bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Bidirectional Intimate Partner Violence on the Parent-child Relationship
Authors: Vasconcelos Diana , Machado Andreia , Caridade Sónia , Cunha Olga
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health issue and a human rights violation. Recent studies have revealed that most IPV is bidirectional rather than unidirectional, which can result in serious consequences for those involved. However, the impact of bidirectional violence (BV) on parenting, and more specifically on the parent-child relationship, is understudied. Thus, this study aims to understand the impact of BV on the parent-child relationship and analyze the differences in the perceptions about the quality of the parent-child relationship between parents involved in unidirectional IPV, parents involved in bidirectional IPV, and parents without IPV.

Methods

The sample comprised 138 participants of both sexes, aged 18 years or over, and with underage children. The study was conducted online, and data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Inventory of Marital Violence, and the Inventory of Parent-Child Relationship.

Results

Parents (male and female) involved in bidirectional IPV reported that the communication dimension was the most impacted and presented perceptions of lower quality in the relationship with their children than parents involved in unidirectional IPV perpetration.

Conclusions

These results suggest that individuals involved in BV might transpose the dynamics they establish in their marital relationship to their relationship with their children, resulting in less positive parent-child relationships. A new perspective on victim and perpetrator profiles emerges from this study, which should be considered regarding parenting intervention.
Effects of Si and SO2 on Corrosion of Fe–20Cr and Fe–20Cr–20Ni Alloys in Reducing Waste Combustion Gases
Authors: Nguyen Thuan Dinh , Zhang Jianqiang , Young David J.
Published: October 2023

Model alloys, Fe–20Cr and Fe–20Cr–20Ni (wt%) with and without 1% Si, were exposed to four different gas mixtures Ar–10H2O, Ar–10H2O–0.1HCl, Ar–10H2O–0.1HCl–10CO2, Ar–10H2O–0.1HCl–10CO2–0.5SO2 (vol.%) at 650 °C. The Fe–20Cr and Fe–20Cr–20Ni alloys underwent breakaway corrosion in Ar–10H2O–(0.1HCl)–(10CO2), forming Cr2O3 and Fe-rich oxide nodules. Silicon addition markedly increased corrosion resistance for both alloys by forming an additional SiO2 layer beneath the Cr2O3 scale. Addition of SO2 to Ar–10H2O–0.1HCl–10CO2 significantly suppressed the formation of Fe-rich oxide nodules on Fe–20Cr. Corrosion in the SO2-bearing gas resulted in (Cr, Fe, S)-rich precipitates in all alloys. The effects of gas composition and Si alloying on corrosion of both alloys are discussed in terms of transport processes within the scales.
Pulse and CW EPR Oximetry Using Oxychip in Gemcitabine-Treated Murine Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Dziurman Gabriela , Drzał Agnieszka , Murzyn Aleksandra Anna , Kmiec Maciej Mikolaj , Elas Martyna , Krzykawska-Serda Martyna
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The goal of this work was to compare pO2 measured using both continuous wave (CW) and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The Oxychip particle spin probe enabled longitudinal monitoring of pO2 in murine pancreatic tumor treated with gemcitabine during the course of therapy.

Procedures

Pancreatic PanO2 tumors were growing in the syngeneic mice, in the leg. Five doses of saline in control animals or gemcitabine were administered every 3 days, and pO2 was measured after each dose at several time points. Oxygen partial pressure was determined from the linewidth of the CW EPR signal (Bruker E540L) or from the T2 measured using the electron spin echo sequence (Jiva-25™).

Results

The oxygen sensitivity was determined from a calibration curve as 6.1 mG/mm Hg in CW EPR and 68.5 ms−1/mm Hg in pulse EPR. A slight increase in pO2 of up to 20 mm Hg was observed after the third dose of gemcitabine compared to the control. The maximum delta pO2 during the therapy correlated with better survival.

Conclusions

Both techniques offer fast and reliable oximetry in vivo, allowing to follow the effects of pharmaceutic intervention.
Reconsidering the Relationship Between Anti-immigration Attitudes and Preferences for the AfD Using Implicit Attitudes Measures
Authors: Kleinert Manuel
Published: October 2023

The study of demand-side factors for the success of radical right-wing populist parties has highlighted anti-immigration attitudes (AIA) as a particularly important predictor. However, these findings have relied heavily on direct self-report measures. This preregistered study theorises that direct measures may have underestimated, through social desirability bias, or overestimated, through cognitive dissonance avoidance, the relationship between AIA and support for the German radical right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD). A direct questionnaire and two Single-Category Implicit Association Tests were administered to a stratified sample of the German population (N = 369) to measure both explicit and implicit preferences for the AfD and AIA. Results reveal that the firm relationship between AIA and AfD voting intentions is strongest in an all-explicit setting, reduced in mixed analyses, and eliminated in the all-implicit model. This provides evidence that the need for respondents to report consistent ideologies may be a more serious threat to valid results in political attitudes research than is generally assumed. Social desirability seems to be less of an issue when assessing the strength of the correlation between right-wing attitudes and AfD preferences. Thorough robustness checks confirmed the reliability of these findings.
Work-related experiences and unmet needs of patients with a malignant glioma and relevant professionals: the BrainWork study
Authors: Zegers Amber Daniëlle , Coenen Pieter , Heeren Amy , Takke Nadia , Ardon Hilko , Compter Annette , Dona Desiree , Kouwenhoven Mathilde , Schagen Sanne B. , de Vos Filip , Duijts Saskia F. A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Many patients with a malignant (i.e., grade II-IV) glioma are of working age, yet they are rarely included in “cancer and work” studies. Here, we explored (1) the work-related experiences and unmet needs of patients with a malignant glioma and (2) the experiences and needs of relevant healthcare and occupational (health) professionals (“professionals”) in providing work-related support to this patient group.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were held with patients with a malignant glioma who were of working age and had an employment contract at diagnosis, and relevant professionals. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

Patients (n = 22) were on average 46 ± 13 years of age (64% male) and diagnosed with a grade II (n = 12), III (n = 4), or IV glioma (n = 6). Professionals (n = 16) had on average 15 ± 9 years of relevant work experience with the patient group. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) having a malignant glioma: experienced consequences on work ability, (2) communicating about the consequences of a malignant glioma at work, (3) distilling the right approach: generic or tailored work-related support, and (4) accessibility of work-related support.

Conclusions

Glioma-specific consequences on patients’ work ability necessitate better communication between, and tailored guidance for, patients, relevant professionals, and the workplace. Suggestions for improvement, e.g., the periodic use of comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, are provided in the article.

Implications for cancer survivors

Patients with a malignant glioma would benefit from tailored and proactive outreach about work-related issues bv relevant professionals.
Sirtuins as Potential Targets for Neuroprotection: Mechanisms of Early Brain Injury Induced by Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lei Kunqian , Wu Rui , Wang Jin , Lei Xianze , Zhou Erxiong , Fan Ruiming , Gong Lei
Published: October 2023

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a prevalent cerebrovascular disease with significant global mortality and morbidity rates. Despite advancements in pharmacological and surgical approaches, the quality of life for SAH survivors has not shown substantial improvement. Traditionally, vasospasm has been considered a primary contributor to death and disability following SAH, but anti-vasospastic therapies have not demonstrated significant benefits for SAH patients' prognosis. Emerging studies suggest that early brain injury (EBI) may play a crucial role in influencing SAH prognosis. Sirtuins (SIRTs), a group of NAD + -dependent deacylases comprising seven mammalian family members (SIRT1 to SIRT7), have been found to be involved in neural tissue development, plasticity, and aging. They also exhibit vital functions in various central nervous system (CNS) processes, including cognition, pain perception, mood, behavior, sleep, and circadian rhythms. Extensive research has uncovered the multifaceted roles of SIRTs in CNS disorders, offering insights into potential markers for pathological processes and promising therapeutic targets (such as SIRT1 activators and SIRT2 inhibitors). In this article, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the application of SIRTs in subarachnoid hemorrhage and explore their underlying mechanisms of action.
The upper cretaceous carbonate sediments of the Ras Budran Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt: stacking patterns and depositional controls
Authors: Salman Abdelhamid M.
Published: October 2023

The present study interprets the carbonate stacking patterns and their depositional controls in the Upper Cretaceous strata of the Ras Budran Field in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, on the basis of integrated well logging and a geological report provided. A set of well logs was run for two wells (RB-A2 and RB-B2), comprising gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron, sonic, and photoelectric factor. Composite logs and geological reports were also used to help deduce the lithological and biological description of the stratigraphic units under investigation. The stacking patterns of the carbonate rocks yielded three types of electro-facies. The first facies covers the lower part of the Brown Limestone (early Campanian) and reflects a cylindrical (aggrading) stacking pattern. This facies indicates keep-up carbonate deposition in a heterogeneous facies accumulated in shallow water. The second facies covers the upper part of the Brown Limestone (late Campanian) and displays a funnel (prograding) stacking pattern. This facies indicates the depositional setting of a shallow shoreline. The third facies covers the Sudr Chalk (Maastrichtian), for which a serrated stacking pattern indicates an aggradational environment. This pattern indicates a marine depositional setting both distal and deep. Therefore, the formation and evolution of the cyclical stacking pattern of the carbonate rocks reflects variations in accommodation potential that determines the environmental changes. The evolution of these deposits is mainly attributed to a combination of eustatic sea-level fluctuations and tectonic episodes within the basin.
FGF19 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression by inducing angiogenesis via inhibiting TRIM21-mediated ANXA2 ubiquitination
Authors: Shi Si , Zhang Qicheng , Zhang Kaiwen , Chen Wenhui , Xie Haijing , Pan Si , Xue Ziyi , You Bo , Zhao Jianmei , You Yiwen
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has characteristics of high invasion and early metastasis. Most NPC patients present with locoregionally advanced illness when first diagnosed. Therefore, it is urgent to discover NPC biomarkers. Fibroblast growth Factor 19 (FGF19) plays a role in various physiological or pathological processes, including cancer. In this research, we discovered the importance of FGF19 in NPC, and clarified its role in tumour angiogenesis.

Methods

Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to investigate FGF19 expression in NPC. Then we took CCK8, colony formation, Transwell and wound healing assays to identify the influence of FGF19 on NPC malignant behaviours. The proliferative and metastatic capacity of FGF19 were evaluated in nude mice and zebrafish. The role of FGF19 in angiogenesis was investigated by tube formation and Matrigel plug angiogenesis assays. We then evaluated the variation in Annexin A2(ANXA2) levels with the treatment of FGF19. Lastly, co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays were performed to identify the mechanisms involved.

Results

FGF19 levels were elevated in tissues and serum of NPC patients and were associated with poor clinical stages. High expression of FGF19 promoted NPC malignant behaviours. In particular, FGF19 expression was correlated with microvessel density in tissues and NPC-derived FGF19 could accelerate angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FGF19 influenced ANXA2 expression to promote angiogenesis. Moreover, tripartite motif-containing 21(TRIM21) interacted with ANXA2 and was responsible for ANXA2 ubiquitination.

Conclusion

FGF19 promoted NPC angiogenesis by inhibiting TRIM21-mediated ANXA2 ubiquitination. It may serve as a noninvasive biomarker for NPC and provides new insights for therapy.
Differences in Symptom Burden in Primary Brain Tumor Patients Based on Sex, Race, and Ethnicity: a Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Brady Kendall , Cohen Adam L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Symptom burden affects quality of life and prognosis in primary brain tumor (PBT) patients. Knowing whether symptom burden varies based on sex, race, or ethnicity may affect the interpretation of the relationship between symptoms and survival may reveal issues with applying the tools to measure symptom burden to different groups and may identify inequities in symptom management that need to be addressed at a system level. To determine whether symptoms in PBT patients vary across demographic groups, we conducted a retrospective chart review of symptom burden collected as part of routine care in a diverse population.

Methods

Patient demographics and scores on the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor (MDASI-BT) module were extracted from the electronic medical record for patients seen in the Inova Neuro-oncology Clinic between March 2021 and June 2022. MDASI-BT scores were compared based on side of tumor, sex, race, and ethnicity for the entire population and for the subset with gliomas.

Results

We included 125 people, of whom 85 had gliomas. For both the entire group and the subgroup with gliomas, about 40% were female and about 40% were non-White race. No differences in symptom burden were seen between males and females. Pain and numbness/tingling symptom burden were higher in both the entire population and the glioma subgroup for people of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish ethnicity and for people of races other than White or Middle Eastern self-identification.

Conclusions

Pain, weakness, and numbness/tingling varied significantly across racial and ethnic groups. Further research is needed to validate this finding in other populations and determine its cause.
Atypical Placental Site Nodules within the Diverticulum of the Uterine Incision, a Rare Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Misdiagnosed as Intrauterine Residue: A Case Report
Authors: Li Xin , Li Yanli , Shi Xiuting , Cheng Shiyu , Meng Tingzhu , Gao Han , Shi Jie
Published: October 2023

Atypical placental site nodule (APSN) is a rare benign gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). It is a tumor-like transformation that has a certain probability of developing into a placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) or epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT). Because of its atypical clinical presentation, it is difficult to diagnose and susceptible to misdiagnosis highly, thus delaying the patient’s condition. We report a scarce case of atypical nodules at the placental site of the uterine incision diverticulum in a 35-year-old female, who was irregular vaginal bleeding after a cesarean Sect. 2 years. She was diagnosed by several local hospitals with intrauterine residue and was given a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) orally, but the symptoms of irregular vaginal bleeding have not been alleviated. After being transferred to several hospitals, she went to Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital for treatment. Under the condition of excluding the second pregnancy, she underwent hysteroscopic resection of lesions and laparoscopic repair of uterine incision diverticulum. The pathological diagnosis after the operation suggested that the focus at the uterine incision was an atypical placental nodule that invaded the myometrium of the uterus. The operation completely removed the focus, and then the patient was followed up every 3 months in the first postoperative year, then every 6 months up to 3 years, and then annually thereafter up to 5 years, and then maybe every 2 years thereafter. The patient’s condition was quickly controlled, and the prognosis was good.
An overview of polarized neutron instruments and techniques in Asia Pacific
Authors: Jiang Chenyang
Published: October 2023

Polarized neutron scattering is an indispensable tool for exploring a vast range of scientific phenomena. With its dynamic scientific community and significant governmental support as well as the rapid economic growth, the Asia–Pacific region has become a key player in the worldwide neutron scattering arena. From traditional research reactors to cutting-edge spallation neutron sources, this region is home to a myriad of advanced instruments offering a wide range of polarized neutron capabilities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the development and current status of polarized neutron instruments and techniques in the Asia–Pacific region, emphasizing the important role of the Asia–Pacific region in shaping the landscape of global polarized neutron scattering development.
The Uncover Process for Random Labeled Trees
Authors: Hackl Benjamin , Panholzer Alois , Wagner Stephan
Published: October 2023

We consider the process of uncovering the vertices of a random labeled tree according to their labels. First, a labeled tree with n vertices is generated uniformly at random. Thereafter, the vertices are uncovered one by one, in order of their labels. With each new vertex, all edges to previously uncovered vertices are uncovered as well. In this way, one obtains a growing sequence of forests. Three particular aspects of this process are studied in this work: first the number of edges, which we prove to converge to a stochastic process akin to a Brownian bridge after appropriate rescaling; second, the connected component of a fixed vertex, for which different phases are identified and limiting distributions determined in each phase; and lastly, the largest connected component, for which we also observe a phase transition.
Exploring sociodemographic factors of problematic internet use: a cross-national study of North Macedonia and Poland
Authors: Domalewska Dorota , Jovanoski Aleksandar , Nenovski Blagoj , Sharlamanov Kire , Żakowska Marzena
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the correlation between problematic internet use (PIU) and sociodemographic factors, with a specific emphasis on culture, gender, and age. Employing a quantitative, cross-national survey design, data was collected from a total of 780 respondents from North Macedonia and Poland. The study did not find relationship between demographic factors, such as age and gender, and PIU. However, disparities emerged upon examination of cross-national differences. Respondents from North Macedonia exhibited a greater susceptibility to PIU when compared to those from Poland. These national differences manifested across multiple aspects of PIU, including decreased enjoyment of offline activities, diminished real-life relationships, and weakened self-control. The findings emphasize the importance of considering cultural context when studying internet usage patterns and potential addiction. As social media and the internet have become a regular social activity, prevention campaigns should be based on social norms and harm-reduction strategies directed towards social groups rather than individuals. This approach acknowledges the collective nature of the problem and seeks to address the root causes of problematic internet use.
Exploring team dynamics during the development of a multi-institutional cross-disciplinary translational team: Implications for potential best practices
Authors: Kotarba Joseph A. , Molldrem Stephen , Smith Elise , Spratt Heidi , Bhavnani Suresh K. , Farroni Jeffrey S. , Wooten Kevin
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

A recent literature review revealed no studies that explored teams that used an explicit theoretical framework for multiteam systems in academic settings, such as the increasingly important multi-institutional cross-disciplinary translational team (MCTT) form. We conducted an exploratory 30-interview grounded theory study over two rounds to analyze participants’ experiences from three universities who assembled an MCTT in order to pursue a complex grant proposal related to research on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, also called “long COVID.” This article considers activities beginning with preliminary discussions among principal investigators through grant writing and submission, and completion of reviews by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, which resulted in the proposal not being scored.

Methods:

There were two stages to this interview study with MCTT members: pre-submission, and post-decision. Round one focused on the process of developing structures to collaborate on proposal writing and assembly, whereas round two focused on evaluation of the complete process. A total of 15 participants agreed to be interviewed in each round.

Findings:

The first round of interviews was conducted prior to submission and explored issues during proposal writing, including (1) importance of the topic; (2) meaning and perception of “team” within the MCTT context; and (3) leadership at different levels of the team. The second round explored best practices-related issues including (1) leadership and design; (2) specific proposal assembly tasks; (3) communication; and (4) critical events.

Conclusion:

We conclude with suggestions for developing best practices for assembling MCTTs involving multi-institutional teams.
The impact of modeling decisions in statistical profiling
Authors: Bach Ruben L. , Kern Christoph , Mautner Hannah , Kreuter Frauke
Published: October 2023

Statistical profiling of job seekers is an attractive option to guide the activities of public employment services. Many hope that algorithms will improve both efficiency and effectiveness of employment services’ activities that are so far often based on human judgment. Against this backdrop, we evaluate regression and machine-learning models for predicting job-seekers’ risk of becoming long-term unemployed using German administrative labor market data. While our models achieve competitive predictive performance, we show that training an accurate prediction model is just one element in a series of design and modeling decisions, each having notable effects that span beyond predictive accuracy. We observe considerable variation in the cases flagged as high risk across models, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation and transparency of the full prediction pipeline if statistical profiling techniques are to be implemented by employment agencies.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Environmental Health (Two Sides of the Same Coin): A Systematic Review
Authors: Farrokhi Mehrdad , Khankeh Hamidreza , Saatchi Mohammad , Hadinejad Zoya , Ahmadi-Mazhin Sadegh , Mohsenzadeh Yazdan , Mehraein Nazdik Zahra , Shojafard Javad , Pourvakhshoori Negar , Ahmadi Shokoufeh
Published: October 2023

Background:

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 has led to many changes such as reduced human activities and effects on the environment. There is no big picture of the effects of pandemics on the environment using related evidence.

Objectives:

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental health.

Methods:

A systematic search of English language studies was performed in major electronic databases; Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar web search engine from December 2019 to February 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standard guidelines were used to follow up the review process. finally 58 articles entered the review procedure.

Results:

The results of indicate a significant reduction of air pollutants and improved air quality. It improved the water quality of some rivers, canals, and seas during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of this disease on the environment cannot be fully described yet.

Conclusion:

In the short term, the amount of air, water, and coastal pollution has been reduced. few studies have examined the effects of pandemics on the environment in the long run, which paves the way for more researches.
Caring for Delivery: Healthcare Professionals’ Ethical Conflicts in Surrogate Pregnancy
Authors: Triviño-Caballero Rosana
Published: October 2023

From the beginning of the practice of surrogate pregnancy, ethical approaches to it have included several dimensions. Central issues such as surrogates’ genuine autonomy, the risk of exploitation of people in vulnerable situations, or the legitimacy of the commercialization of the body have kept this debate alive for more than three decades. Among all the conflicts, those related to healthcare professionals involved in the surrogacy process have been less frequently addressed. Which patient(s) should they protect? Whose interests should they preserve, the surrogate mother's or the intended parents’? Are there differences in healthcare provision betweenregularpregnant women and those who are going to relinquish their babies? Is adequate compliance with the ethical standards of the caregiver–patient relationship possible? In this article, I will address these questions to identify interests and practices at stake in the healthcare context, where an important part of the surrogacy process occurs.
Ineffective diffusivity
Authors: Thiffeault Jean-Luc
Published: October 2023

An important problem in passive scalar transport is to parametrize the effect of a fluctuating component of the flow, in order to overcome a limited resolution. A local effective diffusivity is one such parametrization, and over the years there have been many different suggestions for ‘closures’ that relate the advective flux to gradients of the mean concentration. Souza et al. (J. Fluid Mech., 2023, in press) introduce a stochastic framework where the local effective diffusivity is replaced by an exact effective diffusivity operator. By computing this operator for various examples, they quantify deviations from the local approximation, which can suggest areas of improvement and novel closure models.
Forms of National and European Identity: A Research Note Reviewing Literature of Cross-National Studies
Authors: König Philipp
Published: October 2023

In the past decades, numerous publications have been addressing questions of national and European Identity on the micro level. Only few shed light on the contents that constitute these identities in the minds of Europeans. As different meanings of national and European identity are connected to different consequences such as hostile attitudes toward immigrants or Euroskepticism, reviewing attempts to measure these contents in existing cross-national surveys seems to be promising. This research note summarizes relevant literature on whether and which different forms of national and European identity have been found empirically, which specific contents constitute them, and which determinants and consequences of them are relevant. By comparing articles relying on cross-national survey data since 1995, it will be shown that the field of forms of national and European identity involves different operationalizations and numerous methodological concerns. This leads to considerations for further research in the field.
RIVERSAND: A NEW TOOL FOR EFFICIENT COMPUTATION OF CATCHMENTWIDE EROSION RATES
Authors: Stübner Konstanze , Balco Greg , Schmeisser Nils
Published: October 2023

In-situ cosmogenic 10Be (and 26Al) concentrations in alluvial sediments provide a spatially averaged signal of the erosion rate of the catchment area. Catchmentwide erosion rates reflect the production rate of the entire basin, and their calculation requires knowledge of the complete production rate model. Available calculators determine production rates on a pixel-based approach and achieve computational efficiency by relying on a scaling method that ignores geomagnetic field strength variations. Here we introduce a new python-based tool that determines erosion rates based on the hypsometry of the catchment. The method relies on the fact that production rates are much more sensitive to changes in elevation than latitude. Our tool has two main advantages: (1) computation time is short (<30 seconds) and independent of the scaling method; there is no need to neglect magnetic field variations, and (2) because production rate scaling is performed by a widely used online calculator, the results are fully comparable to exposure ages or point-based erosion rates determined with the same calculator; future updates to production rate scaling are immediately effective for catchmentwide erosion rate calculation. We demonstrate in two case studies that (1) for similar scaling methods, our calculator reproduces pixel-based results within a few percent, and (2) erosion rates determined with different scaling methods may differ by >20%, differences can vary systematically with erosion rate, and using a time-constant scaling method may result in a bias in the interpretation of catchmentwide erosion rates.
PROGRESS TOWARDS A BYZANTINE-MEDIEVAL HISTORIC BUILDINGS TREE-RING CHRONOLOGY FROM CYPRUS USING DENDROCHRONOLOGY AND RADIOCARBON
Authors: Manning Sturt W , Lorentzen Brita , Bakirtzis Nikolas , Soyluoğlu Mehmetcan
Published: October 2023

The rich architectural heritage of Cyprus from the period of Byzantine and Latin rule includes 10 churches inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Most of these monuments preserve wooden elements: whether structural, decorative or furnishings. Many preserve wall paintings that are considered among the best examples of Byzantine and Medieval art in the Eastern Mediterranean. The dating of these paintings as well as the church buildings themselves, has been based mainly on style, with occasional dedicatory inscriptions and related historical interpretation. We report early results from a project investigating the wooden cultural heritage of Cyprus and in particular the combined use of dendrochronology with radiocarbon via tree-ring sequenced 14C wiggle-matching to help place initial tree-ring sequences. This includes a floating 264-year Pinus brutia chronology from several monuments, which, with a ca. 5-year gap, suggests prospects for >700-years of P. brutia chronology for Cyprus, and, with one gap of several decades to fill, ca. 1100 years of Pinus nigra chronology for Cyprus. Several currently floating elements from the multi-phase UNESCO-listed Timios Stravros church at Pelendri, including a terminus post quem for the celebrated liturgical wooden cross, are approximately dated across the 11th to 16th centuries AD.
Functional informality: crafting social interaction toward scientific productivity at the Gordon Research Conferences, 1950–1980
Authors: Kotsou Georgiana
Published: October 2023

In the early and mid-twentieth century, scientific conferences were a popular tool to establish communication between scientists. Organisational efforts, research and funds were spent defining what makes a productive and successful scientific gathering. A unique example of this was the monitoring and evaluation system of the Gordon Research Conferences (GRCs), which conceptualized informal communication in small, specialized meetings as the best method of advancing cutting-edge research. Studying the detailed monitoring reports of the sessions and the evaluation forms filled by the participants, this paper explores how a concrete format of scientific knowledge production and identity formation was created and reproduced. The normative assessment of the participants’ interactions is examined in the contexts of (a) their professional affiliations, (b) the conference presentations and discussions and (c) activities related to play. The study of the GRCs exemplifies how scientists actively conceptualised characteristics like academic affiliation, manners, leisure practices and social categories such as gender as ways to understand, describe and measure how knowledge is best produced and transmitted, turning the conferences into a fertile ground for meta-scientific reflections.
Characterisation of Indian gut microbiome for B-vitamin production and its comparison with Chinese cohort
Authors: Chandel Nisha , Somvanshi Pramod R. , Thakur Vivek
Published: October 2023

The human gut microbiota can biosynthesize essential micronutrients such as B-vitamins and is also known for its metabolic cooperative behaviour. The present study characterises such B-vitamin biosynthesizers, their biosynthetic pathways, explores their prevalence and abundance, examines how lifestyle or diet affects them in multiple Indian cohorts and compares it with the Chinese cohort. To achieve this, publicly available faecal metagenome data of healthy individuals from multiple Indian (two urban and three tribal populations) and a Chinese cohort were analysed. The distribution of prevalence and abundance of B-vitamin biosynthesizers showed similar profiles to that of the entire gut community of the Indian cohort, and there were 28 B-vitamin biosynthesizers that had modest or higher prevalence and abundance. The omnivorous diet affected only the prevalence of a few B-vitamin biosynthesizers; however, lifestyle and/or location affected both prevalence and abundance. A comparison with the Chinese cohort showed that fourteen B-vitamin biosynthesizers were significantly more prevalent and abundant in Chinese as compared with Indian samples (False Discovery Rate (FDR) <= 0·05). The metabolic potential of the entire gut community for B-vitamin production showed that within India, the tribal cohort has a higher abundance of B-vitamin biosynthesis pathways as compared with two urban cohorts namely, Bhopal and Kasargod, and comparison with the Chinese cohort revealed a higher abundance in the latter group. Potential metabolic cooperative behaviour of the Indian gut microbiome for biosynthesis of the B-vitamins showed multiple pairs of species showed theoretical complementarity for complete biosynthetic pathways genes of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenate.
Assessment of tympanic membrane perforation size using ImageJ software by ENT clinicians of different grades
Authors: Chandrasekar Bhargavi , Milinis Kristijonas , Lowe Natalie , De Sujata , Sharma Sunil D
Published: October 2023

Objective

To compare visual estimation versus ImageJ calculation of tympanic membrane perforation size in the paediatric population between clinicians of different experience.

Methods

Five images of tympanic membrane perforations in children, captured using an otoendoscope, were selected. The gold standard was the ImageJ results by one consultant otologist. Consultants, registrars and Senior House Officers or equivalent were asked to visually estimate and calculate the perforation size using ImageJ software.

Results

The mean difference in variation from gold standard between visual estimation and ImageJ calculation was 12.16 per cent, 95 per cent CI (10.55, 13.78) p < 0.05, with ImageJ providing a more accurate estimation of perforation. Registrars were significantly more accurate at visual estimation than senior house officers. There was no statistically significant difference in ImageJ results between the different grades.

Conclusion

Using ImageJ software is more accurate at estimating tympanic membrane perforation size than visual assessment for all ENT clinicians regardless of experience.
Change in food choice during acute treatment and the effect on longer-term outcome in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Steinglass Joanna E. , Fei Wenbo , Foerde Karin , Touzeau Caroline , Ruggiero Julia , Lloyd Caitlin , Attia Evelyn , Wang Yuanjia , Walsh B. Timothy
Published: October 2023

Background

Restriction of food intake is a central pathological feature of anorexia nervosa (AN). Maladaptive eating behavior and, specifically, limited intake of calorie-dense foods are resistant to change and contribute to poor long-term outcomes. This study is a preliminary examination of whether change in food choices during inpatient treatment is related to longer-term clinical course.

Methods

Individuals with AN completed a computerized Food Choice Task at the beginning and end of inpatient treatment to determine changes in high-fat and self-controlled food choices. Linear regression and longitudinal analyses tested whether change in task behavior predicted short-term outcome (body mass index [BMI] at discharge) and longer-term outcome (BMI and eating disorder psychopathology).

Results

Among 88 patients with AN, BMI improved significantly with hospital treatment (p < 0.001), but Food Choice Task outcomes did not change significantly. Change in high-fat and self-controlled choices was not associated with BMI at discharge (r = 0.13, p = 0.22 and r = 0.10, p = 0.39, respectively). An increase in the proportion of high-fat foods selected (β = 0.91, p = 0.02) and a decrease in the use of self-control (β = −1.50, p = 0.001) predicted less decline in BMI over 3 years after discharge.

Conclusions

Short-term treatment is associated with improvement in BMI but with no significant change, on average, in choices made in a task known to predict actual eating. However, the degree to which individuals increased high-fat choices during treatment and decreased the use of self-control over food choice were associated with reduced weight loss over the following 3 years, underscoring the need to focus on changing eating behavior in treatment of AN.
The disadvantage of ideography
Authors: Adiego Ignasi-Xavier , Valério Miguel
Published: October 2023

Morin argues that fully fledged ideography is hindered by a problem of standardization. In general, the argument makes a great deal of sense, but we find that it is easier to grasp if, unlike the author, we consider ideography a language – one whose symbols (graphs) are not as effortless to produce as those of spoken and sign languages (phones, gestures).
The stranding of the ideography: A nonnegligible role of the spoken language
Authors: Zhang Bohua , Hu Xueping , Li Qing , Chen Antao
Published: October 2023

Morin suggested that one of the reasons for the difficulty in standardizing graphic codes is that the production of spoken language reduces the need for graphic codes. Here we try to extend their claims from a psychological perspective, which allows us to conclude that the puzzle of ideography is perhaps related to human psychological traits and psychological evolution.
Pragmatic interpretation and the production of ideographic codes
Authors: Berio Leda , Can Berke , Helming Katharina , Palazzolo Giulia , Moore Richard
Published: October 2023

We argue that the problem of ideographic codes stems from neither learnability nor standardization, but from a general issue of pragmatic interpretation. As ideographic codes increase in expressive power, in order to reduce ambiguity, they must become more detailed – such that production becomes more cumbersome, and requires greater artistry on the part of users, limiting their capacity for growth.
The design space of human communication and the nonevolution of ideography
Authors: Veit Walter , Browning Heather
Published: October 2023

Despite the once-common idea that a universal ideography would have numerous advantages, attempts to develop such ideographies have failed. Here, we make use of the biological idea of fitness landscapes to help us understand the nonevolution of such a universal ideographic code as well as how we might reach this potential global fitness peak in the design space.
Notational systems are distinct cognitive systems with different material prehistories
Authors: Overmann Karenleigh A.
Published: October 2023

Notations are cognitive systems involving distinctive psychological functions, behaviors, and material forms. Seen through this lens, two main types – semasiography and visible language – are fundamentally differentiated by their material prehistories, emphasis on iconography, and the centrality of language's combinatorial faculty. These fundamental differences suggest that key qualities (iconicity, expressiveness, concision) are difficult to conjoin in a single system.
Communication consistency, completeness, and complexity of digital ideography in trustworthy mobile extended reality
Authors: Clark Kevin B.
Published: October 2023

Communication barriers long-associated with ideographs, including combinatorial grapholinguistic complexity, computational encoding–decoding complexity, and technological rendering and deployment, become trivialized through advancements in interoperable smart mobile digital devices. Such technologies impart unprecedented extended-reality user hazards only mitigated by unprecedented colloquial and bureaucratic societal norms. Digital age norms thus influence natural ideographic language origins and evolution in ways novel to human history.
Water heritage values in the Eastern Black Sea region
Authors: Gündoğdu Saadet
Published: October 2023

The Black Sea is a substantial inland sea and has a very fascinating border on the east and west. It reaches into the Mediterranean through the straits, into Europe via rivers, and toward Asia via the Caucasus. The human relations developed through this network has led to the emergence of cultural landscape elements in the region. The natural landscape elements that have developed inherently in the natural beauty of the region have also become one of the most important pieces of heritage in the region. In this region, many uncontrolled practices that have taken place in recent years have rapidly degraded the cultural and natural landscape. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the beauty of nature, which makes the Eastern Black Sea region one of the most significant cultural and natural heritage areas of the world, and to explore its impact on human life in the context of water heritage as well as to address the dynamic risks of losing this beauty. In this study, the recognition of water as a heritage component is conceptually discussed in the context of the inherent cultural heritage and natural heritage. The unifying and integrative power of the multicultural water heritage that the region possesses is explicated.
Alcohol use polygenic risk score, social support, and alcohol use among European American and African American adults
Authors: Su Jinni , Kuo Sally I-Chun , Aliev Fazil , Rabinowitz Jill A. , Jamil Belal , Chan Grace , Edenberg Howard J. , Francis Meredith , Hesselbrock Victor , Kamarajan Chella , Kinreich Sivan , Kramer John , Lai Donbing , McCutcheon Vivia , Meyers Jacquelyn , Pandey Ashwini , Pandey Gayathri , Plawecki Martin H. , Schuckit Marc , Tischfield Jay , Dick Danielle M.
Published: October 2023

Alcohol use is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. We examined the interactive effects between genome-wide polygenic risk scores for alcohol use (alc-PRS) and social support in relation to alcohol use among European American (EA) and African American (AA) adults across sex and developmental stages (emerging adulthood, young adulthood, and middle adulthood). Data were drawn from 4,011 EA and 1,274 AA adults from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism who were between ages 18–65 and had ever used alcohol. Participants completed the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism and provided saliva or blood samples for genotyping. Results indicated that social support from friends, but not family, moderated the association between alc-PRS and alcohol use among EAs and AAs (only in middle adulthood for AAs); alc-PRS was associated with higher levels of alcohol use when friend support was low, but not when friend support was high. Associations were similar across sex but differed across developmental stages. Findings support the important role of social support from friends in buffering genetic risk for alcohol use among EA and AA adults and highlight the need to consider developmental changes in the role of social support in relation to alcohol use.
Effects of front-of-package caffeine and sweetener disclaimers in Mexico: cross-sectional results from the 2020 International Food Policy Study
Authors: Arellano-Gómez Laura Patricia , Jáuregui Alejandra , Nieto Claudia , Contreras-Manzano Alejandra , Quevedo Kathia Larissa , White Christine M , Thrasher James F , Davis Rachel E , Hammond David , Barquera Simón
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Front-of-package warning labels introduced in Mexico in 2020 included disclaimers that caution against allowing children to consume products with non-sugary sweeteners and caffeine. We examined the awareness and use of the disclaimers among Mexican adults and youth 1 month after the regulation was implemented. We also investigated their impact on the perceived healthfulness of industrialised beverages designed for children.

Design:

Data on the awareness and use of the disclaimers were analysed. Two between-subjects experiments examined the effect of a sweetener disclaimer (Experiment 1, youth and adults) or a caffeine disclaimer (Experiment 2, only adults) on the perceived healthfulness of industrialised beverages. Interactions between experimental conditions and demographic characteristics were tested.

Setting:

Online survey in 2020.

Participants:

Mexican adults (≥18 years, n 2108) and youth (10–17 years, n 1790).

Results:

Most participants (>80 %) had seen the disclaimers at least rarely, and over 60 % used them sometimes or frequently. The sweetener disclaimer led to a lower perceived healthfulness of a fruit drink (adults: 2·74 ± 1·44; youth: 2·04 ± 0·96) compared with the no-disclaimer condition (adults: 3·17 ± 1·54; youth: 2·32 ± 0·96) (t’s: >4·0, P values: <0·001). This effect was larger among older adults and male youth. The caffeine disclaimer did not affect adult’s perceived healthfulness of a caffeinated drink (t = 0·861, P value = 0·3894).

Conclusions:

There were high awareness and use of the sweeteners and caffeine disclaimers shortly after the warning labels were implemented. The sweetener disclaimer appears to be helping consumers modify their perceptions regarding industrialised beverages for children. Findings may help decision-makers improve the regulation and better target communication strategies.