bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation exposure and screening yield by digital breast tomosynthesis compared to mammography: results of the TOSYMA Trial breast density related
Authors: Sommer Alexander , Weigel Stefanie , Hense Hans-Werner , Gerß Joachim , Weyer-Elberich Veronika , Kerschke Laura , Nekolla Elke , Lenzen Horst , Heindel Walter ,   for the TOSYMA Screening Trial Study Group, Heindel Walter , Weigel Stefanie , Gerß Joachim , Hense Hans-Werner , Hecht Gerold , Sommer Alexander , Lenzen Horst , Czwoydzinski Jörg
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The randomized TOmosynthesis plus SYnthesized MAmmography (TOSYMA) screening trial has shown that digital breast tomosynthesis plus synthesized mammography (DBT + SM) is superior to digital mammography (DM) in invasive breast cancer detection varying with breast density. On the other hand, the overall average glandular dose (AGD) of DBT is higher than that of DM. Comparing the DBT + SM and DM trial arm, we analyzed here the mean AGD and their determinants per breast density category and related them to the respective invasive cancer detection rates (iCDR).

Methods

TOSYMA screened 99,689 women aged 50 to 69 years. Compression force, resulting breast thickness, the calculated AGD obtained from each mammography device, and previously published iCDR were used for comparisons across breast density categories in the two trial arms.

Results

There were 196,622 exposures of 49,227 women (DBT + SM) and 197,037 exposures of 49,132 women (DM) available for analyses. Mean breast thicknesses declined from breast density category A (fatty) to D (extremely dense) in both trial arms. However, while the mean AGD in the DBT + SM arm declined concomitantly from category A (2.41 mGy) to D (1.89 mGy), it remained almost unchanged in the DM arm (1.46 and 1.51 mGy, respectively). In relative terms, the AGD elevation in the DBT + SM arm (64.4% (A), by 44.5% (B), 27.8% (C), and 26.0% (D)) was lowest in dense breasts where, however, the highest iCDR were observed.

Conclusion

Women with dense breasts may specifically benefit from DBT + SM screening as high cancer detection is achieved with only moderate AGD elevations.

Clinical relevance statement

TOSYMA suggests a favorable constellation for screening with digital breast tomosynthesis plus synthesized mammography (DBT + SM) in dense breasts when weighing average glandular dose elevation against raised invasive breast cancer detection rates. There is potential for density-, i.e., risk-adapted population-wide breast cancer screening with DBT + SM.

Key Points

Breast thickness declines with visually increasing density in digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).

Average glandular doses of DBT decrease with increasing density; digital mammography shows lower and more constant values.

With the smallest average glandular dose difference in dense breasts, DBT plus SM had the highest difference in invasive breast cancer detection rates.
Uniform Approximation of Continuous Couplings
Authors: Bindini Ugo , Rajala Tapio
Published: July 2024

We study the approximation of non-negative multi-variate couplings in the uniform norm while matching given single-variable marginal constraints.
Assessing anorectal function in patients with recurrent ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wu Qiaoyan , Li Tongyu , Deng Fenglian , Yao Xuejie , Chen Xueqin , Jiang Qi , Ding Xiaoyun
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with an unclear etiology that can lead to irreversible changes in distal colonic function in chronic patients. This study investigated anorectal function in recurrent UC patients and identified influencing factors.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 33 recurrent UC patients and 40 newly diagnosed patients from January 2019 to December 2022. Data collection included clinical records, scores, and anorectal function assessments. Regression analyses were used to identify factors impacting anorectal function.

Results

Recurrent UC patients had higher baseline CRP and fecal calprotectin levels, increased anxiety and depression, and more severe fecal incontinence. They also had lower BMIs, serum Hb and albumin (ALB) levels, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores than did initial-onset UC patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that long disease duration (coef. − 0.376, P < 0.001) and high fecal calprotectin level (coef. − 0.656, P < 0.001) independently influenced the initial sensation threshold in recurrent UC patients. Additionally, high fecal calprotectin (coef. − 0.073, P = 0.013) and high Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score (coef. − 0.489, P = 0.001) were identified as two independent determinants of the defecation volume threshold. For the defecation urgency threshold, the independent factors included high disease duration (coef. − 0.358, P = 0.017) and high fecal calprotectin level (coef. − 0.499, P = 0.001). Similarly, the sole independent factor identified for the maximum capacity threshold was high fecal calprotectin (coef. − 0.691, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Recurrent UC patients had increased rectal sensitivity and compromised anorectal function, which significantly impacted quality of life. Proactively managing the disease, reducing UC relapses, and addressing anxiety are effective measures for improving anorectal function in these patients.
Activation of the interleukin-23/Th17 axis in major depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moulton Calum D. , Malys Mantas , Hopkins Christopher W. P. , Rokakis Anna S. , Young Allan H. , Powell Nick
Published: July 2024

The interleukin-23/Th17 axis is a promising modifiable target for depression. However, its association with depression has not been systematically evaluated. We systematically searched four databases (EMBASE, Web of Science, Pubmed and PsycINFO) for studies comparing patients with major depression and healthy controls for plasma/serum levels of Th17 cells and their canonical cytokines (interleukin-17A [IL-17A], IL-22, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor [GM-CSF]). We also compared counts of Th1, Th2 and Th9 cells between depressed/non-depressed patients and their respective canonical cytokines. We performed random-effects meta-analysis of the standardised mean difference (SMD) in immune measures between groups. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Of 3154 studies screened, 36 studies were included in meta-analysis. Patients with depression had elevated IL-17A compared to controls (SMD = 0.80 [95% CI 0.03 to 1.58], p = 0.042), an association moderated by antidepressant use (Z = 2.12, p = 0.034). Patients with depression had elevated GM-CSF (SMD = 0.54 [95% CI 0.16 to 0.91], p = 0.0047), and a trend towards higher Th17 counts (SMD = 0.44 [− 0.01 to 0.88], p = 0.052). Whilst the Th2-associated cytokine IL-5 was elevated in depression (SMD = 0.36 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.66], p = 0.02), Th2 cell counts (p = 0.97), Th1 cell counts (p = 0.17) and interferon-γ (p = 0.22) were not. Data for Th9 cells, IL-9 and IL-22 were insufficient for meta-analysis. Respectively, 22, 25 and 5 studies were good, fair and poor in quality. Patients with major depression show peripheral over-activation of the IL-23/Th17 axis. Future interventional studies should test whether this is a modifiable target for depression.
Duplicated Heschl’s gyrus associations with phonological decoding
Authors: Eckert Mark A.
Published: July 2024

The reason(s) for why a complete duplication of the left hemisphere Heschl’s gyrus (HG) has been observed in people with reading disability are unclear. This study was designed to replicate and advance understanding of the HG and phonological decoding association, as well as test competing hypotheses that this HG duplication association is specifically localized to the HG or could be due to co-occurring atypical development of other brain regions that support reading and language development. Participants were selected on the basis of having a duplicated left hemisphere HG (N = 96) or a single HG (N = 96) and matched according to age, sex, and research site in this multi-site study. Duplicated and single HG morphology specific templates were created to determine the extent to which HG sizes were related to phonological decoding within each HG morphology group. The duplicated HG group had significantly lower phonological decoding (F = 4.48, p = 0.04) but not verbal IQ (F = 1.39, p = 0.41) compared to the single HG group. In addition, larger HG were significantly associated with lower phonological decoding in the duplicated HG group, with effects driven by the size of the lateral HG after controlling for age, sex, research site, and handedness (ps < 0.05). Brain regions that exhibited structural covariance with HG did not clearly explain the HG and phonological decoding associations. Together, the results suggest that presence of a duplicated HG indicates some risk for lower phonological decoding ability compared to verbal IQ, but the reason(s) for this association remain unclear.
IGF-1 induces sex-specific oxidative damage and mortality in a songbird
Authors: Lendvai Ádám Z. , Tóth Zsófia , Mahr Katharina , Pénzes Janka , Vogel-Kindgen Sarah , Gander Bruno A. , Vágási Csongor I.
Published: July 2024

The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a pleiotropic hormone that regulates essential life-history traits and is known for its major contribution to determining individual ageing processes. High levels of IGF-1 have been linked to increased mortality and are hypothesised to cause oxidative stress. This effect has been observed in laboratory animals, but whether it pertains to wild vertebrates has not been tested. This is surprising because studying the mechanisms that shape individual differences in lifespan is important to understanding mortality patterns in populations of free-living animals. We tested this hypothesis under semi-natural conditions by simulating elevated IGF-1 levels in captive bearded reedlings, a songbird species with an exceptionally fast pace of life. We subcutaneously injected slow-release biodegradable microspheres loaded with IGF-1 and achieved a systemic 3.7-fold increase of the hormone within the natural range for at least 24 h. Oxidative damage to lipids showed marked sexual differences: it significantly increased the day after the manipulation in treated males and returned to baseline levels four days post-treatment, while no treatment effect was apparent in females. Although there was no overall difference in survival between the treatment groups, high initial (pre-treatment) IGF-1 and low post-treatment plasma malondialdehyde levels were associated with enhanced survival prospects in males. These results suggest that males may be more susceptible to IGF-1-induced oxidative stress than females and quickly restoring oxidative balance may be related to fitness. IGF-1 levels evolve under opposing selection forces, and natural variation in this hormone’s level may reflect the outcome of individual optimization.
Weyl multipliers for $$(L^p, L^q)$$
Authors: Maity Arup Kumar , Ratnakumar P. K.
Published: July 2024

We discuss the Weyl multipliers for pairs of Lebesgue spaces, and identify some sub classes of $$B(L^2({\mathbb {R}}^n))$$

B
(

L
2

(

R

n

)

)

which form Weyl multipliers for $$(L^p, L^q), \, 1\le p,q \le \infty $$

(

L
p

,

L
q

)
,

1
≤
p
,
q
≤
∞

. Similar results are also obtained for Lorentz spaces.
Epilepsie und dissoziative Anfälle
Authors: Opp Joachim , Schöndienst Martin , Kreul Katja , Reuber Markus , Gülich Elisabeth , Höfler Julia , Frank-Job Barbara
Published: July 2024

In unserem narrativen Review beschreiben wir die Besonderheiten der Interaktion von Patient:innen mit dissoziativen Anfällen. Wir zeigen, welches Potenzial in der Kenntnis dieser Besonderheiten liegt sowohl für die Differenzialdiagnose von epileptischen und dissoziativen Anfällen als auch für den klinischen Gebrauch. Patient:innen mit epileptischen Anfällen wollen das Gespräch mit der Ärztin/dem Arzt nutzen, um möglichst viel von dem nachvollziehbar zu machen, was mit ihnen im Anfall passiert und wie sie versuchen mit den Anfällen sinnvoll umzugehen. Wir berichten davon, wie sich nach unserer Erfahrung die Kommunikation unterscheidet, wenn wir mit Patient:innen mit dissoziativen Anfällen sprechen: Sie berichten eher ohne Details und ohne das subjektive Erleben des Anfalls zu schildern. In ihren Beschreibungen wird meist deutlich, wie stark sie dem Geschehen ausgeliefert sind. Sie sind eher irritiert von den Nachfragen zum Erleben im Anfall und lenken das Gespräch in andere Richtungen. Damit die Gespräche mit Patient:innen, die von dissoziativen Anfällen betroffen sind, nicht ins Leere laufen, ist es wichtig, diese kommunikativen Besonderheiten zu kennen und Einsicht in ihre Bedeutung für Diagnose und Therapie zu haben. Wir machen konkrete Vorschläge, wie Gesprächsführende mit der eigenen Irritation und mit den Aussagen der Patient:innen so umgehen, dass beide Seiten zu einem tieferen Verständnis der Situation kommen. So kann schon das Erstgespräch den Beginn der therapeutischen Arbeit einleiten. Wenn Kinder und Jugendliche zur Abklärung von Anfallsereignissen vorgestellt werden, so treten die Unterschiede in der Darstellung meist noch deutlicher zutage, da sie weniger Erzählroutine haben und eine meist deutlich kürzere Krankengeschichte.
Gibt es eine psychosomatische Epileptologie?
Authors: Schöndienst Martin , Wolf Peter
Published: July 2024

Da sich in epileptischen Anfällen typischerweise organisch bedingte Veränderungen wie Bewusstseinsverlust, Zuckungen und auch neurovegetative Phänomene mit seelischen Aspekten verbinden wie etwa mit spezifischen Auslösern, Veränderungen des Ich-Erlebens oder der Wahrnehmung, läge deren psychosomatische Zusammenschau nahe. Dennoch ist eine solche in der Epileptologie eher ungebräuchlich. Im Artikel wird, ausgehend vom Gestaltkreiskonzept der anthropologischen Medizin, erläutert, mittels welcher Wahrnehmungsausrichtung Krankheitshintergründe zugänglich werden können. Dies wird an einer Kasuistik verdeutlicht, wonach schließlich das Potenzial einer psychosomatischen Ergänzung der epileptologischen Praxis erwogen wird.
A hyper-Kähler metric on the moduli spaces of monopoles with arbitrary symmetry breaking
Authors: Mendizabal Jaime
Published: July 2024

We construct the hyper-Kähler moduli space of framed monopoles over $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

for any connected, simply connected, compact, semisimple Lie group and arbitrary mass and charge, and hence arbitrary symmetry breaking. In order to do so, we define a configuration space of pairs with appropriate asymptotic conditions and perform an infinite-dimensional quotient construction. We make use of the b and scattering calculuses to study the relevant differential operators.
Strain imaging as a prognostic indicator for complications in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Devera Justin L. , Wee Choo P. , Sohn Jina
Published: July 2024

The goal of this study was to determine the potential for right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) strain to predict cardiopulmonary complications of COVID-19. We identified 276 patients with COVID-19 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography within 30 days of COVID-19 diagnosis at our institution. Patients were excluded if they had a history of any primary outcomes before COVID-19 diagnosis or insufficient imaging. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV GLS were obtained using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Primary outcomes were death, pulmonary embolism, congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiomyopathy, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and myocardial infarction (MI) occurring after COVID-19 diagnosis. In the final analysis of 163 patients, mean RV GLS and LV GLS were reduced, and 43.6% developed at least one primary outcome. There were significant differences in LV GLS distribution in terms of CHF, cardiomyopathy, and MI in bivariate analysis. However, LV GLS was not significantly associated with CHF after adjusting for LV ejection fraction and RV fractional area change, nor with MI after adjusting for troponin T. RV GLS was significantly associated with ARDS after adjusting for other variables. In the risk stratification of patients with COVID-19, strain imaging can provide incremental prognostic information, as worsened RV GLS is associated with the development of ARDS.
Evaluation of ecological and health risks of trace elements in soils of olive orchards and apportionment of their sources using the APCS-MLR receptor model
Authors: Deliboran Aişe , Varol Memet , Aytop Halil
Published: July 2024

İzmir, Turkey’s third most populous city, is in an important position in terms of both agriculture and industry. The province, which contributes 9.3% to the country’s industrial production, also has an important potential in terms of olive cultivation. However, until now, no research has been undertaken to analyze the content of trace elements (TEs) in the soil of olive orchards in İzmir. This study was carried out to determine the pollution level and ecological risks of TEs in the olive orchards soils of İzmir province, to reveal their potential sources and to evaluate their health risks. Among the TEs, the average content of only Ni (37.9 mg/kg) exceeded the world soil average content (29 mg/kg), while the average content of only Cd (0.176 mg/kg) exceeded the upper continental crust content (0.09 mg/kg). Enrichment factor revealed that there was significant enrichment for Cd in 73.6%, Ni in 11.6% and Cr in 5.4% of olive orchards, respectively, due to polluted irrigation water and agrochemicals. Similarly, ecological risk factor indicated that there were moderate and considerable ecological risks for Cd in 48.8% and 23.3% of olive orchards, respectively. Absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model showed that Ni and Cr in the study area are affected by agricultural sources, Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn originate from lithogenic sources, and Cd originates from mixed sources. Based on health risk evaluation methods, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects would not be expected for residents. This study provides significant knowledge for evaluating soil TE pollution in olive orchards and serves a model for source apportionment and human health risk evaluation of TEs in other agricultural regions.
Building climate-resilient value chains in arid and semi-arid regions: a VC-ARID approach for rangeland adaptation in Kenya
Authors: Lutta Alphayo , Kehbila Anderson , Mungo Carol , Sunguti Elizabeth , Osano Philip , Kisang Obadiah
Published: July 2024

Climate change has adversely impacted nature-based value chains in the arid and semi-arid regions. The study investigates the impact of climate change on nature-based value chains in arid and semi-arid environments. With an emphasis on rangeland adaptation in Kenya, the study used the VC-ARID (Value Chains for Arid and Semi-Arid Regions) approach, designed to build climate-resilient value chains in arid and semi-arid regions. The findings reveal that climate change poses significant risks to nature-based value chains, including reduced water availability, increased temperature variability, and changes in precipitation patterns. The study identifies several challenges to value chain development, such as limited access to climate information, financial resources, and supportive policies. It underscores the urgent need to integrate climate resilience into value chain interventions to achieve poverty reduction and food security goals in arid and semi-arid regions. This calls for active collaboration and investment in climate information services, research, and extension services to enhance the adaptive capacity of value chain actors and promote sustainable development in vulnerable regions. Given that climate hazards and changes are context-specific, strategies for improving value chains' sustainability must be customized to the unique ecological and socioeconomic setting in which the nature-based value chain operates. Consequently, to build value chains that are climate resilient, each actor along the chain must assess climate risks and manage the activities that make up the value chain adaptively.
Structural and shielding effectiveness properties of (NiFe2O4/chopped strands) composites for 6.5–18 GHz applications
Authors: Sahin Ethem İlhan , Ibrahim Jamal-Eldin F. M. , Emek Mehriban , Sinsoysal Bahaddin , Amanzholova Alina
Published: July 2024

In this research, a mixed oxide technique was employed to create composite materials comprising NiFe2O4-chopped strands, aimed at evaluating their structural properties and microwave shielding effectiveness. The composites, produced through a hot-pressing process with varying proportions of NiFe2O4 and chopped strands, were integrated with epoxy to enhance their shielding capabilities. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of single-phase NiFe2O4, free from secondary phases. Scanning electron microscopy analysis corroborated the presence of cubic crystalline NiFe2O4, without microstructural impurities. The microwave shielding performance of the composites was assessed within the 6.5–18 GHz frequency range using a network analyzer (NA), revealing a minimum shielding effectiveness of − 36.34 dB at 16.56 GHz for a 1.3 mm thick sample. These findings demonstrate the successful fabrication of NiFe2O4-chopped strands composites with tunable microwave shielding properties, achieved by adjusting the NiFe2O4 content, allowing for tailored performance across various frequency bands.
Interplay between the heat treatment and structural and optical properties of Nb2O5 thin films
Authors: Mohamed Sara A. , El-Raheem M. M. Abd , Ahmed Mahrous R.
Published: July 2024

Thin films of Nb2O5 were synthesized by RF sputtering. The effect of annealing, at different temperatures (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 °C), on the structural and optical properties was studied. The crystallinity and structural characteristics of the Nb2O5 thin films were examined employing the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD and SEM analyses showed an amorphous nature for the as-deposited and annealed samples from 100 to 350 °C and crystalline structure for the annealed sample at 400 °C. The high values of the transmittance and low reflection make these films used as a window layer in solar cell systems. Upon increasing annealing temperature, the energy band gap Eg increased from 4.039 to 4.175 eV. Eg high values again make these films suitable to be used as a window layer in solar cell system. Urbach tail, EU, decreased with increasing annealing temperature. The refractive index showed the normal dispersion. The dispersion energies were found to have the same behavior with respect to annealing temperature, besides, the single oscillator energy Eₒ had a lower value compared to the dispersion energy Ed. The plasma frequency $${\omega }_{p}$$

ω
p

was found to increase with annealing temperature. The first and third optical moments had peak values depending on the incident photon energy.
Mass Incarceration, Maternal Vulnerability, and Birth Outcomes Across U.S. Counties
Authors: McKenna Melanie , Nowotny Kathryn M.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To examine the associations among mass incarceration, maternal vulnerability, and disparities in birth outcomes across U.S. counties, utilizing an ecological model and reproductive justice perspective was used. This study tests whether mass incarceration is associated with infant mortality and low birthweight across U.S. counties, and whether maternal vulnerability explains the relationship between mass incarceration and birth disparities.

Methods

Data were derived from a variety of public sources and were merged using federal FIPS codes. Outcomes from the CDC Vitality Statistics include percent low birth weight births (births below 2499 g divided by singleton births to women aged 20 to 39) and infant mortality (infant deaths per 1000 live births). Black–White rate ratios were calculated for the birth outcomes to specifically examine the large Black–White disparity in birth outcomes. The analysis controlled for urbanicity, income inequality, median household income, residential segregation, and southern region, as well as a fixed effect for state level differences.

Results

Findings show that counties with higher rates of incarceration have higher prevalence of infant mortality and low birthweight, as well as greater Black–White disparity in infant mortality. Mass incarceration is associated with increases in adverse birth outcomes and maternal vulnerability partially mediates this relationship.

Conclusions

Findings provide evidence that heightened levels of incarceration affect birth outcomes for all residents at the county-level. It is imperative to address the overuse of mass incarceration in order to support adequate reproductive healthcare of vulnerable populations in the United States.
Fiscal illusion at the individual level
Authors: Numa Kaetana
Published: July 2024

This study uses a survey experiment to test for fiscal illusion—the idea that taxpayers systematically misperceive their tax liabilities and contributions to public services. To date, the voluminous literature on fiscal illusion has not analyzed how better information on personalized total tax liabilities and contributions to public services would influence fiscal preferences. This is the first study to inform participants of their individual fiscal balance sheets comprising all major taxes regularly paid by taxpayers and their allocation to public services, thus comprehensively covering both sides of the fiscal account. This aim is achieved by embedding a novel personalized fiscal calculator in an online survey experiment administered to a representative sample of UK employees. The experiment finds evidence of fiscal illusion: providing personalized fiscal information reduces support for higher taxes and spending and increases support for lower taxes and spending. These findings indicate that taxpayers underestimate both their tax liabilities and the costs of public services.
Revisiting the “Timed Up and Go” test: a 12-s cut-off can predict Hospitalization Associated Functional Decline in older adults
Authors: Gatenio-Hefling Orly , Tzemah-Shahar Roy , Asraf Kfir , Dilian Omer , Gil Efrat , Agmon Maayan
Published: July 2024

Early detection of functional decline, a major risk among hospitalized older adults, can facilitate interventions that could significantly reduce it. We aimed to examine the contribution of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in predicting Hospitalization Associated Functional Decline (HAFD) among older adults, able to independently ambulate before admission. We used a cross-sectional study design; a total of 310 older adults (age ≥ 65) hospitalized in internal medicine wards between December 2018 and August 2020 were included; exclusion criteria were inability to ambulate, a diagnosis restricting mobility, hospitalization for end-of-life care, or impaired cognition. The Modified Barthel Index was used to assess HAFD; it was administered at admission to evaluate patients’ independence in activities of daily living 2 weeks prior hospitalization, and at discharge. The TUG test was performed on admission and to predict significant functional decline (defined by a reduction of three points or more in the Modified Barthel Index), while accounting for demographics, length of hospitalization, comorbidity burden (Charlson’s comorbidity index), and cognitive function (ALFI-MMSE). Participants were divided into three groups according to their TUG score—under or over a cut-off score of 12 s, or inability to complete the test. Adjusting for age, comorbidity, cognitive ability, and duration of hospitalization, the group that performed the test in less than 12 s showed no statistically significant change in the Modified Barthel Index, therefore no significant HAFD. The other groups showed a statistically significant decline in function. Risk for significant HAFD is currently underestimated in clinical settings, limited to subjective assessment, and underused in the context of implementing early interventions to prevent HAFD. The TUG may support screening for those at risk of hospitalizing-associated functional decline and could help identify patients suitable for preventative interventions.
How do environmental factors shape entrepreneurial intention? A review and future research
Authors: Tetteh Cephas , Tasavori Misagh , Bhattarai Charan R. , Zaefarian Reza , Rajwani Tazeeb
Published: July 2024

Entrepreneurial intention plays a critical role in the economic growth and development of countries. As a result, an increasing number of studies have examined different antecedents of entrepreneurial intention to understand how to foster entrepreneurial intention in a country. This research focuses on macro-environmental-related factors and endeavors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the critical factors in these areas that can impact entrepreneurial intention. A total of 40 studies from high-ranked journals were systematically identified and analyzed in the field of entrepreneurship and management. This review sheds light on details of the key cultural, regional, and economic factors as well as governmental and political factors and highlights how they impact entrepreneurial intention. It also provides some suggestions for future research directions. While some systematic literature review papers have been conducted on entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents, environmental factors have only been identified broadly as key antecedents. This research systematically reviews the existing papers and unravels different aspects of these factors and explains how they impact entrepreneurial intention. In addition, it sheds light on related future research directions.
Childhood interstitial lung diseases: current understanding of the classification and imaging findings
Authors: Tsujioka Yuko , Nishimura Gen , Nishi Eugene , Kono Tatsuo , Nozaki Taiki , Hashimoto Masahiro , Yamada Yoshitake , Jinzaki Masahiro
Published: July 2024

Childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILDs) encompass a diverse group of disorders with a high mortality rate and severe respiratory morbidities. Recent investigations have revealed that the classification of adult ILDs is not valid for chILDs, particularly for ILDs of early onset. Therefore, Children’s Interstitial Lung Disease Research Cooperative of North America proposed a new classification of chILDs for affected children under 2 years of age, and later another classification for affected individuals between 2 and 18 years of age. In this review, we provide an overview of the imaging findings of chILDs by classification. Most infantile ILDs have unique clinical, radiological, and molecular findings, while the manifestation of pediatric ILDs overlaps with that of adult ILDs.
Ready, Steady, No? The Contested Legitimacy of Weapon Deliveries to Ukraine in German Foreign Policy Discourse
Authors: Heck Axel
Published: July 2024

How were arms deliveries to Ukraine (de)legitimized in the German Bundestag? This paper is based on a discourse analysis of parliamentary debates held between December 2021 and January 2023 on the question of military support for Ukraine. It shows how the legitimization of arms deliveries and various identity narratives of German foreign policy are mutually constitutive but also reconfigured. Members of Alliance 90/The Greens, the Free Democratic Party, and the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union legitimized arms deliveries by referring to Germany’s identity as a European “shaping power” from which a “responsibility” to provide military support was derived. Ukraine had become part of the Western European community; therefore, arms deliveries were necessary to defend the European “we” against the Russian aggression. Criticism of arms deliveries was voiced by The Left, who emphasized Germany’s pacifist identity, which had been established as a lesson from National Socialism and should not be abandoned. The Alternative for Germany party also rejected any military support, pointing to the negative consequences for economic relations with Russia and openly questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian statehood, as Putin derives geopolitical claims over Ukraine that “must be respected.” The most radical change was observed within the Social Democratic Party parliamentary group. Just a few weeks after his appearance in the Bundestag, Scholz and his parliamentary group mobilized a vocabulary that was less associated with “Zeitenwende” and more with Germany’s traditional identity as a “civilian power” in order to legitimize a “balanced” approach so that “Russia does not win” but Germany is not dragged into the war either.
Decentralising the Self – Ethical Considerations in Utilizing Decentralised Web Technology for Direct Brain Interfaces
Authors: Lyreskog David M , Zohny Hazem , Mann Sebastian Porsdam , Singh Ilina , Savulescu Julian
Published: July 2024

The rapidly advancing field of brain-computer (BCI) and brain-to-brain interfaces (BBI) is stimulating interest across various sectors including medicine, entertainment, research, and military. The developers of large-scale brain-computer networks, sometimes dubbed ‘Mindplexes’ or ‘Cloudminds’, aim to enhance cognitive functions by distributing them across expansive networks. A key technical challenge is the efficient transmission and storage of information. One proposed solution is employing blockchain technology over Web 3.0 to create decentralised cognitive entities. This paper explores the potential of a decentralised web for coordinating large brain-computer constellations, and its associated benefits, focusing in particular on the conceptual and ethical challenges this innovation may pose pertaining to (1) Identity, (2) Sovereignty (encompassing Autonomy, Authenticity, and Ownership), (3) Responsibility and Accountability, and (4) Privacy, Safety, and Security. We suggest that while a decentralised web can address some concerns and mitigate certain risks, underlying ethical issues persist. Fundamental questions about entity definition within these networks, the distinctions between individuals and collectives, and responsibility distribution within and between networks, demand further exploration.
What is good? Exploring the applicability of a one item measure as a proxy for measuring acceptance in driver-vehicle interaction studies
Authors: Buchner Claudia , Kraus Johannes , Miller Linda , Baumann Martin
Published: July 2024

New driver assistance systems play an important role to rise safety and comfort in todays´ traffic. Those systems should be developed with the needs of the user in mind and tested for the users´ requirements. In this, user acceptance is a central variable of interest – both in scientific and in practical applications of user-centered research on driver assistance systems. In some cases, applied research settings need simplified measurements in order to be efficiently applicable in the driving situations. In the present paper, we explored the applicability and validity of a single-item acceptance measurement (SIAM) for practical study settings covering the attitude towards using new driver assistance systems. To provide a theoretical framing, we tested the one-item measure against the widely used Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the van der Laan acceptance scale (VDL) in a driving simulator study. Participants experienced four different complex driving scenarios using a driver assistance system. Acceptance was measured repeatedly throughout the drive. The results supported construct validity for the SIAM, correlating with the VDL. The SIAM further predicted the intention to use the system. Being carefully aware of the psychometric drawbacks of short scales and acknowledging the importance of multi-item scales, the SIAM is promising for efficiently approaching the acceptance of driver assistance systems in applied settings.
Polarization and wavelength routers based on diffractive neural network
Authors: Lin Xiaohong , Fu Yulan , Zhang Kuo , Zhang Xinping , Feng Shuai , Hu Xiaoyong
Published: July 2024

In the field of information processing, all-optical routers are significant for achieving high-speed, high-capacity signal processing and transmission. In this study, we developed three types of structurally simple and flexible routers using the deep diffractive neural network (D2NN), capable of routing incident light based on wavelength and polarization. First, we implemented a polarization router for routing two orthogonally polarized light beams. The second type is the wavelength router that can route light with wavelengths of 1550, 1300, and 1100 nm, demonstrating outstanding performance with insertion loss as low as 0.013 dB and an extinction ratio of up to 18.96 dB, while also maintaining excellent polarization preservation. The final router is the polarization-wavelength composite router, capable of routing six types of input light formed by pairwise combinations of three wavelengths (1550, 1300, and 1100 nm) and two orthogonal linearly polarized lights, thereby enhancing the information processing capability of the device. These devices feature compact structures, maintaining high contrast while exhibiting low loss and passive characteristics, making them suitable for integration into future optical components. This study introduces new avenues and methodologies to enhance performance and broaden the applications of future optical information processing systems.

Graphical Abstract
AURKB promotes immunogenicity and immune infiltration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Weihao , Liu Ying , Chen Shisheng , Hui Jialiang , He Shuhua
Published: July 2024

Background

Chromatin regulators (CRs) are capable of causing epigenetic alterations, which are significant features of cancer. However, the function of CRs in controlling Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is not well understood. This research aims to discover a CRs prognostic signature in ccRCC and to elucidate the roles of CRs-related genes in tumor microenvironment (TME).

Methods

Expression profiles and relevant clinical annotations were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and UCSC Xena platform for progression-free survival (PFS) data. The R package "limma" was used to identify differentially expressed CRs. A predictive model based on five CRs was developed using LASSO-Cox analysis. The model's predictive power and applicability were validated using K-M curves, ROC curves, nomograms, comparisons with other models, stratified survival analyses, and validation with the ICGC cohort. GO and GSEA analyses were performed to investigate mechanisms differentiating low and high riskScore groups. Immunogenicity was assessed using Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB), immune cell infiltrations were inferred, and immunotherapy was evaluated using immunophenogram analysis and the expression patterns of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and checkpoint genes. Differentially expressed CRs (DECRs) between low and high riskScore groups were identified using log2|FC|> 1 and FDR < 0.05. AURKB, one of the high-risk DECRs and a component of our prognostic model, was selected for further analysis.

Results

We constructed a 5 CRs signature, which demonstrated a strong capacity to predict survival and greater applicability in ccRCC. Elevated immunogenicity and immune infiltration in the high riskScore group were associated with poor prognosis. Immunotherapy was more effective in the high riskScore group, and certain chemotherapy medications, including cisplatin, docetaxel, bleomycin, and axitinib, had lower IC50 values. Our research shows that AURKB is critical for the immunogenicity and immune infiltration of the high riskScore group.

Conclusion

Our study produced a reliable prognostic prediction model using only 5 CRs. We found that AURKB promotes immunogenicity and immune infiltration. This research provides crucial support for the development of prognostic biomarkers and treatment strategies for ccRCC.
Establishing an oxidative stress mitochondria-related prognostic model in hepatocellular carcinoma based on multi-omics characteristics and machine learning computational framework
Authors: Wei Yitian , Ma Lujuan , Peng Qian , Lu Lin
Published: July 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Damaged mitochondria are characterized by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can promote cancer development. The prognostic value of the interplay between mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in HCC requires further investigation. Gene expression data of HCC samples were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). We screened prognostic oxidative stress mitochondria-related (OSMT) genes at the bulk transcriptome level. Based on multiple machine learning algorithms, we constructed a consensus oxidative stress mitochondria-related signature (OSMTS), which contained 26 genes. In addition, we identified six of these genes as having a suitable prognostic value for OSMTS to reduce the difficulty of clinical application. Univariate and multivariate analyses verified the OSMTS as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. The OSMTS-related nomogram demonstrated to be a powerful tool for the clinical diagnosis of HCC. We observed differences in biological function and immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment between the high- and low-risk groups. The highest expression of the OSMTS was detected in hepatocytes at the single-cell transcriptome level. Hepatocytes in the high- and low-risk groups differed significantly in terms of biological function and intercellular communication. Moreover, at the spatial transcriptome level, high expression of OSMTS was mainly in regions enriched in hepatocytes and B cells. Potential drugs targeting specific risk subgroups were identified. Our study revealed that the OSMTS can serve as a promising tool for prognosis prediction and precise intervention in HCC patients.
Some remarks on cone-adapted shearlets
Authors: Dahlke Stephan , Teschke Gerd
Published: July 2024

In recent years, cone-adapted shearlets have been established as a powerful tool for the detection of directional information in images. It has also turned out that an interpretation of cone-adapted shearlets in the realm of coorbit space theory exists. Then, cone-adapted shearlets are defined by requiring a certain sparsity pattern of the frame expansion coefficients. In this note, we discuss some structural properties of these spaces.
Effects of Breastfeeding on Cognitive Abilities at 4 Years Old: Cohort Study
Authors: Vargas-Pérez Susana , Hernández-Martínez Carmen , Voltas Núria , Morales-Hidalgo Paula , Canals Josefa , Arija Victoria
Published: July 2024

Human breast milk dynamically adapts to meet the needs of healthy neurodevelopment. While a great deal of research has examined the relationship between breastfeeding, infant cognitive development and IQ, findings are inconclusive when potential confounders are adjusted for. This raises questions about the various ways in which breastfeeding and other crucial factors can impact on infant IQ and cognitive abilities. The main aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between breastfeeding and child IQ and cognitive abilities after adjusting for sociodemographic, perinatal and postnatal variables. The participants were 613 boys and girls aged 4–5 years old from two cohort studies carried out in Tarragona, Spain. IQ and cognitive abilities were assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV (WPPSI-IV). Sociodemographic, prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors were collected. Descriptive analyses compared mother and infant characteristics by breastfeeding categories using Chi-squared and ANOVA tests. Regression models explored associations between breastfeeding duration and WPPSI-IV indexes. Breastfeeding from 1 to 8 months was related to higher scores on the Full-Scale IQ (b = 3.909, p = 0.035) and Working Memory Index (b = 3.757, p = 0.044), Non-Verbal Index (b = 4.184, p = 0.029), Cognitive Proficiency Index (b = 4.015, p = 0.038) at 4–5 years old, even after adjusting for the mother’s IQ and mother-infant attachment difficulties. Our study emphasizes the numerous advantages of breastfeeding and underscores the importance of infants being breastfed through healthcare and health policies. Advocating breastfeeding for the first six months of life is crucial for enhancing lifelong well-being and cognitive development in children.
Social-Ecological Correlates of Social Well-Being in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in the USA: Implications for Policy, Theory, and Research
Authors: Cramer Robert J. , Kaniuka Andréa R. , Tucker Raymond P. , Hanson Brenda , Fording Richard C. , Robertson Lee , Mesaeh Casey , Zabelski Sasha , Joiner Thomas
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Emerging transgender and gender diverse (TGD) health models focus on social well-being. The present study contributes to this movement through investigation of hate crime statutes, state-level political and anti-TGD attitudes, and multiple marginalized identities as correlates of social well-being (i.e., outness, community connection, and workplace and familial support).

Methods

The current study merged data from three sources: (a) the 2015 United States Transgender Survey (USTS), (b) the 2014 and 2018 Cooperative Congressional Election Studies (CCES), and (c) the 2018 Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Hate Crime Map. Bivariate (e.g., chi-square) and regression analyses were used to identify correlates of social well-being among TGD adults in the USA.

Results

All types of hate crime laws showed bivariate protective associations for outness and family support. Regression models showed that several marginalized identities (e.g., having a disability) were the most consistent and largest correlates of social well-being. Higher state-level anti-TGD attitudes were linked with lower familial support and outness. The presence of state-level hate crime law civil action and police training statutes was positively associated with outness.

Conclusions

The results extend the limited research on correlates of TGD social well-being. Findings support TGD health models addressing resilience and social safety. Future research should address hate crime law policy analysis, police training evaluation, and prospective testing of TGD social well-being.

Policy Implications

Hate crime laws, in particular civil action and police training statutes, may be associated with better outcomes for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) persons. Evaluation of hate crime law effectiveness may need to focus on implementation as opposed to mere presence of laws. Policies specific to police training should include guidelines for training content and rigorous evaluation.
Sociopsychology of Interindividual Relations and Institutions: Levels of Analysis, Events, Research, and Theory
Authors: Ardila-Sánchez José G. , López-López Wilson
Published: July 2024

Sociopsychology is a multidisciplinary field study of interindividual relations, namely, a molecular segment of institutional or social practices. This area of studies has had an important developments over the last 15 years. Several experimental studies have been published in English and Spanish. However, the primary theoretical work is published in Spanish, and for this reason there is a need to connect the theoretical analysis to non-Spanish speaking audiences. We provide a conceptual analysis of sociopsychology as a scientific enterprise considering five main types of scientific descriptions: (1) the subject matter as a distinctive event; (2) levels of description of the event; (3) the factors and types of events; (4) the basic operations, methods, instruments, and experimental designs, and (5) main premises about social behavior and social contingencies. Our aim is to critically examine the sociopsychological view of social systems. Contributions of sociopsychology to behavior analytic knowledge of social relations and culture are also considered.