bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monocyte-derived cells invade brain parenchyma and amyloid plaques in human Alzheimer’s disease hippocampus
Authors: Muñoz-Castro Clara , Mejias-Ortega Marina , Sanchez-Mejias Elisabeth , Navarro Victoria , Trujillo-Estrada Laura , Jimenez Sebastian , Garcia-Leon Juan Antonio , Fernandez-Valenzuela Juan Jose , Sanchez-Mico Maria Virtudes , Romero-Molina Carmen , Moreno-Gonzalez Ines , Baglietto-Vargas David , Vizuete Marisa , Gutierrez Antonia , Vitorica Javier 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMicroglia are brain-resident myeloid cells and play a major role in the innate immune responses of the CNS and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the contribution of nonparenchymal or brain-infiltrated myeloid cells to disease progression remains to be demonstrated. Here, we show that monocyte-derived cells (MDC) invade brain parenchyma in advanced stages of AD continuum using transcriptional analysis and immunohistochemical characterization in post-mortem human hippocampus. Our findings demonstrated that a high proportion (60%) of demented Braak V–VI individuals was associated with up-regulation of genes rarely expressed by microglial cells and abundant in monocytes, among which stands the membrane-bound scavenger receptor for haptoglobin/hemoglobin complexes or Cd163. These Cd163-positive MDC invaded the hippocampal parenchyma, acquired a microglial-like morphology, and were located in close proximity to blood vessels. Moreover, and most interesting, these invading monocytes infiltrated the nearby amyloid plaques contributing to plaque-associated myeloid cell heterogeneity. However, in aged-matched control individuals with hippocampal amyloid pathology, no signs of MDC brain infiltration or plaque invasion were found. The previously reported microglial degeneration/dysfunction in AD hippocampus could be a key pathological factor inducing MDC recruitment. Our data suggest a clear association between MDC infiltration and endothelial activation which in turn may contribute to damage of the blood brain barrier integrity. The recruitment of monocytes could be a consequence rather than the cause of the severity of the disease. Whether monocyte infiltration is beneficial or detrimental to AD pathology remains to be fully elucidated. These findings open the opportunity to design targeted therapies, not only for microglia but also for the peripheral immune cell population to modulate amyloid pathology and provide a better understanding of the immunological mechanisms underlying the progression of AD.
A systematic review of the opportunities and challenges of micro-credentials for multiple stakeholders: learners, employers, higher education institutions and government
Authors: Varadarajan Soovendran , Koh Joyce Hwee Ling , Daniel Ben Kei 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMicro-credentials are gaining traction as viable vehicles for rapid upskilling of the workforce in the twenty-first century and potential pathways for gaining employment for some students. The primary purpose of the current systematic review was to understand the current conceptions and discourses of micro-credentials in higher education and to identify the opportunities and challenges in adopting micro-credentials in higher education. The review also aimed to develop a need-driven micro-credentials framework that demonstrates the value of micro-credentials to stakeholders, i.e., learners, higher education institutions, employers, and government agencies. Key findings revealed that there are various stakeholders’ needs and expectations. The learner wants short, practical, and up-to-date courses for their chosen career path, education institutions emphasise accreditation for building trust, employers want clarity regarding the competencies gained through micro-credentials, and government bodies expect higher graduate employability with lower tuition fees. Key findings revealed that implementing micro-credentials can be disruptive in the higher education sector and present several challenges. However, these challenges are likely to be mitigated by increased collaboration among stakeholders. The review has revealed several outstanding research questions critical for the success of micro-credentials as significant pathways to supplement traditional degree programmes. The research presented in the article has implications for policy development to guide the implementation of micro-credentials in the higher education sector.
The impact of financial development on renewable energy consumption: new insights from Ghana
Authors: Prempeh Kwadwo Boateng 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
A way of reducing global warming and tackling Ghana’s energy sector crisis, known as Dumsor, is through renewable energy usage. Nevertheless, the advancement of the renewable energy industry is contingent on economic growth, the availability of financial resources, and energy prices. The paper explores the long-run impact of financial development on renewable energy consumption while controlling for energy prices and economic growth. Consistent with the aim of the paper, the ARDL bounds testing, Bayer-Hank, Gregory and Hansen cointegration, VECM, FMOLS, CCR and DOLS tests are employed. The empirical analysis supports cointegration between variables. Moreover, the findings indicated that financial development drives renewable energy use in Ghana, whereas energy costs and economic growth have a negative effect. This study offers a substantial addition to renewable energy literature and paves the way for policymakers to pursue alternative energy sources to help satiate the nation’s growing energy needs.
In-plane shear stiffness of diversified hexagonal honeycombs: A simple energy-based approach
Authors: Chen Yu , Yang Zhikun , He Liang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The conventional hexagonal honeycomb is widely used in various practical applications. The re-entrant and semi re-entrant hexagonal forms derived from the conventional one have gained large attention in recent years due to their unusual Poisson's ratio and superior mechanical performance. However, the in-plane shear behavior of the semi re-entrant hexagonal honeycomb has not been reported yet. Especially, a comparative study on the shear stiffness of the three hexagonal honeycombs is lacking. A simple energy-based approach was used in this paper to establish theoretical models for predicting the in-plane shear modulus of the hexagonal honeycombs, which were later verified by the numerical simulations. Good agreement between the theoretical and numerical results is observed. The effect of the geometrical parameters on the shear modulus and the specific shear modulus were further discussed. It is found that the conventional hexagonal honeycomb displays higher shear modulus and specific shear modulus than both the re-entrant and semi re-entrant ones, while the re-entrant hexagonal honeycomb demonstrates the lowest values of shear modulus and specific shear modulus.
Mitoguardin2 Is Associated With Hyperandrogenism and Regulates Steroidogenesis in Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Yan Ming-Qi , Wang Yong , Wang Zhao , Liu Xiao-Hong , Yang Yu-Meng , Duan Xiu-Yun , Sun Hui , Liu Xiao-Man 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries, in which hyperandrogenism manifests by excess androgen and other steroid hormone abnormalities. Mitochondrial fusion is essential in steroidogenesis, while the role of mitochondrial fusion in granulosa cells of hyperandrogenic PCOS patients remains unclear. In this study, mRNA expression of mitochondrial fusion genes mitoguardin1, −2 (MIGA 1, −2) was significantly increased in granulosa cells of hyperandrogenic PCOS but not PCOS with normal androgen levels, their mRNA expression positively correlated with testosterone levels. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment in mice led to high expression of MIGA2 in granulosa cells of ovulating follicles. Testosterone or forskolin/ phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatments increased expression of MIGA2 and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in KGN cells. MIGA2 interacted with StAR and induced StAR localization on mitochondria. Furthermore, MIGA2 overexpression significantly increased cAMP-activated protein kinase A (PKA) and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) at T172 but inhibited StAR protein expression. However, MIGA2 overexpression increased CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and CYP19A1 mRNA expression. As a result, MIGA2 overexpression decreased progesterone but increased estradiol synthesis. Besides the androgen receptor, testosterone or DHT might also regulate MIGA2 and pAMPK (T172) through LH/choriogonadotropin receptor-mediated PKA signaling. Taken together, these findings indicate that testosterone regulates MIGA2 via PKA/AMP-activated protein kinase signaling in ovarian granulosa cells. It is suggested mitochondrial fusion in ovarian granulosa cells is associated with hyperandrogenism and potentially leads to abnormal steroidogenesis in PCOS.
Developing elastic mechanisms: ultrafast motion and cavitation emerge at the millimeter scale in juvenile snapping shrimp
Authors: Harrison Jacob S. , Patek S. N. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTOrganisms such as jumping froghopper insects and punching mantis shrimp use spring-based propulsion to achieve fast motion. Studies of elastic mechanisms have primarily focused on fully developed and functional mechanisms in adult organisms. However, the ontogeny and development of these mechanisms can provide important insights into the lower size limits of spring-based propulsion, the ecological or behavioral relevance of ultrafast movement, and the scaling of ultrafast movement. Here, we examined the development of the spring-latch mechanism in the bigclaw snapping shrimp, Alpheus heterochaelis (Alpheidae). Adult snapping shrimp use an enlarged claw to produce high-speed strikes that generate cavitation bubbles. However, until now, it was unclear when the elastic mechanism emerges during development and whether juvenile snapping shrimp can generate cavitation at this size. We reared A. heterochaelis from eggs, through their larval and postlarval stages. Starting 1 month after hatching, the snapping shrimp snapping claw gradually developed a spring-actuated mechanism and began snapping. We used high-speed videography (300,000 frames s−1) to measure juvenile snaps. We discovered that juvenile snapping shrimp generate the highest recorded accelerations (5.8×105±3.3×105 m s−2) for repeated-use, underwater motion and are capable of producing cavitation at the millimeter scale. The angular velocity of snaps did not change as juveniles grew; however, juvenile snapping shrimp with larger claws produced faster linear speeds and generated larger, longer-lasting cavitation bubbles. These findings establish the development of the elastic mechanism and cavitation in snapping shrimp and provide insights into early life-history transitions in spring-actuated mechanisms.
Insect diapause: from a rich history to an exciting future
Authors: Denlinger David L. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTDiapause, a stage-specific developmental arrest, is widely exploited by insects to bridge unfavorable seasons. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the ecology, physiology and evolutionary implications of insect diapause, yet intriguing questions remain. A more complete understanding of diapause processes on Earth requires a better geographic spread of investigations, including more work in the tropics and at high latitudes. Questions surrounding energy management and trade-offs between diapause and non-diapause remain understudied. We know little about how maternal effects direct the diapause response, and regulators of prolonged diapause are also poorly understood. Numerous factors that were recently linked to diapause are still waiting to be placed in the regulatory network leading from photoreception to engagement of the diapause program. These factors include epigenetic processes and small noncoding RNAs, and emerging data also suggest a role for the microbiome in diapause regulation. Another intriguing feature of diapause is the complexity of the response, resulting in a diverse suite of responses that comprise the diapause syndrome. Select transcription factors likely serve as master switches turning on these diverse responses, but we are far from understanding the full complexity. The richness of species displaying diapause offers a platform for seeking common components of a ‘diapause toolbox’. Across latitudes, during invasion events and in a changing climate, diapause offers grand opportunities to probe evolutionary change and speciation. At a practical level, diapause responses can be manipulated for insect control and long-term storage. Diapausing insects also contain a treasure trove of pharmacological compounds and offer promising models for human health.
Effect of Exercise Training on Blood Pressure in Healthy Postmenopausal Females: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: DEBRAY AMÉLIE , RAVANELLI NICHOLAS , CHENETTE-STEWART OLIVIER , PIERSON TIPHAINE , USSELMAN CHARLOTTE W. , GAGNON DANIEL 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The prevalence of hypertension is greater in postmenopausal females compared with males of similar age. Previous meta-analyses of normotensive and hypertensive adults have shown that aerobic exercise training reduces systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP). However, the effect of aerobic exercise training on blood pressure specifically within healthy postmenopausal females remains unclear. This systematic review with meta-analysis quantified the effect of aerobic exercise training on resting SBP and DBP in healthy postmenopausal females.

Methods
The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020198171). The literature search was done in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL Plus, and SPORTDiscus. Randomized controlled trials involving healthy postmenopausal females with normal or high normal blood pressure and undergoing ≥4 wk of aerobic exercise training were included. The total weighted mean change in SBP and DBP was compared between the exercise and the control interventions. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall effect sizes of the weighted mean differences and the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis (exercise interventions: n = 357, age = 60 ± 4 yr, baseline SBP/DBP = 128 ± 13/79 ± 8 mm Hg; control interventions: n = 330, age = 60 ± 4 yr, baseline SBP/DBP = 126 ± 11/77 ± 6 mm Hg). Compared with the change observed in response to the control interventions, exercise training significantly reduced SBP (−0.43 mm Hg, 95% CI = −0.78 to −0.09, P = 0.02) and DBP (−0.39 mm Hg, 95% CI = −0.73 to −0.05, P = 0.05).

Conclusions
Aerobic exercise training significantly reduces resting SBP and DBP in healthy postmenopausal females with normal or high normal blood pressure. However, this reduction is small and of uncertain clinical significance.
The Force–Velocity Profile for Jumping: What It Is and What It Is Not
Authors: BOBBERT MAARTEN F. , LINDBERG KOLBJØRN , BJØRNSEN THOMAS , SOLBERG PAUL , PAULSEN GØRAN 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Force–velocity profiling has been proposed in the literature as a method to identify the overall mechanical characteristics of lower extremities. A force–velocity profile is obtained by plotting for jumps at different loads the effective work as a function of the average push-off velocity, fitting a straight line to the results, and extrapolating this line to find the theoretical maximum isometric force and unloaded shortening velocity. Here we investigated whether the force–velocity profile and its characteristics can be related to the intrinsic force–velocity relationship.

Methods
We used simulation models of various complexity, ranging from a simple mass actuated by a linearly damped force to a planar musculoskeletal model comprising four segments and six muscle–tendon complexes. The intrinsic force–velocity relationship of each model was obtained by maximizing the effective work during isokinetic extension at different velocities.

Results
Several observations were made. First, at the same average velocity, less effective work can be done during jumping than during isokinetic lower extremity extension at this velocity. Second, the intrinsic relationship is curved; fitting a straight line and extrapolating it seem arbitrary. Third, the maximal isometric force and the maximal velocity corresponding to the profile are not independent. Fourth, they both vary with inertial properties of the system.

Conclusions
For these reasons, we concluded that the force–velocity profile is specific for the task and is just what it is: the relationship between effective work and an arbitrary estimate of average velocity; it does not represent the intrinsic force–velocity relationship of the lower extremities.
Examination of Lifetime Established Use Criteria for Adult Tobacco Product Users
Authors: Wei Lai , Sarkar Mohamadi , Hannel Thaddaeus , Largo Edward , Muhammad-Kah Raheema 
Published: February 2023

Background: Lifetime established use criteria are essential to distinguish tobacco product experimental and established users; however, these criteria are not as well defined for some tobacco product categories. The objective of this analysis is to examine various lifetime use criteria to facilitate an objective characterization of experimental versus established use behaviors. Methods: Our analyses were conducted using the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Waves 1 to 5 datasets. We first examined the level of agreement between non-numerical (having smoked/used the product fairly regularly) and numerical ( having smoked/used the product 20/50/100 times (e.g., use occasions) or product units) lifetime established use criteria among ever-, current-, and former-tobacco product users of various tobacco products. Logistic regression models were constructed to compare demographics, socioeconomic status, and tobacco product use patterns among current experimental versus current established users. Longitudinal analyses were performed to investigate the association between numerical or non-numerical criteria and discontinuation of past 30-day use at follow-up waves. Results: For tobacco product categories other than cigarette, we identified the following numerical thresholds as the objective characterization of established use: 50 for cigars and pipe products and 20 times for hookah, electronic nicotine products, smokeless, snus, and dissolvable tobacco products, based on level of agreement with the non-numerical criterion (kappa coefficients ranging from 0.3 to 0.6) and also with consideration of existing consensus. Significant differences were observed in demographics, socioeconomic status, tobacco product use and discontinuation of past 30-day use patterns when comparing current experimental and current established users with either non-numerical or numerical criteria. Conclusions: This study is the first PATH data analysis to derive quantitative thresholds of lifetime established use criteria to characterize experimental versus established use behaviors. Consistent applications of the lifetime established use criteria in data analysis and reporting would improve harmonization in research findings.
Perceptions about controlled human infection model (CHIM) studies among members of ethics committees of Indian medical institutions: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Apte Aditi , Rajappa Medha , Vaz Manjulika , Vaswani Vina , Goenka Shifalika , Malhotra Samir , Sangoram Rashmi , Lakshminarayanan Subitha , Jayaram Suganya , Mathaiyan Jayanthi , Farseena Khadeejath , Mukerjee Prarthna , Jaswal Surinder , Dongre Amol , Timms Olinda , Shafiq Nusrat , Aggarwal Rakesh , Kaur Manmeet , Juvekar Sanjay , Sekhar Amrita , Kang Gagandeep 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) studies provide a unique platform for studying the pathophysiology of infectious diseases and accelerated testing of vaccines and drugs in controlled settings. However, ethical issues shroud them as the disease-causing pathogen is intentionally inoculated into healthy consenting volunteers, and effective treatment may or may not be available. We explored the perceptions of the members of institutional ethics committees (IECs) in India about CHIM studies. Methods: This qualitative exploratory study, conducted across seven sites in India, included 11 focused group discussions (FGD) and 31 in-depth interviews (IDI). A flexible approach was used with the aid of a topic guide. The data were thematically analyzed using grounded theory and an inductive approach. Emerging themes and sub-themes were analyzed, and major emergent themes were elucidated. Results: Seventy-two IEC members participated in the study including 21 basic medical scientists, 29 clinicians, 9 lay people, 6 legal experts and 7 social scientists. Three major themes emerged from this analysis—apprehensions about conduct of CHIM studies in India, a perceived need for CHIM studies in India and risk mitigation measures needed to protect research participants and minimize the associated risks. Conclusion: Development of a specific regulatory and ethical framework, training of research staff and ethics committee members, and ensuring specialized research infrastructure along with adequate community sensitization were considered essential before initiation of CHIM studies in India.
Interoperable Selbstsouveräne Identitäten: Ein Digital Markets Act für Endnutzer?
Authors: Yildiz Hakan , Philipp Artur , Schulte Aljoscha , Küpper Axel , Göndor Sebastian , Rodriguez Garzon Sandro 
Published: February 2023

ZusammenfassungDer Digital Markets Act zielt darauf ab, den unilateralen Markteinfluss der Betreiber (sogenannte Gatekeeper) zentraler Plattformdienste, wie z. B. App-Stores, zu regulieren. In vielen Fällen zwingen Gatekeeper ihren Geschäftskunden (den Dienstanbietern) die Integration eigener Plattform-Identitätsdienste in ihren Diensten und Anwendungen auf. So benötigen die Endnutzer der Dienstanbieter digitale Identitäten, die durch Plattform-Identitätsdienste bereitgestellt und verwaltet werden müssen, um auf die angebotenen Anwendungen der Dienstanbieter zugreifen zu können. Der Digital Market Act sieht vor, dass Plattformanbieter ihre Geschäftskunden nicht dazu zwingen dürfen, plattformspezifische Identitätsdienste in die Anwendungen und Dienste der Geschäftskunden zu integrieren. Zwar können nach dem Digital Markets Act Dienstanbieter die Identitätsdienste frei wählen, aber die Endnutzer sind weiterhin dazu gezwungen, die von den Dienstanbietern angebotenen Identitätsdienste zu verwenden. Das neue Paradigma der selbstsouveränen Identitäten (Self-sovereign identity, SSI) verspricht Endnutzern unabhängig von Identitätsdiensten Kontrolle und Hoheit über ihre digitalen Identitäten. Die Zahl der Dienste und Anwendungen, welche das SSI-Paradigma umsetzen, nimmt rapide zu. Zugrundeliegende Standards und Protokolle unterscheiden sich jedoch teils signifikant. Aufgrund dieser Divergenz ist das Sicherstellen der Interoperabilität unterschiedlicher Dienste und Anwendungen, die das SSI-Paradigma umsetzen, einer der größten Herausforderungen, um eine breite Nutzerakzeptanz zu erreichen. In diesem Artikel diskutieren wir die Herausforderungen der Interoperabilität im Detail, bieten einen systematischen Ansatz zu ihrer Beseitigung und zeigen ein praktisches Beispiel auf nationaler Ebene in Deutschland.