bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of patient skin colour on diagnostic ability and confidence of medical students
Authors: Dodd Rebecca V. , Rafi Damir , Stackhouse Ashlyn A. , Brown Celia A. , Westacott Rachel J. , Meeran Karim , Hughes Elizabeth , Wilkinson Paul , Gurnell Mark , Swales Catherine , Sam Amir H.
Published: March 2023

Previous literature has explored unconscious racial biases in clinical education and medicine, finding that people with darker skin tones can be underrepresented in learning resources and managed differently in a clinical setting. This study aimed to examine whether patient skin colour can affect the diagnostic ability and confidence of medical students, and their cognitive reasoning processes. We presented students with 12 different clinical presentations on both white skin (WS) and non-white skin (NWS). A think aloud (TA) study was conducted to explore students’ cognitive reasoning processes (n = 8). An online quiz was also conducted where students submitted a diagnosis and confidence level for each clinical presentation (n = 185). In the TA interviews, students used similar levels of information gathering and analytical reasoning for each skin type but appeared to display increased uncertainty and reduced non-analytical reasoning methods for the NWS images compared to the WS images. In the online quiz, students were significantly more likely to accurately diagnose five of the 12 clinical presentations (shingles, cellulitis, Lyme disease, eczema and meningococcal disease) on WS compared to NWS (p < 0.01). With regards to students’ confidence, they were significantly more confident diagnosing eight of the 12 clinical presentations (shingles, cellulitis, Lyme disease, eczema, meningococcal disease, urticaria, chickenpox and Kawasaki disease) on WS when compared to NWS (p < 0.01). These findings highlight the need to improve teaching resources to include a greater diversity of skin colours exhibiting clinical signs, to improve students’ knowledge and confidence, and ultimately, to avoid patients being misdiagnosed due to the colour of their skin.
Pathogenic variants among females with breast cancer and a non-breast cancer reveal opportunities for cancer interception
Authors: Bychkovsky Brittany L. , Lo Min-Tzu , Yussuf Amal , Horton Carrie , Hemyari Parichehr , LaDuca Holly , Garber Judy E. , Scheib Rochelle , Rana Huma Q.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Herein, we report the frequency and distribution of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) among females with breast cancer (BC) and at least one other non-BC who underwent multi-gene panel testing (MGPT). Among females with PVs diagnosed first with BC or ovarian cancer (OC), we sought to enumerate the frequency of subsequent PV-associated cancers.

Methods

Females with BC and cancer of ≥ 1 other site (multiple primary cancers, MPC) who underwent MGPT through Ambry Genetics from March 2012 to December 2016 were included if they had testing of at least 21 genes of interest (ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, NBN, NF1, PALB2, PMS2, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, STK11, and TP53). Phenotypic data were abstracted from test requisition forms and clinical notes.

Results

Of 6,617 evaluable patients, most were White (70.8%) and median age at first cancer, second cancer, and MGPT was 49 (interquartile range [IQR]: 18), 59 (IQR: 16), and 63 (IQR: 16) years, respectively. PVs were found among 14.1% (932/6617) of the overall cohort and in 16.4% (440/2687) of females who were diagnosed first with BC. Among those, 55.2% (243/440) had an actionable PV associated with a subsequent cancer diagnosis including 150 OCs. Of the 2443 females with breast and ovarian cancer, few (n = 97, 9.5%) were diagnosed first with OC, limiting our analysis.

Conclusions

Females with MPC, including BC, have a high frequency of germline PVs (14.1%). These data delineate the opportunities for intercepting subsequent cancers associated with genetic risk among females diagnosed first with BC.
Adherence to endocrine therapy in early breast cancer in relation to Cytochrome P450 2D6 genotype: a comparison between pharmacy dispensation data and medical records
Authors: Thorén Linda , Margolin Sara , Eliasson Erik , Bergh Jonas , Lindh Jonatan D.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Suboptimal adherence to adjuvant endocrine treatment (AET) is an important clinical concern. A correlation between CYP2D6 activity and tamoxifen discontinuation has been described. The main aim of this study was to investigate the consistency between pharmacy dispensation data and medical records on adherence to AET.

Methods

Adherence was calculated for patients with at least 4.5 years of follow up and was defined as Medical Possession Rate ≥ 80%. Subgroup analyses were performed based on menopausal status, recurrence risk and CYP2D6 activity.

Results

In 86% of the 1235 included patients the consistency between the two sources of information was within 80–125%. Poor consistency, < 80%, was most frequent in the premenopausal/ high-risk group and CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers (PMs). Among 899 patients with at least 4.5 years follow up, 72% were adherent to tamoxifen based on pharmacy dispensation data, compared with 77% as reported by medical records. When including patients who switched to aromatase inhibitors after tamoxifen, adherence increased to 82% and 88%, respectively. Adherence did not differ by menopausal status or risk for recurrence. CYP2D6 PMs had poorer adherence (54%) to tamoxifen compared to patients with the highest CYP2D6 activity (83%).

Conclusions

There was a good consistency between medical records and pharmacy dispensing data on the use of AET. Adherence to AET was adequate, especially when including switch to aromatase inhibitors. Surprisingly, CYP2D6 PMs had low adherence to tamoxifen, despite a likely reduced risk of side effects according to previous data.
Vulnerability of diked marsh ecosystems under climate change
Authors: Dorau Kristof , Mansfeldt Tim
Published: March 2023

Diked marsh soils are natural laboratories where soil-forming processes take place over a short period of time, such as the aeration of previously water-saturated soil environments along with desalinization. These manmade ecosystems are threatened by climate change in multiple ways. Since long-term data to evaluate the vulnerability of these settings is scarce, we merged hydrological (water table, WT; electrical conductivity, EC; sea level rise), pedological (redox potential, EH; air-filled porosity, AFP), and meteorological variables (evapotranspiration, ET0; climatic water balance, CWB), and discussed the holistic relationship between these under future climate scenarios. Our multifactorial data identified ET0as the strongest driver of WT development with a causal dependency on AFP and subsequently on EH. Within 11 years of intense monitoring, we encountered an extension of the soils’ aeration windows (EH > 300 mV) due to an enhanced seasonal WT component; i.e., the difference between winter and summer WT positions increased. This process has an impact on capillary rise from groundwaters and EC patterns due to increased seasonal variations. Desalinization stabilized two decades after diking, and the present EC does not indicate any saltwater intrusion to these near-coastal settings at present. However, sea level rise and a reduced CWB in the future will foster capillary rise from potentially salt-enriched groundwaters into the topsoils of these highly productive ecosystems. These mechanisms need to be evaluated to account for climate change–driven impacts on coastal-diked marsh soils. Indeed, a holistic view of pedological, meteorological, and hydrological variables is urgently needed.
Detecting the asymptomatic colonization of apple branches by Neonectria ditissima, causing European canker of apple
Authors: Harteveld D. O. C. , Goedhart P. W. , Houwers I. , Köhl J. , de Jong P. F. , Wenneker M.
Published: March 2023

European canker is one of the most devastating fungal diseases of apple in most temperate regions. The causal agent, Neonectria ditissima, infects trees through wounds in the bark forming cankers that girdle the stem and eventually cause tree death. Timely protection of the trees is challenged by stagnation of symptom expression after infections for a long period of time. The objective of this research is to use a novel TaqMan PCR assay to detect and quantify N. ditissima during the asymptomatic colonization of apple wood. Pruning wounds on branches of the cultivars Elstar and Gala were inoculated with N. ditissima and wood discs were sampled at 2–6, 10–14, and 30–34 mm distance from the inoculation site after 3 hours, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks for the detection and quantification of the pathogen. The TaqMan PCR assay detected N. ditissima in 51% of the inoculated apple tree samples. This was more sensitive than the culturing method detecting N. ditissima in 11% of the samples. An accumulation of N. ditissima DNA up to 34 mm distance from the inoculation site was observed without development of visible symptoms. To our knowledge this is the first time colonization of N. ditissima was detected and quantified in the absence of symptoms of European canker. The implications of this research are discussed.
Titanium alloys developed on the basis of the addition of cheap strong eutectoid β-stabilisers
Authors: Bolzoni L. , Paul M. , Yang F. , Alshammari Y.
Published: March 2023

Historically, titanium alloys have been developed disregarding the addition of eutectoid β-stabilisers as they generally lead to the formation of brittle intermetallic phases upon solidification of the alloy. However, such phenomenon can be prevented using powder metallurgy. Thus, this study considered the concurrent addition of cheap strong eutectoid β-stabilisers, namely Mn and Fe, for the development of new ternary Ti–Mn–Fe alloys, reducing the intrinsic cost of Ti alloys. It is found that the progressive addition of Mn and Fe in equal concentration enhances the densification of Ti during sintering, leading to lower amount of residual porosity, the transformation of the microstructure from purely lamellar to metastable, and the associated refinement of the microstructural features (grains and lamellae), as well as the stabilisation of a greater amount of β phase, and the formation of the metastable α″ phase. Such microstructural changes result in the strengthening (higher yield and ultimate tensile strength and hardness) and embrittlement of the alloy by changing the fundamental strain hardening mechanism of the ternary Ti–Mn–Fe alloys.
Thriving on Strengths: Effects of a Strengths Intervention for Younger and Older Teachers
Authors: Tobias Valesca Y. , van Woerkom Marianne , Meyers Maria Christina , Runhaar Piety , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: March 2023

The teaching profession is characterized by high demands and teachers who thrive are better able to navigate their demanding context than teachers who survive. Based on theories on strengths use we propose that strengths interventions which help teachers to identify, use, and develop their strengths can enhance their thriving (vitality and learning) which enables them to perform better. In addition, based on the socioemotional selective theory we propose that strengths interventions are especially beneficial for older teachers because it fits their goals and skills. We conducted a quasi-experimental study, in which 152 teachers and their team leaders participated in a strengths intervention. Longitudinal survey data indicated that the strengths intervention contributed to older teachers’ (≥ 46 years old) vitality, which in turn, contributed to their performance. No significant effects were found for younger teachers. We discuss the implications of our study for older teachers.
Determination of inorganic anions in uranium ore concentrate reference materials
Authors: Pagliano Enea , Keegan Elizabeth , Varga Zsolt , Nadeau Kenny , Meija Juris , Wong Henri , Vardanega Christopher , Wallenius Maria , Mayer Klaus , Cochrane Chris , El-Jaby Ali , Mester Zoltán
Published: March 2023

The determination of inorganic anions in uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) is useful to nuclear forensics for establishing the provenance of sample materials. In this collaborative study, quantitation of inorganic anions was carried out on three UOC reference materials from the National Research Council Canada: UCLO-1 (https://doi.org/10.4224/crm.2020.uclo-1), UCHI-1 (https://doi.org/10.4224/crm.2020.uchi-1), and UPER-1 (https://doi.org/10.4224/crm.2020.uper-1). The analytes were extracted into water and characterized by ion chromatography with combined standard uncertainties (uc) between 1.6 and 11%. The highest contributor to uc was homogeneity. Sulfate was the most abundant anion (2000–12,000 mg/kg SO42−). Other anions were in the 15–500 mg/kg range.
Spatial and temporal landslide distributions using global and open landslide databases
Authors: Gómez Derly , García Edwin F. , Aristizábal Edier
Published: March 2023

Landslide databases are a potential tool for the analysis of landslide susceptibility, hazard, and risk. Additionally, the spatio-temporal distribution of landslides and their correlation with their triggering factors are inputs that facilitate the evaluation of landslide prediction models and the determination of thresholds necessary for early warning systems (EWS). This study presents an analysis of four widely known global databases—the International Disaster database (EM-DAT), the Disaster Inventory System (DesInventar), the Global Landslide Catalog (GLC), and the Global Fatal Landslide database (GFLD)—which contain relevant landslide information for different regions of the world. These databases were analysed and compared by means of the spatio-temporal distributions of their records. Subsequently, these databases were merged and depurated to obtain a more robust database, namely the Unified Global Landslide Database (UGLD), with 161 countries, 37,946 landslides, and 185,753 fatalities registered between 1903 and 2020. The merging process among the databases resulted in a small number of repeated landslides, indicating that the databases collect very different landslide information and complement each other. Finally, an update of the spatial and temporal analysis of landslides in the world was performed with the new database, in which patterns, trends, and the main triggers were presented and analysed. The results obtained from the analysis of the UGLD database show the American and Asian continents as the continents with the highest number of landslides and associated fatalities, showing a bimodal and unimodal annual temporal pattern, respectively. Regarding the most frequent triggers of landslides, rainfall, anthropogenic intervention, and earthquakes stand out.
Underwater VLC channel estimation based on Kalman filtering for direct current optical- and asymmetrically clipping optical- orthogonal frequency division multiplexing techniques
Authors: Shawky Eman , Aly Moustafa H. , El-Shimy Mohamed
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we suppose an underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) system, where the communication utilizes visible light communication for its advantages as wide spectrum, high data rate and high accuracy. The novelty of this paper is focused on improving the channel estimation between transmitter and receiver, where using Kalman Filter (KF) for channel estimation in UOWCs achieves the best results as compared to other traditional channel estimation methods. The scenario of this paper is summarized in transmitting data from transmitter to receiver via underwater harbor and coastal channels. Two channel models are utilized: weighted double gamma functions (WDGF) and a combination of exponential and arbitrary power function (CEAPF). The modulation technique used is optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with two kinds: direct current optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) and asymmetrically clipping optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (ACO-OFDM). Three different techniques are used for channel estimation: Least Square (LS), minimum mean square error (MMSE), and KF. The simulation results reveal that the ACO-OFDM modulation technique with CEAPF channel modeling using KF achieves the lowest bit error rate (BER) compared to other channel estimation methods. The improvement percentage at BER = 10−1 is 13.3% for ACO-OFDM over DCO-OFDM with CEAPF in coastal water and is is 9.3% for WDGF. This indicates that CEAPF performs about 4% better than WDGF for ACO-OFDM than DCO-OFDM in terms of channel estimation.
miRNA Signature of Urine Extracellular Vesicles Shows the Involvement of Inflammatory and Apoptotic Processes in Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zapała Barbara , Kamińska Agnieszka , Piwowar Monika , Paziewska Agnieszka , Gala-Błądzińska Agnieszka , Stępień Ewa Ł.
Published: March 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of urine-derived extracellular vesicles (uEVs) in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

UEVs were characterized by size distribution and microRNA content by next-generation small RNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

Results

A subset of sixteen miRNAs enriched in T2DM patients with DKD, including hsa-miR-514a-5p, hsa-miR‑451a, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-214, or hsa-miR‑503 was identified. Eight miRNAs as hsa-miR-21-3p, hsa-miR-4792, hsa-miR‑375, hsa-miR-1268a, hsa-miR-501-5p, or hsa-miR-582 were downregulated. Prediction of potential target genes and pathway enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) confirmed possible functions related to cellular processes such as apoptosis, inflammation, and tissue remodeling, that promote diabetic complications, such as DKD. Among them, hsa-miR-375, hsa-miR-503, and hsa-miR-451a make important contribution. Additionally, downregulated hsa-miR-582-5p has not been reported so far in any diabetes-related pathways.

Conclusions

This study revealed the most significant miRNAs in uEVs of patients with T2DM. However, as this is a bioinformatic prediction that we performed based on the putative targets of the identified miRNAs. Thus, further in vitro functional studies are needed to confirm our findings. Knowing the fact that EVs are crucial in transferring miRNAs, there is a great need toto discover their involvement in the pathomechanism of T2DM-related kidney disease.
Ergo, SMIRK is safe: a safety case for a machine learning component in a pedestrian automatic emergency brake system
Authors: Borg Markus , Henriksson Jens , Socha Kasper , Lennartsson Olof , Sonnsjö Lönegren Elias , Bui Thanh , Tomaszewski Piotr , Sathyamoorthy Sankar Raman , Brink Sebastian , Helali Moghadam Mahshid
Published: March 2023

Integration of machine learning (ML) components in critical applications introduces novel challenges for software certification and verification. New safety standards and technical guidelines are under development to support the safety of ML-based systems, e.g., ISO 21448 SOTIF for the automotive domain and the Assurance of Machine Learning for use in Autonomous Systems (AMLAS) framework. SOTIF and AMLAS provide high-level guidance but the details must be chiseled out for each specific case. We initiated a research project with the goal to demonstrate a complete safety case for an ML component in an open automotive system. This paper reports results from an industry-academia collaboration on safety assurance of SMIRK, an ML-based pedestrian automatic emergency braking demonstrator running in an industry-grade simulator. We demonstrate an application of AMLAS on SMIRK for a minimalistic operational design domain, i.e., we share a complete safety case for its integrated ML-based component. Finally, we report lessons learned and provide both SMIRK and the safety case under an open-source license for the research community to reuse.
Resources that Help Sustain Environmental Volunteer Activist Leaders
Authors: Gulliver Robyn E. , Pittaway Charlie , Fielding Kelly S. , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: March 2023

Environmental activism organizations depend on recruiting and retaining individuals willing to engage in leadership tasks on a voluntary basis. This study examined the resources which help or hinder sustained environmental volunteer activist leadership behaviors. Interviews with 21 environmental volunteer activist leaders were analyzed within a Resource Mobilization Theory framework. While six resources supporting sustained engagement in volunteer activist leadership behaviors were identified, only three were sought by all participants: time, community support, and social relationships. Money, volunteers and network connections were considered valuable resources, however their acquisition generated significant additional administrative burdens. Social relationships sustained volunteer activist leaders through fostering feelings of positive emotions connected with the group. We conclude with suggestions for organizations seeking to increase retention of activist volunteer leaders: namely larger organizations sharing their resources to reduce administrative demands on volunteer activist leaders in smaller organizations; developing movement infrastructure groups to build and sustain networks; and the prioritization of positive relationships within volunteer teams.
Potential of the enzyme laccase for the synthesis and derivatization of antimicrobial compounds
Authors: Hahn Veronika
Published: March 2023

Laccases [E.C. 1.10.3.2, benzenediol:dioxygen oxidoreductase] can oxidize phenolic substances, e.g. di- and polyphenols, hydroxylated biaryls, aminophenols or aryldiamines. This large substrate spectrum is the basis for various reaction possibilities, which include depolymerization and polymerization reactions, but also the coupling of different substance classes. To catalyze these reactions, laccases demand only atmospheric oxygen and no depletive cofactors. The utilization of mild and environmentally friendly reaction conditions such as room temperature, atmospheric pressure, and the avoidance of organic solvents makes the laccase-mediated reaction a valuable tool in green chemistry for the synthesis of biologically active compounds such as antimicrobial substances. In particular, the production of novel antibiotics becomes vital due to the evolution of antibiotic resistances amongst bacteria and fungi. Therefore, laccase-mediated homo- and heteromolecular coupling reactions result in derivatized or newly synthesized antibiotics. The coupling or derivatization of biologically active compounds or its basic structures may allow the development of novel pharmaceuticals, as well as the improvement of efficacy or tolerability of an already applied drug. Furthermore, by the laccase-mediated coupling of two different active substances a synergistic effect may be possible. However, the coupling of compounds that have no described efficacy can lead to biologically active substances by means of laccase. The review summarizes laccase-mediated reactions for the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds valuable for medical purposes. In particular, reactions with two different reaction partners were shown in detail. In addition, studies with in vitro and in vivo experimental data for the confirmation of the antibacterial and/or antifungal efficacy of the products, synthesized with laccase, were of special interest. Analyses of the structure–activity relationship confirm the great potential of the novel compounds. These substances may represent not only a value for pharmaceutical and chemical industry, but also for other industries due to a possible functionalization of surfaces such as wood or textiles.
Service productivity: a systematic review of a dispersed research area
Authors: Hofmeister Johannes , Kanbach Dominik K. , Hogreve Jens
Published: March 2023

The service productivity literature has grown remarkably over the last two decades and has gathered substantial knowledge. However, with the gradual acceleration of knowledge production about service productivity, the collective evidence becomes more fragmented and interdisciplinary. The purpose of this literature review is to systematically identify and analyze 190 publications focusing on service productivity to link previously dispersed studies as a next step in theory development. By clustering existing service productivity research into macroeconomic, mesoeconomic, and microeconomic dimensions, our review reveals that much progress has been made in advancing the open-ended theory of optimal service productivity. Reviewing key insights from the existing literature, we show that the majority of service productivity research adopts a one-sided industrial perspective that primarily focuses on firm productivity. Although valuable, these studies most often leave out consumers’ time and effort, neglecting the value of consumer-generated input. Thus, the present research offers a new conceptualization of service productivity by emphasizing it as an open and customer-inclusive process that transcends the service producer–customer divide. Finally, we contribute a set of propositions. Within these propositions, we identify beneficial conditions and means for firms to improve service productivity. In sum, the article provides policymakers, researchers, and practitioners with valuable guidance for developing means to generate positive effects in a service economy that lacks productivity.
Challenges and opportunities for improving energy efficiency in SMEs: learnings from seven European projects
Authors: Agrawal R. , De Tommasi L. , Lyons P. , Zanoni S. , Papagiannis G. K. , Karakosta C. , Papapostolou A. , Durand A. , Martinez L. , Fragidis G. , Corbella M. , Sileni L. , Neusel L. , Repetto M. , Mariuzzo I. , Kakardakos T. , Güemes E. Llano
Published: March 2023

This paper analyses challenges and opportunities for improving energy efficiency in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by reviewing research design and results out of seven European projects: SPEEDIER, SMEmPower Efficiency, E2Driver, Innoveas, Triple-A, DEESME and ICCEE. These projects aim to improve SMEs’ awareness of energy efficiency and support an effective decision-making-oriented approach to it. Drivers and barriers to energy efficiency improvements in European SMEs of various industrial sectors have been investigated by means of surveys, focused group discussions and interviews. A meta-analysis of the results of the seven EU projects was carried out to discover trends related to energy efficiency in European SMEs; this was supported by the use of a unifying analytic framework that enabled merging and cross-validation of the findings of the seven projects. The analysis indicated, by means of new data collected by the seven projects, that staff training, facilitation of energy audits, development of corporate policy measures and collaboration between SMEs involved in the same supply chain are key mechanisms to improve the uptake of energy efficiency measures in SMEs which has significant potential to achieve higher energy savings and energy cost reductions.
Risk of asthma in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Tong , Yu Hai-Yang , Yang Miao , Song Yi-Fan , Fu Jian-Hua
Published: March 2023

Background

This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the available literature on the association between preterm infant bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pre-adulthood asthma.

Methods

Studies examining the association between BPD and asthma in children and adolescents were systematically reviewed, and a meta-analysis was conducted. We searched Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library from the database inception to March 26, 2022. The pooled odds ratio (OR) estimate was used in our meta-analysis to calculate the correlation between BPD and the probability of developing asthma before adulthood. Stata 12.0 was used to conduct the statistical analysis.

Results

The correlation between asthma and BPD in preterm newborns was examined in nine studies. We used a random effect model to pool the OR estimate. Our results indicated a marked increase in the risk of subsequent asthma in preterm infants with BPD [OR = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43–2.09]. Moreover, there was no obvious heterogeneity across the studies (P = 0.617, I2 = 0%). The pooled OR remained stable and ranged from 1.65 (95% CI = 1.35–2.01) to 1.78 (95% CI = 1.43–2.21). Regarding publication bias, the funnel plot for asthma risk did not reveal any noticeable asymmetry. We further performed Begg’s and Egger’s tests to quantitatively evaluate publication bias. There was no evidence of a publication bias for asthma risk (P > |Z| = 0.602 for Begg’s test, and P > |t| = 0.991 for Egger’s test).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that preterm infants with BPD have a much higher risk of developing asthma in the future (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.43–2.09). Preterm infants with BPD may benefit from long-term follow-up.
Heterologous expression and functional characterization of cysteamine dioxygenase from the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum
Authors: Yoda Kotaro , Takagi Toshiyuki , Koito Tomoko , Okai Masahiko , Makita Hiroko , Mitsunobu Satoshi , Yoshida Takao , Inoue Koji
Published: March 2023

In invertebrates inhabiting hydrothermal vent areas, hypotaurine, a precursor of taurine, is thought to mitigate the toxicity of hydrogen sulfide in vent fluids. Information about hypotaurine synthesis pathways in invertebrates is limited, although two pathways, the cysteamine [2-aminoethanethiol (AET)] pathway and the cysteine sulfinate (CSA) pathway are known in mammals. In this study, we cloned a cDNA encoding AET dioxygenase (ADO), the central enzyme of the AET pathway, from the vent mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum. In the encoded protein (BsADO), functionally important residues, including metal-binding histidines, are conserved. In maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis, BsADO clustered with ADOs of other invertebrates. By reverse transcription PCR, BsADO mRNA was detected in all tissues examined at similar levels, suggesting that its function is distinct from that of the CSA pathway, predominantly expressed in the gill. BsADO with a His tag, expressed in Escherichia coli in the presence of Fe2+, converted AET to hypotaurine, but BsADO expressed in the absence of iron exhibited lower activity. BsADO was active from pH 8 to 11, and from 0 °C to 37 °C, with a peak at 20 °C. This is the first functional characterization of ADO in marine invertebrates.
Accounting for Polychromatic Light in Virtual Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing
Authors: Yue Xian , Yang Yaliang , Dai Hao , Chen Shen , Geng Chao , Zhang Yudong
Published: March 2023

Virtual Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing (vSHWS) has some significant advantages and is promising for aberration measurement in the field of biomedical optical imaging. The illumination sources used in vSHWS are almost broadband, but are treated as monochromatic sources (only using center wavelength) in current data processing, which may cause errors. This work proposed a data processing method to take into account the multiple wavelengths of the broadband spectrum, named multiple-wavelength centroid-weighting method. Its feasibility was demonstrated through a series of simulations. A wavefront generated with a set of statistical human ocular aberrations was used as the target wavefront to evaluate the performance of the proposed and current methods. The results showed that their performance was very close when used for the symmetrical, but the wavefront error of the proposed method was much smaller than that of the current method when used for the asymmetrical spectrum, especially for the broader spectrum. These results were also validated by using 20 sets of clinical human ocular aberrations including normal and diseased eyes. The proposed method and the obtained conclusions have important implications for the application of vSHWS.
Was COVID-19 an unexpected catalyst for more equitable learning outcomes? A comparative analysis after two years of disrupted schooling in Australian primary schools
Authors: Miller Andrew , Fray Leanne , Gore Jennifer
Published: March 2023

By the end of 2021, more than 168 million students across the globe had missed a year of face-to-face schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In NSW, Australia, most students engaged in learning from home for eight weeks during 2020 and a further 14 weeks during 2021. This study provides robust empirical evidence on how two years of disruptions to schooling affected student learning. Drawing on matched data for 3,827 Year 3 and 4 students from 101 NSW government schools, this paper compares student achievement growth in mathematics and reading for 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2021 (second year of the pandemic) student cohorts. While overall there was no significant difference between cohorts, when analysed by socio-educational advantage, we were surprised to find that students in the lowest band achieved approximately three months’ additional growth in mathematics. Arguably, grave concerns about the potentially dire impact of COVID-19 on the learning of disadvantaged students were met by investments that made a difference. We argue that targeted funding and system-wide initiatives to support more equitable outcomes should remain a priority after the pandemic if Australia is to meet its aspirations for excellence and equity.
Effects of thermo-chemical and enzymatic pre-treatment of tropical seaweeds and freshwater macrophytes on biogas and bioethanol production
Authors: Jelani F. , Walker G. , Akunna J.
Published: March 2023

The use of aquatic biomass as potential sources for bioenergy production has attracted significant attention worldwide. Production of biogas and bioethanol from both marine and freshwater plants using same pre-treatment methods were evaluated and the results indicate that both processes can be potentially enhanced appropriate methods of pre-treatment. In this study, the effects of thermochemical and enzymatic pre-treatment of selected seaweeds and freshwater macrophytes for biogas and bioethanol production were investigated. It was found that methane biogas yield from the anaerobic digestion of selected aquatic plants was highly dependent on the plant species. For example, biomethane yields of 189, 195, 221, 234 mL/g volatile solids were obtained following anaerobic digestion of acid and enzymatic pre-treatment of Laminaria digitata, Sargassum fluitans, Eichhornia crassipies and Pistia stratiotes, respectively. Additionally, alcoholic fermentation by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (distiller’s strain) was carried out on aquatic plant hydrolysates and the highest ethanol yields (of over 4 g/L) were obtained from Eichhornia crassipies and Pistia stratiotes. Poor fermentation yields from Laminaria digitata, and Sargassum fluitans hydrolysates were attributed to the predominance of un-fermented rhamnose sugars in these plants. The findings demonstrate the importance of reliance on empirical data for each substrate when designing and operating anaerobic digestion and alcohol fermentation systems. The results show that the same pre-treatment methods can be used for both types of bioenergy production, i.e., biogas and bioethanol, from marine and freshwater plants, thereby enhancing the economic viability of both processes in industry-scale applications.
Pre-sleep Protein Ingestion Increases Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis Rates During Overnight Recovery from Endurance Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Trommelen Jorn , van Lieshout Glenn A. A. , Pabla Pardeep , Nyakayiru Jean , Hendriks Floris K. , Senden Joan M. , Goessens Joy P. B. , van Kranenburg Janneau M. X. , Gijsen Annemie P. , Verdijk Lex B. , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. , van Loon Luc J. C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Casein protein ingestion prior to sleep has been shown to increase myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during overnight sleep. It remains to be assessed whether pre-sleep protein ingestion can also increase mitochondrial protein synthesis rates. Though it has been suggested that casein protein may be preferred as a pre-sleep protein source, no study has compared the impact of pre-sleep whey versus casein ingestion on overnight muscle protein synthesis rates.

Objective

We aimed to assess the impact of casein and whey protein ingestion prior to sleep on mitochondrial and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during overnight recovery from a bout of endurance-type exercise.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy young men performed a single bout of endurance-type exercise in the evening (19:45 h). Thirty minutes prior to sleep (23:30 h), participants ingested 45 g of casein protein, 45 g of whey protein, or a non-caloric placebo. Continuous intravenous l-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine infusions were applied, with blood and muscle tissue samples being collected to assess overnight mitochondrial and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates.

Results

Pooled protein ingestion resulted in greater mitochondrial (0.087 ± 0.020 vs 0.067 ± 0.016%·h−1, p = 0.005) and myofibrillar (0.060 ± 0.014 vs 0.047 ± 0.011%·h−1, p = 0.012) protein synthesis rates when compared with placebo. Casein and whey protein ingestion did not differ in their capacity to stimulate mitochondrial (0.082 ± 0.019 vs 0.092 ± 0.020%·h−1, p = 0.690) and myofibrillar (0.056 ± 0.009 vs 0.064 ± 0.018%·h−1, p = 0.440) protein synthesis rates.

Conclusions

Protein ingestion prior to sleep increases both mitochondrial and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during overnight recovery from exercise. The overnight muscle protein synthetic response to whey and casein protein does not differ.

Clinical Trial Registration

NTR7251.
Thin-Film Superelastic Alloys for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Curtis Sabrina M. , Gugat Jascha L. , Bumke Lars , Dengiz Duygu , Seigner Lena , Schmadel Don , Lazarus Nathan S. , Quandt Eckhard
Published: March 2023

Conductive serpentine interconnects comprise fundamental building blocks (e.g., electrodes, antennas, wires) of many stretchable electronic systems. Here we present the first numerical and experimental studies of freestanding thin-film TiNiCuCo superelastic alloys for stretchable interconnects. The electrical resistivity of the austenite phase of a Ti53.3Ni30.9Cu12.9Co2.9 thin-film at room temperature was measured to be 5.43×10-7 Ω m, which is larger than reported measurements for copper thin-films (1.87×10-8 Ω m). Structuring the superelastic conductor to limit localized strain using a serpentine geometry led to freestanding interconnects that could reach maximum serpentine elongations of up to 153%. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations predicted that superelastic serpentine interconnects can achieve significantly larger (~5X–7X) elastic elongations than copper for the same serpentine geometry. FEA predictions for stress distribution along the TiNiCuCo serpentine interconnect were experimentally verified by infrared imaging and tensile testing experiments. The superior mechanical advantages of TiNiCuCo were paired with the high electronic conductivity of copper, to create Cu/TiNiCuCo/Cu serpentine composites that were demonstrated to serve as freestanding electrical interconnects between two LEDs. The results presented in this manuscript demonstrate that thin-film superelastic alloys are a promising material class to improve the performance of conductors in stretchable and flexible electronics.
Development and Validation of the Youth Sociopolitical Action Scale for Social Media (SASSM)
Authors: Wilf Sara , Wray-Lake Laura
Published: March 2023

Youth sociopolitical action, which encompasses a broad range of behaviors to dismantle systems of oppression, is increasingly taking place on social media and digital platforms. This study presents the development and validation of a 15-item Sociopolitical Action Scale for Social Media (SASSM) through three sequential studies: in Study I, a scale was developed based on interviews with 20 young digital activists (Mage=19, 35% cis-gender women, 90% youth of color). In Study II, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified a unidimensional scale using a sample of 809 youth (Mage=17, 55.7% cis-gender women, 60.1% youth of color). In Study III, an EFA and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to confirm the factor structure of a slightly modified set of items with a new sample of 820 youth (Mage=17, 45.9% cis-gender women, 53.9% youth of color). Measurement invariance testing was conducted by age, gender, racial and ethnic background, and immigrant identity, confirming full configural and metric invariance, and full or partial scalar invariance. The SASSM can further research on youths’ efforts to challenge oppression and injustice online.
A method for clustering rock discontinuities with multiple properties based on an improved netting algorithm
Authors: Hou Qinkuan , Wang Shuhong , Yong Rui , Xiu Zhanguo , Han Wenshuai , Zhang Ze
Published: March 2023

Clustering analysis is fundamental for determining dominant discontinuity properties in rock engineering. Orientation has commonly been considered the only factor when performing clustering, which ignores the contributions of other discontinuity properties to the deformations and strengths of rock masses. This study proposes an improved netting algorithm to identify discontinuity sets based on multiple discontinuity properties. The method takes ten discontinuity properties as the clustering factors: dip direction, dip, trace length, spacing, aperture, infilling material, infilling percentage, roughness, water permeability, and rock strength. Meanwhile, a novel weighting method is used to weigh each property and combines the advantages of subjective and objective weighting methods. The validity of the proposed method is tested using artificial data based on the Monte Carlo method and in situ data from the relevant literature. The results indicate that the method can effectively filter the noise data, and the rejection rate is approximately 26%. The initial number of sets and initial clustering centers are not necessary, which facilitates achieving global optimization. Finally, an open-pit mine slope in Xinjiang Province, China, is used as a case study to illustrate the utility of the method. The new method is considered a potentially useful tool to rapidly obtain dominant discontinuity sets in rock engineering.
Geistesgeschichten
Authors: Vogl Joseph
Published: March 2023

Die erste Nummer der DVjs wurde mit einem Aufsatz über »Faust und die Sorge« eröffnet und kam zugleich im Jahr von Wirtschaftskrisen, Staatsbankrott und Hyperinflation zur Welt. Diese Situation legt es nahe, das Projekt der Geistesgeschichte mit Sorgen- und Krisengeschichten des Geistes zu spiegeln. Deren Thematisierung geschieht auf unterschiedlichen Schauplätzen und lässt sich etwa in Goethes Faust II, in Konflikten über die Frage hermeneutischer Macht und nicht zuletzt in der Geschichte der politischen Ökonomie selbst verfolgen.
The revelations of Q. Dissemination and resonance of the QAnon conspiracy theory among US Evangelical Christians and the role of the Covid-19 crisis
Authors: Beyer Heiko , Herrberg Niklas
Published: March 2023

Previous studies show that the QAnon conspiracy theory is especially popular among American evangelical Christians. The paper investigates the reasons behind this relationship. We hypothesize a mediation relationship between evangelical dogma and how it is practiced on the one hand and the susceptibility for conspiracy thinking on the other hand. We argue that evangelicalism due to its biblicism is characterized by the belief that its perception of reality holds absolute truth (nomization), that the world can be clearly divided into good and evil (Manichaeism), and that salvation can be achieved through political means (immanent eschatology). Those beliefs, in turn, in the uncertain times of the Covid crisis resonate with the cognitive (epistemic), the affective (moral), and conative (eschatological) elements of conspiracy theories. Using data of waves 46 (March 2019), 68 (April 2020), and 73 (September 2020) of the American Trends Panel, conducted by the PEW Research Center we show respective mediation effects: Evangelical Christians are particularly convinced that their religion alone holds absolute truth and that religion has not enough influence on politics. The latter also correlates with the conspiracy belief that “powerful people intentionally planned the Covid outbreak”. QAnon support again is linked both to such Covid related conspiracy thinking and the three elements of nomization, Manichaeism, and immanent eschatology.
(Wie) kann die Nutzung bildungswissenschaftlicher Evidenz Lehren und Lernen verbessern? Thesen und Fragen zur Diskussion um evidenzorientiertes Denken und Handeln von Lehrkräften
Authors: Bauer Johannes , Kollar Ingo
Published: March 2023

Vor dem Hintergrund von Debatten um evidenzbasierte Praxis im Bildungswesen greift der vorliegende Beitrag aktuelle Forschungsstränge auf, die sich mit evidenzorientiertem Denken und Handeln von Lehrkräften (EDHL) befassen. Sie adressieren aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven Voraussetzungen, Prozesse und Ergebnisse der Rezeption und Nutzung (bildungs-)wissenschaftlichen Wissens durch angehende und aktive Lehrkräfte sowie Interventionen zur Förderung hierfür relevanter Kompetenzen und motivational-affektiver Dispositionen. Im Beitrag diskutieren wir erstens, dass sich in diesem Feld – trotz der Heterogenität von Fragestellungen und theoretischen Zugängen – ein Verständnis von EDHL etabliert hat, das in zentralen Punkten konvergiert. Zweitens werfen wir Thesen und Fragen auf, die es künftig konzeptuell und empirisch zu adressieren hat. Abschließend gehen wir auf übergeordnete kontextuelle Barrieren ein, die aus unserer Sicht überwunden werden müssen, um eine stärkere Evidenzorientierung in der Bildungspraxis zu erreichen.
Outcomes After Chevron Osteotomy with and Without Additional Akin Osteotomy: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Kuliński Patryk , Rutkowski Michał , Tomczyk Łukasz , Miękisiak Grzegorz , Morasiewicz Piotr
Published: March 2023

Background

Chevron osteotomy is one of the most common approaches to hallux valgus corrective surgery. This procedure is often combined with Akin osteotomy of the proximal phalanx of the hallux. There are no definitive guidelines specifying the indications for a given osteotomy technique nor data on postoperative loss of correction or the effect of the type of first-ray surgery on the development of adjacent-joint arthritis. The aim of this study was to assess radiographic treatment outcomes via chevron osteotomy with and without Akin osteotomy.

Methods

The study evaluated 117 patients treated in the period 2016–2019. Ninety-nine of those patients underwent distal chevron osteotomy alone, and 18 patients underwent a combined chevron–Akin double osteotomy. The analyzed radiograms had been obtained preoperatively, at 6 weeks after surgery, and after a long-term follow-up. The following parameters were assessed: the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), interphalangeal angle (IPA), postoperative recurrence of valgus deformity, adjacent-joint arthritis, and complications.

Results

Chevron-Akin osteotomy helped maintain lower HVA and IPA values in long-term follow-up in comparison with those in the patients who underwent chevron osteotomy alone. The chevron osteotomy group showed a significant increase in the mean HVA from 18.37° at the first follow-up visit to 20.81° at the last follow-up visit. There were no differences between the groups in terms of the remaining assessed radiographic parameters. Hallux valgus surgery does not increase adjacent-joint arthritis.

Conclusion

The use of combined chevron-Akin osteotomy does not affect HVA or IMA correction. The combination of chevron and Akin osteotomies reduces the risk of increased HVA and IPA in long-term follow-up. The additional Akin osteotomy does not increase the risk of adjacent-joint arthritis. Combining chevron osteotomy with Akin osteotomy is recommended in hallux valgus deformity correction.