bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Side Effects in Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Authors: Balder Tim , Linden Michael , Rose Matthias
Published: January 2024

Therapists and the public are becoming increasingly aware that psychotherapy can have side effects. The prevalence varies depending on the patients, treatments, settings, assessment methods and the researched type of side effect. Objective of this study is to assess side effects of routine outpatient psychodynamic and cognitive behaviour therapy. In a cross-sectional study cognitive behaviour therapist (n = 73) and psychodynamic psychotherapists (n = 57) were asked in a semi-structured interview about unwanted events and side effects in reference to their most recent patients (N = 276) using a domain inspection method. Their reports were cross-checked by an expert assessor. Multiple random-intercept models were conducted to investigate the influence of various variables. Therapists reported in 170 patients (61.4%) a total of 468 unwanted events. There was at least one side effect in 33.2% of the cases. Most frequent side effects were “strains in family relations” and “deterioration of symptoms”. Illness severity has a significant influence on the amount of side effects reported. The data confirm that side effects of psychotherapy are frequent. The difference between side effects and unwanted events shows the importance of such a distinction. The reporting of side effects for one in three patients may indicate an under recognition of side effects or reporting of only relevant or disturbing side effects.
Urban versus rural disparities in amenity proximity and housing price: the case of integrated urban–rural city, Sejong, South Korea
Authors: Shin Jiyeon , Newman Galen D. , Park Yunmi
Published: January 2024

Due to the growing importance of accessibility to urban amenities on quality of life and neighborhood satisfaction in South Korea, various efforts have been made to improve accessibility to urban amenities by establishing a minimum standard, an approach called Living Social Overhead Capital (Living SOC); for example, one such standards states that an elementary school should be reachable within a 15-min walk. However, these endeavors have not yet resulted in an equal distribution of Living SOC in urban and rural areas. Many residents feel the disparity of Living SOC is greatest in areas where the rural city was incorporated into an adjacent urban city—often called an integrated urban–rural city—or when new towns were developed in rural cities. This situation can lead to the creation of dissimilar landscapes and infrastructure within a single city. As such, this research observes how the resultant disparity in proximity between urban and rural areas impacts neighborhood satisfaction, as reflected in housing prices. The outcomes indicate that, with the exception of senior care and education, all observed amenities were found to be located closer to residences in urban areas. Additionally, the closer the Living SOC, the higher the housing prices. The findings of this study posit an urgent need for a comprehensive Living SOC plan for entire cities, not only for newly developed areas, to avoid widening the existing gap between urban and rural Living SOC.
Students’ School and Psychological Adjustment in Classrooms with Positive and Negative Leaders
Authors: Dong Zhe , Huitsing Gijs , Veenstra René
Published: January 2024

Positive and negative leadership styles may influence classroom norms and be related to the school and psychological adjustment of children in general, and victims in particular. This study tested the relation between leadership styles and children’s adjustment, and the moderating effects of leadership on the association between self-reported victimization and school and psychological adjustment (self-esteem, social anxiety, and depressive symptoms); and it tested for potential gender differences. Classrooms were classified into those with only positive leaders, only negative leaders, both positive and negative leaders, and without leaders. The sample contained 8748 children (Mage = 10.05, SD = 1.22; 51.2% girls) from 392 classrooms, in grades three to six, in 98 Dutch schools. Multilevel analysis revealed that, in general, children in negative leader classrooms experienced lower school well-being than children in other classrooms. In positive leader classrooms, male and female victims had lower school well-being. For psychological well-being, female victims had lower self-esteem and more depressive symptoms in positive leader classrooms. Male and female victims in negative leader classrooms did not suffer from additional maladjustment. These results demonstrate that negative leadership styles are related to lower school well-being of all children, whereas victimization in classrooms with positive leaders is negatively related to male and female victims’ school well-being and girls’ psychological adjustment (depressive symptoms); this is in line with the ‘healthy context paradox’.
On intermediate Lie algebra $$E_{7+1/2}$$
Authors: Lee Kimyeong , Sun Kaiwen , Wang Haowu
Published: January 2024

$$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

is an intermediate Lie algebra filling a hole between $$E_7$$

E
7

and $$E_8$$

E
8

in the Deligne–Cvitanović exceptional series. It was found independently by Mathur, Muhki, Sen in the classification of 2d RCFTs via modular linear differential equations (MLDE) and by Deligne, Cohen, de Man in representation theory. In this paper we propose some new vertex operator algebras (VOA) associated with $$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

and give some useful information at small levels. We conjecture that the affine VOA $$(E_{7+1/2})_k$$

(

E

7
+
1
/
2

)

k

is rational if and only if the level k is at most 5, and provide some evidence from the viewpoint of MLDE. We propose a conjectural Weyl dimension formula for infinitely many irreducible representations of $$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

, which generates almost all irreducible representations of $$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

with level $$k\le 4$$

k
≤
4

. More concretely, we propose the affine VOA $$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

at level 2 and the rank-two instanton VOA associated with $$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

. We compute the VOA characters and provide some coset constructions. These generalize the previous works of Kawasetsu for affine VOA $$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

at level 1 and of Arakawa–Kawasetsu at level $$-5$$

-
5

. We then predict the conformal weights of affine VOA $$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

at level 3, 4, 5.
MBOAT7 expression is associated with disease progression in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Radwan Eman , Abdelaziz Ahmed , Mandour Manal A. M. , Meki Abdel-Raheim M. A. , El-kholy Maha M. , Mohamed Marwan N.
Published: January 2024

Background and aim

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019 caused a pandemic of acute respiratory disease, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 became one of the most challenging health emergencies, hence the necessity to find different prognostic factors for disease progression, and severity. Membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7) demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects through acting as a fine-tune regulator of the amount of cellular free arachidonic acid. We aimed in this study to evaluate MBOAT7 expression in COVID-19 patients and to correlate it with disease severity and outcomes.

Methods

This case-control study included 56 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and 28 control subjects. Patients were further classified into moderate (n = 28) and severe (n = 28) cases. MBOAT7, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) mRNA levels were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples isolated from patients and control subjects by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, circulating MBOAT7 protein levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Significant lower levels of circulating MBOAT7 mRNA and protein were observed in COVID-19 patients compared to control subjects with severe COVID-19 cases showing significant lower levels compared to moderate cases. Moreover, severe cases showed a significant upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1ß mRNA. MBOAT7 mRNA and protein levels were significantly correlated with inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1ß, C-reactive protein (CRP), and ferritin), liver enzymes, severity, and oxygen saturation levels.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is associated with downregulation of MBAOT7, which correlates with disease severity.
Novel microsatellite markers suggest significant genetic isolation in the Eastern Pacific sponge Aplysina gerardogreeni
Authors: Salas-Castañeda Manuel Ricardo , Saavedra-Sotelo Nancy C. , Cruz-Barraza José Antonio , Bisbal-Pardo Celia Isabel , Rocha-Olivares Axayácatl
Published: January 2024

Background

The Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) harbors a great diversity of Porifera. In particular, the Aplysina genus has acquired biotechnological and pharmacological importance. Nevertheless, the ecological aspects of their species and populations have been poorly studied. Aplysina gerardogreeni is the most conspicuous verongid sponge from the ETP, where it is usually found on rocky-coralline ecosystems. We evaluated the polymorphism levels of 18 microsatellites obtained from next-generation sequencing technologies. Furthermore, we tested the null hypothesis of panmixia in A. gerardogreeni population from two Mexican-Pacific localities.

Methods and results

A total of 6,128,000 paired reads were processed of which primer sets of 18 microsatellites were designed. The loci were tested in 64 specimens from Mazatlan, Sinaloa (N = 32) and Isabel Island, Nayarit (N = 32). The microsatellites developed were moderately polymorphic with a range of alleles between 2 and 11, and Ho between 0.069 and 0.785. Fifteen loci displayed significant deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No linkage disequilibrium was detected. A strong genetic structure was confirmed between localities using hierarchical Bayesian analyses, principal coordinates analyses, and fixation indices (F

ST
= 0.108*). All the samples were assigned to their locality; however, there was a small sign of mixing between localities.

Conclusions

Despite the moderate values of diversity in microsatellites, they showed a strong signal of genetic structure between populations. We suggest that these molecular markers can be a relevant tool to evaluate all populations across the ETP. In addition, 17 of these microsatellites were successfully amplified in the species A. fistularis and A. lacunosa, meaning they could also be applied in congeneric sponges from the Caribbean Sea. The use of these molecular markers in population genetic studies will allow assessment of the connectivity patterns in species of the Aplysina genus.
Study the bifurcations of a 2DoF mechanical impacting system
Authors: Seth Soumyajit , Kudra Grzegorz , Wasilewski Grzegorz , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: January 2024

Impacting mechanical systems with suitable parameter settings exhibit a large amplitude chaotic oscillation close to the grazing with the impacting surface. The cause behind this uncertainty is the square root singularity and the occurrence of dangerous border collision bifurcation. In the case of one-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems, it has already been shown that this phenomenon occurs under certain conditions. This paper proposes the same uncertainty of a two-degree freedom mechanical impacting system under specific requirements. This paper shows that the phenomena earlier reported in the case of one-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems (like narrow band chaos, finger-shaped attractor, etc.) also occur in the two-degrees-of-freedom mechanical impacting system. We have numerically predicted that the narrowband chaos ensues under specific parameter settings. We have also shown that narrowband chaos can be avoided under some parameter settings. At last, we demonstrate the numerical predictions experimentally by constructing an equivalent electronic circuit of the mechanical rig.
Discrete gradients in short-range molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Grimm Volker , Kliesch Tobias , Quispel G. R. W.
Published: January 2024

Discrete gradients (DG) or more exactly discrete gradient methods are time integration schemes that are custom-built to preserve first integrals or Lyapunov functions of a given ordinary differential equation (ODE). In conservative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the energy of the system is constant and therefore a first integral of motion. Hence, discrete gradient methods seem to be a natural choice as an integration scheme in conservative molecular dynamics simulations.
Danish value sets for the EORTC QLU-C10D utility instrument
Authors: Lehmann Jens , Rojas-Concha Leslye , Petersen Morten Aagaard , Holzner Bernhard , Norman Richard , King Madeleine T. , Kemmler Georg ,   the EORTC Quality of Life Group
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In this study, we developed Danish utility weights for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLU-C10D, a cancer-specific utility instrument based on the EORTC QLQ-C30.

Methods

Following a standardized methodology, 1001 adult participants from the Danish general population were quota-sampled and completed a cross-sectional web-based survey and discrete choice experiment (DCE). In the DCE, participants considered 16 choice sets constructed from the key 10 dimensions of the QLU-C10D and chose their preferred health state for each one. Utility weights were calculated using conditional logistic regression with correction for non-monotonicity.

Results

The sample (n = 1001) was representative of the Danish general population with regard to age and gender. The domains with the largest utility decrements, i.e., the domains with the biggest impact on health utility, were physical functioning (− 0.224), pain (− 0.160), and role functioning (− 0.136). The smallest utility decrements were observed for the domains lack of appetite (− 0.024), sleep disorders (− 0.057), and fatigue (− 0.064). Non-monotonicity of severity levels was observed for the domains sleep disturbances, lack of appetite, and bowel problems. Deviations from monotonicity were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The EORTC QLU-C10D is a relatively new multi-attribute utility instrument and is a promising cancer-specific health technology assessment candidate measure. The country-specific Danish utility weights from this study can be used for cost-utility analyses in Danish patients and for comparison with other country-specific utility data.
Advancing sustainable entrepreneurial universities: sustainability transformations of university business incubators in Germany
Authors: Karahan Marc
Published: January 2024

Given the profound environmental and societal challenges, many higher education institutions (HEI) have adopted sustainability as a central mission to induce desirable societal impacts. While previous research investigated the transformation processes of HEIs toward sustainability, few studies took an explicit entrepreneurial perspective and questioned its implications for the Entrepreneurial University (EU) model. To address this gap, our study explores the emergence and pursuit of a Sustainable Entrepreneurial University (SEU). We specifically focus on the role of sustainable university business incubators (UBIs) as primary institutions of entrepreneurship within the SEU model. Using a multiple-case study of four German UBIs, we illustrate how they embarked on their sustainability journey, developed internal capacities to support sustainable entrepreneurship, and overcame various barriers during their transformation trajectories. Our analysis identifies six distinct sustainability transformation stages and proposes a stylized model to explain the emergence of sustainability in UBIs. Based on these findings, our study discusses several theoretical implications for the SEU. We illustrate that SEU sustainability impacts evolve over time and that continuous leadership commitment is a mediating factor. Moreover, our results suggest that SEUs strategically engage in external partnerships with alternating functions. Given the urgency to promote sustainable entrepreneurship in HEIs, the study concludes with several practical recommendations for practitioners and policymakers. Moreover, it offers suggestions for future research to explore the potential of SEUs and their contribution to addressing pressing societal and ecological challenges.
Definite totalities and determinate truth in conceptual structuralism
Authors: Fischer Martin , Zicchetti Matteo
Published: January 2024

This article investigates the connection and dependence between the definiteness of the totalities involved in mathematical structures and the determinateness of statements about that structure. From a logical perspective, we investigate whether logical principles expressing the definiteness of totalities license the use of classical logic. From a philosophical perspective, this article provides a reconstruction of Solomon Feferman’s claim that the definiteness of the natural number conception implies the determinateness of arithmetical statements and therefore justifies the adoption of classical logic for arithmetical theories.
Psychophysical neutrality and its descendants: a brief primer for dual-aspect monism
Authors: Atmanspacher Harald
Published: January 2024

A key ingredient of the metaphysical doctrine of dual-aspect monism is a psychophysically neutral domain, of which mental and physical aspects arise as epistemic descendants that manifest themselves by decomposition. This primer first introduces some elementary notions to define the basic concepts needed to understand the approach, such as those of states, state spaces, observables, partitions and correlations. Using these notions, the concepts of decomposition and manifestation are explained, and a differentiated view of the mereological distinction of wholes and parts is outlined. Next, a number of historical and contemporary accounts of psychophysical neutrality with philosophical (Plato, Spinoza, Schelling, Kant), scientific (Bohm, Pauli, Jung, Connes, Gibson), and artistic (sculpture, music) flavor are given as illustrative examples. Finally, correlations between the psychophysically neutral, the mental, and the physical domain of reality are discussed, in which these correlations are substantiated by meaning.
Suspicious minds and views of fairness
Authors: Schøyen Øivind
Published: January 2024

Do people with different views of what is fair attribute different intentions to actions? In a novel experimental design, participants were significantly more likely to attribute a no-redistribution vote to selfishness if they considered redistribution as being fair. I define this—attributing actions that do not adhere to one’s own fairness view to selfishness—as suspicious attribution. I develop a theory of intention attribution to show how suspicious attribution arises from two other findings from the experiment: the participants underestimate the number of people with fairness views differing from their own and overestimate the selfishness of participants with other fairness views. I discuss how the findings can help explain political polarization.
Engineering Meter-scale Porous Media Flow Experiments for Quantitative Studies of Geological Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Eikehaug Kristoffer , Haugen Malin , Folkvord Olav , Benali Benyamine , Bang Larsen Emil , Tinkova Alina , Rotevatn Atle , Nordbotten Jan Martin , Fernø Martin A.
Published: January 2024

This technical note describes the FluidFlower concept, a new laboratory infrastructure for geological carbon storage research. The highly controlled and adjustable system produces a strikingly visual physical ground truth of studied processes for model validation, comparison and forecasting, including detailed physical studies of the behavior and storage mechanisms of carbon dioxide and its derivative forms in relevant geological settings for subsurface carbon storage. The design, instrumentation, structural aspects and methodology are described. Furthermore, we share engineering insights into construction, operation, fluid considerations and fluid resetting in the porous media. The new infrastructure enables researchers to study variability between repeated CO2 injections, making the FluidFlower concept a suitable tool for sensitivity studies on a range of determining carbon storage parameters in varying geological formations.
Benchmarking and Analysis of Unsupervised Object Segmentation from Real-World Single Images
Authors: Yang Yafei , Yang Bo
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study the problem of unsupervised object segmentation from single images. We do not introduce a new algorithm, but systematically investigate the effectiveness of existing unsupervised models on challenging real-world images. We first introduce seven complexity factors to quantitatively measure the distributions of background and foreground object biases in appearance and geometry for datasets with human annotations. With the aid of these factors, we empirically find that, not surprisingly, existing unsupervised models fail to segment generic objects in real-world images, although they can easily achieve excellent performance on numerous simple synthetic datasets, due to the vast gap in objectness biases between synthetic and real images. By conducting extensive experiments on multiple groups of ablated real-world datasets, we ultimately find that the key factors underlying the failure of existing unsupervised models on real-world images are the challenging distributions of background and foreground object biases in appearance and geometry. Because of this, the inductive biases introduced in existing unsupervised models can hardly capture the diverse object distributions. Our research results suggest that future work should exploit more explicit objectness biases in the network design.
Using UAV multispectral photography to discriminate plant species in a seep wetland of the Fynbos Biome
Authors: Musungu Kevin , Dube Timothy , Smit Julian , Shoko Moreblessings
Published: January 2024

Wetlands harbour a wide range of vital ecosystems. Hence, mapping wetlands is essential to conserving the ecosystems that depend on them. However, the physical nature of wetlands makes fieldwork difficult and potentially erroneous. This study used multispectral UAV aerial photography to map ten wetland plant species in the Fynbos Biome in the Steenbras Nature Reserve. We developed a methodology that used K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithms to classify ten wetland plant species using the preselected bands and spectral indices. The study identified Normalized green red difference index (NGRDI), Red Green (RG) index, Green, Log Red Edge (LogRE), Normalized Difference Red-Edge (NDRE), Chlorophyll Index Red-Edge (CIRE), Green Ratio Vegetation Index (GRVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) and Red as pertinent bands and indices for classifying wetland plant species in the Proteaceae, Iridaceae, Restionaceae, Ericaceae, Asteraceae and Cyperaceae families. The classification had an overall accuracy of 87.4% and kappa accuracy of 0.85. Thus, the findings are pertinent to understanding the spectral characteristics of these endemic species. The study demonstrates the potential for UAV-based remote sensing of these endemic species.
Fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making framework for controlling methane explosions in coal mines
Authors: Kursunoglu Nilufer
Published: January 2024

The structure of underground coal mines is vulnerable to many mishaps because of the challenging conditions of production and the unique features of the earth. These incidents could cause significant financial and production losses for the mines in addition to worker injury, disability, or death. In coal mines, methane explosions are a frequent threat. Establishing a safe work environment requires managing these problems with an accident control method. The current study used the fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy AHP techniques for this aim. The framework was used to tackle the four-alternative problem of underground coal mine explosion control method selection. To identify potential risks of a methane explosion, a data gathering survey was conducted as part of the suggested hybrid methodology. The fuzzy AHP was used to compute the fuzzy weights of the hazards. “Improper ventilation system” is ranked highest out of the 34 sub-risk factors. The fuzzy TOPSIS was then utilized to rank the explosion control methods using the weights. To assess the viability of the study’s conclusions, a sensitivity analysis was carried out. The findings indicate that “improving safety technology” and “financial investments” are the best ways to reduce such events. The results additionally indicate that the fuzzy TOPSIS approach in combination with the fuzzy AHP provides a helpful framework for dynamically assessing mine methane explosion accidents.
Plasma SHBG Levels as an Early Predictor of Response to Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Gabriel-Medina P. , Ferrer-Costa R. , Rodriguez-Frias F. , Comas M. , Vilallonga R. , Ciudin A. , Selva D. M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Obesity is a growing global health problem, and currently, bariatric surgery (BS) is the best solution in terms of sustained total weight loss (TWL). However, a significant number of patients present weight regain (WR) in time. There is a lack of biomarkers predicting the response to BS and WR during the follow-up. Plasma SHBG levels, which are low in obesity, increase 1 month after BS but there is no data of plasma SHBG levels at long term. We performed the present study aimed at exploring the SHBG role in predicting TWL and WR after BS.

Methods

Prospective study including 62 patients with obesity undergoing BS. Anthropometric and biochemical variables, including SHBG were analyzed at baseline, 1, 6, 12, and 24 months; TWL ≥ 25% was considered as good BS response.

Results

Weight loss nadir was achieved at 12 months post-BS where maximum SHBG increase was reached. Greater than or equal to 25% TWL patients presented significantly higher SHBG increases at the first and sixth months of follow-up with respect to baseline (100% and 150% respectively, p = 0.025), than < 25% TWL patients (40% and 50% respectively, p = 0.03). Also, these presented 6.6% WR after 24 months. The first month SHBG increase predicted BS response at 24 months (OR = 2.71; 95%CI = [1.11–6.60]; p = 0.028) and TWL in the 12th month (r = 0.330, p = 0.012) and the WR in the 24th (r =  − 0.301, p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Our results showed for the first time that increase in plasma SHBG levels within the first month after BS is a good predictor of TWL and WR response after 2 years.

Graphical Abstract
Surgery combined with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy prolonged overall survival in stage IVC anaplastic thyroid cancer: a SEER-based analysis
Authors: Yin Ying , Wang Linhe , Huang Chiming
Published: January 2024

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare but aggressive malignancy, which accounts for only 1–2% of all thyroid cancers. The median overall survival (OS) time for all stages patients is at about 5 months. The benefit of surgery combined with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy in stage IVC anaplastic thyroid cancer is still controversial. The aim of this study is to investigating surgery combined with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy and survival outcomes in stage IVC ATC patients.

Method

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2016 were used to conduct a cross-sectional study in the analysis. The endpoint of this study was overall survival.

Results

The median OS of the overall population was 2.0 months. Multivariate analysis showed that age (<67 vs. ≥67 years old, P = 0.017, HR = 1.355, 95% CI: 1.057–1.738), tumor size (<7 cm vs. ≥7 cm, P = 0.001, HR = 1.579, 95% CI: 1.202–2.073), Surgery (thyroidectomy vs. non-surgery, P < 0.001, HR = 0.554, 95% CI: 0.401–0.766), radiation therapy (P < 0.001, HR = 0.571, 95% CI: 0.445–0.733) and chemotherapy (P = 0.003, HR = 0.684, 95% CI: 0.531–0.881) were independent prognostic factor for worse OS in stage IVC ATC patients. Surgery combined with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy exhibited the better overall survival time for 4 months.

Conclusions

Surgery combined with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy can improve overall survival in stage IVC ATC patients. We recommend surgical approach with fully evaluation combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy for selected stage IVC ATC patients.
Identification of non-actionable mutations with prognostic and predictive value in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Provencio-Pulla Mariano , Pérez-Parente Diego , Olson Sara , Hasan Haroon , Balea Begoña Campos , Rodríguez-Abreu Delvys , Piqueras Marta López-Brea , Pal Navdeep , Wilkinson Samantha , Vilas Esther , Ruiz-Gracia Pedro , Cobo-Dols Manuel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers and the leading cause of cancer death. Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients frequently harbor mutations that impact their survival outcomes. There are limited data regarding the prognostic and predictive significance of these mutations on survival outcomes in the real-world setting.

Methods

This observational retrospective study analyzed de-identified electronic medical records from the Flatiron Health Clinico-Genomic and FoundationCore® databases to identify patients with aNSCLC who initiated first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI; alone or in combination) or chemotherapy under routine care between 2016 and 2021. The primary objectives were to assess the prevalence of non-actionable mutations and to determine their association with overall survival (OS). Real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) and real-world response (rwR) were investigated as secondary exploratory outcomes.

Results

Based on an assessment of 185 non-actionable mutations in 2999 patients, the most prevalent mutations were TP53 (70%), KRAS (42%), CDKN2A/B (31%), and STK11 (21%). STK11, KEAP1, and CDKN2A/B mutations were significantly associated with lower rwR, shorter rwPFS and OS. KRAS mutations were clinically associated with shorter rwPFS in CIT-treated patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that fast progressors were significantly more likely to harbor STK11, KEAP1, and CDKN2A/B mutations. Accordingly, long-term survivors (LTS) showed a significantly lower prevalence of these mutations.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence on the prognostic value of STK11, KEAP1, and CDKN2A/B mutations in patients with aNSCLC. Further research is required to better understand the implications of these findings on patient management and future trial design and treatment selection.
Contested Appropriations: Informal Migrant Settlements as Ambiguous Spaces Beyond Temporal Borders
Authors: Benedikt Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Temporalities of control are a key element of the migration reception regime: deadlines, waiting times, and limited durations of stay link safe housing to temporal and normative prerequisites. As a result, those who are unable to cross these temporal borders are stuck outside of reception and beyond the temporal nomos of the asylum system, in heightened im-mobility, cut off from protection mechanisms, and in a vicious circle of illegalisation. Based on a literature review and on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Italy between 2018 and 2023, and from the analytical vantage point on migrant practices of appropriation, this article aims to explore informal camps as ambiguous spaces between coercion and subversion. While informality is used by state authorities to disrupt migrant multiplicities, mobilities, and temporalities, it can at the same time become a loophole for migrants to evade control, deportation, and detention and to pursue their migration projects. Through practices of appropriation, migrants regain not only time and space but also rights that have been denied to them. In doing so, they contest the temporalities of control, demonstrating that time can be “taken” through endured limbo, but that it is still relative and can thus be recoded. Despite presenting informality as an arena of collective renegotiation, the article concludes arguing against a romanticisation of informal encampments, showing that they are subject to politics of violence and abandonment.
Cryogenic Deformation Behaviour of Aluminium Alloy 6061-T6
Authors: Jin Minsoo , Lee Byungju , Yoo Jisung , Jo Yonghee , Lee Seunggun
Published: January 2024

Aluminium alloy 6061-T6 (AA6061-T6) shows a promising potential for cryogenic structural applications. This alloy exhibits remarkable monotonic tensile properties at low temperatures. However, there is a limited number of studies on the cryogenic deformation behaviour. In this study, both monotonic and cyclic loading were conducted, and various microstructure characterisation techniques were performed to understand influence of cryogenic temperatures on microstructure evolution and deformation behaviour of this alloy. At cryogenic temperatures, the aluminium alloy exhibited superior mechanical properties over those at room temperature. Yield stress, UTS and elongation at failure increased by 18%, 33%, and 53% at 77 K compared to those at room temperature. Such increase in mechanical properties was attributed by the stronger resistance to dislocation movement due to the reduced thermal assistance. Work hardening rate also increased as dynamic recovery was suppressed at lower temperatures. As a result, a high density of dislocations was evenly distributed within grain interior and led to a homogeneous deformation. The test temperature appeared to have a significant influence on fatigue performance; maximum stress response increased by 23% at 108 K with respect to those at room temperature. During cyclic loading, a high number of dislocations was generated to accommodate prescribed strain because of the resistance to dislocation movement including the pinning of dislocations by β’’ precipitates which are known to be sheared at room temperature. Thus, the alloy exhibited an enhanced cyclic hardening behaviour without a noticeable cyclic softening phase. Fatigue life improved by 143% at 108 K with respect to that at room temperature as the homogeneous deformation prohibited localised slip activity and delayed formation of slip bands which act as crack initiation sites. Moreover, the initiation and propagation of secondary cracks at 108 K retarded the propagation of main crack to improve fatigue life.

Graphical Abstract
A Phenomenological Investigation of Experiences of People Who Use YouTube to Access Support for Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Monks-Woods Alice , Andriopoulou Panoraia , Grogan Sarah
Published: January 2024

Background

Research suggests that individuals with a mental health diagnosis often engage in social media to access support for their diagnosis. However, there is a lack of information on online usage in those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Furthermore, there is little research using qualitative interviews to examine the use of social media, such as YouTube, for psychological support.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to explore experiences of YouTube in individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, including its impact on their offline lives.

Methods

Six participants were recruited on social media; all those who contacted the researcher and met inclusion criteria were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were used, lasting between 40 and 60 min. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Findings

The analysis produced two global themes: ‘YouTube as a form of self-help’ and ‘YouTube transforming the self’.

Limitations

All the participants were female, limiting transferability of the findings.

Originality

This paper is the first to show that YouTube could be used in addition to regular support to initiate recovery for those with BPD. It could provide them with a way to reduce self-stigma, enhance self-awareness and learn coping techniques.
P129, a pyrazole ring-containing isolongifolanone-derivate: synthesis and investigation of anti-glioma action mechanism
Authors: Jiang Yining , Wang Yunyun , Zhao Liyan , Yang Wenzhuo , Pan Lin , Bai Yang , Wang Yubo , Li Yunqian
Published: January 2024

Background

Cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK-2) is an important regulatory factor in the G1/S phase transition. CDK-2 targeting has been shown to suppress the viability of multiple cancers. However, the exploration and application of a CDK-2 inhibitor in the treatment of glioblastoma are sparse.

Methods

We synthesized P129 based on isolongifolanone, a natural product with anti-tumor activity. Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict the structural stability, affinity, and pharmacological and toxicological properties of P129. Binding analysis and CETSA verified the ability of P129 to target CDK-2. The effect of P129 on the biological behavior of glioma cells was analyzed by the cell counting kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, and other experiments. Western blotting was used to detect the expression changes of proteins involved in the cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis and CETSA showed that P129 exhibited good intestinal absorption and blood–brain barrier penetrability together with high stability and affinity with CDK-2, with no developmental toxicity. The viability, proliferation, and migration of human glioma cells were significantly inhibited by P129 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry and western blotting analyses showed G0/G1 arrest and lower CDK-2 expression in cells treated with P129 than in the controls. The apoptotic ratio of glioma cells increased significantly with increasing concentrations of P129 combined with karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis. Apoptosis occurred via the mitochondrial pathway.

Conclusion

The pyrazole ring-containing isolongifolanone derivate P129 exhibited promising anti-glioma activity by targeting CDK-2 and promoting apoptosis, indicating its potential importance as a new chemotherapeutic option for glioma.
Research on key technology of packer rubber barrel for integrated fracturing and completion of gas well
Authors: Wang Peng , Cai Meng , Liu Zhaoyi , Ma Wenhai , Li Junliang
Published: January 2024

The staged and layered fracturing technology plays an important role in unconventional tight reservoirs. And the gas well fracturing and completion integration is the core component to realize the fracturing and completion integration process, which can realize the integration of acid fracturing and later drainage production so as to reduce the secondary pollution to the reservoir. The packer rubber barrel’s performance directly affects the long-term effective sealing reliability itself in high temperature and high pressure environment. In this paper, the constitutive model of rubber tested from high temperature and high pressure curing kettle to simulate the high-temperature and highly corrosive environment of the formation. On this basis, the structure of the packer’s shoulder and the protective ring of the rubber barrels are optimized through Abaqus to reduce its stress failure under high pressure, and its corrosion resistance is improved by improving the rubber material. The sealing performance of the packer rubber cylinder under the field underground requirements is tested through laboratory evaluation test and field test. The results show that the protective ring and rubber tube shoulder at 30° angle are a reasonable result of optimization, and the optimized packer can meet the requirements of 154 °C temperature resistance, 79 MPa pressure bearing and long-term effective sealing. The successful development of packer rubber and the integrated analysis process can lay a solid foundation for the realization of integrated fracturing and completion process for exploration and development of deep volcanic or carbonate reservoirs.
Short $$(\textbf{SL}_2\times \textbf{SL}_2)$$-structures on Lie algebras
Authors: Beites Patricia D. , Córdova-Martínez Alejandra S. , Cunha Isabel , Elduque Alberto
Published: January 2024

$$\textbf{S}$$
S
-structures on Lie algebras, introduced by Vinberg, represent a broad generalization of the notion of gradings by abelian groups. Gradings by, not necessarily reduced, root systems provide many examples of natural $$\textbf{S}$$
S
-structures. Here we deal with a situation not covered by these gradings: the short $$(\textbf{SL}_2\times \textbf{SL}_2)$$

(

SL
2

×

SL
2

)

-structures, where the reductive group is the simplest semisimple but not simple reductive group. The algebraic objects that coordinatize these structures are the J-ternary algebras of Allison, endowed with a nontrivial idempotent.
Microwave-assisted hydrothermal processing of pine nut shells for oligosaccharide production
Authors: Torrado Ivone , Neves Beatriz Guapo , da Conceição Fernandes Maria , Carvalheiro Florbela , Pereira Helena , Duarte Luís C.
Published: January 2024

Pine nut shells, a biomass residue from the Mediterranean Pinus pinea pine nut industrial processing, were treated by microwave-assisted autohydrolysis to produce xylo-oligosaccharides. Microwave-assisted processes provide alternative heating that may reduce energy input and increase overall process efficiency. The autohydrolysis treatments were performed under isothermal and non-isothermal operations within a wide range of operational conditions (temperature/reaction times) covering several severity regimes (as measured by the log R0 severity factor). The composition of the autohydrolysis liquors was determined in terms of oligo- and monosaccharides, aliphatic acids and degradation compounds. The process was highly selective towards hemicelluloses hydrolysis and liquid streams containing a mixture of oligomeric compounds (mainly xylo-oligosaccharides) could be obtained under relatively mild operation conditions (190 °C, 30 min) with a maximal oligosaccharides’ concentration of 18.48 g/L. The average polymerization degree of the obtained oligosaccharides was characterised by HPLC, showing that for the optimal conditions a mixture of oligomers with DPs from 2 to 6.
An investigation on the performance of vehicle brake pads developed from Cortaderia selloana based biomass
Authors: Yavuz Hicri , Bayrakçeken Hüseyin , Çengelci Emin , Arslan Turan Alp
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, researchers are making intense efforts to develop biomass-based industrial products. This study developed low-metallic and asbestos-free samples based on Cortaderia selloana (12–15% and 18% ratios), a natural species, to contribute to the brake pad field. The developed samples’ friction coefficient and wear rate experiments were carried out on a brake pad test device with a load of 1 MPa and a disk rotation speed of 6 m/s, according to the TS555 standard. Scanning electron microscopy and electron-dispersive x-ray analysis were performed on the worn surfaces of the samples. According to the results obtained, the wear rate increased while the average friction coefficient decreased in the brake pad samples using 18% Cortaderia selloana content in the sample content. In scanning electron microscopy analysis, primary and secondary plateau formations were observed on the worn surfaces of all samples. At the same time, samples containing 15% and 18% Cortaderia selloana also showed signs of abrasive wear. High friction coefficient and low wear rate are expected for brake pads to be used in automobiles. In general, the friction of brake pads must be within the range, and it is always necessary to balance the friction to avoid driver discomfort. However, except for some racing applications, a high coefficient of friction is only sometimes desirable, which can cause rotor wear problems. As a result of this research, a consistent friction coefficient and low wear rate for the brake pads with the brake pad sample containing 12% Cortaderia selloana.
Train-induced aerodynamic characteristics of vertical sound barriers influenced by several factors
Authors: Qiu Xiaowei , Li Xiaozhen , Zheng Jing , Wang Ming
Published: January 2024

Investigations into the aerodynamic properties of vertical sound barriers exposed to high-speed operations employ computational fluid dynamics. The primary focus of this research is to evaluate the influence of train speed and the distance (D) from the track centerline under various operating conditions. The findings elucidate a marked elevation in the aerodynamic effect amplitude on sound barriers as train speeds increase. In single-train passages, the aerodynamic effect amplitude manifests a direct relationship with the square of the train speed. When two trains pass each other, the aerodynamic amplitude intensifies due to an additional aerodynamic increment on the sound barrier. This increment exhibits an approximate quadratic correlation with the retrograde train speed. Notably, the impact of high-speed trains on sound barrier aerodynamics surpasses that of low-speed trains, and this discrepancy amplifies with larger speed differentials between trains. Moreover, the train-induced aerodynamic effect diminishes significantly with greater distance (D), with occurrences of pressure coefficient (CP) exceeding the standard thresholds during dual-train passages. This study culminates in the formulation of universal equations for quantifying the influence of train speed and distance (D) on sound barrier aerodynamic characteristics across various operational scenarios.
Quantitative analysis of Tr1 lymphocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Knott-Torcal C. , de la Blanca N. S. , Serrano-Somavilla A. , Hernández R. M. , Sampedro-Núñez M. , Ruiz-Rosso B. , Jiménez-Blanco S. , González-Amaro R. , González-Baranda L. , Garcimartin A. , Marazuela M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is usually accompanied by a low-grade inflammatory phenomenon, which participates in the pathogenesis of different complications of this condition. The inflammatory response is under the regulation of different mechanisms, including T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes. However, the possible role of type 1 T regulatory (Tr1) cells in T2DM has not been explored so far.

Aim

To carry out a quantitative analysis of Tr1 lymphocytes and other immune cell subsets in patients with T2DM and correlate these results with clinical findings and treatments.

Materials and methods

Sixty patients with T2DM and twenty-three healthy controls were included in the study. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were evaluated, and Tr1 lymphocytes (CD4+CD49+LAG-3+IL-10+) and other cell subsets (Th17, Th22 and Foxp3 + Treg cells) were analyzed in peripheral blood samples by multiparametric flow cytometry.

Results

Significant increased levels of Tr1 cells were detected in patients with severe and mild disease, compared to healthy controls. In addition, CD4+IL-10+ lymphocytes were also increased in patients with T2DM. In contrast, similar levels of Foxp3+ Treg cells, Th17 and Th22 lymphocytes were observed in patients and controls. Likewise, no significant associations were detected between Tr1 cell levels and different clinical and laboratory parameters. However, those patients receiving glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA) showed similar levels of Tr1 cells than healthy controls, and significant lower numbers than untreated patients.

Conclusion

We observed an increase in Tr1 and CD4+IL10+ lymphocyte levels in T2DM. Moreover, GLP1-RA treatment was significantly associated with normalization of the Tr1 levels. This highlights another potential immune dysfunction in patients with T2DM, which could participate in the pathogenesis of this condition.