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This study compared the effectiveness of five commercially available cooling vests using three distinct thermal manikin test protocols. In addition, the constraints associated with each test protocol were elucidated, facilitating the identification of suitable evaluation methods for the different cooling vests. The cooling performances of the vests were evaluated using three thermal manikin test scenarios, incorporating the adaptations from Ciuha et al. (Ergonomics 64:625–639, 2021) and ASTM F2371-16, along with a modified protocol simulating the hot and humid weather in a South Korean summer. The results revealed substantial variations in the cooling performance across different test protocols, highlighting the importance of carefully selecting thermal manikin test methods. Moreover, the specific cooling vests exhibited immeasurable performance in certain test methods, which presents the limitations inherent in each testing scenario. For example, when evaluated with a non-sweating thermal manikin, the air-cooling vests exhibited the worst cooling performance, showing an average cooling rate of 1.0 W and cooling durations of five minutes. In contrast, the same vests demonstrated superior performance when assessed using the ASTM F2371-16 method, revealing an effective cooling rate of 114.8 W and sustained cooling durations exceeding eight hours. These results emphasize the lack of a one-size-fits-all evaluation method for cooling vests and the need for accessible guidelines to inform decision-makers aiming to enhance workplace safety and comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) aggregates in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Tau is a target of therapy and the strategy includes either the elimination of pathological tau aggregates or reducing MAPT expression, and thus the amount of tau protein made to prevent its aggregation. Disease-associated tau affects brain regions in a sequential manner that includes cell-to-cell spreading. Involvement of glial cells that show tau aggregates is interpreted as glial cells taking up misfolded tau assuming that glial cells do not express enough MAPT. Although studies have evaluated MAPT expression in human brain tissue homogenates, it is not clear whether MAPT expression is compromised in cells accumulating pathological tau. To address these perplexing aspects of disease pathogenesis, this study used RNAscope combined with immunofluorescence (AT8), and single-nuclear(sn) RNAseq to systematically map and quantify MAPT expression dynamics across different cell types and brain regions in controls (n = 3) and evaluated whether tau cytopathology affects MAPT expression in PSP (n = 3). MAPT transcripts were detected in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and varied between brain regions and within each cell type, and were preserved in all cell types with tau aggregates in PSP. These results propose a complex scenario in all cell types, where, in addition to the ingested misfolded tau, the preserved cellular MAPT expression provides a pool for local protein production that can (1) be phosphorylated and aggregated, or (2) feed the seeding of ingested misfolded tau by providing physiological tau, both accentuating the pathological process. Since tau cytopathology does not compromise MAPT gene expression in PSP, a complete loss of tau protein expression as an early pathogenic component is less likely. These observations provide rationale for a dual approach to therapy by decreasing cellular MAPT expression and targeting removal of misfolded tau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social interaction is an important source of psychological and physical well-being during normal times. However, following the COVID-19 outbreak, which spreads rapidly from person to person, social interaction poses a fatal threat to one's health and life. Therefore, several countries including South Korea implemented an intense social distancing mandate to prevent the spread of the virus. During these unique times of pandemic, the current research investigated whether and how an individual's well-being varies as a function of their interaction with various relationship partners using experience sampling data (Study 1) and online longitudinal data (Study 2). The results indicated that being alone was more detrimental to well-being during the pandemic than before it. Specifically, interaction with close relationship partners (e.g., romantic partner, spouse, or friend) was positively related to well-being, whereas interaction with formal relationship partners (e.g., coworker, boss) was negatively linked to momentary well-being during the pandemic. Furthermore, our study showed that the association between social supports from close relationships and well-being was temporally strengthened during COVID-19 pandemic. In sum, the benefits of close relationships on well-being were stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic than before it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), where amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau deposits in the brain, hyperexcitation of neuronal networks is an underlying disease mechanism, but its cause remains unclear. Here, we used the Collaborative Cross (CC) forward genetics mouse platform to identify modifier genes of neuronal hyperexcitation. We found LAMP5 as a novel regulator of hyperexcitation in mice, critical for the survival of distinct interneuron populations. Interestingly, synaptic LAMP5 was lost in AD brains and LAMP5 interneurons degenerated in different AD mouse models. Genetic reduction of LAMP5 augmented functional deficits and neuronal network hypersynchronicity in both Aβ- and tau-driven AD mouse models. To this end, our work defines the first specific function of LAMP5 interneurons in neuronal network hyperexcitation in AD and dementia with tau pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber, Lyft) have drawn attention as a disruptive innovation in the tourism industry as they provide a new option for transport while on vacation or a business trip. Few studies have examined how travellers perceive the value of this new mode of transportation and modelled their intent to use ride-hailing services. Millennial consumers are known for their early adoption of smart technologies with different supply chains and portable internet devices (e.g., cell phones). This research examines the impact of perceived value on millennial travellers' intentions to use ride-hailing services in two rapidly changing tourism economies embracing smart phone access to transport services. Primary data were collected with millennials located in urban universities in the US and China. Data were analysed using ordinary least squares estimates. The results revealed that price and relational value positively influenced millennial travellers' intentions to use ride-hailing services in both samples. These influences remained significant after controlling for previous experiences with mobile technology, perceived safety, and regulations for ride-hailing services. The two millennial samples, however, exhibited different consumer factor influences. While quality and perceived regulations for ride-hailing services predicted millennial travellers' use intentions in the US sample, previous experience of using mobile technology influenced travellers' use intentions in the Chinese sample. As companies like Uber and Lyft expand and new providers enter the market, consumer behaviour research on perceived value can inform how business models might differ across countries and services should be tailored for each destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]