bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engaging Low-Wage Workers in Health and Well-Being Survey Research: Strategies From 5 Occupational Studies
Authors: Sabbath Erika L. , Lovejoy Meg , Schneider Daniel K. , Diaz-Linhart Yaminette , DeHorn Grace , Peters Susan E. 
Published: November 2024

Without perspectives of low-wage workers in studies of worker health and well-being, researchers cannot comprehensively assess occupational health and health equity impacts of workplace exposures and interventions. Researchers and practitioners have noted particular challenges in engaging low-wage workers in worksite-based health survey research, yet little scholarship has described strategies for improving their engagement and response rates. To fill this gap, we present case examples from 5 occupational studies conducted between 2020 and 2024 in industries including health care, food service, and fulfillment centers. For each case, we describe how we identified barriers to worker engagement in surveys, explain specific strategies we used to address those barriers, and assess the effectiveness of these actions. Then, summarizing across case examples, we offer practical recommendations to researchers surveying low-wage populations, highlighting that high-touch recruitment, building trust with workers and managers, and obtaining manager support to take surveys during work time (for worksite-based studies) are critical for obtaining reliable, representative data. Our work contributes to broader discussions on improving survey response rates in vulnerable worker populations and aims to support future researchers undertaking similar efforts. ( Am J Public Health. 2025;115(2):201–208. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307875 )
Microtubule pivoting driven by spindle elongation rescues polar chromosomes to ensure faithful mitosis
Authors: Tolić Iva , Koprivec Isabella , Stimac Valentina , Mikec Petra 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Polar chromosomes represent a subset of ~7 chromosomes in human cells that initially attach to the mitotic spindle behind the spindle pole. These chromosomes are delayed in congression to the metaphase plate and prone to segregation errors. Yet, the mechanism of their congression remains elusive. Here we show, using stimulated emission depletion and lattice light-sheet microscopy, that polar chromosomes require a unique congression step to transit across the spindle pole. This step occurs independently of the known congression drivers, including CENP-E, kinetochore dynein, chromokinesins, and actomyosin. Instead, it relies on the pivoting of chromosome-carrying astral microtubules around the centrosome towards the spindle surface. During pivoting, polar chromosomes form complex attachments with astral microtubules, which persist throughout the process. By modulating the activity of the kinesin-5 Eg5/KIF11 to reverse, restore, or block spindle elongation, we demonstrate that spindle elongation drives the pivoting and dictates its direction and magnitude. We identify impaired spindle elongation as a major cause of mitotic errors of polar chromosomes in RPE1 cells following Mps1 kinase inhibition, and in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma OVSAHO cells. Increasing spindle elongation through depletion of the kinesin-4 KIF4A rescues polar chromosomes in OVSAHO cells, supporting the causal relationship between spindle elongation and the resolution of polar chromosomes. We conclude that polar chromosomes depend on spindle elongation to propel the pivoting of their astral microtubules, enabling chromosome contact with the spindle surface, congression, and accurate segregation. In the context of disease, our findings suggest that manipulating spindle elongation has the potential to modify mitotic errors in certain cancer cells.
Venus Cloud Catcher as a Proof-of-Concept AerosolCollection Instrument
Authors: Iakubivskyi Iaroslav , Seager Sara , Carr Christopher E. , Petkowski Janusz J. , Agrawal Rachana , Moreno M. Regina A. , Nellutla Snigdha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We report on the proof-of-concept of a low-mass, low-power method for collecting micron-sized sulfuric acid aerosols in bulk from the atmosphere of Venus. The collection method uses four wired meshes in a sandwich structure with a deposition area of 225 cm2. It operates in two modes: passive and electrostatic. During passive operation, aerosols are gathered on the deposition surface by aerodynamic force. During electrostatic operation, a tungsten needle discharges a high voltage of −10 kV at the front of the grounded mesh structure. The discharge ionizes aerosols and attracts them to the mesh by Coulomb forces, resulting in improved efficiency and tentative attraction of submicron aerosols. We describe the instrument construction and testing in the laboratory under controlled conditions with aerosols composed of 25%, 50%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 98%* concentration by volume of sulfuric acid, the rest water. We demonstrated the following: (i) both modes of operation can collect the entire range of sulfuric acid solutions; (ii) the collection efficiency increases steadily (from a few percent for water to over 40 percent for concentrated sulfuric acid) with the increased concentration of sulfuric acid solution in water in both modes; (iii) the relative improvement in the collection of the electrostatic mode decreases as the sulfuric acid concentration increases. We also demonstrated the operation of the instrument in the field, cloud particle collection on Mt. Washington, NH, and crater-rim fumaroles’ particle collection on Kilauea volcano, HI. The collection rate in the field is wind-speed dependent, and we observed collection rates around 0.1 ml·min−1 in low wind environments (1–2 m·s−1), and around 1 ml·min−1 in stronger wind (7–9 m·s−1).
Congenital anomalies after first-trimester dydrogesterone therapy during in vitro fertilization: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chi Hongbin , Yang Wan , Zeng Lin , Chen Lixue , Yang Rui , Wang Haiyan , Li Hongzhen , Liu Ping , Lian Ying , Li Rong , Qiao Jie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Congenital anomaly is a critical public health issue and should be a research priority. Here, 52,175 newborn babies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in our reproductive center from 2010 to 2018 were studied. We found, in frozen cycles, the incidence of musculoskeletal anomalies was significantly lower in the dydrogesterone (DYG)-exposed group than that in the DYG-unexposed group, both before (0.60‰ vs. 2.37‰; P = 0.020) and after (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.66) adjusting for confounders. The remaining classifications of congenital anomalies were not different between the groups in frozen cycles. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, first-trimester DYG therapy did not increase the risk of congenital anomalies. Due to the limitations of this cohort study, further follow-up and in-depth data analysis are planned for future studies.
Evaluating the Desirability of Energy Inequality Mitigation Strategies within Underserved Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ighravwe Desmond Eseoghene , Olanrewaju Oludolapo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Studies have shown that energy inequality is reasonable for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to reliable and affordable energy. This research presents an approach to addressing energy inequality in sub-Saharan Africa. The approach uses socio-economic criteria to determine the most effective mitigation strategy to address energy inequality within underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa. This research used a fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP) and VIKOR to merge socio-economic criteria and mitigation strategies for energy inequality. Nine socio-economic criteria, including environmental sustainability and scalability, and ten mitigation strategies, including promoting decentralized renewable energy solutions and implementing energy access programs for vulnerable populations, were considered. Environmental sustainability was the fundamental criterion for selecting a suitable mitigation strategy for energy inequality. According to the results of the VIKOR method and the results of the aggregated ranking methods, promoting decentralized renewable energy solutions was the most suitable strategy for dealing with energy inequality. This research uses Spareman's correlation to investigate the significance of ranking from the VIKOR and TOPSIS methods. When Alpha = 5%, we observed a significant association between these methods; the correlation coefficient was 0.8909. These research findings will guide stakeholders, especially investors, on the best action for investment initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa.
Alcanivorax beigongshangi sp. nov., isolated from the fermented grains of Chinese baijiu
Authors: Zhang Tong-Xi , Li Yi-Ming , Gu Hao-Yue , Zhang Ru , Sun Zhan-Bin , Pan Han-Xu , Ren Qing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

A bacterial strain, REN37T, was isolated from fermented grains of Baijiu samples collected from Sichuan, PR China. The cells of strain REN37T was Gram-negative and aerobic. The cellular morphology exhibited rod-shaped cells without flagellum, displaying non-motility. The optimal growth condition was at 32–37 oC, pH 6.0–7.0, and with a NaCl concentration of 1%-2% (w/v). Strain REN37T was positive for amylase, catalase and oxidase activities and aesculin, casein, starch hydrolysis. Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, strains REN37T was identified to belong to the genus of Alcanivorax. Its closest species was Alcanivorax pacificus W11-5T (96.1%). The polar lipids were identified to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, unidentified glycolipid, two unidentified phospholipids. The predominant menaquinone was MK-12. The predominant fatty acids were C15:0 anteiso (49.4%), C16:0 iso (18.1%), C17:0 anteiso (16.5%), C15:0 iso (9.5%). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) and average amino acid identify (AAI) values between strain REN37T and its most similar species were 19.2%, 74.0% and 92.0%, respectively. The DNA G + C content of the strain REN37T was 63.0 mol%. Based on the results, REN37T represents a novel strain, and the name Alcanivorax beigongshangi sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is REN37T (= GDMCC 1.3120T = JCM 35319T).
Greater risk-taking by non-native than native shrimp: an advantage in a human-disturbed environment?
Authors: Gómez Alfredo Escanciano , Ipenburg Charlotte , Candolin Ulrika 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The invasion of non-native species into ecosystems is a growing human-induced problem. To control their spread and population growth, knowledge is needed on the factors that facilitate or impede their invasions. In animals, traits often associated with invasion success are high activity, boldness, and aggression. However, these traits also make individuals susceptible to predation, which could curb population growth. We investigated if a recent invader into the Baltic Sea, the shrimp Palaemon elegans, differs in risk-taking from a native shrimp, P. adspersus. We recorded activity, habitat choice, and response to perceived predation threat of both species.
Results
We found the invading shrimp to take greater risks than the native one; while the native shrimp adjusted its behaviour to habitat structure and exposure to a perceived predator, the non-native shrimp did not, and it resumed normal activity sooner after a perceived predation threat. Despite the greater risk taking by the non-native shrimp, its population has grown rapidly during the last two decades in the investigated area and is now larger than that of the native shrimp.
Conclusions
We discuss plausible explanations for the population growth of the invader, including the recent decline in predatory fishes that could have reduced the cost of risk-taking, and anthropogenic eutrophication that has increased food abundance could have allowed the population growth. These results stress the need to assess the optimality of the behaviours of both native and non-native species when investigating the factors that influence invasion success in human-disturbed environments.
Sex dimorphism in rodent brain responses to ketogenic diets: A comparative study
Authors: Lorin Charlotte , Diaceri Giacomo , Garcia Miguel , Markram Henry , Logette Emmanuelle , Keller Daniel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study highlights the need for standardized ketogenic diet (KD) research that includes both sexes, as most previous studies have focused on male animals. Using the most widely used strain in biomedical research, the genetically uniform C57BL/6J mice, two KD suppliers (Safe and Bio-Serv) were compared to assess the impact of diet composition on metabolic outcomes. Safe’s KD induced ketosis initially but caused metabolic disruptions due to stratification in the diet's composition. Bio-Serv’s KD consistently maintained ketosis and was preferred for standardization. Significant sex-based differences were found, likely due to the influence of hormones. Brain cell analysis revealed a lactate gradient from astrocytes to neurons and differences in glucose and glutamine distribution, though limited by sample size. The study reinforces the importance of including both sexes in metabolic research and maintaining diet consistency to better understand hormonal effects and long-term health impacts of the KD.
Sovereign Default Risk and Household Consumption
Authors: Liu Teng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In this paper, I uncover how sovereign debt default risks spill over into household consumption behavior through the fiscal channel. Existing studies have sparsely documented the consumption implications of sovereign default. During sovereign financial distress, a government typically conducts fiscal adjustment in areas such as pension and food assistance. Thus for households who benefit from public transfers, the adjustment of public expenditures matter for their consumption behavior. Using micro-level data of the National Survey of Household Income and Expenditure (ENIGH) of Mexico, I measure household consumption changes resulting from fiscal adjustment and from sovereign risks. The analyses consist of state-level and household-level estimates, and provide nuanced views of the default-consumption link by exploiting micro variables such as household income distribution, wealth, and socio-demographic characteristics. Both the state-level and household-level results suggest that in many cases, the link between default risk and household consumption is negative and significant, especially through the adjustment of pension expenditure. Abstract. In this paper, I uncover how sovereign debt default risks spill over into household consumption behavior through the fiscal channel. Existing studies have sparsely documented the consumption implications of sovereign default. During sovereign financial distress, a government typically conducts fiscal adjustment in areas such as pension and food assistance. Thus for households who benefit from public transfers, the adjustment of public expenditures matter for their consumption behavior. Using micro-level data of the National Survey of Household Income and Expenditure (ENIGH) of Mexico, I measure household consumption changes resulting from fiscal adjustment and from sovereign risks. The analyses consist of state-level and household-level estimates, and provide nuanced views of the default-consumption link by exploiting micro variables such as household income distribution, wealth, and socio-demographic characteristics. Both the state-level and household-level results suggest that in many cases, the link between default risk and household consumption is negative and significant, especially through the adjustment of pension expenditure.
JEL Codes: F34, E21, H31
Synthesis, evaluation, and mechanism study of novel benzimidazole acylhydrazone derivatives for antitumor activity
Authors: shao Lihui , Feng Nianlin , Zhou Yue , Li Chengpeng , Chen Danping , Li Chenchen , Zhou Xiang , Li Zhurui , Wang Zhenchao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of benzimidazole derivatives for their anti-tumor activity against A549 and PC-3 cells. Initial screening using the MTT assay identified compound 5m as the most potent inhibitor of A549 cells with an IC50 of 7.19 μM, which was superior to the positive agents 5-Fluorouracil and Gefitinib. Cellular mechanism studies elucidated 5m arrests cell cycle at G2/M phase, induces apoptosis along with the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased reactive oxygen species. Colony formation and wound healing assays demonstrated that 5m markedly inhibited the clonogenic and migratory abilities of A549 cells. Western blot analysis showed an upregulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, downregulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and significant downregulation of cell cycle proteins CyclinB1 and CDK-1. These findings suggest that compound 5m effectively suppresses A549 cell proliferation and migration through multiple mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a novel anti-lung cancer agent.
A Multi-Step Day-Ahead Wind Power Forecasting Based on VMD-LSTM- EFG-ABC Technique
Authors: Ayyavu Shobanadevi , Sayeed Md Shohel , Razak Siti Fatimah Abdul 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Accurate and robust wind power prediction for wind farms could significantly decrease the substantial effect on grid operating safety caused by integrating high-permeability intermittent power supplies into the power grid. The article introduces a new wind power multistep prediction model combining Variational Mode De-composition (VMD) with the Long Short-Term Enhanced Forget Gate (LSTM_EFG) network. The VMD is occupied to break down the initial wind power and speed data into various sub-layers. The LSTM_EFG network predicts the low-frequency sub-layers extracted from the VMD. In contrast, the Artificial Bee Colony optimization algorithm fine-tunes the network for the high-frequency sub-layers acquired from the VMD-LSTM-EFG model. The high performance of projected methods in multistep prediction was evaluated by comparing them with eight different models. Results from four experiments show that: (a) the projected model exhibits the most superior multistep prediction performance out of all models tested; (b) in comparison to other models, the proposed model proves to be more efficient and resilient in capturing trend information. The implementation of accurate wind power prediction models continues to pose challenges due to the unpredictable, sudden, and seasonal changes in wind patterns.
The Value of GDF-15 and Conventional Markers in Combination for Clinical Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Ni Jingru , Wu Yongkang , Niu Limin , Liu Heng , Lin Qinghai , Hao Xiaohe , Mao Cuiping 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Lung cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and effective biomarkers for its screening and monitoring are still lacking. This study aims to assess the diagnostic value of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) in lung cancer and its subtypes, compared to conventional biomarkers, to evaluate its potential as a predictive biomarker for lung cancer screening and monitoring. GDF15 levels were measured and analyzed in different subtypes of lung cancer and non-tumor controls. The correlation between GDF15 and the expression of eight conventional biomarkers was assessed by analyzing serum GDF15 levels in the markersnormal groups and the markershigh groups. The superiority of GDF15 in screening and monitoring of lung cancer was confirmed using ROC curve analysis of GDF15, alongside conventional biomarkers. Serum GDF15 levels were significantly higher in all subtypes of lung cancer compared with non-tumor controls, showing significant correlations with the levels of conventional biomarkers. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that GDF15 has superior sensitivity and specificity over conventional biomarkers, highlighting its potential as a promising diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer. GDF15 shows strong potential as a diagnostic tool for lung cancer, outperforming conventional markers. It presents a promising new biomarker for lung cancer monitoring and diagnosis.
Electrochemically-Induced Partial Cation Disorder Eliminates Lattice Collapse in Compositionally-Simple LiNi0.9Mn0.1O2
Authors: Chueh William , Lee Junghwa , Jiang Zhelong , Liang Nicolas , Nguyen Howie , Busse Grace , Kwak Jin Hwan , Yoo Yiseul , Ramachandran Hari , Lim Kipil , Csernica Peter , Li Tianyi , Xu Xin , Chung Kyung Yoon , Michel Kathrin , Frerichs Joop , Gent William , Clément Raphaële , Park Jungjin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Virtually all layered oxide positive electrodes (cathodes) for lithium-ion batteries exhibit abrupt shrinkage along the c lattice (c-collapse) at high states-of-charge, limiting cycle life. In this work, we suppress c-collapse by electrochemically inducing partial disorder permanently throughout the bulk of compositionally-simple LiNi0.9Mn0.1O2. Our approach leverages irreversible oxygen oxidation in the as-synthesized Li-excess Ni-rich oxides to activate partial disordering of the cation sublattice, while preserving the long-range layered structure. Using this method, Li-stoichiometric transition metal oxides with variable extents of cation disorder are readily fabricated by adjusting the starting Li-excess in the as-synthesized materials. Surprisingly, at a TMLi concentration of ≥12%, the c lattice parameter remains nearly invariant during (de)lithiation, leading to decreased chemical strain, enhanced microstructural integrity, and improved battery cycle life. We demonstrate a combination of high specific capacity and long cycle life, along with negligible voltage hysteresis and decay. This concept opens the opportunity for designing materials by inducing persistent intrinsic disorder electrochemically.
The impact of labeling automotive AI as “trustworthy” or “reliable” on user evaluation and technology acceptance
Authors: Dorsch John , Deroy Ophelia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study explores whether labeling AI as either “trustworthy” or “reliable” influences user perceptions and acceptance of automotive AI technologies. Utilizing a one-way between-subjects design, the research presented online participants (N=478) with a text presenting guidelines for either trustworthy or reliable AI, before asking them to evaluate 3 vignette scenarios and fill in a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model which covers different variables, such as perceived ease of use, human-like trust, and overall attitude. While labeling AI as “trustworthy” did not significantly influence people’s judgements on specific scenarios, it increased perceived ease of use and human-like trust, namely benevolence, suggesting a facilitating influence on usability and an anthropomorphic effect on user perceptions. The study provides insights into how specific labels affect adopting certain perceptions of AI technology.