hua
Published: May 2022

The trend toward miniaturization, integration and multifunctionality of modern electronics has led to a rapid increase in power density, which makes heat dissipation a critical issue. Despite the great potential of graphite-related nanocomposites in dissipating excess heat to ensure high efficiency and long lifetime of electronic devices, the practical application of these composites is limited by the ultra-low vertical thermal conductivity due to the interfacial thermal resistance between graphite layers. Here, a caterpillar-like hybrid filler was fabricated by the in situ intercalation of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) between expanded graphite (EG) layers based on chemical vapor deposition technology. Owing to the optimized interfacial thermal resistance by forming covalent C-N bonding at the interface of EG and BNNT, the through-plane thermal conductivity of epoxy-based nanocomposites can be up to 5.18 Wm−1 K−1. In addition, the composite possessed electromagnetic interference shielding performance of 33.34 dB while maintaining electrical insulation due to the hierarchical structure. This work provided a new strategy for fabricating polymer-based composites with excellent through-plane thermal conductivity in thermal management applications.
Multi-scale attention mechanism residual neural network for fault diagnosis of rolling bearings
Authors: Wang Yan , Liang Jie , Gu Xiaoguang , Ling Dan , Yu Haowen
Published: May 2022

Rolling bearing fault diagnosis is crucial to improve industrial safety and reliability. In recent years, intelligent fault diagnosis method represented by deep learning (DL) has been receiving increasing attention. In order to ameliorate the full training of the deep network, improve the model accuracy, and perfect the analysis of mechanical vibration signals with huge amount of information, a multi-scale attention mechanism residual network (MSA-ResNet) fault diagnosis method is proposed in this paper. First, an attention mechanism block is introduced to construct a new type of residual block combination. Second, a multi-scale structure is constructed by choosing an appropriate convolution kernel size. Finally, the overall framework of MSA-ResNet is constructed for efficient training and failure pattern recognition. The MSA-ResNet algorithm introduces an attention mechanism in each residual module of the residual network (ResNet), which improves the sensitivity to features. The features of different scales are obtained through the multi-scale convolution kernel, and the multi-scale feature extraction of complex nonlinear mechanical vibration signals is realized. The processing of original vibration signal rarely involves artificial interference, which is more conducive to industrial application of the proposed method. Diagnostic experiments are conducted on bearing datasets from the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and the Machinery Failure Prevention Technology (MFPT) to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results illustrating the rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on MSA-ResNet have advantages in multi-scale feature extraction, noise immunity, and fault classification accuracy.
Activation: a thematic and conceptual review
Authors: Clasen Jochen , Mascaro Clara
Published: May 2022

Activation as a social policy topic has been investigated since the late 1990s and continues to be popular in academic analysis and discourse. In this review, we highlight the wide range of research aims and themes covered within relevant publications. We also identify a considerable degree of conceptual inconsistency and ambiguity across the literature. Informed by methodological considerations, we conclude by suggesting a parsimonious root concept of activation which would allow for a more consistent and less ambiguous application within and across different levels of analysis.
Return and Volatility Spillover Effects between Rupee–Dollar Exchange Rate and Asian Stock Indices
Authors: Mahalakshmi S. , Thiyagarajan S. , Vasudevan Gopala , Naresh G.
Published: May 2022

India is a major Asian economy that has attracted global investment due to its economic stability and relatively open financial markets. We investigate the return and volatility spillover effects between the Indian rupee against US dollar and stock index volatility in neighboring (Asian) nations. Consistent with the uncovered equity parity, we find that when the rupee depreciates against US dollar, the foreign institutional investors pull back their portfolio investments from other Asian markets and invest in Indian stock market, similarly if rupee appreciates they may divest their investments to gain profits. The unidirectional causality from the exchange rate to all stock indices is indicated by the causality in the mean approach.

Our study shows a strong linkage between the currency value of a stable economy and the economies with which it has strong trade ties. Further, the results also show that investors adjust their position in the related markets during periods of currency appreciation and depreciation in an economy with significant growth prospects.

JEL Codes: F31, D53, B23
The Youth Allowance independence test
Authors: Evans Tegan
Published: May 2022

This Brief describes the current requirements to access Youth Allowance, the federal income support payment for fulltime students and apprentices. The author discusses the ‘independence’ test and its application to young people aged 21 or younger. She explores the inaccessibility of this payment for estranged or victimised youth, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community, due to the disproportionate power it places in the hands of parents of adult children.
Towards a nuanced understanding of anti-immigration sentiment in the welfare state – a program specific analysis of welfare preferences
Authors: Diermeier Matthias , Niehues Judith
Published: May 2022

The literature on immigration and the welfare state describes a trade-off between immigration and welfare support. We argue for a more nuanced view of welfare chauvinism that accounts for different motivational channels, specific welfare programs and particular population subgroups. First, we identify two separate characteristics of hostility towards immigrants that trigger welfare chauvinism: affective anti-migration sentiment that combines economic and cultural motives; and a ‘putative rational anti-migration sentiment’ that is driven by the fear that immigration could overburden the welfare state although immigrants themselves are not disliked or even appreciated. Second, running a program-specific analysis, we find that affective and ‘putative rational’ opposition to migration lower redistributive preferences towards the unemployed. On the contrary, affective anti-immigration sentiment even increases welfare affinity towards the elderly. We interpret this finding not as preferences for or against a specific welfare program but as implicit sympathy or antipathy for its recipients. Third, investigating the role of Populist Radical Right Parties (PRRPs) as the main source of welfare chauvinism, we find that PRRP supporters strongly prefer more redistribution towards a perceived native in-group: the elderly.
Development of PARcific Approach: Participatory Action Research Methodology for Collectivist Health Research
Authors: Rumsey Michele , Stowers Pelenatete , Sam Harriet , Neill Amanda , Rodrigues Nathalia , Brooks Fiona , Daly John
Published: May 2022

This article explores the evolution of a novel approach designed to advance qualitative methods in cross-cultural health research. This methodology was developed by synthesising several research methods and involved in-depth stakeholder consultation with participants of a Pacific-based nursing and midwifery health leadership program. Many of these participants played a crucial role in creating, exploring and evaluating several research methods and implementing and evaluating this co-designed research methodology. Starting with a Participatory Action Research framework, the research methodology evolved as it was informed by the local Pacific methodologies (in particular Talanoa and Kakala frameworks), where researchers, co-researchers and participants alike, working from within their own collectivist/individualist paradigms, negotiated cultural differences. Finally, a methodological framework of ‘best practice’ for future health research methods was developed for use with capacity building research. The new methodology could provide a foundation for future co-designed cross-cultural research in collectivist cultures.
Creating Openings for Co-Theorizing
Authors: Nxumalo Fikile , Tuck Eve
Published: May 2022

This article is derived from a webinar series conversation titled, “Post Philosophies and the Doing of Inquiry.” During the webinar sessions the panelists, Dr. Fikile Nxumalo and Dr. Eve Tuck, discussed the ways in which their philosophical orientations contribute to how they enact inquiry as co-theorizing.