bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Prospective Elementary Teachers´ Beliefs About Mathematics During Their First Semester at University, and the Impact of Inquiry-Based Tasks
Authors: Weber T. , Rathgeb-Schnierer E. , Eichler A.
Published: December 2023

An important aim of teacher education in mathematics, especially for prospective elementary teachers, is to develop desirable beliefs about mathematics that positively affect teachers’ professional practice. Thus, we subdivide our study into two parts. First, we examine whether, and how, beliefs of prospective elementary teachers develop in their first semester. In this part, we consider beliefs as relatively stable constructs (Liljedahl et al., in Nordic Studies in Education, 17(3–4), 101-118 2012) and examine whether the first semester stimulus is strong enough to change these beliefs. Second, we examine a teaching approach based on inquiry-based tasks for first-semester prospective elementary teachers. The tasks encourage prospective elementary teachers to actively engage in mathematics by exploring basic mathematical structures, relations, and patterns. To assess the two parts, we conducted a pre-post-test study. We collected data at two universities with different teaching approaches (inquiry-based teaching approach and classic teaching approach). We administered a questionnaire both at the beginning and at the end of the semester to measure the beliefs changes of prospective elementary teachers. The study is considered a natural experiment because students were not randomly selected. Comparability for university-specific data sets was achieved through the procedure of propensity score matching. The results suggest that the first semester of prospective elementary teachers contributes to changes in their beliefs about the nature of mathematics. In addition, the data provide evidence that inquiry-based teaching approaches may contribute to the desirable development of certain beliefs of prospective elementary teachers.
In humans, we trust
Authors: Kyriakou Kyriakos , Otterbacher Jahna
Published: December 2023

Algorithms have greatly advanced and become integrated into our everyday lives. Although they support humans in daily functions, they often exhibit unwanted behaviors perpetuating social stereotypes, discrimination, and other forms of biases. Regardless of their accuracy on task, many algorithms do not get scrutinized for unintended behaviors in a systematic way. This phenomenon can propagate and amplify existing societal issues or even create new ones. Many have called for human supervision (human oversight) of algorithmic processes. Oversight is often presented as a way of monitoring algorithmic behavior, as to then address identified issues, by initiating a fix or even correcting the final decision. Unfortunately, a common consensus is missing in the scientific community as to what all human oversight entails. Most importantly, the requirements for a successful application of a human oversight process are only vaguely defined. To address this, we present a critical synthesis of five key articles from different domains, which discuss requirements for human oversight. We use the concept of the Society-in-the-Loop (SITL) [1] as the baseline for understanding and mapping these requirements. In addition, we comment on the requirements and the overall multidisciplinary trend around the topic. Then, we present the concept of a Modular Oversight Methodology (MOM) following the SITL viewpoint, by also considering the requirements identified from the selected literature. Finally, we present a set of suggestions and future work required for a successful application of a human oversight process in a SITL approach.
From Mind to Matter: Patterns of Innovation in the Archaeological Record and the Ecology of Social Learning
Authors: Demps Kathryn , Herzog Nicole M. , Clark Matt
Published: December 2023

Archaeology and cultural evolution theory both predict that environmental variation and population size drive the likelihood of inventions (via individual learning) and their conversion to population-wide innovations (via social uptake). We use the case study of the adoption of the bow and arrow in the Great Basin to infer how patterns of cultural variation, invention, and innovation affect investment in new technologies over time and the conditions under which we could predict cultural innovation to occur. Using an agent-based simulation to investigate the conditions that manifest in the innovation of technology, we find the following: (1) increasing ecological variation results in a greater reliance on individual learning, even when this decreases average fitness due to the costs of learning; (2) decreasing population size increases variability in the types of learning strategies that individuals use; among smaller populations drift-like processes may contribute to randomization in interpopulation cultural diffusion; (3) increasing the mutation rate affects the variability in learning patterns at different rates of environmental variation; and (4) increasing selection pressure increases the reliance on social learning. We provide an open-source R script for the model and encourage others to use it to test additional hypotheses.
Who’s afraid of homophones? A multimethodological approach to homophony avoidance
Authors: De Smet Isabeau , Rosseel Laura
Published: December 2023

Homophony avoidance has often been claimed to be a mechanism of language change. We investigate this mechanism in Dutch by applying two strands of research – corpus studies and experimental data – to find support for claims based on earlier historical observations. Throughout the history of Dutch, homophony avoidance has been named as the cause of language change or inhibition of change on several occasions. We build on these historical observations with an experimental study and a corpus study on a synchronic Dutch alternation, where avoidance of homophony between present and past tense can appear. Plurals of verbs with a stem ending in a dental show homophony with the present when they are used in the preterite (compare zetten ‘put’ pst-pl with zetten ‘put’ prs-pl). This homophony can be avoided by using the perfectum (hebben gezet ‘have put’). A wug-style experiment shows that verbs with dental stem are indeed used significantly more in the perfectum in the plural than in the singular, while verbs without dental stem do not show this difference. A corpus study on Dutch further corroborates these results. Combined, these studies make a strong case for homophony avoidance as a plausible mechanism of language change.
A variable stiffness robotic gripper based on parallel beam with vision-based force sensing for flexible grasping
Authors: Fu Jiaming , Yu Ziqing , Guo Qianyu , Zheng Lianxi , Gan Dongming
Published: December 2023

The demand for flexible grasping of various objects by robotic hands in the industry is rapidly growing. To address this, we propose a novel variable stiffness gripper (VSG). The VSG design is based on a parallel-guided beam structure inserted by a slider from one end, allowing stiffness variation by changing the length of the parallel beams participating in the system. This design enables continuous adjustment between high compliance and high stiffness of the gripper fingers, providing robustness through its mechanical structure. The linear analytical model of the deflection and stiffness of the parallel beam is derived, which is suitable for small and medium deflections. The contribution of each parameter of the parallel beam to the stiffness is analyzed and discussed. Also, a prototype of the VSG is developed, achieving a stiffness ratio of 70.9, which is highly competitive. Moreover, a vision-based force sensing method utilizing ArUco markers is proposed as a replacement for traditional force sensors. By this method, the VSG is capable of closed-loop control during the grasping process, ensuring efficiency and safety under a well-defined grasping strategy framework. Experimental tests are conducted to emphasize the importance and safety of stiffness variation. In addition, it shows the high performance of the VSG in adaptive grasping for asymmetric scenarios and its ability to flexible grasping for objects with various hardness and fragility. These findings provide new insights for future developments in the field of variable stiffness grippers.
Relationship between age and method of population estimation and the impact of changes in range-size maps on the IUCN Red List assessments of birds
Authors: Wiedenfeld David A. , Tognelli Marcelo F.
Published: December 2023

Population size is one component of several criteria in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (Red List). For these criteria, the quality of the population estimation can therefore have significant impact on the assessed status. To evaluate population estimate quality, we selected 473 species of land birds from the Americas considered by the Red List to be “Critically Endangered”, “Endangered”, or “Vulnerable” at the end of 2021, of which 414 (88%) had a population size estimate. For these species, we determined the age of the estimate and how the population estimate was derived, grouped into eight categories. For 87 species (18%) the population estimate was derived by sampling a small area and extrapolating to the entire range of the species; for these, the population size estimate depends on the estimate of range size. For the subset of 22 of these with complete data, we compared range size estimates obtained from maps published by IUCN with maps produced using the methods of Huang et al. (2021) to see how range map differences could affect population size estimates and therefore Red List status. Potentially half of these species (11 of 22) could change status using the new maps. More than one-third of the population size estimates (38%, 161 species with a date of population estimate) were made in 2000 or earlier. A majority of the species, 63% (300 of 473 species), do not have population size estimates made using a scientific sampling method, although the majority since 2010 have been made using a sampling method, reflecting an effort by Red List assessors to include more scientific information. We encourage the ornithological community to work to obtain current, high quality population size and range estimates to improve the quality of Red List status assessments.
Carmofur prevents cell cycle progression by reducing E2F8 transcription in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells
Authors: Hawkins Cyntanna C. , Jones Amber B. , Gordon Emily R. , Harsh Yuvika , Ziebro Julia K. , Willey Christopher D. , Griguer Corinne , Crossman David K. , Cooper Sara J. , Ramanadham Sasanka , Doan Ninh , Hjelmeland Anita B.
Published: December 2023

Sphingolipid metabolism is dysregulated in many cancers, allowing cells to evade apoptosis through increased sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and decreased ceramides. Ceramidases hydrolyze ceramides to sphingosine, which is phosphorylated by sphingosine kinases to generate S1P. The S1P allows cells to evade apoptosis by shifting the equilibrium away from ceramides, which favor cell death. One tumor type that exhibits a shift in the sphingolipid balance towards S1P is glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumor. GBMs almost always recur despite surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Understanding sphingolipid metabolism in GBM is still limited, and currently, there are no approved treatments to target dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism in GBM. Carmofur, a derivative of 5-fluorouracil, inhibits acid ceramidase (ASAH1), a key enzyme in the production of S1P, and is in use outside the USA to treat colorectal cancer. We find that the mRNA for ASAH1, but not other ceramidases, is elevated in recurrent GBM. When TMZ-resistant GBM cells were treated with carmofur, decreased cell growth and increased apoptosis were observed along with cell cycle perturbations. RNA-sequencing identified decreases in cell cycle control pathways that were specific to TMZ-resistant cells. Furthermore, the transcription factor and G1 to S phase regulator, E2F8, was upregulated in TMZ-resistant versus parental GBM cells and inhibited by carmofur treatment in TMZ-resistant GBM cells, specifically. These data suggest a possible role for E2F8 as a mediator of carmofur effects in the context of TMZ resistance. These data suggest the potential utility of normalizing the sphingolipid balance in the context of recurrent GBM.
Cepharanthine, a regulator of keap1-Nrf2, inhibits gastric cancer growth through oxidative stress and energy metabolism pathway
Authors: Lu Yang-yang , Zhu Chun-yang , Ding Yi-xin , Wang Bing , Zhao Shu-fen , Lv Jing , Chen Shu-ming , Wang Sha-sha , Wang Yan , Wang Rui , Qiu Wen-sheng , Qi Wei-wei
Published: December 2023

Cepharanthine (CEP), a bioactive compound derived from Stephania Cephalantha Hayata, is cytotoxic to various malignancies. However, the underlying mechanism of gastric cancer is unknown. CEP inhibited the cellular activity of gastric cancer AGS, HGC27 and MFC cell lines in this study. CEP-induced apoptosis reduced Bcl-2 expression and increased cleaved caspase 3, cleaved caspase 9, Bax, and Bad expression. CEP caused a G2 cell cycle arrest and reduced cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinases 2 (CDK2) expression. Meanwhile, it increased oxidative stress, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in gastric cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, CEP inhibited Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap1) expression while activating NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocations, increasing transcription of Nrf2 target genes quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM). Furthermore, a combined analysis of targeted energy metabolism and RNA sequencing revealed that CEP could alter the levels of metabolic substances such as D (+) - Glucose, D-Fructose 6-phosphate, citric acid, succinic acid, and pyruvic acid, thereby altering energy metabolism in AGS cells. In addition, CEP significantly inhibited tumor growth in MFC BALB/c nude mice in vivo, consistent with the in vitro findings. Overall, CEP can induce oxidative stress by regulating Nrf2/Keap1 and alter energy metabolism, resulting in anti-gastric cancer effects. Our findings suggest a potential application of CEP in gastric cancer treatment.
Bioinspired rational design of bi-material 3D printed soft-hard interfaces
Authors: Saldívar M. C. , Tay E. , Isaakidou A. , Moosabeiki V. , Fratila-Apachitei L. E. , Doubrovski E. L. , Mirzaali M. J. , Zadpoor A. A.
Published: December 2023

Durable interfacing of hard and soft materials is a major design challenge caused by the ensuing stress concentrations. In nature, soft-hard interfaces exhibit remarkable mechanical performance, with failures rarely happening at the interface. Here, we mimic the strategies observed in nature to design efficient soft-hard interfaces. We base our geometrical designs on triply periodic minimal surfaces (i.e., Octo, Diamond, and Gyroid), collagen-like triple helices, and randomly distributed particles. A combination of computational simulations and experimental techniques, including uniaxial tensile and quad-lap shear tests, are used to characterize the mechanical performance of the interfaces. Our analyses suggest that smooth interdigitated connections, compliant gradient transitions, and either decreasing or constraining strain concentrations lead to simultaneously strong and tough interfaces. We generate additional interfaces where the abovementioned toughening mechanisms work synergistically to create soft-hard interfaces with strengths approaching the upper achievable limit and enhancing toughness values by 50%, as compared to the control group.
Low-dimensional heat conduction in surface phonon polariton waveguide
Authors: Pei Yu , Chen Li , Jeon Wonjae , Liu Zhaowei , Chen Renkun
Published: December 2023

Heat conduction in solids is typically governed by the Fourier’s law describing a diffusion process due to the short wavelength and mean free path for phonons and electrons. Surface phonon polaritons couple thermal photons and optical phonons at the surface of polar dielectrics, possessing much longer wavelength and propagation length, representing an excellent candidate to support extraordinary heat transfer. Here, we realize clear observation of thermal conductivity mediated by surface phonon polaritons in SiO2 nanoribbon waveguides of 20-50 nm thick and 1-10 μm wide and also show non-Fourier behavior in over 50-100 μm distance at room and high temperature. This is enabled by rational design of the waveguide to control the mode size of the surface phonon polaritons and its efficient coupling to thermal reservoirs. Our work laid the foundation for manipulating heat conduction beyond the traditional limit via surface phonon polaritons waves in solids.
The assembly of the Mitochondrial Complex I Assembly complex uncovers a redox pathway coordination
Authors: McGregor Lindsay , Acajjaoui Samira , Desfosses Ambroise , Saïdi Melissa , Bacia-Verloop Maria , Schwarz Jennifer J. , Juyoux Pauline , von Velsen Jill , Bowler Matthew W. , McCarthy Andrew A. , Kandiah Eaazhisai , Gutsche Irina , Soler-Lopez Montserrat
Published: December 2023

The Mitochondrial Complex I Assembly (MCIA) complex is essential for the biogenesis of respiratory Complex I (CI), the first enzyme in the respiratory chain, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, how MCIA facilitates CI assembly, and how it is linked with AD pathogenesis, is poorly understood. Here we report the structural basis of the complex formation between the MCIA subunits ECSIT and ACAD9. ECSIT binding induces a major conformational change in the FAD-binding loop of ACAD9, releasing the FAD cofactor and converting ACAD9 from a fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) enzyme to a CI assembly factor. We provide evidence that ECSIT phosphorylation downregulates its association with ACAD9 and is reduced in neuronal cells upon exposure to amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers. These findings advance our understanding of the MCIA complex assembly and suggest a possible role for ECSIT in the reprogramming of bioenergetic pathways linked to Aβ toxicity, a hallmark of AD.
An integrated workflow for quantitative analysis of the newly synthesized proteome
Authors: Borteçen Toman , Müller Torsten , Krijgsveld Jeroen
Published: December 2023

The analysis of proteins that are newly synthesized upon a cellular perturbation can provide detailed insight into the proteomic response that is elicited by specific cues. This can be investigated by pulse-labeling of cells with clickable and stable-isotope-coded amino acids for the enrichment and mass spectrometric characterization of newly synthesized proteins (NSPs), however convoluted protocols prohibit their routine application. Here we report the optimization of multiple steps in sample preparation, mass spectrometry and data analysis, and we integrate them into a semi-automated workflow for the quantitative analysis of the newly synthesized proteome (QuaNPA). Reduced input requirements and data-independent acquisition (DIA) enable the analysis of triple-SILAC-labeled NSP samples, with enhanced throughput while featuring high quantitative accuracy. We apply QuaNPA to investigate the time-resolved cellular response to interferon-gamma (IFNg), observing rapid induction of targets 2 h after IFNg treatment. QuaNPA provides a powerful approach for large-scale investigation of NSPs to gain insight into complex cellular processes.
Fatal iatrogenic cerebral β-amyloid-related arteritis in a woman treated with lecanemab for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Solopova Elena , Romero-Fernandez Wilber , Harmsen Hannah , Ventura-Antunes Lissa , Wang Emmeline , Shostak Alena , Maldonado Jose , Donahue Manus J. , Schultz Daniel , Coyne Thomas M. , Charidimou Andreas , Schrag Matthew
Published: December 2023

We report the case of a 79-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease who participated in a Phase III randomized controlled trial called CLARITY-AD testing the experimental drug lecanemab. She was randomized to the placebo group and subsequently enrolled in an open-label extension which guaranteed she received the active drug. After the third biweekly infusion, she suffered a seizure characterized by speech arrest and a generalized convulsion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed she had multifocal swelling and a marked increase in the number of cerebral microhemorrhages. She was treated with an antiepileptic regimen and high-dose intravenous corticosteroids but continued to worsen and died after 5 days. Post-mortem MRI confirmed extensive microhemorrhages in the temporal, parietal and occipital lobes. The autopsy confirmed the presence of two copies of APOE4, a gene associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and neuropathological features of moderate severity Alzheimer’s disease and severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy with perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates, reactive macrophages and fibrinoid degeneration of vessel walls. There were deposits of β-amyloid in meningeal vessels and penetrating arterioles with numerous microaneurysms. We conclude that the patient likely died as a result of severe cerebral amyloid-related inflammation.
Mosunetuzumab with polatuzumab vedotin in relapsed or refractory aggressive large B cell lymphoma: a phase 1b/2 trial
Authors: Budde Lihua E. , Olszewski Adam J. , Assouline Sarit , Lossos Izidore S. , Diefenbach Catherine , Kamdar Manali , Ghosh Nilanjan , Modi Dipenkumar , Sabry Waleed , Naik Seema , Mehta Amitkumar , Nakhoda Shazia K. , Smith Stephen D. , Dorritie Kathleen , Jia Ting , Pham Song , Huw Ling-Yuh , Jing Jing , Wu Hao , Ead Wahib S. , To Iris , Batlevi Connie Lee , Wei Michael C. , Chavez Julio C.
Published: December 2023

Relapsed/refractory aggressive large B cell lymphoma (LBCL) remains an area of unmet need. Here we report the primary analysis of a phase 1b/2 trial of outpatient mosunetuzumab (a CD20xCD3 T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody) plus polatuzumab vedotin (an anti-CD79B antibody–drug conjugate) in relapsed/refractory LBCL. The phase 2 component is a single arm of an ongoing multi-arm trial. The primary endpoint during dose expansion was independent review committee (IRC)-assessed best overall response rate. Secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed overall response rate, complete response, duration of response, progression-free survival and overall survival. At data cutoff, 120 patients were enrolled (22 dose escalation, 98 dose expansion). The primary endpoint was met during dose expansion, with IRC-assessed best overall response rate and complete response rates of 59.2% (58/98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 48.8–69.0) and 45.9% (45/98; 95% CI: 35.8–56.3), respectively (median follow-up, 23.9 months). Median duration of complete was not reached (95% CI: 20.5–not estimable (NE)). Median progression-free survival was 11.4 months (95% CI: 6.2–18.7). Median overall survival was 23.3 months (95% CI: 14.8–NE). Across dose escalation and expansion, the most common grade 3 or higher adverse events were neutropenia (25.0%, 30/120) and fatigue (6.7%, 8/120). Any-grade cytokine release syndrome occurred in 16.7% of patients. These data demonstrate that mosunetuzumab plus polatuzumab vedotin has a favorable safety profile with highly durable responses suitable as second-line therapy in transplant-ineligible relapsed/refractory LBCL. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03671018.
Multi criteria analysis of municipal solid waste management and resource recovery in Poland compared to other EU countries
Authors: Vambol Viola , Kowalczyk-Juśko Alina , Vambol Sergij , Khan Nadeem A. , Mazur Andrzej , Goroneskul Marianna , Kruzhilko Oleg
Published: December 2023

Statistics show that the inhabitants of Poland are producing increasingly more household waste. This article attempts to determine the current level of development of Poland in the field of waste management concerning other EU countries and partner countries; identify trends in the mass of generated, segregated, and mixed municipal waste; and obtain an idea of the attitude of the Polish population toward sorting waste at the source to bring the country to a higher level of waste management. The empirical base is statistical data published on the website of the EU Data Explorer and the Central Statistical Office. The ranking of countries was determined by the TOPSIS method using a synthetic indicator based on the selected diagnostic features. The significance of the obtained ranks was tested using the non-parametric Friedman test (p < 0.01). We established that Poland has been consistently ranked 16th-17th over the past 5 years. Unfortunately, thus far, no systematic approach has been found to raise citizens' awareness, which may be due to the lack of the necessary amount of data. Researchers recommend investigating the sensitivity of the relationship between the generation of alternative energy from waste and the authorities' action.
Physical education teachers’ knowledge of physical activity recommendations for health promotion in children and adolescents
Authors: Marques Adilson , Iglésias Beatriz , Ramos Gil , Gouveia Élvio R. , Ferrari Gérson , Martins João , Lagestad Pål
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to analyse the knowledge of Portuguese physical education (PE) teachers according to the health recommendations for physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents. A total of 764 teachers participated (55.2% men) with a mean age of 48.2 years. Data was collected using answering to an online survey. Teachers were asked about PA’s frequency, duration and intensity to achieve the recommended level PA. Chi-square was applied to analyse the associations. The main finding is that PE teachers have a lack of knowledge of the health recommendations of PA. Specifically, only 7.5% of the PE teachers in our study could identify the PA recommendations correctly. The intensity component in the health recommendation is the one in which most PE teachers demonstrate correct knowledge of (60.5%), with significant differences in gender and teaching level. However, significantly fewer PE teachers knew the frequency component in the health recommendations for PA (25%), with significant differences in education level. For the duration component, only 37.6% of teachers knew the recommendations. In light of our findings, it is a concern that PE teachers generally lack knowledge according to children’s fulfilment of health recommendations for PA.
Research on multi-dimensional reconstruction mechanism of cloud native full link in the metaverse scenario
Authors: Sheng Shuo
Published: December 2023

Recently, the Microservices whole link whole life cycle optimization framework has been a research hotspot in the academic and engineering fields, especially how to encapsulate the component security mechanism and conduct high concurrency testing based on the existing active framework. The whole link delay, load, and cost have always been the key optimization goals of Microservices splitting and deployment logic. Based on this, this paper proposes a multi-objective optimization Microservices framework that takes into account the security mechanism, Define the fitness function, define the upper and lower limits, and perform multi-dimensional constraints to filter for global and local optima. At the same time, reconstruct the circuit breaker current limiting mechanism, dynamically detect protocol parameters, and perceive the logical relationship of heartbeat status in real-time. Experimental results have shown that this innovative framework can solve scenarios such as high concurrency, high reliability, and high availability Performance bottleneck, business degradation, especially in financial and securities scenarios.
Group decision making in the analytic hierarchy process by hesitant fuzzy numbers
Authors: Ranjbar Mahdi , Effati Sohrab
Published: December 2023

Due to the increasing complexity of decision problems, many managers employ multiple experts to reach a good decision in a group decision making. Now, if there is ambiguity in the evaluation of experts, the use of fuzzy numbers can be useful for each expert. In these situations, the use of hesitant fuzzy numbers (HFNs) which consists of several fuzzy numbers with special conditions can be suggested. HFNs are as an extension of the fuzzy numbers to take a better determining the membership functions of the parameters by several experts. Because of simple and fast calculations, in this paper, we use triangular HFNs in the pairwise comparison matrix of analytic hierarchy process by opinions of a group of decision makers in a hesitant fuzzy environment. We define consistency of the hesitant fuzzy pairwise comparison matrix and use the arithmetic operations on the HFNs and a new method of comparing HFNs to get the hesitant fuzzy performance score. By using score function to hesitant fuzzy score we can get a final score for alternatives. Finally, a practical example is provided to show the the effectiveness of this study. The obtained results from this paper show that new method can get a better answer by keeping the experts’ opinions in the process of solving the problem.
Association of serum phosphate and changes in serum phosphate with 28-day mortality in septic shock from MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Nan Wenbin , Huang Qiong , Wan Jinfa , Peng Zhenyu
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum phosphate levels, changes in serum phosphate levels, and 28-day mortality in patients with septic shock. In this retrospective study, data were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database between 2008 and 2019. Patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of serum phosphate levels. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank test analyses were used for survival analysis. Multivariate logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve were used to explore the association between serum phosphate, delta serum phosphate levels and 28-day mortality. In total, 3296 patients with septic shock were included in the study, and the 28-day mortality was 30.0%. Serum phosphate levels were significantly higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed significant differences among the three groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and the RCS curve showed that serum phosphate levels were independently and positively associated with the 28-day mortality of septic shock. Non-survivors had higher delta serum phosphate levels than survivors. Survival analysis showed that patients with higher delta serum phosphate levels had higher 28-day mortality. A non-linear relationship was detected between delta serum phosphate and 28-day mortality with a point of inflection at − 0.3 mg/dL. Serum phosphate levels were positively and independently associated with 28-day mortality in septic shock. Delta serum phosphate level was a high-risk factor for patients with septic shock.
Isolation and evaluation of Qatari soil rhizobacteria for antagonistic potential against phytopathogens and growth promotion in tomato plants
Authors: BiBi Amina , Bibi Shazia , Al-Ghouti Mohammad A. , Abu-Dieyeh Mohammed H.
Published: December 2023

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are a diverse group of microorganisms that enhance the growth of plants under various conditions. In this study, 55 isolates of endogenous rhizobacteria were collected from the rhizosphere of Avicennia marina, Suaeda vermiculata, Salsola soda, Anabasis setifera, Salicornia europaea, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Limonium axillare, Tetraena qatarensis, Aeluropus lagopoides, and Prosopis juliflora. The isolates were evaluated in-vitro for their antagonist potential against Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea using the dual culture technique, where the maximum growth inhibition reached 49% and 57%, respectively. In-vivo evaluation was accomplished to determine the growth-promoting potential of the rhizobacteria under greenhouse conditions where the strain ANABR3 (Bacillus subtilis) showed the strongest growth-promoting effects. Further in-vivo testing regarding the effectiveness of rhizobacteria in the presence of the phytopathogen was also completed using the Hoagland medium. LEMR3 and SALIR5 (both identified as two strains of B. subtilis) supported the tomato seedlings to overcome the disease and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased above and belowground biomass compared to the control. Additionally, several characterizing tests were carried out on the selected strains, these strains were found to possess numerous features that promote plant growth directly and indirectly such as the production of IAA, HCN, hydrolytic enzymes, ACC deaminase, NH3, and some rhizobacteria were capable of phosphate solubilization. In conclusion, this study showed that local rhizobacterial isolates collected from arid lands possess valuable traits, making them promising bio-control agents and bio-fertilizers for agricultural purposes.
Effects of proprioception and core stability training on gait parameters of deaf adolescents: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zarei Hamed , Norasteh Ali Asghar , Lieberman Lauren J. , Ertel Michael W. , Brian Ali
Published: December 2023

The current study aimed to explore the effects of proprioception versus core stability training over 8 weeks on the gait parameters of deaf adolescents. A total of 20 deaf adolescents were randomized into two groups: one group receiving proprioception training (PT, n = 10), another group receiving core stability training (CST, n = 10), and eleven typically developing adolescents assigned into the control group (CON; n = 11). Gait was recorded by two digital cameras; then, using the Kinovea software, the parameters of gait included: gait velocity, cadence, stride length, stride time, stance time, and swing time were calculated in terms of percentages of the walking cycle. After 8 weeks of PT, no significant differences were observed for all gait parameters between PT and control groups (p > 0.05). Also, after 8 weeks of CST, no significant differences were observed in gait velocity and cadence between the CST and control groups (p > 0.05). However, after 8 weeks of CST, stride length (p = 0.02) was higher in the control group; Stride time (p = 0.03), stance time (p = 0.04) and swing time (p = 0.04) were higher in the CST group. Moreover, after 8 weeks of PT, values showed significant improvements in all gait parameters (p = 0.001). Also, after 8 weeks of CST, values showed significant improvements in gait velocity and cadence (p = 0.001), but no significant differences were observed in other gait parameters (p > 0.05). The findings of this study indicated that PT improved all gait parameters, whereas CST improved gait velocity and cadence. The results of the present study also demonstrated that PT had a greater effect on gait parameters of deaf adolescents compared with CST. It seems that PT induces more training effects than CTS for enhancing gait parameters of deaf adolescents.

Trial registration: Clinical trial registry number: IRCT20170312033029N2. URL:https://en.irct.ir/trial/25584.
Extracellular volume by dual-energy CT, hepatic reserve capacity scoring, CT volumetry, and transient elastography for estimating liver fibrosis
Authors: Mizuno Mariko , Tago Kenichiro , Okada Masahiro , Nakazawa Yujiro , Arakane Takayuki , Yoshikawa Hiroki , Abe Hayato , Matsumoto Naoki , Higaki Tokio , Okamura Yukiyasu , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: December 2023

Our purpose was to compare the efficacy of liver and splenic volumetry (LV and SV), extracellular volume (ECV) on dual-layer spectral-detector CT scoring systems for estimating liver fibrosis (LF) in 45 patients with pathologically staged LF. ECV measured on CT value (HU-ECV), iodine density (ID-ECV), atomic number (Zeff-ECV), and electron density (ED-ECV), LV or SV/body surface area (BSA), albumin bilirubin grade (ALBI), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, aspartate aminotransferase platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4) were recorded. Transient elastography was measured in 22 patients, and compared to ECV. No correlation was found between transient elastography and all ECVs. Area under the curve (AUC) for estimating F4 on transient elastography was 0.885 (95% CI 0.745–1.000). ALBI was weakly associated with LF (p = 0.451), while MELD (p < 0.001), APRI (p = 0.010), and FIB-4 (p = 0.010) were significantly associated with LF. SV/BSA had a higher AUC than MELD, APRI, and FIB-4 for estimating F4 (AUC = 0.815, 95% CI 0.63–0.999), but MELD (AUC = 0.799, 95% CI 0.634–0.965), APRI (AUC = 0.722, 95% CI 0.561–0.883), and FIB-4 (AUC = 0.741, 95% CI 0.582–0.899) had higher AUCs than ALBI. SV/BSA significantly contributed to differentiation for estimating F4; odds ratio (OR) was 1.304–1.353 (Reader 1–2; R1–R2), whereas MELD significantly contributed to the differentiation between F0–2 and F3–4; OR was 1.528–1.509 (R1–R2). AUC for SV/BSA and MELD combined was 0.877 (95% CI 0.748–1.000). In conclusion, SV/BSA allows for a higher estimation of liver cirrhosis (F4). MELD is more suitable for assessing severe LF (≥ F3–4). The combination of SV/BSA and MELD had a higher AUC than SV/BSA alone for liver cirrhosis (F4).
Multidrug-resistant organisms may be associated with bed allocation and utilization efficiency in healthcare institutions, based on national monitoring data from China (2014–2020)
Authors: Wang Xing-Tian , Meng Hua , Pan Dong-Feng , Zheng Xiao-Yu , Lu Wen-Wen , Chen Chen , Su Ming , Su Xin-Ya , Liu Zhuo , Ma Xiao-Juan , Liang Pei-Feng
Published: December 2023

Analyzing the influence of the bed allocation and utilization efficiency in healthcare institutions on the isolation proportion of Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) to provide data to support prevention and control of MDROs. In this study, the provincial panel data from 2014 to 2020 in China on health resource indicators, including the number of beds per 1,000 population, hospital bed utilization rate, and average hospital stay from 2014 to 2020 in China were used to analyze the relationship between bed allocation or utilization efficiency and MDROs by the panel data quantile regression model. It was shown that the number of beds per 1,000 population had a negative effect on the isolation proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and cefotaxime or ceftriaxone resistant Escherichia coli (regression coefficient < 0, P < 0.05). The utilization rate of hospital bed had a positive effect on the isolation proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, cefotaxime or ceftriaxone resistant Escherichia coli, carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli, cefotaxime or ceftriaxone resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (regression coefficient > 0, P < 0.05). The average hospital stay had a positive effect on the isolation proportion for several antibiotic-resistant organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, cefotaxime or ceftriaxone resistant Escherichia coli, carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli, quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli, cefotaxime or ceftriaxone resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (regression coefficient > 0, P < 0.05). Bed allocation and utilization efficiency in healthcare institutions may affect the isolation proportion of MDROs in varying degrees.
Metformin may improve the outcome of patients with colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus partly through effects on neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Saito Akira , Koinuma Koji , Kawashima Rie , Miyato Hideyo , Ohzawa Hideyuki , Horie Hisanaga , Yamaguchi Hironori , Kawahira Hiroshi , Mimura Toshiki , Kitayama Joji , Sata Naohiro
Published: December 2023

Background

Although metformin reduces the risk of cancer-related mortality in patents with type 2 diabetes, the mechanism of its anti-cancer effects has not been fully understood.

Method

Impact of metformin on survival was examined in patients who underwent curative colectomy for colorectal cancer (CRC). The effects of metformin in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were examined with in-vitro experiments and multiplex immunohistochemistry of surgically resected CRC specimens.

Results

Prior intake of metformin prolonged relapse-free (P = 0.036) and overall survival (P = 0.041) in 289 patients with T2DM to the comparable levels to those of 1576 non-diabetic patients. Metformin reduced the production of NETs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or HT-29 colon cancer cells to 60% of control. Neutrophils markedly suppressed the chemotactic migration of activated T cells in an NET-dependent manner, which was reversed by metformin treatment up to approximately half of the migration without neutrophils. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant association between metformin intake and a reduction in the numbers of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) and NETs. Simultaneously, metformin intake was found to increase the presence of CD3(+) and CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs), particularly at the tumor-invasion front, especially in areas with fewer TANs and NETs.

Conclusion

Metformin suppresses the diabetes-associated enhancement of NET formation, which can augment the infiltration of TILs in CRC tissues. The anti-tumor effect of metformin in patients with T2DM may be, at least partly, attributable to the inhibition of NETs.
Ferrous–sucrose complex supplementation regulates maternal plasma metabolism and the fecal microbiota composition and improves neonatal immunity and placental glucose transportation by activating the EGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in sows
Authors: Dong Zhenglin , Liu Hongwei , Wan Dan , Wu Xin , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2023

Ferrous–sucrose complex supplementation regulates maternal plasma metabolism and the fecal microbiota composition and improves neonatal immunity and placental glucose transportation by activating the EGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in sows.
Correction: Distortion-controlled 1,2-dicarbene reactivity of 3-triflyloxybenzynes: a theoretical approach
Authors: Pirouzi Fatemeh , Eshghi Hossein , Sabet-Sarvestani Hossein
Published: December 2023

Correction for ‘Distortion-controlled 1,2-dicarbene reactivity of 3-triflyloxybenzynes: a theoretical approach’ by Fatemeh Pirouzi et al., New J. Chem., 2023, 47, 21253–21263, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NJ04628A.
Impact of channel nanostructures of porous carbon particles on their catalytic performance
Authors: Oh Hyunkyu , Lee Young Jun , Kim Eun Ji , Park Jinseok , Kim Hee-Eun , Lee Hyunsoo , Lee Hyunjoo , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: December 2023

We produce a series of porous carbon particles (PCPs) with controlled channel nanostructures, and systematically investigate the structure–property relationships and catalytic performance of these particles.
Harnessing the electronic structure of active metals to lower the overpotential of the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Baldinelli Lorenzo , Rodriguez Gabriel Menendez , D'Ambrosio Iolanda , Grigoras Amalia Malina , Vivani Riccardo , Latterini Loredana , Macchioni Alceo , De Angelis Filippo , Bistoni Giovanni
Published: December 2023

An integrated computational and experimental strategy is used to shed light on the mechanism of the OER on coordination polymers of earth abundant metals, revealing the crucial influence of spin and oxidation state changes on the overpotential.
Looking back at the 10th anniversary year of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C
Authors: Hagfeldt Anders , Cornelissen Jeroen , Stingelin Natalie
Published: December 2023

The Editors-in-Chief for Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C look back at the 10th anniversary year and the celebratory activities that took place.
Herausforderungen beim Stillen
Authors: Kerlen-Petri Katharina
Published: December 2023

Stillwissen regelmäßig auffrischen

Die Stillbegleitung ist ein wichtiger Teil der Hebammenarbeit und wir haben einen
Anteil daran, wie Frauen sich darauf vorbereiten, ob sie nach der Geburt einen guten
Start in die Stillbeziehung haben und ob sie der WHO-Empfehlung folgen
können, sechs Monate ausschließlich zu stillen. Laut der
KiGGS-Studie (Welle 2) gelingt dies nur bei etwa jedem achten Kind.
Der Test boomt – ein Jahr nach dem G-BA-Beschluss zur
Kassenfinanzierung des NIPT
Authors: Baldus Marion
Published: December 2023

Seit der Kassenzulassung des nicht-invasiven pränatalen Tests (NIPT) zur
Untersuchung des Ungeborenen auf die Trisomien 13, 18 und 21 im Juli 2022
schauen Befürworter*innen wie Kritiker*innen gebannt auf
Zahlen, Daten und Erfahrungen mit den neuen Richtlinien. Ein Jahr später
ist die Datenlage noch dünn. Doch erste Tendenzen machen deutlich: Der
Test boomt. Ursprünglich gedacht als Maßnahme für
begründete Einzelfälle, hat sich der NIPT als Kassenleistung in
kurzer Zeit fest etabliert: Bereits im 2. Quartal nach dem Startsignal zur
Kassenfinanzierung ließ sich jede 3. schwangere Person testen. Mit
welchem Ergebnis, welchen Folgen und (un)erwarteten Belastungen? Diesen Fragen
geht der Beitrag nach und zieht eine erste Zwischenbilanz für Beratung,
Gesellschaft und Politik.
Cloud technology and capsule endoscopy: A single-center users’ experience of remote online video analysis and reporting
Authors: Costigan Conor , Walker Caroline , O'Connell Jim , Omallao Emmanuel , Manoharan Thilagaraj , Eagle Niamh , Bailey Yvonne , O'Hara Fintan , Mc Namara Deirdre
Published: December 2023

Background and study aims Telemedicine has progressed
significantly in recent years, with newer, more integrated information technology systems
improving healthcare delivery. The development of the world’s first cloud-based capsule
platform could allow safe and timely virtual analysis of videos from a network of linked
hospital centers. We aimed to assess the efficacy of Medtronic’s PillCam Remote Reader
System.

Methods PillCam remote reader technical data were collected from
the capsule endoscopy (CE) database over 8 months. User-reported performance was collect using
an online survey. Outcomes included overall procedure success, video-upload/report-download
rates and speeds, encryption/decryption rates, and user/reader satisfaction.

Results Data from 377 studies encompassing seven different
readers was collected (318 small bowel capsules, 59 colon capsules). Overall procedure success
was 100% (all videos reported). Two upload delays occurred (< 24 hours). There were no
encryption/decryption errors. Seven of seven respondents felt it easy to access and use vs one
of seve for the old system. Six of seven respondents felt department efficiency increased.
Benefits included off-site reading and multisite-conferences. Issues included offsite
difficulty accessing other hospital systems.

Conclusions PillCam remote reader is a reliable, secure, and
effective capsule analysis platform and should be incorporated into any CE service development
plan.
High peak-to-background-ratio solitons in a coherently driven active fiber cavity
Authors: Englebert Nicolas , Arabí Carlos Mas , Gorza Simon-Pierre , Leo François
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate that the peak-to-background ratio of driven solitons can be greatly improved by harnessing the cavity detuning. We use a driven fiber laser pumped below the lasing threshold to increase the finesse and excite solitons in a very wide range of detuning δ. When driving a 50 m long fiber cavity close to the anti-resonance condition (δ = π), we excite sub-800 fs solitons with a peak-to-background ratio close to 30 000. The experimental results are in good agreement with simple theoretical models describing the soliton peak power and the background power.