bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variability in Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, and Neurodevelopmental Pathways: Impact on the Susceptibility and Course of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Barbo Maruša , Koritnik Blaž , Leonardis Lea , Blagus Tanja , Dolžan Vita , Ravnik-Glavač Metka
Published: October 2024

The spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) phenotype strongly correlates with the SMN2 gene copy number. However, the severity and progression of the disease vary widely even among affected individuals with identical copy numbers. This study aimed to investigate the impact of genetic variability in oxidative stress, inflammatory, and neurodevelopmental pathways on SMA susceptibility and clinical progression. Genotyping for 31 genetic variants across 20 genes was conducted in 54 SMA patients and 163 healthy controls. Our results revealed associations between specific polymorphisms and SMA susceptibility, disease type, age at symptom onset, and motor and respiratory function. Notably, the TNF rs1800629 and BDNF rs6265 polymorphisms demonstrated a protective effect against SMA susceptibility, whereas the IL6 rs1800795 was associated with an increased risk. The polymorphisms CARD8 rs2043211 and BDNF rs6265 were associated with SMA type, while SOD2 rs4880, CAT rs1001179, and MIR146A rs2910164 were associated with age at onset of symptoms after adjustment for clinical parameters. In addition, GPX1 rs1050450 and HMOX1 rs2071747 were associated with motor function scores and lung function scores, while MIR146A rs2910164, NOTCH rs367398 SNPs, and GSTM1 deletion were associated with motor and upper limb function scores, and BDNF rs6265 was associated with lung function scores after adjustment. These findings emphasize the potential of genetic variability in oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, and neurodevelopmental pathways to elucidate the complex course of SMA. Further exploration of these pathways offers a promising avenue for developing personalized therapeutic strategies for SMA patients.
Distrust and reflexive impotence in the net zero transition: findings from a longitudinal deliberative mini-public
Authors: Ainscough Jacob , Lewis Pancho , Farrow Lucy
Published: October 2024

Responding to climate change requires that people engage in different forms of climate citizenship. These span from individual consumption choices, to taking part in forms of collective action to steer the behaviour of governments and in the private sector. Here we analyse data from the Net Zero Diaries project to explore how attitudes to different forms of climate citizenship develop as people become more aware about the scale of societal change required to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Net Zero Diaries project was a deliberative mini-public, composed of 41 citizens broadly representative of the UK adult population, which convened over five months between 2021 and 2022 to debate the UK policies for reaching net zero emissions by 2050. We show that people identify government as the prime actor needed to drive the transition, but doubt that they will act due to a range of constraints vis-à-vis the public and private sector. This tension provides a novel explanation for why some people prioritise forms of individual and consumption focused climate citizenship, whilst also doubting the efficacy of such actions. We conclude by suggesting that efforts to drive more engaged forms of climate citizenship need to attend to underlying feelings about state efficacy, rather than focus on just how the issue of climate change is framed.
Are Mathematics and Writing Skills Related? Evidence from Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Young-Suk Grace , Yang Dandan , Hwang Jinkyung
Published: October 2024

Writing and mathematics are essential in academic achievement. In the present study, we investigated whether writing skills and mathematics skills are related and if so, whether their relation is moderated by participants’ grade level (a proxy for developmental phase), subskills of mathematics and writing skills, and assessment characteristics (normed and standardized nature of mathematics and writing tasks, and reliability of mathematics and writing measures), using a meta-analysis. A total of 211 studies (k = 564, N = 1,207,983) met inclusion criteria. Overall, mathematics and writing were moderately related (r = .48). The overall magnitude of their relation differed as a function of grade level such that the relation was stronger for students in primary grade levels compared to those in university and above. When explored by higher order and lower order writing and mathematics skills and grade levels, lower order writing and mathematics (.59) and higher order writing and mathematics (.48) had substantial relations in primary grades, whereas higher order writing and mathematics were weakly related in adulthood (.25). The relation also differed by the reliability of mathematics tasks such that the magnitude was stronger for mathematics tasks with higher reliability. For writing, the relation was stronger for writing tasks that were normed and standardized compared to those that were not. These results confirm not only a mathematics–writing relation but also factors that influence this relation. Future work is warranted to investigate mechanisms of the relation and potential practical implications.
Mercury speciation in environmental samples associated with artisanal small-scale gold mines using a novel solid-phase extraction approach to sample collection and preservation
Authors: King David , Watts Michael , Hamilton Elliott , Mortimer Robert , Coffey Michael , Osano Odipo , Di Bonito Marcello
Published: October 2024

In artisanal small-scale gold mines (ASGM), mercury (Hg) is known to pollute nearby river waters and sediments where it can be methylated to the highly bioavailable methylmercury (MeHg). The assessment of Hg speciation in water samples has been challenging for many years, with recommended procedures often not adequately allowing for analysis of samples in a suitable timeframe. Using a novel solid-phase extraction (SPE) method for sampling and preservation of Hg species, representative speciation data can be safely and easily collected and retained for up to 4-weeks (MeHg = 115 ± 8% refrigerated and 109 ± 13% unrefrigerated storage; Hg2+  = 100 ± 14% refrigerated and 94 ± 12% unrefrigerated storage). Concentrations of MeHg in environmental water samples and drinking water were below detection limit across two ASGM sites in western Kenya and concentrations of Hg2+ were below drinking water guidelines; however, drinking water sources contribute 20–30% of the tolerable weekly intake of Hg, indicating a need to minimise exposure of Hg from dietary sources to prevent Hg poisoning. Sediments from receiving rivers at ASGM sites showed total Hg concentrations above guideline limits (0.08–1.84 mg kg−1 total Hg) along the length of the river; however, MeHg concentrations fluctuated dependent on the stagnation of the river due to damns and ponds (5.9 ± 14.3 µg kg−1 MeHg). The findings show that SPE can be used as a robust sample collection and preservation approach for Hg speciation, which can better inform mitigation measures, understand ecological and human health implications, and improve environmental monitoring.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Psy-Flex Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Li Si Ni , Chien Wai Tong , Lam Stanley Kam Ki , Chong Yuen Yu , Gloster Andrew T.
Published: October 2024

This research aimed to translate the original English version of the Psy-Flex, a scale of psychological flexibility, into Chinese and to test its psychometric properties among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two phases were conducted: (1) translation from English to Chinese (Psy-Flex-C), followed by a semantic equivalence evaluation between two versions, a pre-test, and an evaluation of the Psy-Flex-C in terms of face validity with 20 parents of autistic children, and content validity of the Psy-Flex-C with eight experts. (2) A cross-sectional study with 248 parents of autistic children was conducted for validation, and a subgroup of 50 participants was randomly selected to assess the test–retest reliability at a 2-week interval. The Psy-Flex-C showed satisfactory semantic equivalence with the original version and demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.84) and test–retest stability (weighted kappa statistic = 0.88). Concurrent validity was supported by a moderate correlation between the Psy-Flex-C and the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes (Pearson’s r = 0.54, p < 0.01). The Psy-Flex-C showed a significant mean score difference between parents with high and low parenting stress (t = 5.43, p < 0.001). Similar to the original scale, confirmatory factor analysis showed the best fitting one-factor structure of the Psy-Flex-C (X2/df = 1.62, p = 0.13, RMSEA = 0.05, GFI = 0.99, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.023). The Psy-Flex-C can be a reliable and valid instrument to self-report psychological flexibility in parents of children with ASD. Future research is recommended to test the Psy-Flex-C using diverse samples from different cultures and contexts to enhance its generalizability.
The state role in the housing sector in Hamburg and Havana challenges and successes of the state's claim to control in different political and planning systems
Authors: Santana Caraballo Angel Junior , ElGamal Mohamed , Dobal Fonseca Dachelis , Anders Sascha , Rúa de Cabo Arturo , Altrock Uwe , Arjona Cisneros Yaima
Published: October 2024

Housing supply is a controversial topic across the globe. In Europe, for example, housing provision is fundamentally characterised by capitalist market economy. However, the intensity of state intervention differs significantly in the respective European countries. Germany is certainly one of the countries in which the state traditionally intervenes considerably in the housing market and attempts to control it through various measures. In addition, the stakeholders in the housing market are very different, and the housing market is highly segmented. In Cuba, as a rather atypical example for Latin America, where the housing market is largely liberalised, the housing market is very strongly regulated by the socialist Cuban state. In this article, we address the topics of housing supply by analysing the institutional framework conditions and the different levels of intervention in the very different systems of Germany and Cuba. In doing so, we find that the objectives at the planning and political levels in these two case studies are quite similar despite the major political and social differences. It has become clear, that there is a gap between the aspiration of the political-administrative planning system and the planning expectations of the citizens in both systems. However, it is also emphasised that the state's claim to intervene in the housing market and the regulations, production and financing conditions are very different. Using Vaus’s ‘most-different-case approach’, we emphasise for the two cities of Hamburg and Havana that although considerable successes have been achieved in both systems in terms of adequate housing provision, but major challenges still exist in both cities. The analysis has also made clear how important it is to combine housing policy demands with the realities of housing industry, real estate markets and urban planning perspectives.
An Artificial Intelligent System for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Whole Slide Images
Authors: Saha Sajib , Vignarajan Janardhan , Flesch Adam , Jelinko Patrik , Gorog Petra , Szep Eniko , Toth Csaba , Gombas Peter , Schvarcz Tibor , Mihaly Orsolya , Kapin Marianna , Zub Alexandra , Kuthi Levente , Tiszlavicz Laszlo , Glasz Tibor , Frost Shaun
Published: October 2024

In recent years a significant demand to develop computer-assisted diagnostic tools to assess prostate cancer using whole slide images has been observed. In this study we develop and validate a machine learning system for cancer assessment, inclusive of detection of perineural invasion and measurement of cancer portion to meet clinical reporting needs. The system analyses the whole slide image in three consecutive stages: tissue detection, classification, and slide level analysis. The whole slide image is divided into smaller regions (patches). The tissue detection stage relies upon traditional machine learning to identify WSI patches containing tissue, which are then further assessed at the classification stage where deep learning algorithms are employed to detect and classify cancer tissue. At the slide level analysis stage, entire slide level information is generated by aggregating all the patch level information of the slide. A total of 2340 haematoxylin and eosin stained slides were used to train and validate the system. A medical team consisting of 11 board certified pathologists with prostatic pathology subspeciality competences working independently in 4 different medical centres performed the annotations. Pixel-level annotation based on an agreed set of 10 annotation terms, determined based on medical relevance and prevalence, was created by the team. The system achieved an accuracy of 99.53% in tissue detection, with sensitivity and specificity respectively of 99.78% and 99.12%. The system achieved an accuracy of 92.80% in classifying tissue terms, with sensitivity and specificity respectively 92.61% and 99.25%, when 5x magnification level was used. For 10x magnification, these values were respectively 91.04%, 90.49%, and 99.07%. For 20x magnification they were 84.71%, 83.95%, 90.13%.
The influence of CuxS particles on the thermal decomposition of anion exchangers
Authors: Kociołek-Balawejder Elżbieta , Mucha Igor
Published: October 2024

Due to the versality, surface imperfections and diverse redox chemistry of CuxS, hybrid ion exchangers (HIXs) containing these particles are an interesting object of research, including thermal transformation. The composite materials used for testing were strongly basic anion exchangers, with macroreticular (M) and gel-type structure (G), containing in the poly (styrene/divinylbenzene) skeleton fine particles of covellite/brochantite (M1), covellite (M2), covellite/digenite/djurleite (G1) and covellite/digenite (G2). The prepared HIXs contained 12–16 mass% S + Cu. They were subjected to thermal analysis under air and N2 to identify the role of the inorganic phase in decomposition of the polymeric phase. The results were discussed on the basis of the TG/DTG curves and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the solid residues (CuO after combustion, carbon/Cu2S after pyrolysis). It was found that CuxS in the resin phase exhibited oxidative activity promoting the combustion process. The polymeric skeleton of HIXs decomposed in air at a much lower temperature compared to pure resins (400 vs 600 °C). The TG/DTG curves had a model shape, three separate conversions occurring in a narrow temperature range, which indicated sequential decomposition. The low consumption of hydrogen for the reduction of CuxS to Cu2S during pyrolysis was not conducive to condensation of alkyl radicals and increase of the mass of carbon matter. The results advance the understanding of the effect of copper/sulfur-containing fine particles on the thermal decomposition of anion exchanger and can be useful in preparation of multifunctional carbon-containing composite materials.
Easter eggs: Signaling quality via intrinsic motivation
Authors: Fuchs Matthias
Published: October 2024

Easter eggs are initially hidden elements of a consumer experience that have little direct commercial benefit for the brand. While Easter eggs may have been present in video games and software since the 1970s, they are now found in more and more consumer products such as cars, fashion, and fast food. This work explores the possible motivations for brands to include Easter eggs in their experiences by testing their effects on consumers during the post-purchase experience. It is found that Easter eggs serve as a new type of quality signal and positively affect perceived quality. The positive effect of Easter eggs on perceived product quality appears to be mediated by increased perceived intrinsic motivation of the brand’s employees. One study on Amazon.com reviews data on video games, and three online experiments on fashion, candy, and cars lend support to these hypotheses.
Unveiling Lodderomyces elongisporus as an Emerging Yeast Pathogen: A Holistic Approach to Microbiological Diagnostic Strategies
Authors: Muangkaew Watcharamat , Thanomsridetchai Natthapaninee , Tangwattanachuleeporn Marut , Ampawong Sumate , Sukphopetch Passanesh
Published: October 2024

Lodderomyces elongisporus, first isolated in 1952, has increasingly been recognized as a significant pathogen, with a notable rise in human infections since the 1970s. Initially misidentified as Candida parapsilosis due to morphological similarities, L. elongisporus has now been conclusively established as a distinct species, largely due to advancements in molecular biology, particularly DNA sequencing. This review traces the detection history of L. elongisporus, from the earliest documented cases to the most recent reports, underscoring its role as a causative agent in human infections. It also explores therapeutic strategies that have demonstrated efficacy, alongside instances of environmental contamination reported in international literature. A critical evaluation of diagnostic methodologies essential for precise identification is provided, including culture-based techniques such as colony morphology on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and chromogenic media, coupled with microscopic assessments using Lactophenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) and Gram staining. The ultrastructure of L. elongisporus, as observed under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), is also discussed. Furthermore, non-culture-based diagnostics, such as sugar utilization tests (API 20C AUX and the innovative in-house arabinose-based “Loddy” test) and antifungal susceptibility profiling, are reviewed, with a particular focus on molecular tools like ITS-DNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS, which, despite their higher costs, offer unparalleled specificity. The accurate distinction and characterization of L. elongisporus are paramount, particularly in vulnerable and immunocompromised patients, where misdiagnosis can lead to severe consequences. This review advocates for intensified research efforts to develop more accessible diagnostic tools and deepen our understanding of this emerging pathogen, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors treated with stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Kim Inhwa , Yan Michael , Sourour Michel , Heaton Robert , Faulkner Colin , Kalyvas Aristotelis , Keilty Dana M. , Cusimano Michael D. , Payne David , Laperriere Normand , Shultz David B. , Alli Saira B. , Zadeh Gelareh , Tsang Derek S.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (pitNETs) are benign tumors that may recur after surgical resection or persist following medical management. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes and toxicities of patients with pitNETs treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) at a single institution.

Methods

We completed a retrospective, single-institution study of patients with pitNETs treated with frame-based, single-fraction, cobalt-60 SRS between September 2005 and June 2023. The primary endpoint was local tumor control. Secondary endpoints included endocrine control (for functional tumors), overall survival, and toxicities.

Results

A total of 88 lesions in 83 patients were treated with SRS. Most lesions (70%) were non-functional tumors. Of the 26 functioning tumors, 6 patients achieved endocrine remission with SRS alone (23%), and the remainder achieved remission with combined medical management. With a median patient follow-up of 4.7 years, no local tumor recurrences were observed with an estimated local control probability of 100%. Two- and five-year overall survival estimates were 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 89–99) and 95% (95% CI 84–98), respectively. Causes of death were unrelated to PitNET or SRS. Twelve patients (14%) developed hypopituitarism after SRS. Despite the 34 lesions that were ≤ 3 mm from optic structures, no patients developed any optic neuropathy or visual decline post SRS.

Conclusions

SRS is a highly effective modality for recurrent or residual pitNETs. This study observed a local control of 100% with no cases of optic toxicities after a median follow-up of 4.7 years. These observed findings suggest that dose de-escalation may be possible for future treatment of pitNETs.
Unlocking nature’s drought resilience: a focus on the parsimonious root phenotype and specialised root metabolism in wild Medicago populations
Authors: Calleja-Satrustegui Aitziber , Echeverría Andrés , Ariz Idoia , Peralta de Andrés Javier , González Esther M.
Published: October 2024

Background and aims

Crop wild relatives, exposed to strong natural selection, exhibit effective tolerance traits against stresses. While an aggressive root proliferation phenotype has long been considered advantageous for a range of stresses, it appears to be counterproductive under drought due to its high metabolic cost. Recently, a parsimonious root phenotype, metabolically more efficient, has been suggested to be better adapted to semiarid environments, although it is not clear that this phenotype is a trait exhibited by crop wild relatives.

Methods

Firstly, we analysed the root phenotype and carbon metabolism in four Medicago crop wild relatives adapted to a semiarid environment and compared them with the cultivated M. truncatula Jemalong (A17). Secondly, we exposed the cultivated (probably the least adapted genotype to aridity) and the wild (the most common one in arid zones) M. truncatula genotypes to water deficit. The carbon metabolism response in different parts of their roots was analysed.

Results

A reduced carbon investment per unit of root length was a common trait in the four wild genotypes, indicative of an evolution towards a parsimonious root phenotype. During the water deficit experiment, the wild M. truncatula showed higher tolerance to drought, along with a superior ability of its taproot to partition sucrose and enhanced capacity of its fibrous roots to maintain sugar homeostasis.

Conclusion

A parsimonious root phenotype and the spatial specialization of root carbon metabolism represent two important drought tolerance traits. This work provides relevant findings to understand the response of Medicago species roots to water deficit.
Emphasizing the Communal Demands of a Leader Role Makes Job Interviews Less Stressful for Women But Not More Successful
Authors: Nater Christa , Eagly Alice H. , Heilman Madeline E. , Messerli-Bürgy Nadine , Sczesny Sabine
Published: October 2024

The cultural construal of leadership as masculine impedes women’s attainment of leader roles. This research examined whether adding feminine demands to a leader role relieved the greater stress experienced by women than men in a job interview for a leadership position and considered the processes that mediated women’s less favourable interview outcomes. In a hiring simulation, management students (N = 209; 112 women, 97 men) interviewed for a leader role framed by either stereotypically feminine or masculine role requirements. As shown by the stress biomarker salivary cortisol, the feminine role framing alleviated women’s, but not men’s, physiological stress response during the interview. However, under both masculine and feminine role framing, women, compared with men, reported lesser fit, expected poorer interview performance, appraised greater threat relative to challenge, and evaluated their performance less favourably, as did external raters. An additional vignette study (N = 305; 189 women, 111 men, 5 diverse) found that the feminine role framing increased the leader role’s communal demands but still conveyed strong agentic demands not different from those of the masculine role. In conclusion, although a feminine role framing alleviated women’s physiological stress response, it did not change their less favourable outcomes, as indicated by participants’ self-reports and others’ reports.
‘Mind’ and ‘mental’: extended, pluralistic, eliminated
Authors: Gough Joe
Published: October 2024

The terms ‘mind’ and ‘mental’ are used to refer to different phenomena across and within at least philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, and cognitive science. My main aim in this paper is to argue that the terms ‘mind’ and ‘mental’ are in this way ‘pluralistic’, and to explore the different options for responding to this situation. I advocate for a form of pluralistic eliminativism about the terms ‘mind’ and ‘mental’, ‘mind concept eliminativism,’ because I believe that current use of the terms results in both public and scientific confusions that hamper progress on important issues and increase stigma around certain vulnerable groups.
Strengthening research-extension-farmer-input linkage system for sustainable smallholder livestock farming in Africa: progress and prospects
Authors: Mapiye Obvious , Dzama Kennedy
Published: October 2024

The drive to hasten the development of smallholder livestock farming through research-extension-farmer-input linkage systems (REFILS) is being promoted in African countries. Resource-constrained smallholders face various challenges including poor access to timely and relevant research-based innovations. Weak research-extension-farmer-input linkages exacerbate this issue. This review explores the evolution of Knowledge Transfer and Agricultural Extension Theories, emphasising the shift from centralised top-down dissemination to participatory and user-driven models. The paper characterises “research”, “extension”, “farmer”, and “input” as the main pillars of agricultural knowledge systems and how their lack of interconnectedness impacts their effectiveness. Examining the dynamics of these pillars provides a comprehensive rationale for strengthening REFILS. Also, REFILS adoption disparities such as limited funding and investment, institutional and organisational inefficiencies, and social and cultural factors were discussed. The identified key challenges form an intricate web of interconnected issues which should not be addressed in isolation but collectively. The proposed measures for REFILS enhancement include building strong public-private partnerships, full participation and collaboration by all key actors including farmers, digitalisation of smallholder agriculture, and policy and institutional reorganisation towards a stronger REFILS. Moreover, the study acts as a foundational guide for strengthening REFILS at national, regional, and continental levels to foster economic, environmental, and social sustainability in Africa’s livestock industry.
Response accuracy of GPT-4 across languages: insights from an expert-level diagnostic radiology examination in Japan
Authors: Harigai Ayaka , Toyama Yoshitaka , Nagano Mitsutoshi , Abe Mirei , Kawabata Masahiro , Li Li , Yamamura Jin , Takase Kei
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of language selection and translation quality on Generative Pre-trained Transformer-4 (GPT-4)'s response accuracy to expert-level diagnostic radiology questions.

Materials and methods

We analyzed 146 diagnostic radiology questions from the Japan Radiology Board Examination (2020–2022), with consensus answers provided by two board-certified radiologists. The questions, originally in Japanese, were translated into English by GPT-4 and DeepL and into German and Chinese by GPT-4. Responses were generated by GPT-4 five times per question set per language. Response accuracy was compared between languages using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction or the Mann–Whitney U test. Scores on selected English questions translated by a professional service and GPT-4 were also compared. The impact of translation quality on GPT-4’s performance was assessed by linear regression analysis.

Results

The median scores (interquartile range) for the 146 questions were 70 (68–72) (Japanese), 89 (84.5–95.5) (GPT-4 English), 64 (55.5–67) (Chinese), and 56 (46.5–67.5) (German). Significant differences were found between Japanese and English (p = 0.002) and between Japanese and German (p = 0.022). The counts of correct responses across five attempts for each question were significantly associated with the quality of translation into English (GPT-4, DeepL) and German (GPT-4). In a subset of 31 questions where English translations yielded fewer correct responses than Japanese originals, professionally translated questions yielded better scores than those translated by GPT-4 (13 versus 8 points, p = 0.0079).

Conclusion

GPT-4 exhibits higher accuracy when responding to English-translated questions compared to original Japanese questions, a trend not observed with German or Chinese translations. Accuracy improves with higher-quality English translations, underscoring the importance of high-quality translations in improving GPT-4’s response accuracy to diagnostic radiology questions in non-English languages and aiding non-native English speakers in obtaining accurate answers from large language models.
Sulfide Route to Chromium–Nickel–Molybdenum Ferroalloys for Stainless Steel Production
Authors: Stinn Caspar , Allanore Antoine
Published: October 2024

New methods of materials separation and metal production utilizing sulfide chemistries may support a paradigm shift in sustainable metallurgy. We leverage sulfidation with elemental sulfur, aluminothermic reduction, and slag refining to obtain a chromium–nickel–molybdenum ferroalloy and stainless steel using a sulfide-based route without direct greenhouse gas emissions. The absence of carbothermic reduction from the mineral, concentrate, and matte feedstocks tried herein indicates that argon-oxygen-decarburization may no longer be necessary to refine stainless steel products.
Die Bedeutung neurobiologischer Befunde und vertiefender Psychopathologie für die Forensische Psychiatrie
Authors: Cording Clemens
Published: October 2024

Anhand einer Literaturübersicht sowie auf der Grundlage eigener Erfahrungen und Überlegungen wird die Bedeutung unterschiedlicher Erkenntnisquellen für forensisch-psychiatrische Begutachtungen kritisch diskutiert. Neurobiologische Befunde sind dafür weder notwendig noch hinreichend. Goldstandard ist eine im Hinblick auf die jeweilige Gutachtensfrage vertiefende psychopathologische Analyse, die je nach Bedarf und Möglichkeit durch neuropsychologische und neurobiologische Befunde sinnvoll ergänzt werden kann, deren Interpretation und Integration methodenkritische Kompetenz erfordert. Eine dementsprechend ausgerichtete forensisch-psychiatrische Weiterbildung und Qualitätssicherung ist erforderlich, um die Reliabilität und Validität der Gutachten zu verbessern.
Die Forensisch-Therapeutische Ambulanz für Gewalt- und Sexualstraftäter in Berlin: Übersicht über 20 Jahre Behandlung und Forschung
Authors: Voß Tatjana , Hausam Joscha , Sauter Julia
Published: October 2024

Forensische Nachsorge im Rahmen von Weisungen zur Führungsaufsicht ist in der Bundesrepublik inzwischen in allen Bundesländern realisiert, allerdings mit deutlichen Unterschieden in deren länderspezifischer Ausgestaltung. Die Berliner Forensisch Therapeutische Ambulanz (FTA) der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin ist dabei eine derjenigen Ambulanzen, die seit 2005 sowohl ehemalige Straffällige aus dem Straf- als auch aus dem Maßregelvollzug psychiatrisch und psychotherapeutisch behandelt. Die Ergebnisse aus in der Behandlung von z. B. Menschen mit Störungen der Intelligenzentwicklung, von ehemals Sicherungsverwahrten und auch die Behandlungsergebnisse im Rahmen von antiandrogener Behandlung von Sexualstraftätern sind dabei ermutigend. Erste Ergebnisse einer Untersuchung der Rückfälligkeit von in der FTA behandelten Straffälligen belegen geringe Rückfallraten.
Phenomenology of Mystical Psychedelic Experiences: The Case of Existential Anxiety
Authors: Kuravsky Erik
Published: October 2024

The essay offers an interpretation of psychedelic peak experiences. It criticizes the quasi-scientific naturalistic attempts to explain such experiences and offers an alternative ontology underlying a more complex sense of naturalism, thus defending an entheogenic view irreducible to mere psychological effects. First, the mainstream ontology in the paradigm of natural sciences is exposed as being a version of the ontology of presence. This fact is shown as the reason for the phenomenological gap and the impotence of the natural sciences to address human experience. Next, existential anxiety is interpreted in terms of Heidegger’s ontology and is suggested as the core dimension of possible spiritual transformation. Finally, the phenomenology of mystical psychedelic experiences (MPE) is interpreted in terms of overcoming existential anxiety– a well-documented effect of MPE – and explicated in ontological terms. The psychedelic experience is shown to be mystical in a sense of transcending the everyday mode of existential denial of the enigmatic nature of the universe by facing the nothingness in a way that transforms one’s stand within it into a stand of original belongingness to the field of emptiness (Nishitani). Different aspects of psychedelic experience are explained and co-related in terms of such a transformation.
Mathematical Modelling and Chemical Analysis to Characterise Anthocyanin Self-association Interactions Influencing Colour Expression and Stability in Young Red Wines
Authors: Tindal Rachael A. , Jeffery David W. , Muhlack Richard A.
Published: October 2024

Anthocyanins are phenolic compounds that provide colour to young red wines following extraction from grape skins, and their reaction kinetics are not well understood as they exist within a complex pH-dependent multistate system. For commercial wineries to best control anthocyanin colour expression that is a major determinant for red wine quality, there is a critical need for behaviours of all pH-dependent monomeric and self-associated anthocyanins to be considered together. In response, the current study employed mathematical and experimental techniques to reveal kinetic and steady-state behaviours of all species of a model anthocyanin, malvidin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (M3G), within three Shiraz red wines throughout fermentation. Investigator-developed models represented the following: (i) acid–base reactions that form red, purple, and blue anthocyanin monomers; (ii) hydration reactions that result in monomeric colour loss; and (iii.) physical self-association interactions that temporally stabilise anthocyanin colour. Simulations were validated experimentally using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC–DAD) and colourimetric analysis of wine samples. Moreover, a unique predictive modelling framework was developed that takes in measured values for anthocyanin concentration, pH, and temperature at the onset of fermentation, and output data describing corresponding wine colour expression and stability characteristics that would arise after fermentation has progressed. Results of the current study elucidate complex reaction kinetics occurring between anthocyanin species under dynamic red wine conditions and provide meaningful predictions for future wine colour and shelf-life characteristics. Outputs may be used to inform key winemaking decisions influencing red wine quality and to optimise the use of winery resources throughout the fermentation process.
Molecular and Clinical Characterization of a Cohort of Autosomal Recessive Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Sayed-Ahmed Mohammed M. , El-Bassyouni Hala T. , Afifi Hanan H. , Essawi Mona L. , Taher Mohamed B. , Gadelhak Mohamed I. , Zaytoun Rehab A. , Abdelmonem Ahmed A. , Elbagoury Nagham M.
Published: October 2024

Hearing loss (HL) is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Autosomal recessive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (ARNSHL) represents a large portion of congenital hereditary HL. Our study was conducted on 13 patients from 13 unrelated families. The majority of patients presented with congenital severe to profound bilateral sensorineural HL. All patients were subjected to detailed family history and three-generation pedigree analysis to exclude any environmental cause and to ensure an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Molecular analysis was performed using the whole exome sequencing (WES) technique for the recruited patients. Three variants in the MYO7A and OTOF genes were reported for the first time in patients with ARNSHL (one nonsense, one frameshift, and one splice variant). Ten previously reported variants were detected in seven genes (GJB2, MYO15A, BSND, OTOF, CDH23, SLC26A4, and TMIE). They varied between missense, nonsense, frameshift, and splice variants. This study expands the molecular spectrum of two types of autosomal recessive deafness (types 2 and 9).
Digital supply chains for ecosystem resilience: a framework for the Italian case
Authors: Fornasiero Rosanna , Tolio Tullio A. M.
Published: October 2024

Contingency where exogenous and dramatic factors (i.e. Covid) impact not only on political and social life but also on economy is changing the way business is managed. Grounded on recent works studying the relationship between digitalisation and resilience, this work aims to systematize the links between the two dimensions at Supply Chains (SC) and at ecosystem level. A conceptual framework for manufacturing companies and policy makers is proposed to cope with disruptions thanks to digital technology implementation. The work is based on the results of an explorative analysis held with the support of practitioners from the manufacturing sector, IT providers and policy makers in Italy to systematise results and to demonstrate that public–private partnership can help to face disruptions. This paper contributes to the theory of ecosystems to establish a systemic framework to go beyond the border of each SC proposing a cross-collaboration model.
Remote-Controlled Gene Delivery in Coaxial 3D-Bioprinted Constructs using Ultrasound-Responsive Bioinks
Authors: Lowrey Mary K. , Day Holly , Schilling Kevin J. , Huynh Katherine T. , Franca Cristiane M. , Schutt Carolyn E.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Coaxial 3D bioprinting has advanced the formation of tissue constructs that recapitulate key architectures and biophysical parameters for in-vitro disease modeling and tissue-engineered therapies. Controlling gene expression within these structures is critical for modulating cell signaling and probing cell behavior. However, current transfection strategies are limited in spatiotemporal control because dense 3D scaffolds hinder diffusion of traditional vectors. To address this, we developed a coaxial extrusion 3D bioprinting technique using ultrasound-responsive gene delivery bioinks. These bioink materials incorporate echogenic microbubble gene delivery particles that upon ultrasound exposure can sonoporate cells within the construct, facilitating controllable transfection.

Methods

Phospholipid-coated gas-core microbubbles were electrostatically coupled to reporter transgene plasmid payloads and incorporated into cell-laden alginate bioinks at varying particle concentrations. These bioinks were loaded into the coaxial nozzle core for extrusion bioprinting with CaCl2 crosslinker in the outer sheath. Resulting bioprints were exposed to 2.25 MHz focused ultrasound and evaluated for microbubble activation and subsequent DNA delivery and transgene expression.

Results

Coaxial printing parameters were established that preserved the stability of ultrasound-responsive gene delivery particles for at least 48 h in bioprinted alginate filaments while maintaining high cell viability. Successful sonoporation of embedded cells resulted in DNA delivery and robust ultrasound-controlled transgene expression. The number of transfected cells was modulated by varying the number of focused ultrasound pulses applied. The size region over which DNA was delivered was modulated by varying the concentration of microbubbles in the printed filaments.

Conclusions

Our results present a successful coaxial 3D bioprinting technique designed to facilitate ultrasound-controlled gene delivery. This platform enables remote, spatiotemporally-defined genetic manipulation in coaxially bioprinted tissue constructs with important applications for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
Historical Quarry Landscapes of Three Finnish Granites
Authors: Härmä Paavo , Selonen Olavi
Published: October 2024

The quarry landscapes of Virolahti, Uusikaupunki, and Vehmaa are results of quarry operations during the most important periods of natural stone quarrying in Finland. The quarry landscape in Virolahti was formed in connection to the quarrying of red Virolahti pyterlite for the construction of St. Petersburg in Russia from the middle of 1700s to the beginning of the 1900s, while in Uusikaupunki, the quarry landscape is connected to the start of the modern Finnish stone industry and the National Romantic architecture at the beginning of the 1900s. The quarry landscape in Vehmaa is related to the start of the modern Finnish stone industry and export of Finnish granite at the beginning of the 1900s. In Virolahti, several small quarries can be seen, while in Vehmaa, a tendency towards fewer, but larger quarries start to emerge. In each area, human settlement was formed around the quarries. The geological basis for all areas is a rock type suitable for natural stone quarrying. The geotechnical features of each rock type indicate high resistance to wear and the products from these areas are early examples of durable construction. The quarry landscapes represent well the typical quarrying technology of the time and its development from channelling by chisels through hand drilling to mechanical drilling and blasting. The quarry areas form unique industrial and cultural heritage landscapes in Finland.
A Multi-level Reference Model and a Dedicated Method for Cyber-Security by Design
Authors: de Kinderen Sybren , Kaczmarek-Heß Monika , Hacks Simon
Published: October 2024

The increased reliance of organizations on information technology inherently increases their vulnerability to cyber-security attacks. As a response, a host of cyber-security approaches exists. While useful, these approaches exhibit shortcomings such as an inclination to be fragmented, not accounting for up-to-date organizational data, focusing on singular vulnerabilities only, and being reactive, i.e., focusing on patching up vulnerabilities in current systems. The paper presents and evaluates a modeling method aiming to address those shortcomings and to support security by design with a focus on the electricity sector. The proposed modeling method encompasses a multi-level reference model reconstructing and integrating existing initiatives and supporting top-down and bottom-up analyses. Compared to earlier work, the paper contributes (1) a process model for cyber-security by design, which proactively considers security as a first-class citizen during the design process, (2) a complete coverage of the multi-level model, in terms of three views complementing the introduced process model, (3) an elaborated evaluation, in terms of reporting on an additional design science cycle.
Transfer learning for probabilistic localization of hidden cracks in concrete structures
Authors: Miele S. , Karve P. , Mahadevan S.
Published: October 2024

The utility of discriminative supervised learning models built using multiple training-data sources is investigated for hidden crack localization in concrete. Feed-forward neural network (FFNN) is chosen as the model architecture, and transfer learning is used to assimilate the information obtained from different sources (computational physics simulations and laboratory experiments). The labeled training data consists of values of a damage index and the known locations of hidden cracks. The classification models need to learn how the presence of damage (hidden cracks) affects the damage index at different sensors for different test conditions. To this end, diagnostic FFNN models are built by sequentially adding and training new hidden layers to assimilate labeled information from computer models (different model geometries, test conditions, crack lengths, crack locations) and laboratory experiments on a plain cement slab. These transfer learning-based models are then used to localize damage in concrete specimens that reflect real-world conditions (i.e., specimens with steel reinforcement and randomly distributed aggregate). The actual damage state in these specimens is determined by extracting cores and performing petrographic studies on the extracted cores. The damage probability estimated by transfer learning-based models is compared with the petrographic damage rating index (DRI) to identify the most suitable approach to train the diagnostic models. The transfer learning-based diagnostic methodology shows promise and could be used in various structural health monitoring applications, where sufficient labeled data are typically not available from a single data source.
Significant Association Between Arctic Oscillation and Winter Wildfires in Southern China
Authors: Meng Meng , Gong Daoyi , Lan Yunfei , Yao Qichao , Shi Lamei , Wang Zhou
Published: October 2024

The recent increase of regional wildfire occurrences has been associated with climate change. In this study, we investigated the association between the February to March wildfire points and burned area in the southern region of China (20°N–30°N and 105°E–115°E) and the simultaneous Arctic Oscillation (AO) index during 2001–2022 and 2001–2020, respectively. After removing the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole signals, time series of the regional mean fire points and burned area over the study area is significantly correlated with the AO index at − 0.37 and − 0.47, significant at the 0.1 level. Precipitation significantly affects wildfire variations. The positive AO could trigger a southeastward Rossby wave train and induce anomalous cyclone activity approximately located in the area encompassed by 15°N–27°N and 85°E–100°E. This outcome could help to enhance the southern branch trough and results in positive precipitation anomalies in southern China. This increasing moisture is conductive to reducing wildfire risks, vice versa. Our results are potentially useful for strengthening the understanding of the mechanisms of wildfire occurrences in southern China.
Characterizing CRP dynamics during acute infections
Authors: Cherny Stacey S. , Brzezinski Rafael Y. , Wasserman Asaf , Adler Amos , Berliner Shlomo , Nevo Daniel , Rosset Saharon , Obolski Uri
Published: October 2024

Purpose

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a common proxy of inflammation, but accurate characterizations of its dynamics during acute infections are scant. The goal of this study was to examine C-reactive protein (CRP) trajectories in hospitalized patients with viral infections, confirmed bacteremia (stratified by Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria), and non-bacteremic infections/inflammations, considering antibiotic treatment.

Methods

Electronic medical records from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (July 2007-May 2023) were analyzed. Patients with blood cultures or positive viral tests were included. CRP levels were modeled using generalized additive mixed-effects models (GAMMs) and observed up to 150 h after initial infection diagnosis. Patients with initial CRP levels > 31.9 were excluded, to remove individuals already in a highly active inflammatory process. The shapes of the CRP curves were characterized and peak CRP as well as area under the CRP curve were the primary variables of interest.

Results

Viral infections had the lowest and flattest CRP curves. Non-bacteremic infections showed intermediate levels, while bacteremia (especially Gram-negative under antibiotic treatment) had the highest CRP peaks. For instance, peak CRP ranged from 15.4 mg/L in viral infections without antibiotics to 140.9 mg/L in Gram-negative bacteremia with antibiotics.

Conclusions

CRP trajectories significantly differ based on infection type and antibiotic treatment. Frequent CRP measurement could be a valuable diagnostic and risk stratification tool in hospitalized patients.