bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc binding of a Cys2His2-type zinc finger protein is enhanced by the interaction with DNA
Authors: Hajdu Bálint , Hunyadi-Gulyás Éva , Kato Kohsuke , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Nagata Kyosuke , Gyurcsik Béla
Published: February 2023

Zinc finger proteins specifically recognize DNA sequences and, therefore, play a crucial role in living organisms. In this study the Zn(II)-, and DNA-binding of 1MEY#, an artificial zinc finger protein consisting of three finger units was characterized by multiple methods. Fluorimetric, circular dichroism and isothermal calorimetric titrations were applied to determine the accurate stability constant of a zinc finger protein. Assuming that all three zinc finger subunits behave identically, the obtained thermodynamic data for the Zn(II) binding were ΔHbinding site =  − (23.5 − 28.0) kcal/mol (depending on the applied protonation state of the cysteines) and logβ’pH 7.4 = 12.2 ± 0.1, being similar to those of the CP1 consensus zinc finger peptide. The specific DNA binding of the protein can be characterized by logβ’pH 7.4 = 8.20 ± 0.08, which is comparable to the affinity of the natural zinc finger proteins (Sp1, WT1, TFIIIA) toward DNA. This value is ~ 1.9 logβ’ unit higher than those determined for semi- or nonspecific DNA binding. Competitive circular dichroism and electrophoretic mobility shift measurements revealed that the conditional stability constant characteristic for Zn(II) binding of 1MEY# protein increased by 3.4 orders of magnitude in the presence of its target DNA sequence.

Graphical abstract
Rigidity results for Riemannian twistor spaces under vanishing curvature conditions
Authors: Catino G. , Dameno D. , Mastrolia P.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we provide new rigidity results for four-dimensional Riemannian manifolds and their twistor spaces. In particular, using the moving frame method, we prove that $$\mathbb {C}\mathbb {P}^3$$

C

P

3

is the only twistor space whose Bochner tensor is parallel; moreover, we classify Hermitian Ricci-parallel and locally symmetric twistor spaces and we show the nonexistence of conformally flat twistor spaces. We also generalize a result due to Atiyah, Hitchin and Singer concerning the self-duality of a Riemannian four-manifold.
Combining multiple lines of evidence to elucidate the origin and introduction pathway of bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) in Australia
Authors: Emmett Amanda M. , Scott John K. , Webber Bruce L. , Severn-Ellis Anita A. , Bell Karen L.
Published: February 2023

Understanding the historical context of biological invasions can improve weed management outcomes. In this study, we aim to identify the introduction pathway of bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) into Australia and its biogeographical origin in southern Africa by combining multiple lines of evidence from genomic tools and historical documentation. Geographic structure of genomic diversity based on SNPs supported the previous analysis of the invasion pathway of bitou bush between the two countries and within Australia, namely that all Australian material originated from the southern part of the South African distribution. Our synthesis of historical records points to the introduction of this plant into eastern Australia in Newcastle, New South Wales, from its native range in South Africa, via dry shipping ballast in about 1900. Variation in the chloroplast genome was also informative as to the biogeographical origin of Australian material and the context of the introduction. Ten unique haplotypes were discovered in South Africa with only one occurring throughout Australia, indicating an introduction from a single source population to eastern Australia. The matching haplotype was from East London, a port in South Africa with documented shipping connections to Newcastle in eastern Australia, where the weed was first recorded. Historical records suggest that the most plausible explanation for the origins of the isolated bitou bush population in Western Australia is via the shipping of steel billets or landscape plantings associated with shipping companies. The most likely introduction pathway linked the eastern Australian steel processing ports of Newcastle or Port Kembla to the Western Australian port of Kwinana in 1995. Discovering the origin and pathway of bitou bush invasions in Australia opens new opportunities for sourcing biological control agents with a higher chance of impact as well as identifying additional quarantine measures to improve outcomes and reduce long-term costs to management.
Formal Ethics, Content Ethics and Relational Ethics: Three Approaches to Constructing Ethical Sales Cultures and Identities in Retail Banking
Authors: Svane Marita Susanna , Frandsen Sanne
Published: February 2023

Following the global financial crisis, banks have become more regulated to advance ethical sales cultures throughout the sector. Based on case studies of three retail banks, we find that they construct the ‘appropriate advisor’ in different ways. Inspired by Bakhtin’s work on ethics, we propose a vocabulary of relational ethics centered on the ‘answerable self.’ We argue that this vocabulary is apt for studying and discussing how organizations advance ethical sales cultures in ways that instead of encouraging value congruence and alignment allow for ethical openness. In such cultures, employees—as moral agents—are morally questioning, critically self-reflexive, and answerable for their own actions toward others in their social relationships. Our paper makes three theoretical contributions, namely, problematizing the idea of cultural alignment and value congruence, demonstrating that identity regulation can both comprise and support the ‘answerable self,’ and advancing our understanding of the interdependence of ethical openness and ethical closure in fostering ethical sales cultures.
Fibulorhizoctonia psychrophila, causal agent of lenticel spot in pome fruit, rarely detected in Dutch pear and apple orchards
Authors: Köhl J. , Haas B. H. Groenenboom-de , Wenneker M.
Published: February 2023

Fibulorhizoctonia psychrophila causes lenticel spot in stored pome fruit. A Dutch survey revealed that damage can be observed regularly in individual lots at low incidence to occasionally incidences above 25% after storage for five months or longer under specific controlled atmosphere storage conditions. The source of inoculum of the psychrophilic pathogen is not known. A species-specific TaqMan PCR assay was developed to quantify the pathogen DNA in orchard litter considered as potential inoculum source. 2008 samples of various litter types such as dead leaves, fallen fruits and mummies and necrotic tissues of grasses and weeds, collected in 2009–2012 in ten apple and twenty pear orchards, were analyzed. Although other fruit rot pathogens such as Neofabraea alba, Cadophora luteo-olivacea and Stemphylium vesicarium were detected in the samples at high incidences in earlier studies, F. psychrophila was only detected in three samples. The results show that F. psychrophila is not ubiquitously present in Dutch orchards at traceable concentrations. The main sources of the disease remain unknown. Possibly, the pathogen is present on storage bins or dust in storage facilities.
Child Cognitive Development and Parent Roles: A Preliminary Comparison of Moroccan Parents to United States and United Kingdom Benchmarks
Authors: Karam Rita T. , Zellman Gail L. , Perlman Michal
Published: February 2023

There is a dearth of research examining what parents in MENA region know about children’s brain development and the type of activities they engage their young children at home to promote their cognitive development. This article describes and compares the views and behaviors of parents with children 0–6 years old from Casablanca, Morocco, the US, and the UK on early parental engagement. Seventy-eight Moroccan parents were compared to 1066 US/UK parents. The study utilizes survey data and explores parents’ understanding of and support for their children’s early cognitive development. Results reveal that more than fifty percent of Moroccan parents do not see themselves as having an impact on brain development until after the first year of their child’s life compared to 10% of US parents, in part because they believe that babies’ capacity for learning in the earliest years is limited. Yet Moroccan parents reported higher frequencies of teaching their young children letters and numbers and reading a book to them than US parents. These differences in at-home teaching practices may reflect the higher percentage of US/UK children who participate in early learning programs outside their own homes; such programs are not culturally accepted in Morocco. The belief that there is little capacity for learning in children’s earliest years among Moroccan parents may minimize parents’ motivation to function as their child’s first teacher in the absence of early education programs. Policy implications and interventions are discussed concerning ways to change parents’ knowledge and beliefs to motivate early learning activities.
A three-stage stochastic optimization model integrating 5G technology and UAVs for disaster management
Authors: Colajanni Gabriella , Daniele Patrizia , Nagurney Anna , Nagurney Ladimer S. , Sciacca Daniele
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we develop a three-stage stochastic network-based optimization model for the provision of 5G services with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the disaster management phases of: preparedness, response and recover/reconstruction. Users or devices on the ground request services of a fleet of controller UAVs in flight and the requested services are executed by a fleet of UAVs organized as a Flying Ad-Hoc Network and interconnected via 5G technology. A disaster scenario can create difficulties for the provision of services by service providers. For this reason, in the first stage, service providers make predictions about possible scenarios in the second stage. Therefore, the first stage represents the preparedness phase, the second stage represents the response phase, followed by the recovery/reconstruction phase, represented by the third stage. In each of the three stages, service providers seek to maximize the amount of services to be performed, assigning each service a priority. They also aim to, simultaneously, minimize the total management costs of requests, the transmission and execution costs of services, the costs to increase the resources of the pre-existing network and, if need be, to reduce them in the recovery/reconstruction phase. For the proposed multi-stage stochastic optimization model, we provide variational formulations for which we investigate the existence and uniqueness of the solution. Finally, a detailed numerical example is solved in order underline some of the key aspects of the model. This paper adds to the literature on the rigorous mathematical modeling of advanced technologies for disaster management.
When Attentional and Politeness Demands Clash: The Case of Mutual Gaze Avoidance and Chin Pointing in Quiahije Chatino
Authors: Mesh Kate , Cruz Emiliana , Gullberg Marianne
Published: February 2023

Pointing with the chin is a practice attested worldwide: it is an effective and highly recognizable device for re-orienting the attention of the addressee. For the chin point to be observed, the addressee must attend carefully to the movements of the sender’s head. This demand comes into conflict with the politeness norms of many cultures, since these often require conversationalists to avoid meeting the gaze of their interlocutor, and can require them to look away from their interlocutor’s face and head. In this paper we explore how the chin point is successfully used in just such a culture, among the Chatino indigenous group of Oaxaca, Mexico. We analyze interactions between multiple dyads of Chatino speakers, examining how senders invite visual attention to the pointing gesture, and how addressees signal that attention, while both participants avoid stretches of mutual gaze. We find that in the Chatino context, the senior (or higher-status) party to the conversation is highly consistent in training their gaze away from their interlocutor. This allows their interlocutor to give visual attention to their face without the risk of meeting the gaze of a higher-status sender, and facilitates close attention to head movements including the chin point.

Abstracts in Spanish and Quiahije Chatino are published as appendices.

Se incluyen como apéndices resúmenes en español y en el chatino de San Juan Quiahije.

SonG ktyiC reC inH, ngyaqC skaE ktyiC noE ndaH sonB naF ngaJ noI ngyaqC loE ktyiC reC, ngyaqC ranF chaqE xlyaK qoE chaqF jnyaJ noA ndywiqA renqA KchinA KyqyaC.
Longitudinal Associations between Peer and Family Relationships, Emotional Symptoms, and Regional Brain Volume across Adolescence
Authors: Stepanous Jessica , Munford Luke , Qualter Pamela , Nees Frauke , Elliott Rebecca ,   IMAGEN Consortium, Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L. W. , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Brühl Rüdiger , Martinot Jean-Luc , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Artiges Eric , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Paus Tomáš , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Millenet Sabina , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Vaidya Nilakshi , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter
Published: February 2023

The period of adolescence brings with it a dynamic interaction between social context and behaviour, structural brain development, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. The rate of volumetric change in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and amygdala have been implicated in socioemotional development in adolescence; typically, there is thinning of grey matter volume (GMV) in the vmPFC and growth in the amygdala during this time. The directionality of the associations between social, emotional, and neuroanatomical factors has yet to be untangled, such as the degree to which social variables impact regional brain development, and vice versa. To add, the differences between sexes are still up for debate. In this study, longitudinal associations between peer problems, family support, socioeconomic stress, emotional symptoms, amygdala volume, and vmPFC GMV were investigated for both sexes using latent change score models. Data from a multi-site European study at baseline (mean (SD) age = 14.40 (0.38) years; % female = 53.19) and follow-up 2 (mean (SD) age = 18.90 (0.69) years, % female = 53.19) were used. Results revealed that peer problems did not predict emotional symptoms, rather they changed together over time. For males only, there was positive correlated change between vmPFC GMV, peer problems and emotional symptoms, indicating that slower vmPFC GMV thinning was associated with poorer social and emotional functioning. Additionally, greater family support at age 14 years was associated with slower growth of amygdala volume between ages 14 and 19 years for males; previous research has related slower amygdala growth to resilience to mental health disorders. The findings have extended understanding of mutual social, emotional and brain development, and avenues to protect mental health.
Scorpion Venom Peptide Smp24 Revealed Apoptotic and Antiangiogenic Activities in Solid-Ehrlich Carcinoma Bearing Mice
Authors: Fawzy Bishoy S. , Nafie Mohamed S. , Ali Ibrahim A. I. , El‐Baz Lamis M. F. , Xu Xueqing , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed A.
Published: February 2023

Scorpion venom contains various peptides that could be utilized to treat various diseases, including cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of scorpion venom peptide (Smp24) using a solid Ehrlich Carcinoma (SEC) mice model. SEC model was established by subcutaneous transplantation of SEC cells into Swiss albino female mice afterward subcutaneous injection of the Smp24 peptide compared to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) as a standard drug. Various biochemical, hematological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular (western blotting and RT-PCR) assays were performed to evaluate the antitumor activity of Smp24. Results revealed that Smp24 peptide significantly reduced tumor volume. Interestingly, Smp24 peptide significantly restored normal body functions in cancer-treated groups by maintaining HB, RBC’s, and WBC’s levels, reducing the elevated serum ALT and AST, and increasing total protein and albumin as well as enhancing antioxidant status through reducing the level of MDA and NO and elevating GSH, SOD, and CAT levels. Moreover, it restored the normal morphology of the liver and kidney tissues and improved hematological parameters in cancer-treated animals. Smp24 induced apoptosis in SEC cells, through upregulation of caspase-3 and BAX and the downregulation of VEGF, Bcl-2, p53, PCNA, and Ki67. Moreover, results exhibited the apoptotic and antiangiogenic effects of Smp24 against SEC cancer cells. These findings supported our previous results about the anti-cancer efficacy of Smp24 and made it a good candidate for developing effective and safe anti-cancer agents.
School educators’ engagement with research: an Australian Rasch validation study
Authors: Gleeson Joanne , Cutler Blake , Rickinson Mark , Walsh Lucas , Ehrich John , Cirkony Connie , Salisbury Mandy
Published: February 2023

There are growing expectations in Australia and internationally that school educators will engage with and use research to improve their practice. In order to support educators to respond to such expectations, there is a need to be able to accurately assess the levels of educators’ research engagement. At present, however, few psychometrically sound instruments are available. Drawing on two studies of Australian educators (n = 1,311) and utilising Rasch analysis, supported by confirmatory factor analysis, this paper reports on the development of a brief eight-item scale that demonstrates validity and reliability and evidenced unidimensionality in the second study. The scale is intended as a quick, easy-to-use tool for educators to gain insights into their beliefs about the value of engaging with research, their actions around using research, and their confidence in finding, interpreting, and judging the quality of relevant research. Notwithstanding the need for further testing, this paper argues that the scale has the potential to be applicable to other educational contexts and to contribute to future research into educators’ research engagement and its assessment. The scale can also provide school and education system leaders, as well as evaluators and researchers, with data regarding educators’ research engagement over time, allowing for research use supports and resources to be better targeted.
Shed light on photosynthetic organisms: a physical perspective to correct light measurements
Authors: Walter Andreas , Schöbel Harald
Published: February 2023

The requirements for novel and innovative production systems expedite research on light emitting diode-based illumination in a life science context. In course of these rapid developments, the scientific community is in need of a consensus regarding to the characterization and presentation of the applied lighting conditions. This publication aims to establish a basic understanding of photon physics and propose guidelines for the conclusive usage of light related quantities. To illustrate the challenges in data handling, six different light sources were measured and characterized. Furthermore, a stepwise conversion within and in-between physical systems is presented, and an opportunity to extract information from weak data sets is demonstrated. The proposed calculations indicated flexibility in data handling, but revealed partial inaccuracy for colored light emitting diodes with spectral power distribution maxima far-off 550 nm compared to spectrometer-based measurements and conversions. Furthermore, it could be shown, that when comparing light properties, the determination of photometric quantities is incorrect to describe lighting systems for photosynthetic organism and the usage of luxmeter or similar photometric sensors should be avoided. The presented guidelines shall support scientists in applying a consistent and precise characterization of their illumination regimes, tailored to their requirements to avoid ambiguous communication and the generation of incorrect and thus incomparable data based on wrong quantities and units, such as lumen or lux, in future research.
“Welcome to the Revolution”: Promoting Generational Renewal in Argentina’s Ni Una Menos
Authors: Friedman Elisabeth Jay , Rodríguez Gustá Ana Laura
Published: February 2023

Despite the global upsurge of youth-fueled mass mobilization, the critical question of why new generations may be eager to join established movements is under-explored theoretically and empirically. This study contributes to theories of feminist generational renewal in particular. We examine the longer-term movement context and more proximate strategies that have enabled young women to participate steadily in a cycle of protest, alongside more seasoned activists, due to a process of feminist learning and affective bonding that we call “productive mediation.” We focus on the Argentine Ni Una Menos (Not One Less) massive yearly march, which, since its onset in 2015, demonstrates that feminist activists have achieved the sought-after goal of fostering a highly diverse mass movement. These large-scale mobilizations against feminicide and gender-based violence gain much of their energy from a strong youth contingent, so much so that they have been called “the Daughters’ Revolution.” We show that these “daughters” have been welcomed by previous generations of feminist changemakers. Drawing on original qualitative research featuring 63 in-depth interviews with activists of different ages, backgrounds, and locations across Argentina, we find that long-standing movement spaces and brokers, as well as innovative frameworks of understanding, repertoires of action, and organizational approaches, help to explain why preexisting social movements may be attractive for young participants.
The three missing terms in Ramanujan’s septic theta function identity
Authors: Rebák Örs
Published: February 2023

On page 206 in his lost notebook, Ramanujan recorded the following enigmatic identity for his theta function $$\varphi (q)$$

φ
(
q
)

: $$\begin{aligned} \varphi (e^{-7\pi \sqrt{7}}) = 7^{-3/4}\varphi (e^{-\pi \sqrt{7}})\big \{1 + (\quad )^{2/7} + (\quad )^{2/7} + (\quad )^{2/7}\big \}. \end{aligned}$$

φ

(

e

-
7
π

7

)

=

7

-
3
/
4

φ

(

e

-
π

7

)

{

1
+

(

)

2
/
7

+

(

)

2
/
7

+

(

)

2
/
7

}

.

We give the three missing terms. In addition, we calculate the class invariant $$G_{343}$$

G
343

and further special values of $$\varphi (e^{-n\pi }),$$

φ
(

e

-
n
π

)
,

for $$n = 7, 21, 35,$$

n
=
7
,
21
,
35
,

and 49.
Systematic literature review on technological transformation in SMEs: a transformation encompassing technology assimilation and business model innovation
Authors: de Mattos Camila Silva , Pellegrini Giustina , Hagelaar Geoffrey , Dolfsma Wilfred
Published: February 2023

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are pushed to introduce new technologies due to different requirements and changes in the business setting. The SMEs' transformation to exploit new technologies is challenging given their lack of resources and the complexity of technological transformation, which encompasses technology assimilation and business model innovation (BMI). Although studies recognize the complementarity of technology assimilation and BMI for benefiting from technology, the literature is fragmented, and the technological transformation phenomenon remains abstract, especially in the SMEs' context. To improve understanding of technological transformation in SMEs, a systematic literature review was performed on 165 peer-reviewed papers published from 1999 to 2022, building upon BMI and technology assimilation constructs. The descriptive analysis outlines the field's evolution in terms of research and technological trends. The content analysis shows that: most papers focus on factors; the literature falls short of providing theoretical conceptualization and guidelines for the technological transformation process; only a few studies are dedicated to assessing the outcomes of technological transformation in SMEs; and the papers suggest that SMEs present a low transformation level. Finally, we inductively built a framework for technological transformation and suggest five research avenues.
Pot study using Chlorophytum comosum plants to biomonitor PAH levels in domestic kitchens
Authors: Hubai Katalin , Kováts Nora , Eck-Varanka Bettina , Teke Gábor
Published: February 2023

In indoor environments, cooking is a major contributor to indoor air pollution releasing potentially harmful toxic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In our study, Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegata’ plants were applied to monitor PAH emission rates and patterns in previously selected rural Hungarian kitchens. Concentration and profile of accumulated PAHs could be well explained by cooking methods and materials used in each kitchen. Accumulation of 6-ring PAHs was characteristic in the only kitchen which frequently used deep frying. It also should be emphasized that applicability of C. comosum as indoor biomonitor was assessed. The plant has proven a good monitor organism as it accumulated both LMW and HMW PAHs.
Social Policies and Theories on Quality of Life under COVID-19: In Search of the Missing Links
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Leung Janet T. Y. , Tan Lindan
Published: February 2023

COVID-19 has generated many negative impacts on the family, including impaired psychological well-being of family members (parents and children) and family processes (such as parenting and family functioning). Regarding social policies to support families under the pandemic, there are several missing links. First, COVID-19 related policies mainly focus on physical well-being with a relatively weaker emphasis on psychological well-being. Second, with social policies primarily aiming at stabilizing the “financial capital” of the public, human capital (particularly personal resilience) and social capital (particularly family resilience) are relatively neglected. Third, while “general” social policies may help “averaged” individuals and families, there is a need to take pre-existing family vulnerabilities (such as poverty and caregiving burdens) and inequalities into account when formulating “down to earth” social policies. Fourth, while social science knowledge and theories have important potential contributions to help develop relevant policies and services to promote quality of life under COVID-19, explicit utilization is not strong. With reference to these missing links, we proposed several research and practice directions for the promotion of quality of life under the pandemic.
Intrapersonal capacities for sustainability: a change agent perspective on the ‘inner dimension’ of sustainability work
Authors: Ayers James , Missimer Merlina , Bryant Jayne
Published: February 2023

An ongoing discussion in education for sustainable development (ESD) research has focused on defining a list of agreed upon sustainability competencies required for the work of sustainability change agents. This discussion has included the consideration of an ‘Intrapersonal’ perspective that considers the role of inner qualities in change agents and how this impacts their ability to implement sustainability. While many researchers have looked at the ‘inner dimension’ of sustainability work, the identification and function of an ‘Intrapersonal’ competence remains in question. Utilizing practitioner responses, this paper identifies eight Intrapersonal capacities that change agents described as beneficial to their implementation of sustainability. These capacities are the ability to: Hold complexity, Foster a learner’s mindset, Deeply value others, Let be, Show up as one’s full self, Regulate and manage the self, Persist with lightness and Ensure one’s wellbeing. The study provides insights into the identification of the capacities and their relationship to a wider Intrapersonal research field. It also discusses the implications this perspective has on education for sustainable development should it consider incorporating such capacities into teaching and learning. While much literature in the field is of conceptual nature, this paper offers an empirical contribution by including the voice and perspective of change agents to the Intrapersonal discussion.
The Impact of Reoperations Following Bariatric Surgery on Mid-term Outcomes
Authors: Straatman Jennifer , Demirkiran Ahmet , Harlaar Niels J. , Cense Huib A. ,   Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity Group (DATO), Jonker Frederik H. W.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

With the obesity epidemic, the number of bariatric procedures is increasing, and although considered relatively safe, major postoperative complications still occur. In cancer surgery, major complications such as reoperations have been associated with deteriorated mid/long-term outcomes. In obesity surgery, the effects of reoperations on postoperative weight loss and associated comorbidities remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess mid-term weight loss and comorbidities following early reoperations in obesity surgery.

Methods

A population-based cohort study was performed within the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity (DATO), including all patients that underwent a primary gastric bypass procedure or sleeve gastrectomy. Follow-up data was collected up until 5 years postoperatively on percentage total weight loss (%TWL) and comorbidities.

Results

A total of 40,640 patients underwent a gastric bypass procedure or sleeve gastrectomy between 2015 and 2018. Within this cohort, 709 patients (1.7%) suffered a major complication requiring reoperation within 30 days. %TWL at 24 months was 33.1 ± 9.2 in the overall population, versus 32.9 ± 8.7 in the patients who underwent a reoperation (p=0.813). Both analysis per year and Cox regression techniques revealed no differences in long-term follow-up regarding percentage TLW, and weight loss success rates (%TWL>20%) in patients who underwent a reoperation compared to patients without reoperation. At 5 years, the availability of follow-up data was low. No differences were observed in the remission of comorbidities.

Discussion

Major complications requiring reoperation within 30 days of gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy did not affect long-term outcomes with regard to weight loss or remission of comorbidities.

Graphical Abstract
How Can Implementation Science Improve the Care of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia?
Authors: Sarkies Mitchell , Jones Laney K. , Pang Jing , Sullivan David , Watts Gerald F
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

Describe the application of implementation science to improve the detection and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Recent Findings

Gaps between evidence and practice, such as underutilization of genetic testing, family cascade testing, failure to achieve LDL-cholesterol goals and low levels of knowledge and awareness, have been identified through clinical registry analyses and clinician surveys. Implementation science theories, models and frameworks have been applied to assess barriers and enablers in the literature specific to local contextual factors (e.g. stages of life). The effect of implementation strategies to overcome these factors has been evaluated; for example, automated identification of individuals with FH or training and education to improve statin adherence. Clinical registries were identified as a key infrastructure to monitor, evaluate and sustain improvements in care.

The expansion in evidence supporting the care of familial hypercholesterolaemia requires a similar expansion of efforts to translate new knowledge into clinical practice.
Integrating Functional Imaging and Molecular Profiling for Optimal Treatment Selection in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN)
Authors: Kong Grace , Boehm Emma , Prall Owen , Murray William K. , Tothill Richard W. , Michael Michael
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

Gastroenteropancreatic NEN (GEP-NEN) are group of malignancies with significant clinical, anatomical and molecular heterogeneity. High-grade GEP-NEN in particular present unique management challenges.

Recent Findings

In the current era, multidisciplinary management with access to a combination of functional imaging and targeted molecular profiling can provide important disease characterisation, guide individualised management and improve patient outcome. Multiple treatment options are now available, and combination and novel therapies are being explored in clinical trials.

Precision medicine is highly relevant for a heterogenous disease like NEN. The integration of dual-tracer functional PET/CT imaging, molecular histopathology and genomic data has the potential to be used to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual patient’s disease biology for precision diagnosis, prognostication and optimal treatment allocation.
Analytic semi-universal deformations in logarithmic complex geometry
Authors: Caputo Raffaele
Published: February 2023

We show that every compact complex analytic space endowed with a fine logarithmic structure and every morphism between such spaces admit a semi-universal deformation. These results generalize the analogous results in complex analytic geometry first independently proved by A. Douady and H. Grauert in the ’70. We follow Douady’s two steps process approach consisting of an infinite-dimensional construction of the deformation space followed by a finite-dimensional reduction.
A federated learning-enabled predictive analysis to forecast stock market trends
Authors: Pourroostaei Ardakani Saeid , Du Nanjiang , Lin Chenhong , Yang Jiun-Chi , Bi Zhuoran , Chen Lejun
Published: February 2023

This article proposes a federated learning framework to build Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Linear Regression models for stock market prediction. The performance of the federated learning is compared against centralised and decentralised learning frameworks to figure out the best fitting approach for stock market prediction. According to the results, federated learning outperforms both centralised and decentralised frameworks in terms of Mean Square Error if Random Forest (MSE = 0.021) and Support Vector Machine techniques (MSE = 37.596) are used, while centralised learning (MSE = 0.011) outperforms federated and decentralised frameworks if a linear regression model is used. Moreover, federated learning gives a better model training delay as compared to the benchmarks if Linear Regression (time = 9.7 s) and Random Forest models (time = 515 s) are used, whereas decentralised learning gives a minimised model training delay (time = 3847 s) for Support Vector Machine.
Application of geophysical techniques for shallow groundwater investigation using 1D-lateral constrained and 2D inversions in Ras Gara area, southwestern Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Genedi Mohamed A. , Youssef Mohamed A. S.
Published: February 2023

There is an urgent need for greater water resources to support sustainable development in Ras Gara area of southwestern Sinai. Determining the water-bearing zones of the shallow Quaternary aquifer of the Araba Formation in the study region is therefore the main objective of the research. This will be done by using a variety of geophysical techniques, such as DC resistivity sounding and shallow seismic refraction surveys. Using the Schlumberger array (max. AB = 1200 m), the DC data were gathered at 27 VES locations along five primary profiles. At the same locations, 27 spreads totaling 115 m in length of seismic data were also performed. One-dimensional laterally constrained (1D-LCI) inversion is only applied to the DC data in order to generate a best-fit model, whereas 2D inversion is applied to other datasets. The area is divided up into five geo-electrical layers based on the results of 1D-LCI inversion of DC data, and the aquifer is classified into fresh (third layer) and saline bearing-zones (fourth layer). The resistivity values of the fresh-zone range from 8.7 to 26.7 Ω.m, with only low values (5–7.5 Ω.m) found at some VES sites, while the resistivity values of the saline-zone range between 0.9 and 3 Ω.m, except for (14.4 Ω.m) at VES-04. At depths of (2.4–15.6 m) and (8.7–28.5 m) for the fresh and saline zones, respectively. In this region, the shallow low resistive (about 10–100 Ω.m) and intermediate high conductive (< 10 Ω.m) layers of the 2D-DC inverted model represent the fresh and saline zones of the aquifer, respectively. The basement rocks were represented by a deep, extremely high resistive layer that can reach 40,000 Ω.m. Three subsurface layers are identified from the results of the 2D inversion of seismic data (VP1 = 400–1100 m.s−1, VP2 = 1200–1900 m.s−1 and VP3 = 2400–5400 m.s−1). The saturated zone of this aquifer is represented by the second layer (depth, 3.7–20.5 m). The basement rocks are also reflected in the last layer of high velocity. The inversion results and the previously available hydro-geological map data show a good degree of concordance. In the eastern portion of the study area, additional water wells could be drilled for additional water resources.
Transcriptomic analysis predicts the risk of progression of premalignant lesions in human tongue
Authors: Zhang Tuo , Kutler David , Scognamiglio Theresa , Gudas Lorraine J. , Tang Xiao-Han
Published: February 2023

The 5-year survival rate for patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), including tongue SCC, has not significantly improved over the last several decades. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), including oral dysplasias, are oral epithelial disorders that can develop into oral SCCs. To identify molecular characteristics that might predict conversion of OPMDs to SCCs and guide treatment plans, we performed global transcriptomic analysis of human tongue OPMD (n = 9) and tongue SCC (n = 11) samples with paired normal margin tissue from patients treated at Weill Cornell Medicine. Compared to margin tissue, SCCs showed more transcript changes than OPMDs. OPMDs and SCCs shared some altered transcripts, but these changes were generally greater in SCCs than OPMDs. Both OPMDs and SCCs showed altered signaling pathways related to cell migration, basement membrane disruption, and metastasis. We suggest that OPMDs are on the path toward malignant transformation. Based on patterns of gene expression, both OPMD and tongue SCC samples can be categorized into subclasses (mesenchymal, classical, basal, and atypical) similar to those seen in human head and neck SCC (HNSCC). These subclasses of OPMDs have the potential to be used to stratify patient prognoses and therapeutic options for tongue OPMDs. Lastly, we identified a gene set (ELF5; RPTN; IGSF10; CRMP1; HTR3A) whose transcript changes have the power to classify OPMDs and SCCs and developed a Firth logistic regression model using the changes in these transcripts relative to paired normal tissue to validate pathological diagnosis and potentially predict the likelihood of an OPMD developing into SCC, as data sets become available.
Circ_0000182 promotes cholesterol synthesis and proliferation of stomach adenocarcinoma cells by targeting miR-579-3p/SQLE axis
Authors: Qian Cui-juan , Zhou Yu-xin , Wu Lin-ken , Wang Yi-chao , Teng Xiao-sheng , Yao Jun
Published: February 2023

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) or cholesterol metabolism have been demonstrated to participate in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) progression. However, the relationship between circRNAs and cholesterol metabolism in STAD and its underlined mechanism remain unclear.

Methods

RNA and protein expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8, EdU incorporation and colony formation assays. Total cholesterol (TC) and free cholesterol (FC) levels were measured by the corresponding kits. The relationships between circ_0000182 and miR-579-3p or squalene epoxidase (SQLE) mRNA were investigated by bioinformatics analysis, RNA-RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter and RIP assays.

Results

We found that circ_0000182 expression was significantly up-regulated in both STAD tissues and cell lines, and high circ_0000182 expression was correlated with increased tumor size. Circ_0000182 promoted cell proliferation and cholesterol synthesis of STAD cells. Accordingly, cell proliferation, cholesterol synthesis and SQLE expression were significantly inhibited by circ_0000182 knockdown in STAD cells, and these effects were partly reversed by miR-579-3p inhibition or SQLE over-expression. Furthermore, we identified that circ_0000182 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-579-3p, thereby facilitating SQLE expression, cholesterol synthesis and cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Circ_0000182 promotes cholesterol synthesis and proliferation of STAD cells by enhancing SQLE expression via sponging miR-579-3p.
Prostitution Under Debate in Spain: Citizens’ Perceptions of Its Prohibition
Authors: Méndez-Juez Marta , García-Santamaría Sandra , Pérez-Castaños Sergio
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The debate about prostitution within Spain’s feminist movement has recently, and recurrently, been transferred to the social and political sphere, but without arriving at a clear and shared position. The aim of this research is to verify the characteristics of those who are in favor of banning prostitution in Spain and to what extent there are differences between men and women.

Methods

To do so, we will use our own collected data during 2022 through a prestigious social research company, 40 dB, and by applying advanced statistical techniques—Logit model.

Results

The analysis illustrates three types of profile. The first one depicts the prohibitionist’s supporter profile in general terms. The second and the third ones demonstrate how women and men share similarities but also underlying differences, showing how women are more inclined than men to the prohibitionist approach.

Conclusions

This paper comes to validate, once again, most of the previous theoretical supported evidences, but not the religious element as a defining variable for being a banning supporter. The data also shows the possible consensus of those surveyed on this issue across different political parties.

Policy Implications

The implications of all kinds that arise around prostitution generate different public perceptions about its existence and practice, with its prohibition being one of the most important issues on the Spanish public agenda in recent months. This article depicts how the Spanish society positions itself in this policy agenda.
Moving Beyond Benchmarks and Competitions: Towards Addressing Social Media Challenges in an Educational Context
Authors: Ognibene Dimitri , Donabauer Gregor , Theophilou Emily , Buršić Sathya , Lomonaco Francesco , Wilkens Rodrigo , Hernández-Leo Davinia , Kruschwitz Udo
Published: February 2023

Natural language processing and other areas of artificial intelligence have seen staggering progress in recent years, yet much of this is reported with reference to somewhat limited benchmark datasets.

We see the deployment of these techniques in realistic use cases as the next step in this development. In particular, much progress is still needed in educational settings, which can strongly improve users’ safety on social media. We present our efforts to develop multi-modal machine learning algorithms to be integrated into a social media companion aimed at supporting and educating users in dealing with fake news and other social media threats.

Inside the companion environment, such algorithms can automatically assess and enable users to contextualize different aspects of their social media experience. They can estimate and display different characteristics of content in supported users’ feeds, such as ‘fakeness’ and ‘sentiment’, and suggest related alternatives to enrich users’ perspectives. In addition, they can evaluate the opinions, attitudes, and neighbourhoods of the users and of those appearing in their feeds. The aim of the latter process is to raise users’ awareness and resilience to filter bubbles and echo chambers, which are almost unnoticeable and rarely understood phenomena that may affect users’ information intake unconsciously and are unexpectedly widespread.

The social media environment is rapidly changing and complex. While our algorithms show state-of-the-art performance, they rely on task-specific datasets, and their reliability may decrease over time and be limited against novel threats. The negative impact of these limits may be exasperated by users’ over-reliance on algorithmic tools.

Therefore, companion algorithms and educational activities are meant to increase users’ awareness of social media threats while exposing the limits of such algorithms. This will also provide an educational example of the limits affecting the machine-learning components of social media platforms.

We aim to devise, implement and test the impact of the companion and connected educational activities in acquiring and supporting conscientious and autonomous social media usage.
Metallographic Investigation of the Bronze Sword from Vértesszőlős
Authors: Gyöngyösi Szilvia , Szabó Géza , Barkóczy Péter , Cseh Julianna
Published: February 2023

The area of Vértesszőlős was a populated area during the wide period of the Bronze Age. Artifacts from different cultures, and among them, many bronze objects were found. Most are ornaments, but tools and weapons have also been unearthed. The weapons found are a fragment of a sword, a blade tip fragment, and a dagger. The primary purpose of the study is the metallographic analysis of the objects to reveal the characteristics of their alloys and the manufacturing technique. It is also important from the point of view of identifying the basic copper alloy groups based on many test results. The study of the microstructure also provides new knowledge for this, and it also allows to determine the manufacturing technique. The purpose of the tests shall be to establish a detailed metallographic examination and compositional and manufacturing information.