bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detailed MRI evaluation of the spine: a 2-year follow-up study of young individuals reporting different training doses
Authors: Rosenqvist Louise , Hebelka Hanna , Baranto Adad , Brisby Helena , Lagerstrand Kerstin
Published: October 2023

Objective

To characterize the discs and vertebrae in detail over time in a group of adolescent individuals with varying training doses using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Method

Thirty-five students were recruited from regular high schools (n=13) as well as schools with athlete competitive skiing programmes (n = 22). The thoraco-lumbar spine of all individuals was examined at baseline and at 2-year follow-up using the same 1.5T scanner and imaging protocol. The individuals were grouped based on their reported training dose: low-to-normal training dose (≤5 h/week, n = 11, mean age 16.5 ± 0.5 years) and high training dose (>5 h/week, n = 24, mean age 17.2 ± 0.6 years.)

Results

At baseline, the signal intensity in the discs and vertebrae were significantly lower in individuals reporting high compared to low-to-normal training dose. The vertebral signal changed significantly over the 2-year period in both groups. However, only individuals reporting low-to-normal training dose displayed an overall disc signal change. Interestingly, the regional analysis displayed at baseline high annular signals in the more training-active individuals followed by a reduction over the two-year period.

Conclusion

This study suggests that disc degeneration is manifested earlier in individuals reporting a higher training dose. Over a 2-year period, however, the degeneration process did not accelerate further. Also, a significant difference in the vertebral signal, at baseline and follow-up as well as over time, could be seen between groups of individuals reporting high versus low-to-normal training dose.
Cr(II) and Cr(III) NCN pincer complexes: synthesis, structure, and catalytic reactivity
Authors: Käfer Matthias G. , Eder Wolfgang , Pecak Jan , Stöger Berthold , Pignitter Marc , Veiros Luis F. , Kirchner Karl
Published: October 2023

The synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of several new Cr(II) and Cr(III) complexes featuring an NCN pincer ligand with an arene backbone connected to amine donors NEt2 and NiPr2 via CH2-linkers is described. Reacting the in situ lithiated ligand precursor N(C–Br)NCH2-Et with [CrCl3(THF)3] resulted in the formation of the Cr(III) complex trans-[Cr(κ3NCN-NCNCH2-Et)(Cl)2(THF)]. Upon reaction of lithiated N(C–Br)NCH2-iPr with a suspension of anhydrous CrCl2, the Cr(II) complex [Cr(κ2NC-NCNCH2-iPr)2] is formed featuring two NCN ligands bound in κ2NC-fashion. In contrast, when lithiated N(C–Br)NCH2-iPr is reacted with a homogeneous solution of anhydrous CrX2 (X = Cl, Br), complexes [Cr(κ3NCN-NCNCH2-iPr)X] are obtained. Treatment of [Cr(κ3NCN-NCNCH2-iPr)Cl] with 1 equiv of PhCH2MgCl and LiCH2SiMe3 afforded the alkyl complexes [Cr(κ3NCN-NCNCH2-iPr)(CH2Ph)] and [Cr(κ3NCN-NCNCH2-iPr)(CH2SiMe3)]. All Cr(II) complexes exhibit effective magnetic moments in the range of 4.7–4.9 µB which is indicative for d4 high spin systems. If a solution of lithiated N(C–Br)NCH2-iPr is treated with CrCl2, followed by addition of an excess of Na[HB(Et)3], the dimeric complex [Cr(κ2NC-NCNCH2-iPr)(μ2-H)]2 is obtained bearing two bridging hydride ligands. [Cr(κ3NCN-NCNCH2-iPr)(CH2SiMe3)] turned out to be catalytically active for the hydrosilylation of ketones at room temperature with a catalyst loading of 1 mol%. X-ray structures of all complexes are presented.

Graphical abstract
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents: rationale, potential, risks, and considerations
Authors: Kangaslampi Samuli , Zijlmans Josjan
Published: October 2023

3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine(MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) is a proposed treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may be approved for adults soon. PTSD is also common among trauma-exposed adolescents, and current treatments leave much room for improvement. We present a rationale for considering MDMA-AP for treating PTSD among adolescents. Evidence suggests that as an adjunct to therapy, MDMA may reduce avoidance and enable trauma processing, strengthen therapeutic alliance, enhance extinction learning and trauma-related reappraisal, and hold potential beyond PTSD symptoms. Drawing on existing trauma-focused treatments, we suggest possible adaptations to MDMA-AP for use with adolescents, focusing on (1) reinforcing motivation, (2) the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, (3) additional emotion and behavior management techniques, (4) more directive exposure-based methods during MDMA sessions, (5) more support for concomitant challenges and integrating treatment benefits, and (6) involving family in treatment. We then discuss potential risks particular to adolescents, including physical and psychological side effects, toxicity, misuse potential, and ethical issues. We argue that MDMA-AP holds potential for adolescents suffering from PTSD. Instead of off-label use or extrapolating from adult studies, clinical trials should be carried out to determine whether MDMA-AP is safe and effective for PTSD among adolescents.
Cumulative comorbidity between neurodevelopmental, internalising, and externalising disorders in childhood: a network approach
Authors: Watkeys Oliver J. , O’Hare Kirstie , Dean Kimberlie , Laurens Kristin R. , Harris Felicity , Carr Vaughan J. , Green Melissa J.
Published: October 2023

Cumulative comorbidity of mental disorders is common, but the extent and patterns of comorbid psychopathology in childhood are not well established. The current study aimed to elucidate the emergent patterns of cumulative mental disorder comorbidity in children using network analysis of diagnoses recorded between birth and age 12 years. Participants were 90,269 children (mean age 12.7 years; 51.8% male) within the New South Wales Child Development Study (NSW-CDS)—a longitudinal record-linkage cohort study of Australian children born in NSW between 2002 and 2005. Binary indicators for eight types of mental disorder were derived from administrative health records. Patterns of conditional association between mental disorders were assessed utilising network analysis. Of 90,269 children, 2268 (2.5%) had at least one mental disorder by age 12 years; of the 2268 children who had at least one mental disorder by age 12 years, 461 (20.3%) were diagnosed with two or more different disorders out of the eight disorder types included in analyses. All disorders were either directly or indirectly interconnected, with childhood affective and emotional disorders and developmental disorders being most central to the network overall. Mental disorder nodes aggregated weakly (modularity = 0.185) into two communities, representative of internalising and externalising disorders, and neurodevelopmental and sleep disorders. Considerable sex differences in the structure of the mental disorder comorbidity networks were also observed. Developmental and childhood affective and emotional disorders appear to be key to mental disorder comorbidity in childhood, potentially reflecting that these disorders share symptoms in common with many other disorders.
Effects of natural and synthetic immunostimulants on growth, feed utilization, immune status, and disease resistance against vibriosis in sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Aly Salah M. , ElBanna Noha I. , Elatta Mohamed A. , Hegazy Mai , Fathi Mohamed
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) and AQUA-IMMUNOPROTECT® on growth, feed utilization, serum constituents, and disease resistance against vibriosis in gilthead sea bream juveniles. The research involved three groups: TC (control) received a basal diet, TSI (received a basal diet with 2% AQUA-IMMUNOPROTECT®), and TNS (received a basal diet with 2% N. sativa). The experiment period extended for 2 months. Results revealed a significant rise in erythrogram (RBCs, HB, and PCV %), leucogram (total differential leucocytic count), serum total protein, and globulin in gilthead sea bream treated with 2% Nigella sativa supplemented diets after an 8-week trial. No substantial variations were found in liver enzymes, urea, uric acid, and creatinine between the groups. Respiratory burst activity was notably greater in the N. sativa group after 2 months of feeding compared to the other groups. In the experimental challenge, the control group experienced higher mortality rates than the other groups following an IP injection of V. harveyi at a dose of 106 CFU per 0.5 ml/fish (106 fish/challenge). Overall, the findings of this research indicate that N. sativa can enhance non-specific immunity and minimize susceptibility and pathogenicity to V. harveyi in gilthead sea bream.
WebAVALIA: analysis of students’ opinions and experiences using an e-assessment tool in collaborative learning
Authors: Babo Rosalina , Fitas Ricardo , Suhonen Jarkko
Published: October 2023

The students’ assessment regarding collaborative learning and workgroups is being reported as one of the main concerns in higher education. The increased technological evolution leads to adapting novel self and peer assessment methods to e-assessment. This paper reports the results of a study to evaluate students’ opinion about their experience with an e-assessment tool, WebAVALIA, and its assessment criteria. The results indicate that students (N = 359) consider the tool fair, and it increases the productivity regarding work development. Kruskal-Wallis tests show that the students recently considered WebAVALIA fairer and more straightforward. Quickness and anonymity are also identified as tool advantages.
Using Crocodylians for monitoring mercury in the tropics
Authors: Lemaire Jérémy
Published: October 2023

Mercury contamination is a widespread phenomenon that impacts ecosystems worldwide. Artisanal Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities are responsible for more than a third of atmospheric Hg emission. Due to Hg toxicity and its broad and elevated prevalence in the environment resulting from ASGM activities in the tropics, its biomonitoring is essential to better understand the availability of its methylmercury (MeHg) form in the environment. The Minamata Convention was ratified with the objective to “protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury compounds”. Biomagnification of MeHg occurs through the trophic food web, where it biomagnifies and bioaccumulates in top predators. To monitor environmental MeHg contamination, studies have evaluated the use of living organisms; however, reptiles are among the least documented vertebrates regarding MeHg exposure. In this review we evaluate the use of crocodylians for Hg biomonitoring in tropical ecosystems. We found that out of the 28 crocodiles species, only 10 have been evaluated regarding Hg contamination. The remaining challenges when using this taxon for Hg biomonitoring are inconsistencies in the applied methodology (e.g., wet versus dry weight, tissues used, quantification method). However, due to their life history traits, crocodylians are particularly relevant for monitoring MeHg contamination in regions where ASGM activities occur. In conclusion and given their ecological and socio-economic importance, crocodylians are at great risk of MeHg contamination and are excellent bioindicators for tropical ecosystems.
Approaches to increase the validity of gene family identification using manual homology search tools
Authors: Nestor Benjamin J. , Bayer Philipp E. , Fernandez Cassandria G. Tay , Edwards David , Finnegan Patrick M.
Published: October 2023

Identifying homologs is an important process in the analysis of genetic patterns underlying traits and evolutionary relationships among species. Analysis of gene families is often used to form and support hypotheses on genetic patterns such as gene presence, absence, or functional divergence which underlie traits examined in functional studies. These analyses often require precise identification of all members in a targeted gene family. Manual pipelines where homology search and orthology assignment tools are used separately are the most common approach for identifying small gene families where accurate identification of all members is important. The ability to curate sequences between steps in manual pipelines allows for simple and precise identification of all possible gene family members. However, the validity of such manual pipeline analyses is often decreased by inappropriate approaches to homology searches including too relaxed or stringent statistical thresholds, inappropriate query sequences, homology classification based on sequence similarity alone, and low-quality proteome or genome sequences. In this article, we propose several approaches to mitigate these issues and allow for precise identification of gene family members and support for hypotheses linking genetic patterns to functional traits.
Legal Tech, the Law Firm and the Imagination of the Right Legal Answer
Authors: Parsa Amin , Noll Gregor , Brännström Leila , Gunneflo Markus
Published: October 2023

Legal tech is growing, and its growth provokes anxieties about the future of the legal profession as such. In this article, we examine the impact of legal tech on the central role of lawyers at law firms in crafting an imagined ‘right legal answer’ by drawing on Duncan Kennedy’s suggestion that a claim to the rightness of one’s legal propositions is a central characteristic of the legal profession. We first ask how changes in the organisation of legal services affect the ability of lawyers at law firms to produce that ‘right legal answer’. While legal tech only exacerbates already ongoing processes of eradication of routine tasks, we find that it continues to mask the role of ideology in arriving at a right legal answer under a new layer of technological projection. Second, we ask how lawyers’ ability to produce ‘the right legal answer’ is affected by, first, expert systems and, second, a legal tech application named Bryter, representing a no-code system. We find that expert systems do not permit to uphold the unity of the lawyer required for Kennedy’s model of the right legal answer, but that no-code systems as Bryter do so. No-code systems can be reduced to a slogan: Have the lawyer, but evict her ideological temptations more efficiently than before!
Do male and female authors employ different journal choice strategies?
Authors: Amirkhanyan Hayk , Krawczyk Michał , Wilamowski Maciej
Published: October 2023

Compared to their male colleagues, female scientists are less likely to secure senior positions and more likely to drop out of academia. The mechanisms behind these patterns have been the subject of debate in recent years, entailing serious policy implications. In this project we investigate one such mechanism, namely the journal submission strategies of male and female authors. In view of the evidence pertaining to higher self-confidence and/or risk acceptance among males, it may be expected that males would generally tend to follow a more ambitious journal choice strategy. To verify this conjecture, we developed a novel method and looked to acquire a new dataset, surveying scholars in three relatively gender-balanced disciplines representing humanities (history), social sciences (economics), and natural sciences (environmental sciences). Focusing on their specific, recently published papers, we ask about the journals to which they had submitted these papers and the journals to which they could potentially look to engage with. In the 1111 complete responses we found evidence that males are not only more self-confident but also more forward-looking in their journal choice.
Quality of Life, Pedobarographic Parameters, and Foot Disorders in Patients with Extreme Obesity: Preliminary Results on Changes After Bariatric Surgery with Gastric Bypass
Authors: Pérez Pico Ana María , Gómez González María Ángeles , Alarcón González María Isabel , Villar Rodríguez Julia , Mayordomo Acevedo Raquel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Obesity is a growing health problem that affects a high percentage of the population. In podiatry context, few studies have addressed obesity because most pedobarographic systems are unable to bear the weight of patients with obesity, making it difficult to examine and manage these patients. The objective of this study was analyzed the sociodemographic characteristics, quality of life, foot disorders, and pedobarographic parameters of patients with extreme obesity who are candidates for bariatric surgery and determine the changes after weight loss post-surgery.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a foot examination, a pedobarographic study using a Podoprint® pressure platform, and a quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D) on 23 patients with extreme obesity and analyzed the changes 12–18 months after surgery in 11 of them.

Results

We observed foot disorders, high plantar pressure, greater rearfoot contact, flat footprint, asymmetries, and alterations in toe contact. Almost 73.9% of participants said they had foot pain, 56.5% said they had impaired mobility, and more than 40% said they had limitations in carrying out daily activities and suffered from anxiety. After weight loss, we observed improved quality of life; more foot disorders; changes in total contact area, plantar pressures, barycenter, contact time, and footprint; decreased pain perception, walking problems and anxiety situations. Moreover, medication decreased, but they need to take more vitamins and calcium.

Conclusion

Weight loss improved the quality of life of the participating patients but altered their foot disorders. All parameters need regular reassessment to detect changes and modify initially prescribed treatments.

Graphical Abstract
Remission of Type II Diabetes Mellitus after Duodenal Switch: the Contribution of Common Channel Length
Authors: Sharp Lindsey S. , Sharp William T. , Ng Peter
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The role of the common channel length in duodenal switch (DS) on remission of type II diabetes mellitus (DM), when stratifying patients based on diabetes severity, is not well understood.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 341 consecutive patients with DM undergoing DS with one of three different common channel (CC) lengths (100 cm, 150 cm, and 200 cm), each with a fixed 300 cm alimentary limb (AL). Patients were stratified by insulin dependence (IDDM) versus non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Data was collected at one year and at the last available follow-up.

Results

The NIDDM group had a similar average HbA1c at last follow-up for each of the CC lengths. However, the IDDM group had lower average HbA1c with shorter CC lengths (100 cm = 5.4%, 150 cm = 6%, 200 cm = 6.4%, p < 0.05). Shorter CC lengths resulted in a greater proportion of patients achieving remission in the IDDM group (66%, 50%, 32% in the 100 cm, 150 cm, and 200 cm CC, respectively, p < 0.01). Improvements in HbA1c were independent of weight loss and average DiaRem scores were similar between CC lengths. Rates of nutritional deficiencies were higher in shorter common channel lengths. Revision for malnutrition was similar between common channel lengths (100 cm group: 3.7%; 150 cm group: 1.8%; 200 cm group: 0%, p = NS).

Conclusions

When the AL is fixed, shortening CC lengths results in improved glycemic control and remission of DM in patients with the need for insulin preoperatively. Milder forms of DM are treated well with any of the CC lengths.

Graphical Abstract
Family businesses and strategic change: the role of family ownership
Authors: Schweiger Nina , Matzler Kurt , Hautz Julia , de Massis Alfredo
Published: October 2023

In this study, we analyze how the performance-aspiration gap influences strategic change in family firms, providing evidence of the moderating role of family ownership in this relationship. According to socioemotional wealth (SEW) theory, family owners pursue non-financial as well as financial goals, are more risk-averse due to their personal wealth being tied to the firm, and seek to maintain control of the firm to preserve and build their SEW—all characteristics that influence their strategic behavior. We therefore suggest that strategic decisions in family-owned firms are less influenced by purely economic performance, and that such firms tend to persevere more strongly in their strategic direction. We test our hypotheses on a sample of publicly listed European firms between 2007 and 2016. Our findings confirm that the success of firms inhibits strategic change, and that family ownership moderates this relationship by making the overall effect smaller, indicating greater resistance to change despite economic pitfalls.
A subgradient method with constant step-size for $$\ell _1$$-composite optimization
Authors: Scagliotti A. , Colli Franzone P.
Published: October 2023

Subgradient methods are the natural extension to the non-smooth case of the classical gradient descent for regular convex optimization problems. However, in general, they are characterized by slow convergence rates, and they require decreasing step-sizes to converge. In this paper we propose a subgradient method with constant step-size for composite convex objectives with $$\ell _1$$

ℓ
1

-regularization. If the smooth term is strongly convex, we can establish a linear convergence result for the function values. This fact relies on an accurate choice of the element of the subdifferential used for the update, and on proper actions adopted when non-differentiability regions are crossed. Then, we propose an accelerated version of the algorithm, based on conservative inertial dynamics and on an adaptive restart strategy, that is guaranteed to achieve a linear convergence rate in the strongly convex case. Finally, we test the performances of our algorithms on some strongly and non-strongly convex examples.
On Carruth’s axioms for natural sums and products
Authors: Halbeisen Lorenz , Pérez-Velasco Pedro Pablo
Published: October 2023

In this paper three main results are presented: a bijection between natural sums and natural products, the completion of the axioms of Carruth for natural sums, and a new characterization of the natural sums in terms of Klaua’s integral ordinals. After introducing some preliminary results, we present two lemmas and a proposition for the proof of the existence of a bijection between natural products and natural sums. Then we prove the incompleteness of Carruth’s axioms by providing two counterexamples, and complete Carruth’s axioms by adding a fifth axiom. Finally, we introduce a characterization of natural sums in terms of Klaua’s integral ordinals and present two families of natural sums, which differ from Hessenberg’s sum.
Proposed Method for Estimating Parameters of Archimedean Spirals
Authors: Alfahad Mai F. , Hmaida Mufida M.
Published: October 2023

Consider an Archimedean spiral in two-dimensional space series of points subject to random errors. In this paper, a methodology of a fitting procedure to spiral curve is studied. Three methods are proposed to give initial estimates of the spiral parameters. An Optimize algorithm proposed to updates the initial estimates. The approach is validated using simulated and real databases obtained from Parkinson patients handwriting. Finally, a comparison done between these three methods and Mishara’s method which shown that our methods give better results.
CLIL Students’ Academic Language Performance on a Non-curricular Topic: a Comparison Between High-Exposure and Low-Exposure Groups
Authors: Llinares Ana , Nashaat-Sobhy Nashwa
Published: October 2023

In Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) contexts, when students are prompted to express content in a second language, they are expected to draw on their knowledge of the topic at hand and use linguistic resources they have learnt implicitly or explicitly in the content and/or language class. In some CLIL programs, while some students study academic subjects like history in the L2, other students study fewer and more practical subjects such as art. This is the case with high-exposure (HE) and low-exposure (LE) groups, respectively, in the Madrid bilingual secondary school programs. Thus, HE students are expected to perform better in the expression of academic content in the L2, but it is not clear if this is also the case when prompted to write about a topic that is not part of their curriculum. In this study, we compare the texts written by groups of CLIL students with different degrees of exposure to English (HE and LE) in response to a prompt on the Women’s Movement (Feminism) eliciting Cognitive Discourse Functions, such as defining or evaluating, among others. The aim of the study was to compare how HE and LE students make specialist-knowledge claims and use their voices in this topic, which they have not been instructed in, across different CDFs. Results show differences both across groups (HE and LE) and across CDFs, showing an advantage for knowledge transfer in the HE group.
General Soliton and (Semi-)Rational Solutions of a (2+1)-Dimensional Sinh-Gordon Equation
Authors: Wang Sheng-Nan , Yu Guo-Fu , Zhu Zuo-Nong
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate solutions of a (2+1)-dimensional sinh-Gordon equation. General solitons and (semi-)rational solutions are derived by the combination of Hirota’s bilinear method and Kadomtsev-Petviashvili hierarchy reduction approach. General solutions are expressed as $$N\times N$$

N
×
N

Gram-type determinants. When the determinant size N is even, we generate solitons, line breathers, and (semi-)rational solutions located on constant backgrounds. In particular, through the asymptotic analysis we prove that the collision of solitons are completely elastic. When N is odd, we derive exact solutions on periodic backgrounds. The dynamical behaviors of those derived solutions are analyzed with plots. For rational solutions, we display the interaction of lumps. For semi-rational solutions, we find the interaction solutions between lumps and solitons.
Soil greenhouse gas fluxes to the atmosphere during the wet season across mangrove zones in Benoa Bay, Indonesia
Authors: Sugiana I Putu , Faiqoh Elok , Adame Maria Fernanda , Indrawan Gede Surya , Andiani Anak Agung Eka , Dewi I Gusti Ayu Istri Pradnyandari , Dharmawan I Wayan Eka
Published: October 2023

Behind their role as carbon sinks, mangrove soil can also emit greenhouse gases (GHG) through microbial metabolism. GHG flux measurments of mangroves are scarce in many locations, including Indonesia, which has one of the world’s most extensive and carbon-rich mangrove forests. We measured GHG fluxes (CO2, CH4, and N2O) during the wet season in Benoa Bay, Bali, a bay with considerable anthropogenic pressures. The mangroves of this Bay are dominated by Rhizophora and Sonneratia spp and have a characteristic zonation pattern. We used closed chambers to measure GHG at the three mangrove zones within three sites. Emissions ranged from 1563.5 to 2644.7 µmol m−2 h−1 for CO2, 10.0 to 34.7 µmol m−2 h−1 for CH4, and 0.6 to 1.4 µmol m−2 h−1 for N2O. All GHG fluxes were not significantly different across zones. However, most of the GHG fluxes decreased landward to seaward. Higher soil organic carbon was associated with larger CO2 and CH4 emissions, while lower redox potential and porewater salinity were associated with larger CH4 emissions. These data suggest that soil characteristics, which are partially determined by location in the intertidal, significantly influence GHG emissions in soils of these mangroves.
Introduction to Quantum Cryptography
Authors: Vidick Thomas , Wehner Stephanie
Published: October 2023

This book offers an accessible and engaging introduction to quantum cryptography, assuming no prior knowledge in quantum computing. Essential background theory and mathematical techniques are introduced and applied in the analysis and design of quantum cryptographic protocols. The title explores several important applications such as quantum key distribution, quantum money, and delegated quantum computation, while also serving as a self-contained introduction to the field of quantum computing. With frequent illustrations and simple examples relevant to quantum cryptography, this title focuses on building intuition and challenges readers to understand the basis of cryptographic security. Frequent worked examples and mid-chapter exercises allow readers to extend their understanding, and in-text quizzes, end-of-chapter homework problems, and recommended further reading reinforce and broaden understanding. Online resources available to instructors include interactive computational problems in Julia, videos, lecture slides, and a fully worked solutions manual.
The gender gap in political interest: Heritability, gendered political socialization, and the enriched environment hypothesis
Authors: van Ditmars Mathilde M. , Ksiazkiewicz Aleksander
Published: October 2023

This article uses a behavioral genetics approach to study gender differences in expressed political interest, applying the enriched environment hypothesis to gendered political socialization. As girls are less stimulated to develop an interest in politics than boys, we theorize that these differences in the socialization environment reduce the expression of girls’ genetic predispositions compared to boys’, leading to a gender gap in the heritability of this trait. Analyses using data on German twins (11–25 years) demonstrate relevant differences by gender and age in heritability estimates. While differences in political interest between boys are largely explained by genes, this is less the case for girls, as they have considerably higher shared environment estimates. Our results imply that gender differences in expressed political interest are sustained by both genetic variation and environmental influences (such as socialization), as well as the interaction between the two.
Schelling and the problem of evil
Authors: Brown Nahum
Published: October 2023

This article contributes to discussions about the problem of evil and Schelling studies by analysing Schelling's conception of the problem in his 1809 Freiheitsschrift essay. I explicate Schelling's critical response to four classic solutions to the problem (embodiment, degree, dualism, and divine forms) and outline his positive solution. My thesis is that Schelling offers a unique theodicy by arguing for a dialectical conception of the infinite omnipotence of God. In contrast to traditional notions of the infinite as the opposite of the finite, Schelling claims that God is only truly infinite if also embodied in the finite, an embodiment enacted through the human freedom to do evil. To explore Schelling's project, I draw parallels between his account of God's omnipotence and Hegel's ‘good infinite’ and situate Schelling's thesis within Mackie's discussion of the problem of evil in ‘Evil and Omnipotence’.
The evolutionary psychology of ownership is rooted in the Lockean liberal principle of self-ownership
Authors: Arnhart Larry
Published: October 2023

The psychology of ownership is rooted in self-ownership. The human brain has an evolved interoceptive sense of owning the body that supports self-ownership and the ownership of external things as extensions of the self-owning self. In this way, evolutionary neuroscience supports a Lockean liberal conception of equal natural rights rooted in natural self-ownership.
China's Prosperous Middle Class and Consumption-led Economic Growth: Lessons from Household Survey Data
Authors: Yang Xiuna , Sicular Terry , Gustafsson Björn
Published: October 2023

Can the expansion of a prosperous middle class help China to rebalance to consumption-led growth? We address this question through analysis of macro- and micro-level data. Using macro statistics, we examine trends in national aggregate consumption and GDP growth from 2000 through 2019. We observe growth in aggregate consumption but do not find convincing evidence of consumption-led growth. Using micro-level household survey data from 2002, 2007, 2013 and 2018, we estimate the size of China's prosperous middle class and its contribution to aggregate consumption growth. We find that the prosperous middle class expanded rapidly but contributed less to aggregate consumption growth than expected. We discuss features of this class that diminished its contribution to consumption-led growth, including its low propensity to consume out of income and its limited expansion beyond urban subgroups. We conclude that the expansion of the prosperous middle class is necessary but not sufficient to bring about rebalancing.
Positive maternal mental health during pregnancy and psychiatric problems in children from early childhood to late childhood
Authors: Lähdepuro Anna , Lahti-Pulkkinen Marius , Girchenko Polina , Villa Pia M. , Heinonen Kati , Lahti Jari , Pyhälä Riikka , Laivuori Hannele , Kajantie Eero , Räikkönen Katri
Published: October 2023

Negative maternal mental health during pregnancy increases the risk of psychiatric problems in children, but research on the potential benefits of positive maternal mental health during pregnancy is scarce. We investigated associations between positive maternal mental health composite score, based on reports of maternal positive affect, curiosity, and social support during pregnancy, and children’s psychiatric problems (Child Behavior Checklist) at ages 1.9−5.9 and 7.1−12.1 years among 2636 mother–child dyads of the Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction study. For each standard deviation higher positive maternal mental health score during pregnancy, total psychiatric problems were 1.37 (95% confidence interval (CI) −1.79,−0.95) t-scores lower in early childhood and 1.75 (95% CI −2.24,−1.26) t-scores lower in late childhood. These associations were independent of covariates and of negative maternal mental health. Total psychiatric problems remained stably lower from early childhood to late childhood in children of mothers with higher positive mental health during pregnancy, whereas they increased in children of mothers with lower positive mental health. Positive maternal mental health in child’s late childhood partially mediated the effects of positive maternal mental health during pregnancy on children’s psychiatric problems. Supporting positive maternal mental health may benefit mothers and children.
Kant’s Ongoing Relevance for Philosophy of Science
Authors: Jones Andrew , Cooper Andrew
Published: October 2023

In this introductory article we reconstruct several broad developments in the scholarship on Kant’s theory of natural science with a particular focus on the Anglophone context over the past half-century. Our goal is to illuminate the co-development of Kant scholarship and the philosophy of science during this period and to identify points of influence in both directions. In section 2 we present an overview of the scholarship on Kant’s account of natural laws. In section 3 we survey the diverse interpretations of Kant’s views on biology and consider recent appeals to Kant by philosophers of biology. In section 4 we explore several recent developments in philosophy of science that have potential synergies with Kant scholarship. Our aim is not simply to establish that Kant’s philosophy can have relevance for philosophy of science but also to point out where it has been and continues to be relevant. Appreciating this relevance, we suggest, can help identify productive lines of inquiry for Kant studies.
GENERALISED AUTOMORPHIC SHEAVES AND THE PROPORTIONALITY PRINCIPLE OF HIRZEBRUCH-MUMFORD
Authors: Hörmann Fritz
Published: October 2023

We axiomatise the algebraic properties of toroidal compactifications of (mixed) Shimura varieties and their automorphic vector bundles. A notion of generalised automorphic sheaf is proposed which includes sheaves of (meromorphic) sections of automorphic vector bundles with prescribed vanishing and pole orders along strata in the compactification, and their quotients. These include, for instance, sheaves of Jacobi forms and weakly holomorphic modular forms. Using this machinery, we give a short and purely algebraic proof of the proportionality theorem of Hirzebruch and Mumford.
When Is It Modernism? A Lesson from Indonesian Musik Kontemporer
Authors: MILLER CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: October 2023

When is it modernism? This article poses this question to traditionally based Indonesianmusik kontemporer, as an occasion to examine a distinctive instance of musical modernism, but most importantly to illuminate issues with the question itself. Taking it literally, I identify whenmusik kontemporerwas most clearly modernist, recognizing that modernism, and its conception of history, itself has a history. Scrutinizing the question's more usual goal of drawing a distinction between that which is and is not modernist, I show how the case of Rahayu Supanggah – a musician with a deep and primary commitment to the traditional performing arts, whose work has been shaped by his adoption of modernist ways of thinking without being fully defined by them – defies a simple answer. Ultimately, the article is concerned with what is at stake when invoking modernism, and what this means for the larger project of understanding musical modernism as a global phenomenon.
Towards smart scanning probe lithography: a framework accelerating nano-fabrication process with in-situ characterization via machine learning
Authors: Liu Yijie , Li Xuexuan , Pei Ben , Ge Lin , Xiong Zhuo , Zhang Zhen
Published: October 2023

Scanning probe lithography (SPL) is a promising technology to fabricate high-resolution, customized and cost-effective features at the nanoscale. However, the quality of nano-fabrication, particularly the critical dimension, is significantly influenced by various SPL fabrication techniques and their corresponding process parameters. Meanwhile, the identification and measurement of nano-fabrication features are very time-consuming and subjective. To tackle these challenges, we propose a novel framework for process parameter optimization and feature segmentation of SPL via machine learning (ML). Different from traditional SPL techniques that rely on manual labeling-based experimental methods, the proposed framework intelligently extracts reliable and global information for statistical analysis to fine-tune and optimize process parameters. Based on the proposed framework, we realized the processing of smaller critical dimensions through the optimization of process parameters, and performed direct-write nano-lithography on a large scale. Furthermore, data-driven feature extraction and analysis could potentially provide guidance for other characterization methods and fabrication quality optimization.
Association Between MIND Diet Adherence and Mortality: Insights from Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Cohorts
Authors: Song Yanjun , Chang Zhen’ge , Song Chenxi , Cui Kongyong , Shi Boqun , Zhang Rui , Dong Qiuting , Dou Kefei
Published: October 2023

Background/Objectives

To date, evidence regarding the protective roles of the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is scarce. This study aims to estimate the impact of adhering to the MIND diet on the mortality in patients with and without T2DM.

Subjects/Methods

In this cohort study, 6887 participants (1021 patients with T2DM) from the NHANES dataset were analyzed. The exposure is the MIND diet adherence. The primary outcomes are all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) deaths.

Results

We documented 1087 all-cause deaths consisting of 377 CV deaths during the follow-up (median time of 10 years). Among participants with T2DM, those with a high MIND score (> 8.0, range of MIND score: 4.5–13) had a significantly lower risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59, 0.96, P = 0.021) and CV death (HR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.87, P = 0.014) compared to those with a low MIND score (≤ 8.0). In participants without T2DM, a high MIND score was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of all-cause death (HR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.99, P < 0.001), but the association with CV death risk was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study uncovered significant associations between the MIND diet and decreased risk of all-cause and CV death in patients with T2DM. The findings highlight the potential benefits of following the MIND diet in managing and enhancing the outcomes of individuals with T2DM.
Long-term, continuous infusion of single-agent dinutuximab beta for relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma: an open-label, single-arm, Phase 2 study
Authors: Lode Holger N. , Ehlert Karoline , Huber Stephanie , Troschke-Meurer Sascha , Siebert Nikolai , Zumpe Maxi , Loibner Hans , Ladenstein Ruth
Published: October 2023

Background

Short-term infusions of dinutuximab beta plus isotretinoin and cytokines administered in previous immunotherapy studies in neuroblastoma were associated with severe pain. Here, long-term, continuous infusion of single-agent dinutuximab beta was evaluated in patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma.

Methods

In this open-label, single-arm, Phase 2 study, patients with either refractory or relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma received dinutuximab beta by continuous infusion over 10 days of each cycle, for up to five cycles. The primary endpoint was objective response rate 24 weeks after the end of cycle 5. Secondary endpoints included adverse events, intravenous morphine use, best response, duration of response, and three-year progression-free and overall survival.

Results

Of the 40 patients included, 38 had evaluable response. Objective response rate was 26% and best response rate 37%. Median duration of response was 238 days (IQR 108–290). Three-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 31% (95% CI 17–47) and 66% (95% CI 47–79), respectively. Prophylactic intravenous morphine use and duration of use decreased with increasing cycles. The most common grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were pain, diarrhea, and hypokalemia.

Conclusion

Long-term continuous infusion of single-agent dinutuximab beta is tolerable and associated with clinically meaningful responses in patients with relapsed/refractory high-risk neuroblastoma.

Clinical trial registration

The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02743429) and EudraCT (2014-000588-42).
SYVN1-mediated ubiquitylation directs localization of MCT4 in the plasma membrane to promote the progression of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Meng , Huang Chen , Yang Lexin , Pan Boyu , Yang Shuting , Chang Jiao , Jin Yu , Zhao Gang , Yue Dongsheng , Qie Shuo , Ren Li
Published: October 2023

Tumour cells mainly generate energy from glycolysis, which is commonly coupled with lactate production even under normoxic conditions. As a critical lactate transporter, monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) is highly expressed in glycolytic tissues, such as muscles and tumours. Overexpression of MCT4 is associated with poor prognosis for patients with various tumours. However, how MCT4 function is post-translationally regulated remains largely unknown. Taking advantage of human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells, this study revealed that MCT4 can be polyubiquitylated in a nonproteolytic manner by SYVN1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. The polyubiquitylation facilitates the localization of MCT4 into the plasma membrane, which improves lactate export by MCT4; in accordance, metabolism characterized by reduced glycolysis and lactate production is effectively reprogrammed by SYVN1 knockdown, which can be reversed by MCT4 overexpression. Biologically, SYVN1 knockdown successfully compromises cell proliferation and tumour xenograft growth in mouse models that can be partially rescued by overexpression of MCT4. Clinicopathologically, overexpression of SYVN1 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with LUAD, highlighting the importance of the SYVN1-MCT4 axis, which performs metabolic reprogramming during the progression of LUAD.
A human monoclonal antibody binds within the poliovirus receptor-binding site to neutralize all three serotypes
Authors: Charnesky Andrew J. , Faust Julia E. , Lee Hyunwook , Puligedda Rama Devudu , Goetschius Daniel J. , DiNunno Nadia M. , Thapa Vaskar , Bator Carol M. , Cho Sung Hyun , Wahid Rahnuma , Mahmood Kutub , Dessain Scott , Chumakov Konstantin M. , Rosenfeld Amy , Hafenstein Susan L.
Published: October 2023

Global eradication of poliovirus remains elusive, and it is critical to develop next generation vaccines and antivirals. In support of this goal, we map the epitope of human monoclonal antibody 9H2 which is able to neutralize the three serotypes of poliovirus. Using cryo-EM we solve the near-atomic structures of 9H2 fragments (Fab) bound to capsids of poliovirus serotypes 1, 2, and 3. The Fab-virus complexes show that Fab interacts with the same binding mode for each serotype and at the same angle of interaction relative to the capsid surface. For each of the Fab-virus complexes, we find that the binding site overlaps with the poliovirus receptor (PVR) binding site and maps across and into a depression in the capsid called the canyon. No conformational changes to the capsid are induced by Fab binding for any complex. Competition binding experiments between 9H2 and PVR reveal that 9H2 impedes receptor binding. Thus, 9H2 outcompetes the receptor to neutralize poliovirus. The ability to neutralize all three serotypes, coupled with the critical importance of the conserved receptor binding site make 9H2 an attractive antiviral candidate for future development.
SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in wastewater as a model for monitoring evolution of endemic viruses
Authors: Yousif Mukhlid , Rachida Said , Taukobong Setshaba , Ndlovu Nkosenhle , Iwu-Jaja Chinwe , Howard Wayne , Moonsamy Shelina , Mhlambi Nompilo , Gwala Sipho , Levy Joshua I. , Andersen Kristian G. , Scheepers Cathrine , von Gottberg Anne , Wolter Nicole , Bhiman Jinal N. , Amoako Daniel Gyamfi , Ismail Arshad , Suchard Melinda , McCarthy Kerrigan
Published: October 2023

As global SARS-CoV-2 burden and testing frequency have decreased, wastewater surveillance has emerged as a key tool to support clinical surveillance efforts. The aims of this study were to identify and characterize SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater samples collected from urban centers across South Africa. Here we show that wastewater sequencing analyses are temporally concordant with clinical genomic surveillance and reveal the presence of multiple lineages not detected by clinical surveillance. We show that wastewater genomics can support SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological investigations by reliably recovering the prevalence of local circulating variants, even when clinical samples are not available. Further, we find that analysis of mutations observed in wastewater can provide a signal of upcoming lineage transitions. Our study demonstrates the utility of wastewater genomics to monitor evolution and spread of endemic viruses.
Creating resistance to avian influenza infection through genome editing of the ANP32 gene family
Authors: Idoko-Akoh Alewo , Goldhill Daniel H. , Sheppard Carol M. , Bialy Dagmara , Quantrill Jessica L. , Sukhova Ksenia , Brown Jonathan C. , Richardson Samuel , Campbell Ciara , Taylor Lorna , Sherman Adrian , Nazki Salik , Long Jason S. , Skinner Michael A. , Shelton Holly , Sang Helen M. , Barclay Wendy S. , McGrew Mike J.
Published: October 2023

Chickens genetically resistant to avian influenza could prevent future outbreaks. In chickens, influenza A virus (IAV) relies on host protein ANP32A. Here we use CRISPR/Cas9 to generate homozygous gene edited (GE) chickens containing two ANP32A amino acid substitutions that prevent viral polymerase interaction. After IAV challenge, 9/10 edited chickens remain uninfected. Challenge with a higher dose, however, led to breakthrough infections. Breakthrough IAV virus contained IAV polymerase gene mutations that conferred adaptation to the edited chicken ANP32A. Unexpectedly, this virus also replicated in chicken embryos edited to remove the entire ANP32A gene and instead co-opted alternative ANP32 protein family members, chicken ANP32B and ANP32E. Additional genome editing for removal of ANP32B and ANP32E eliminated all viral growth in chicken cells. Our data illustrate a first proof of concept step to generate IAV-resistant chickens and show that multiple genetic modifications will be required to curtail viral escape.