bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protection
Authors: Barrientos Armando 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis chapter examines the protection effects of social protection institutions, by focusing on the main outcomes of the core institutions and of tax and transfer systems. The most significant outcome of social protection provision in Latin America is its stratification. Occupational pension schemes and individual retirement plans reach better off sections of the population while social assistance supports low-income groups dependent on informal employment. Analysis of the incidence of pension benefits, from occupational pensions and individual retirement savings plans, confirms they reach less than half the population aged 65 and over. Tracking income support for the population aged 65 and over reveals a ‘hockey stick’ picture, with a small proportion of pensioners receiving very generous pension benefits. Conditional income transfer programmes reduce poverty in the short term and facilitate investment in schooling and health with implications for the productive capacity of participants in the longer term. Evaluation studies largely confirm the short term positive effects of conditional income transfers. Studies evaluating the protective effects of old age transfers find reductions in poverty and vulnerability among recipients and their households. Tax-transfer systems in the countries in the region have limited effects of poverty and inequality.
The Impact of Surface Loading on GNSS Stations in Africa
Authors: Usifoh Saturday E. , Le Nhung , Männel Benjamin , Sakic Pierre , Dodo Joseph , Schuh Harald 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe movement of the Earth's surface mass, including the atmosphere and oceans, as well as hydrology and glacier melting, causes the redistribution of surface loads, deformation of the solid Earth, and fluctuations in the gravity field. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provide useful information about the movement of the Earth's surface mass. The impact of surface loading deformation over 145 GNSS sites in Africa was investigated using vertical height time series analysis. The study investigates and quantifies the impact of surface loading on the GNSS coordinates utilizing GNSS Precise Point Positioning (PPP) approach. The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) EPOS.P8 software was used to process and analyze eleven years of GPS data from all the stations, as well as dedicated hydrological and atmospheric loading correction models given by the Earth System Modeling group at Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (ESMGFZ). The results of the hydrological loading corrections arising from the surface-deformation were analysed to determine the extent of station improvements. The results revealed about 40% of the stations showed improvement with an average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) residual of 7.3 mm before the application of the hydrological loading corrections and 7.1 mm Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) after the application of the hydrological loading corrections. Similarly, the atmospheric loading corrections gave an improvement of about 57%. Furthermore, the amplitude values decreased from 4.1–8.1 mm to 3.5–6.2 mm after atmospheric loading corrections. This finding presupposes that applying loading corrections to the derived time series reduces amplitude in some African regions.
Stereo-PIV measurements within the canopy in open-channel flows
Authors: Trevisson Michele , Akutina Yulia , Eiff Olivier 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMeasuring the flow field not just above but also inside the canopy of rough beds in open-channel flows is challenging when optical access from below or the side is not possible. To this end, a new stereo-PIV arrangement was implemented and tested. To optically access the area in between the roughness elements, a top-viewing stereo-PIV system was installed at a steep viewing angle of 70$$^{\circ }$$

∘

. Furthermore, a glass plate was installed at the water surface to avoid random image distortions from surface waves. Finally, in-house-produced low-cost fluorescent particles were used to filter out laser reflections on the canopy’s surface. To validate the stereo-PIV measurements with respect to the steep viewing angle of the stereo cameras, the instantaneous flow field above a bed of spheres was measured simultaneously with the stereo-PIV system and with a third side-looking camera for standard 2D-PIV processing. Two different water depths and two different Reynolds numbers were investigated under uniform flow conditions. Finally, to assess the influence of the glass plate on the flow, 2D-PIV measurements were performed with and without the glass plate. It is shown that the steep viewing stereo PIV can properly reconstruct the instantaneous, mean and turbulent statistics except for the vertical normal turbulent stresses, which are overestimated due to peak-locking errors. Also, the boundary layer developing below the glass plate induces a slight acceleration in the bulk flow, which can be considered negligible for higher water depths. In all instances, the flow acceleration does not affect the near-bed region.

Graphical abstract
Biomechanische Konditionierung von künstlichem Herzmuskelgewebe
Authors: Lu Kun , Seidel Thomas , Tomasi Roland , Hagl Christian , Dendorfer Andreas 
Published: April 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Künstlich hergestelltes Myokard („engineered heart tissue“, EHT) ist vielversprechend als Ersatz für beschädigtes Herzmuskelgewebe und als Modell zur Erforschung kardialer Erkrankungen, doch seine Unreife in Morphologie und Funktion bleibt eine Herausforderung. In dieser Arbeit wurde progressive Dehnung als eine innovative Stimulation zur Förderung der Ausreifung von EHT entwickelt und systematisch evaluiert.

Methoden
Ringförmige EHT wurden aus humanen induziert-pluripotenten Stammzellen erstellt und in einem biomimetischen Gewebekultursystem schrittweise in 4 verschiedenen Geschwindigkeiten gedehnt. Der selbst entwickelte Bioreaktor ermöglichte eine kontinuierliche elektrische Stimulation und Messung der Kontraktionskräfte von 8 parallel kultivierten EHT.

Ergebnisse
Die durch Dehnung konditionierten EHT entwickelten innerhalb von 3 Wochen eine dem menschlichen Herzmuskel vergleichbare Kontraktionskraft. Nach dieser Phase wiesen sie charakteristische funktionelle Eigenschaften des menschlichen Myokards auf, inklusive einer positiven Kraft-Frequenz-Abhängigkeit, einer deutlichen Zunahme der Kontraktionskraft bei Steigerung der Vorlast und eines physiologischen Aktionspotenzials. Zudem führte die progressive Dehnung zu Längenwachstum und linearer Ausrichtung der Kardiomyozyten sowie zu verbesserter Dichte und Reifung der Sarkomere.

Schlussfolgerung
Konditionierung durch progressive Dehnung unterstützt die mechanische, elektrische und strukturelle Reifung von künstlich hergestelltem Myokard. Dieser Ansatz verringert den Unterschied zwischen künstlichem Gewebe und dem adulten menschlichen Myokard und könnte so wichtige Anforderungen der Krankheitsmodellierung und des myokardialen Gewebeersatzes erfüllen.
SubSol-HIe is an AMPK-dependent hypoxia-responsive subnucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarius that coordinates the hypoxic ventilatory response and protects against apnoea in mice
Authors: MacMillan Sandy , Burns David P. , O’Halloran Ken D. , Evans A. Mark 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) suggests that the hypoxic ventilatory response is facilitated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), not at the carotid bodies, but within a subnucleus (Bregma -7.5 to -7.1 mm) of the nucleus tractus solitarius that exhibits right-sided bilateral asymmetry. Here, we map this subnucleus using cFos expression as a surrogate for neuronal activation and mice in which the genes encoding the AMPK-α1 (Prkaa1) and AMPK-α2 (Prkaa2) catalytic subunits were deleted in catecholaminergic cells by Cre expression via the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter. Comparative analysis of brainstem sections, relative to controls, revealed that AMPK-α1/α2 deletion inhibited, with right-sided bilateral asymmetry, cFos expression in and thus activation of a neuronal cluster that partially spanned three interconnected anatomical nuclei adjacent to the area postrema: SolDL (Bregma -7.44 mm to -7.48 mm), SolDM (Bregma -7.44 mm to -7.48 mm) and SubP (Bregma -7.48 mm to -7.56 mm). This approximates the volume identified by fMRI. Moreover, these nuclei are known to be in receipt of carotid body afferent inputs, and catecholaminergic neurons of SubP and SolDL innervate aspects of the ventrolateral medulla responsible for respiratory rhythmogenesis. Accordingly, AMPK-α1/α2 deletion attenuated hypoxia-evoked increases in minute ventilation (normalised to metabolism), reductions in expiration time, and increases sigh frequency, but increased apnoea frequency during hypoxia. The metabolic response to hypoxia in AMPK-α1/α2 knockout mice and the brainstem and spinal cord catecholamine levels were equivalent to controls. We conclude that within the brainstem an AMPK-dependent, hypoxia-responsive subnucleus partially spans SubP, SolDM and SolDL, namely SubSol-HIe, and is critical to coordination of active expiration, the hypoxic ventilatory response and defence against apnoea.
Utilization of the gastrocnemius flap for post-traumatic knee reconstruction: a systematic review
Authors: Gupta Rohun , Weisberger Joseph , Herzog Isabel , Roth Jacquelyn , Lee Edward S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
High-energy injuries to the knee may lead to extensive soft tissue loss, fractures, and potential loss of extensor function. The gastrocnemius flap is a prominent reconstructive option for patients with injuries involving the knee and proximal third of the lower extremity. To the best of our knowledge, there has not been an informative review that has evaluated outcomes of patients who have undergone post-traumatic knee reconstruction with a pedicled medial or lateral gastrocnemius flap. The goal of this study is to assess outcomes in patients who have undergone gastrocnemius flap reconstruction after traumatic injuries to the knee.

Methods
The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology. Four databases were utilized including PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, Embase, and CINAHL. Our search criteria consisted of the following keywords: gastrocnemius, flap, knee, and traum*.

Results
A total of 204 studies were imported for screening, from which five papers met our final inclusion/exclusion criteria. The most common studies utilized in this review were case series followed by retrospective chart reviews. In total, 43 patients with traumatic soft tissue knee defects were included with an average patient age of 27.28 years. All patients had successful and clinical viable flaps post-operatively, and there were a total of five patients who had complications.

Conclusion
The gastrocnemius flap has demonstrated to be an effective option for individuals undergoing post-traumatic knee reconstruction. Infection rates, loss of mobility, and scarring represent a minority of complications that may be seen when this reconstructive technique is utilized. Still, additional randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies are required in order to further evaluate for other potential complications that may occur in this patient population.
Amlodipine inhibits Synaptotagmin-4’s oncogenic activity on gastric cancer proliferation by targeting calcium signaling
Authors: Huang Wen , Yang Shuo , Deng Minying , Luo Rongkui , Liang Huaiyu , Shen Yanyan , Yang Biyu , Xu Chen , Hou Yingyong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally. Synaptotagmin-4 (SYT4), a calcium-sensing synaptic vesicle protein, has been implicated in the oncogenesis of diverse malignancies. Purpose: This study delineates the role of SYT4 in modulating clinical outcomes and biological behaviors in GC. Methods: We evaluated SYT4 expression in GC specimens using bioinformatics analyses and immunohistochemistry. Functional assays included CCK8 proliferation tests, apoptosis assays via flow cytometry, confocal calcium imaging, and xenograft models. Western blotting elucidated MAPK pathway involvement. Additionally, we investigated the impact of the calcium channel blocker amlodipine on cellular dynamics and MAPK pathway activity. Results: SYT4 was higher in GC tissues, and the elevated SYT4 was significantly correlated with adverse prognosis. Both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed SYT4 as an independent prognostic indicator for GC. Functionally, SYT4 promoted tumorigenesis by fostering cellular proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and enhancing intracellular Ca2+ influx, predominantly via MAPK pathway activation. Amlodipine pre-treatment attenuated SYT4-driven cell growth and potentiated apoptosis, corroborated by in vivo xenograft assessments. These effects were attributed to MAPK pathway suppression by amlodipine. Conclusion: SYT4 emerges as a potential prognostic biomarker and a pro-oncogenic mediator in GC through a Ca2+-dependent MAPK mechanism. Amlodipine demonstrates significant antitumor effects against SYT4-driven GC, positing its therapeutic promise. This study underscores the imperative of targeting calcium signaling in GC treatment strategies.
The relationship between benevolence and attitudes towards preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden
Authors: Åberg Louise , Osika Walter , Kollberg Gustav , Einhorn Stefan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aim
The COVID–19 pandemic initially required sustainable behavioural changes to mitigate the spread of the infection. Thus, people were requested to comply with the recommendations given by the authorities. However, adherence to the recommendations varied considerably. Therefore, it is important to understand the driving forces behind such behavioural change. This study aims to investigate how people’s willingness to comply with preventive behaviour, including vaccination, during a pandemic is related to the prosocial emotion of benevolence, the inclination to do well.

Subject and methods
An online cross-sectional study was performed (N = 1014).

Result
The result showed a significant correlation for the whole study population between how well they followed the recommendations (M = 4.16, S = 0.92) and the levels of benevolence (M = 3.58, S = 0.74) r = 0.22, p =  < 0.001.

Conclusion
Further, there was a significant correlation between altruistic motives and compliance with recommendations, including the view on taking the vaccine. Our findings add to the concept that prosocial orientation during the COVID-19 pandemic increases compliance with preventive behaviour.
Automated machine learning: past, present and future
Authors: Baratchi Mitra , Wang Can , Limmer Steffen , van Rijn Jan N. , Hoos Holger , Bäck Thomas , Olhofer Markus 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAutomated machine learning (AutoML) is a young research area aiming at making high-performance machine learning techniques accessible to a broad set of users. This is achieved by identifying all design choices in creating a machine-learning model and addressing them automatically to generate performance-optimised models. In this article, we provide an extensive overview of the past and present, as well as future perspectives of AutoML. First, we introduce the concept of AutoML, formally define the problems it aims to solve and describe the three components underlying AutoML approaches: the search space, search strategy and performance evaluation. Next, we discuss hyperparameter optimisation (HPO) techniques commonly used in AutoML systems design, followed by providing an overview of the neural architecture search, a particular case of AutoML for automatically generating deep learning models. We further review and compare available AutoML systems. Finally, we provide a list of open challenges and future research directions. Overall, we offer a comprehensive overview for researchers and practitioners in the area of machine learning and provide a basis for further developments in AutoML.
Impact of a varied combinatorial mixture of β-1, 3 glucan and fructooligosaccharides on growth performance, metabolism, intestinal morphometry, expression of antioxidant-related genes, immunity, and protection against Vibrio alginolyticus in Red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus)
Authors: Eissa El-Sayed Hemdan , Ahmed Ragaa A. , Abd El-Aziz Yasmin M. , Hendam Basma M. , Eissa Moaheda E. H. , ElBanna Noha I. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImmunosaccharides such as β-glucans and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) strengthen the host’s immune responses. This study examined the influences of three levels of the β-1, 3 glucan-FOS combination on Red tilapia performance. Four diets were prepared: T0 as a control, while T0.5, T1, and T1.5 indicate the addition of β-1, 3 glucan-FOS mixture at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, respectively. Then, 240 red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus) (weight 6.1 ± 0.07gm) were allocated into four groups, and every group was fed tested diets for 56 days. After the feeding trial, growth parameters, erythrogram profile, liver and kidney function testes, glucose, histopathological analysis, and gene expressions for antioxidants, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) besides growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF1-related markers were assessed. Red tilapia fed T0.5, T1, and T1.5 exhibited consistent growth, survival rate, and homeostasis compared with the control group. Different supplement concentrations displayed varying levels of responses. The hepatorenal biomarkers (alanine transaminase (ALT = SGPT) and aspartate transaminase (AST = SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP = ALK), urea, and creatinine) and glucose showed a significant reduction in the supplemented groups compared with the control, especially in the T1 and T1.5 groups. The intestinal morphometric study revealed that fish group fed on T1 represented the best result, whereas group T1.5, followed by group T0.5, was moderately treated, compared to the control. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis displayed up-regulated expression of antioxidant and growth-correlated genes in the T1.5 groups. After 56 days, the β-1,3 glucan-FOS fed groups also exhibited an increase in survival rates compared to the control when challenged with a pathogenic Vibrio alginolyticus. Current findings suggest that inclusion of β-1,3 glucan-FOS in diets could enhance red tilapia biochemical parameters, growth, and protection against pathogenic V. alginolyticus infection.
Outcomes of Best-Practice Guided Digital Mental Health Interventions for Youth and Young Adults with Emerging Symptoms: Part II. A Systematic Review of User Experience Outcomes
Authors: Opie Jessica E. , Vuong An , Welsh Ellen T. , Esler Timothy B. , Khan Urooj Raza , Khalil Hanan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough many young people demonstrate resilience and strength, research and clinical evidence highlight an upward trend in mental health concerns among those aged 12 to 25 years. Youth-specific digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) aim to address this trend by providing timely access to mental health support for young people (12–25 years). However, there is a considerable gap in understanding young people user experiences with digital interventions. This review, co-designed with Australia’s leading mental health organization Beyond Blue, utilizes a systematic methodology to synthesize evidence on user experience in youth-oriented digital mental health interventions that are fully or partially guided. Five relevant online databases were searched for articles published from 2018 to 2023, yielding 22,482 articles for screening and 22 studies were included in the present analysis. User experience outcomes relating to satisfaction and engagement were assessed for each included intervention, with experience indicators relating to usefulness, usability, value, credibility, and desirability being examined. Elements associated with positive/negative outcomes were extracted. Elements shown to positively influence user experience included peer engagement, modern app-based delivery, asynchronous support, and personalized content. In contrast, users disliked static content, homework/log-keeping, the requirement for multiple devices, and social media integration. Asynchronous interventions showed high satisfaction but faced engagement issues, with combined asynchronous/synchronous interventions reporting better completion rates. DMHIs offer a promising platform for youth mental health support and has the potential to dramatically increase the reach of interventions through the adoption of technological and user experience best practices. While young people respond positively to many aspects of intervention modernization, such as interactive, app-based design, other concepts, such as social media integration, they need to be adopted by the field more cautiously to ensure trust and engagement.Trial Registration CRD42023405812
Air Pollution and Respiratory Infectious Diseases
Authors: Provenzano Sandro , Roth Sefi , Sager Lutz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecent research suggests that short-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an elevated prevalence of respiratory infectious disease. In this paper, we examine the relationship between the air quality index and weekly cases of COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the United States. We address potential bias from omitted variables and measurement error with an instrumental variable approach using atmospheric temperature inversions. Unlike other recent studies, we find no relationship between air quality and either COVID-19 or ILI cases.
Genome-wide association analysis for drought tolerance and component traits in groundnut gene pool
Authors: Abady Seltene , Shimelis Hussein , Janila Pasupuleti , Wankhade Ankush , Chimote Vivek P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe potential production and productivity of groundnuts are limited due to severe drought stress associated with climate change. The current study aimed to identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with drought tolerance and component traits for gene introgression and to guide marker-assisted breeding of groundnut varieties. Ninety-nine genetically diverse groundnut genotypes were phenotyped under drought-stressed and non-stressed field conditions in 2018/19 and 2019/20, and using the LeasyScan platform under non-stressed conditions in 2019/20 at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)/India. The samples were genotyped using 48 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers at the University of Georgia/USA. Phenotypic data was collected on 17 agronomic traits and subjected to statistical analyses. The SNP data were computed, and population structure was inferred using a Bayesian clustering method in Structure version 2.3.4, while linkage disequilibrium was calculated using the GAPIT program in R software. Marker-trait associations were deduced using Tassel 5.2.86. Significant phenotypic variations were recorded for drought tolerance and the assessed agronomic traits. GWAS analysis using PCA + K and Q + K models identified significant SNPs associated with leaf area (1 SNP), leaf area Index (1 SNP), specific leaf area (1 SNP), leaf relative water content (43 SNPs), number of primary branches (1 SNP) and hundred seed weight (1 SNP). Forty-seven and one marker-trait associations were detected under drought-stressed and non-stressed conditions, respectively. The candidate genes and markers identified in the current study are useful for accelerated groundnut breeding targeting drought tolerance and market-preferred traits.