bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of deep learning reconstruction on standard to ultra-low-dose high-definition chest CT images
Authors: Hamabuchi Nayu , Ohno Yoshiharu , Kimata Hirona , Ito Yuya , Fujii Kenji , Akino Naruomi , Takenaka Daisuke , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Oshima Yuka , Matsuyama Takahiro , Nagata Hiroyuki , Ueda Takahiro , Ikeda Hirotaka , Ozawa Yoshiyuki , Toyama Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Deep learning reconstruction (DLR) has been introduced by major vendors, tested for CT examinations of a variety of organs, and compared with other reconstruction methods. The purpose of this study was to compare the capabilities of DLR for image quality improvement and lung texture evaluation with those of hybrid-type iterative reconstruction (IR) for standard-, reduced- and ultra-low-dose CTs (SDCT, RDCT and ULDCT) obtained with high-definition CT (HDCT) and reconstructed at 0.25-mm, 0.5-mm and 1-mm section thicknesses with 512 × 512 or 1024 × 1024 matrixes for patients with various pulmonary diseases.

Materials and methods

Forty age-, gender- and body mass index-matched patients with various pulmonary diseases underwent SDCT (CT dose index volume : mean ± standard deviation, 9.0 ± 1.8 mGy), RDCT (CTDIvol: 1.7 ± 0.2 mGy) and ULDCT (CTDIvol: 0.8 ± 0.1 mGy) at a HDCT. All CT data set were then reconstructed with 512 × 512 or 1024 × 1024 matrixes by means of hybrid-type IR and DLR. SNR of lung parenchyma and probabilities of all lung textures were assessed for each CT data set. SNR and detection performance of each lung texture reconstructed with DLR and hybrid-type IR were then compared by means of paired t tests and ROC analyses for all CT data at each section thickness.

Results

Data for each radiation dose showed DLR attained significantly higher SNR than hybrid-type IR for each of the CT data (p < 0.0001). On assessments of all findings except consolidation and nodules or masses, areas under the curve (AUCs) for ULDCT with hybrid-type IR for each section thickness (0.91 ≤ AUC ≤ 0.97) were significantly smaller than those with DLR (0.97 ≤ AUC ≤ 1, p < 0.05) and the standard protocol (0.98 ≤ AUC ≤ 1, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

DLR is potentially more effective for image quality improvement and lung texture evaluation than hybrid-type IR on all radiation dose CTs obtained at HDCT and reconstructed with each section thickness with both matrixes for patients with a variety of pulmonary diseases.
Origins, Trends and Perspectives of Historical-Epistemological Research on Piaget
Authors: Ratcliff Marc J.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, several points of view are adopted to present the research directions of contemporary Piagetian historiography. This article first notes the immensity of the secondary literature (20’000 texts) related to Piaget’s work, between empirical and historical-epistemological works. In order to get a more precise idea, we carried out various analyses of the scope of influence of his work: on the 2000 keywords of the thesaurus of secondary literature from 1945 to 2012; on the reception of Piaget’s idea in France between 1920 and 1940; and on the disciplines of insertion of a thousand works from his private library, which were dedicated to him. These analyses corroborate Piaget’s multidisciplinary impact in the 20th century science and culture and indicate the existence of an international Piagetian movement, which has not yet been studied. The factors of production and the recent orientations of the secondary literature are then discussed, showing the changes in the historiography of the last 50 years. Finally, future research directions are outlined between the exploitation of unknown archives and the use of a digital edition of Piaget’s work, which is currently underway.
Appropriately limiting quantities of remanufacturing products considering virtual inventory for stabilization of production resources
Authors: Koketsu Jundai , Ishigaki Aya , Ijuin Hiromasa , Yamada Tetsuo
Published: July 2023

As environmental problems become more apparent, manufacturers need to balance environmental considerations with economic activities. This is where closed-loop supply chains are gaining attention. However, in addition to demand fluctuations, which are a problem in conventional supply chains, a circular supply chain is unstable in terms of supply, where end-of-life products are collected and reused. This destabilizes not only excess inventory and shortages but also production resources, such as manpower, facilities, and raw materials. This study focuses on the stabilization of the manufacturing system in a closed-loop supply chain. To confirm the dynamic changes in the manufacturing system, we designed a simulation model of a closed-loop manufacturing system and conducted numerical experiments under several scenarios, taking the variation of manufacturing quantity per unit period as an evaluation measure of stability. After showing that unplanned remanufacturing destabilizes the recovery of reusable end-of-life products, we demonstrate that the manufacturing system can be stabilized by appropriately limiting the amount of remanufacturing. However, excessive limits reduce opportunities for remanufacturing end-of-life products and generate adverse economic and environmental impacts. To determine appropriate restrictions, it is necessary to consider the product currently in use by the customer as a virtual inventory and to consider factors such as the quality of the products in the virtual inventory. In the future, we plan to study a system that can dynamically manage remanufacturing quantities based on the status of virtual inventories.
HHV-6 infections in hospitalized young children of Gabon
Authors: Inoue Juliana , Weber David , Fernandes José Francisco , Adegnika Ayola Akim , Agnandji Selidji Todagbe , Lell Bertrand , Kremsner Peter G. , Grobusch Martin Peter , Mordmüller Benjamin , Held Jana
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Fever is a common cause for hospitalization among the pediatric population. The spectrum of causative agents is diverse. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a ubiquitous virus that often causes hospitalization of children in western countries. Previously, we investigated the cause of fever of 600 febrile hospitalized children in Gabon, and in 91 cases the causative pathogen was not determined. In this study, we assessed HHV-6 infection as potential cause of hospitalization in this group.

Methods

Blood samples were assessed for HHV-6 using real-time quantitative PCR. Three groups were investigated: (1) group of interest: 91 hospitalized children with febrile illness without a diagnosed causing pathogen; (2) hospitalized control: 91 age-matched children hospitalized with febrile illness with a potentially disease-causing pathogen identified; both groups were recruited at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon and (3) healthy control: 91 healthy children from the same area.

Results

Samples from 273 children were assessed. Age range was two months to 14 years, median (IQR) age was 36 (12–71) months; 52% were female. HHV-6 was detected in 64% (58/91), 41% (37/91), and 26% (24/91) of the samples from groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively; with statistically significant odds of being infected with HHV-6 in group 1 (OR = 4.62, 95% CI [2.46, 8.90]). Only HHV-6B was detected.

Conclusions

Although tropical diseases account for a large proportion of children's hospitalizations, considering common childhood diseases such as HHV-6 when diagnosing febrile illnesses in pediatric populations in tropical countries is of importance.
Posaconazole exposure in critically ill ICU patients: a need for action
Authors: König Christina , Göpfert Melanie , Kluge Stefan , Wichmann Dominic
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Posaconazole is an antifungal drug currently being used for prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal infections such as aspergillosis. To date, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of posaconazole is recommended with the use of oral suspension, but the potential need of TDM with the use of IV formulations is rising. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of IV posaconazole in critically ill patients.

Methods

In a prospective study, we analysed 168 consecutivelly collected posaconazole levels from 10 critically ill patients drawn during a 7 day curse. Posaconazole concentrations were measured using a chromatographic method. Demographic and laboratory data were collected, and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

We included 168 posaconazole levels, resulting in a median trough of 0.62 [0.29–1.05] mg/L with 58% not reaching the suggested target of 0.5 mg/L for fungal prophylaxis. Moreover, 74% of the trough levels were under the target of 1 mg/L which is proposed for the treatment of aspergillosis.

Conclusion

Posaconazole exposure is highly variable in critically ill patients resulting in potentially insufficient drug concentrations in many cases. TDM is highly recommended to identify and avoid underexposure.

Trial registration number

NCT05275179, March 11, 2022.
Laser Polishing of Polymer Parts Produced with Material Jetting Technology: Effect of Laser Scan Speed, Overlapping and Loop Cycles
Authors: Giorleo L. , Ravelli M.
Published: July 2023

In the last year, the industrial production is characterized by the request of high level of product variety that generates a decrease of production volume changing manufacturing from mass production to mass customization. This trend let the conventional production processes, as forming, casting or moulding, expensive because of initial tools production cost that is not more amortized by the high-volume production. A solution to this scenario is to integrate Additive Manufacturing in tools production; this solution guarantees tools cost reduction also if post processes operations are needful to reduce the surface roughness produced by additive processes. Among additive processes, Material Jetting is able produce parts with guaranteed high accuracy and low average surface roughness (0.5 µm). However, these standards mainly refer to upfacing surfaces parallel to the print plate, and the roughness obtained on the other surfaces could increase up to 15 µm because of production mechanism. To improve parts roughness in this study, the laser polishing process was tested; different experimental tests were executed to investigate the effects of scan speed, overlapping and loop cycles. The results demonstrated that it is possible to improve the surface finish and reduce the roughness by 70% at the expense of dimensional accuracy.
Review of tribological properties of nanoparticle-based lubricants and their hybrids and composites
Authors: Htwe Ye Zar Ni , Al-Janabi Aws. S. , Wadzer Yasmin , Mamat Hussin
Published: July 2023

Due to their encouraging results, nanolubricants have been revolutionary in the field of lubrication. The degree, to which the new material may improve the tribology, energy savings, and durability, is a crucial consideration for any new additive to a conventional lubricant. The results of the earlier research on carbon, metal, metal oxide, and their composites and hybrid nanolubricants as well as their effects on tribology, are summarized in this review paper. The most popular measuring methodologies, the tribology results for lubricants with an oil base, biodegradable base, and a water base, as well as the reasons that explain these tribological advancements, are all included in this study. Finally, prospects for more study in this area are emphasized.
Ranking of Fuzzy Numbers on the Basis of New Fuzzy Distance
Authors: He Wen , Rodríguez Rosa M. , Takáč Zdenko , Martínez Luis
Published: July 2023

Real-world problems often deal with uncertainties related to imprecision and vagueness, for which fuzzy modeling has provided a successful approach. Ranking fuzzy numbers is a necessary and complex task in multiple processes, such as decision making. To facilitate the task of ranking fuzzy numbers, it has been introduced an approach to construct fuzzy distances from classical interval distances because their α-cuts are continuous intervals. Usually, extant interval distances use interval endpoints or midpoints, leading to results that might not reflect the correct distance because of information loss. This paper introduces a new fuzzy distance based on a novel interval distance that considers all points within the intervals by using the concept of integration to calculate the average distance between all points belonging to two intervals, respectively. Subsequently, a series of distances between fuzzy numbers based on the proposed interval distances are defined and proved. A new method for ranking fuzzy numbers using the new fuzzy distances is then presented. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of the proposed distances will be demonstrated by a comparative analysis of numerical examples.
Doubly autoparallel structure and curvature integrals
Authors: Ohara Atsumi , Ishi Hideyuki , Tsuchiya Takashi
Published: July 2023

On a statistical manifold, we can define autoparallel submanifolds and path integrals of the second fundamental forms (curvature integrals) for its primal and dual affine connections, respectively. A submanifold is called doubly autoparallel if it is simultaneously autoparallel with respect to the both connections. In this paper we first discuss common properties of such submanifolds. In particular we next give an algebraic characterization of them in Jordan algebras and show their applications. Further, we exhibit that both curvature integrals induced from dually flat structure are interestingly related to an unexpected quantity, i.e., iteration-complexity of the interior-point algorithms for convex optimization defined on a submanifold that is not doubly autoparallel.
Das interactive model als Grundlage für die Untersuchung adaptiven sprachförderlichen Handelns in Kindertagesstätten – Eine Analyse zu Interaktionen von pädagogischen Fachkräften mit ausgewählten Kindern bei gemeinsamen Bilderbuchbetrachtungen
Authors: von Dapper-Saalfels Tina
Published: July 2023

Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht das sprachförderliche Handeln von pädagogischen Fachkräften im Kindergartenalltag. Datenbasiert wird im Rahmen einer qualitativen Studie überprüft, inwiefern sich das interactive model (des Hanen-Programms) zur Beschreibung und Analyse von Fachkraft-Kind-Interaktionen im Kindergartenalltag im Hinblick auf adaptives sprachförderliches Handeln eignet. Für die Analysen wurden Daten des im Rahmen der Bund-Länder-Initiative „Bildung durch Sprache und Schrift (BiSS)“ geförderten Evaluationsprojekts „Gelingensbedingungen alltagsintegrierter sprachlicher Bildung im Elementarbereich (allE)“ herangezogen.
Ways to increase the productivity of L-PBF processes
Authors: Kasprowicz Marcin , Pawlak Andrzej , Jurkowski Paweł , Kurzynowski Tomasz
Published: July 2023

One of the main limitations of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies consists in the relatively low build rate. Low productivity discourages companies from investing in AM machines, thus limiting the market of additive technologies. Machine manufacturers have introduced new solutions to their designs to increase the build rate, some of them are described in this paper. However, design improvements are not the only method to accelerate the process. The paper specifies factors that influence the build rate in the laser powder bed fusion process and provides an analytical assessment and comparison of the significance of how they affect its productivity. The influence that a change in selected parameters has on the process and the influence of multi-laser systems on its productivity are analysed in terms of the melted material quality. The processes from which the data for analysis were obtained were carried out on an SLM 280 machine with single- and dual-laser versions as well as on an SLM 500 with four lasers. Two types of samples, solid and thin-walled, both of the same volume, were tested. The data under analysis were the process times for both geometries, manufactured with different sets of parameters from the adopted range. Processing times were analysed to determine the main effects and interaction effects for extreme values of a given parameter. The height of the melted powder layer had the greatest influence on the build rate, which turned out to be greater even than the application of a two-laser system.
Family and Christian Ethics
Authors: Schaafsma Petruschka
Published: July 2023

In this book, Petruschka Schaafsma offers an innovative appraisal of family. Eschewing the framework of worry and renewal that currently dominates family studies, she instead explores the topic through the concepts of 'givenness' and 'dependence'. 'Givenness' highlights the fact that family is not chosen; 'dependence' refers to being intimately included in each other's identities and lives. Both experiences are challenging, especially in a contemporary context, where independence and freedom to shape one's own life have become accepted ideals. Schaafsma shows the impasses to which these ideals lead in several disciplines – theology, philosophy, sociology, social anthropology and care ethics. She moves constructively beyond them by tapping literary, artistic and biblical sources for their insights on family. Grounded in a theological approach to family as 'mystery' rather than 'problem', she develops an understanding of the current controversial character of family that accounts for both its ordinary and transcendent character. This title is available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The Authority of International Criminal Law
Authors: Moran Clare Frances
Published: July 2023

Despite a wealth of literature exploring the issues surrounding it, the legitimacy and authority of international criminal law remain in question. Adopting a perspective informed by legal and political philosophy, Clare Frances Moran considers the authority of international criminal law, why it can be conceived of as more than simply an exercise of power and how that power may be exercised legitimately. Advancing existing scholarship on the subject, Moran explores the roots of the authority of law at the domestic level and tests these ideas in an international context. She examines sovereignty, complementarity and postcolonial issues, and how each impact international criminal law. By developing a theory on the authority of international law, Moran considers how it might be possible to adjudicate more effectively at the international level.
Politics by other means: an analysis of the discourses of Italian technocratic Prime Ministers
Authors: Giannone Diego , Cozzolino Adriano
Published: July 2023

Technocracy is becoming increasingly relevant in Western democracies and particularly in Italy, a country characterised by four technocratic governments in three decades. Despite the growing number of dedicated studies, there is a persistent gap in the existing literature concerning the discursive dimension of technocracy – namely, how technocrats frame the historical context, legitimise their policy agendas and, more broadly, the establishment of their governments. This study aims to fill this gap by analysing the speeches given by four Italian technocratic Prime Ministers to the parliament when asking for the vote of confidence. Methodologically, we perform first the content analysis to map the themes addressed in the speeches, their quantitative relevance and variation over time. Then, we turn to critical discourse analysis to understand the specific argumentative strategies that legitimise policy action in five key and interrelated dimensions: context, legitimation, the state, European Union and political economy. The analysis seeks to answer three research questions: What are the main discursive strategies of legitimation used by technocrats? Do they change significantly between governments and over time? Do partisan policy options and worldviews emerge clearly, or do they remain under the surface? The paper aims to contribute to the theoretical conceptualisation and empirical analysis of technocracy by highlighting the subjective, performative and overall political dimensions of the phenomenon.
CENTENNIAL TO MILLENNIAL-SCALE FLUCTUATIONS OF THE LAKE SUIGETSU ATMOSPHERIC 14C RECORD REPRESENT AUTHENTIC 14C FEATURES OVER LAST GLACIAL-TO-DEGLACIAL TIMES
Authors: Sarnthein Michael , Grootes Pieter M , Mudelsee Manfred
Published: July 2023

Short-term fluctuations in atmospheric radiocarbon (14C) concentration mark the tree-ring record for the last ∼15 kyr. Terrestrial macrofossils from sediment cores of Lake Suigetsu, Japan, extend this record of fluctuations back to >35 cal ka BP. Their significance, however, is under debate since the signal-to-noise ratio of the Suigetsu record is low and progressively decreases with increasing age. Coherent semi-millennial-scale structures of the Suigetsu 14C record have nevertheless been identified by three different techniques, namely visual inspection, analyses of the first derivative of 14C vs. calendar age, and Bayesian spline inflections of 14C concentration vs. calendar age, and hence appear objectively real. These 14C fluctuations correlate closely with those of the tree-ring-based 14C master record ∼10–14 cal ka. Thus, Suigetsu fine structures attain global significance and may properly reflect atmospheric 14C variability back to ∼35 cal ka. Carbonate-based 14C records from speleothems and ocean sediments are far smoother and form, together with Suigetsu and other data, the backbone of the IntCal20 record >14 cal ka that largely lacks the Suigetsu fine structure. 14C decay reduces 14C-signal amplitudes over time, so Holocene-style 14C signals of solar modulation disappear in the noise beyond ∼10 cal ka. The remaining older 14C fine structures had larger forcings, most likely linked to climate and carbon cycle, especially ocean-atmosphere CO2 exchange, and thus contain valuable information about these factors. They may also provide global stratigraphic tie points to correlate 14C records of oceanic plankton sediments and climate signals independent of problems with local 14C reservoir effects.
EXTENSIVE SURVEY ON RADIOCARBON DATING OF ORGANIC INCLUSIONS IN MEDIEVAL MORTARS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Pachnerová Brabcová Kateřina , Kundrát Pavel , Krofta Tomáš , Suchý Václav , Petrová Markéta , John David , Kozlovcev Petr , Kotková Kristýna , Fialová Anna , Kubančák Ján , Válek Jan , Svetlik Ivo
Published: July 2023

Dating organic inclusions in mortars such as charcoals is a useful alternative or complementary method to dating mortars themselves, helping to estimate the building age. To assess the limitations of this dating approach, organic inclusions were searched for in surface mortar layers of six early to late medieval buildings in the Czech Republic with relatively well-known age. Altogether, 123 samples were found. About 80% were successfully radiocarbon (14C) dated. However, only 66% originated from wood relatively young when used in lime burning. To judge which samples are relevant to the actual building date, sufficient statistics is crucial. We recommend dating at least 5–10 samples, i.e., collecting 6–12 samples, for a site with uncomplicated building history, or per building phase. Otherwise, unrealistically old or young dates might be obtained. With the recommended statistics, inclusion-based dating provides building ages with uncertainty of 50–100 years.
A robust control scheme for a 2

P

US+RR parallel robot for ankle rehabilitation
Authors: Flores-Salazar Erick D. , Lugo-González Esther , Arias-Montiel Manuel , Gallardo-Alvarado Jaime
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a robust adaptive controller based on the backstepping technique using an extended state observer (ESO), implemented on a 2PUS+RR parallel robot, to minimize the trajectory tracking error. The proposed backstepping-ESO controller scheme is designed to compensate for the robot’s structured (parametric) and unstructured (nonlinear friction, external disturbances, and dynamics) uncertainties. The overall stability of the controller is guaranteed by the Lyapunov theory. Cosimulation in MATLAB-Simulink and ADAMS View is presented to validate the results of the ESO and backstepping controller implemented in the virtual and physical prototype. For the virtual prototype, it was determined that the system is stable in 2 s and presents a maximum absolute error of 3.5 ×
$10^{-6}$
m for the actuator position and 2.8 ×
$10^{-5}$
rad for mobile platform orientation. Regarding the physical robot, a maximum absolute error of 5 ×
$10^{-4}$
m for the actuator position and 0.0575 rad for the orientation of the robot mobile platform values do not represent a problem for ankle rehabilitation movements. Experimental results were also presented and compared with ankle motion to demonstrate that the applied control system meets the motion requirements of the ankle rehabilitator.
Characterizing experiential elements of early-life stress to inform resilience: Buffering effects of controllability and predictability and the importance of their timing
Authors: Cohodes Emily M. , Sisk Lucinda M. , Keding Taylor J. , Mandell Jeffrey D. , Notti Madeline E. , Gee Dylan G.
Published: July 2023

Key theoretical frameworks have proposed that examining the impact of exposure to specific dimensions of stress at specific developmental periods is likely to yield important insight into processes of risk and resilience. Utilizing a sample ofN= 549 young adults who provided a detailed retrospective history of their lifetime exposure to numerous dimensions of traumatic stress and ratings of their current trauma-related symptomatology via completion of an online survey, here we test whether an individual’s perception of their lifetime stress as either controllable or predictable buffered the impact of exposure on trauma-related symptomatology assessed in adulthood. Further, we tested whether this moderation effect differed when evaluated in the context of early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood stress. Consistent with hypotheses, results highlight both stressor controllability and stressor predictability as buffering the impact of traumatic stress exposure on trauma-related symptomatology and suggest that the potency of this buffering effect varies across unique developmental periods. Leveraging dimensional ratings of lifetime stress exposure to probe heterogeneity in outcomes following stress – and, critically, considering interactions between dimensions of exposure and the developmental period when stress occurred – is likely to yield increased understanding of risk and resilience following traumatic stress.
Empfehlungen zur Bewertung wissenschaftlicher Leistungen bei Berufungsverfahren in der Psychologie
Authors: Gärtner Anne , Leising Daniel , Schönbrodt Felix D.
Published: July 2023

Zusammenfassung: Traditionelle metrische Indikatoren für wissenschaftliche Produktivität (z. B. Impact-Faktoren von Zeitschriften, h-Index) werden kritisiert, weil (a) empirische Studien ihre Validität in Frage stellen und sie (b) eine Kultur zu fördern scheinen, die der reinen Quantität Vorrang gegenüber der inhaltlichen Qualität der Forschung gibt. Der Ruf nach spezifischen, besseren Alternativen zu den derzeit gängigen Leistungsindikatoren wird immer lauter. Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychologie hat nach der Unterzeichnung von DORA und dem Beitritt zu CoARA eine Arbeitsgruppe mit der Frage befasst, wie eine verantwortungsvollere Form der Forschungsbewertung für die Psychologie aussehen könnte. Über den aktuellen Stand dieser Überlegungen berichten wir hier: Konkret schlagen wir ein zweistufiges Bewertungsverfahren vor, das die Objektivität und Effizienz metrischer Indikatoren (Phase 1) mit einer vertieften, diskursiven Bewertung spezifischer Forschungsinhalte verbindet (Phase 2) verbindet. Wir plädieren für eine Ausweitung des Spektrums relevanter Forschungsbeiträge und schlagen Qualitätskriterien für Forschungsartikel, Datensätze und Forschungssoftware vor, welche vor allem deren methodische Stringenz erfassen. Anhand dieser Kriterien wird in der ersten Phase des Bewertungsprozesses ermittelt, ob eine Mindestschwelle für methodische Stringenz erreicht wird, die Kandidat:innen erfüllen müssen, um für eine Einstellung oder Beförderung in Frage zu kommen. Im Gegensatz dazu sollen in der zweiten Phase des Beurteilungsprozesses Metriken keine Rolle mehr spielen, sondern die spezifischen Inhalte der Forschungsarbeiten der Kandidat:innen im Fokus einer vertieften Diskussion stehen. Wir stellen konkrete Erhebungsinstrumente bereit, die zum Teil bereits in der Praxis erprobt wurden. Unser Ziel ist es, eine breite Diskussion über das Thema anzuregen und letztlich dazu beizutragen, dass die Bedeutung der wissenschaftlichen Qualität im Rahmen von Berufungsverfahren spürbar gestärkt wird.
The Influence of Weather Patterns and the Madden‐Julian Oscillation on Extreme Precipitation Over Sri Lanka
Authors: Deoras Akshay , Turner Andrew G. , Hunt Kieran M. R. , Jayawardena I. M. Shiromani Priyanthika
Published: July 2023

Sri Lanka is affected by extreme precipitation events every year, which cause floods, landslides and tremendous economic losses. We use the ERA5 reanalysis data set to understand the association of extreme precipitation events with 30 weather patterns, which were originally derived to represent the variability of the Indian climate during January–December 1979–2016. We find that weather patterns that are most common during the northeast monsoon (December–February) and second intermonsoon (October–November) seasons produce the highest number of extreme precipitation events. Furthermore, extreme precipitation events occurring during these two seasons are more persistent than those during the southwest monsoon (May–September) and first intermonsoon (March–April) seasons. We analyze the modulation of extreme precipitation events by the Madden‐Julian Oscillation, and find that their frequency is enhanced (suppressed) in phases 1–4 (5–8) for most weather patterns.
Response of Tropical Overshooting Deep Convection to Global Warming Based on Global Cloud‐Resolving Model Simulations
Authors: Wu Xueke , Fu Qiang , Kodama Chihiro
Published: July 2023

Tropical overshooting deep convections (ODCs) play a vital role in vertical transport of boundary layer pollutants, especially short‐lived species, to upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, with important implications for stratospheric ozone and climate. We use simulations from a global cloud‐system resolving model, Nonhydrostatic Icosahedral Atmosphere Model (NICAM), to study ODC changes from historical period to the end of the 21st century. NICAM well reproduces Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission‐satellite observed ODC spatiotemporal patterns. The future occurrences of ODCs with cloud top height above 15.5, 16.9, and 18.4 km scaled by the global temperature increase will increase by 7%/K, 27%/K, and 90%/K, respectively, over ocean where the atmosphere is becoming warmer and wetter. The corresponding changes are −1%/K, 10%/K, and 37%/K over land where the atmosphere will become hotter but drier. Relative to tropical cold point tropopause height, ODCs will only change by 3%/K, with 6%/K over the ocean but −3%/K on land.
Physical activity and sedentary time across pregnancy and associations with neonatal weight, adiposity and cord blood parameters: a secondary analysis of the DALI study
Authors: Dieberger Anna M. , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Harreiter Jürgen , Desoye Gernot , van Poppel Mireille N. M. ,   DALI Core Investigator group, Simmons David , Corcoy Rosa , Perez Juan M. Adelantado , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Damm Peter , Mathiesen Elizabeth , Jensen Dorte M. , Andersen Lise Lotte T. , Dunne Fidelma , Lapolla Annunziata , Dalfra Maria G. , Bertolotto Alessandra , Jelsma Judith G. M. , Galjaard Sander , Wender-Ozegowska Ewa , Zawiejska Agnieszka , Hill David , Devlieger Roland , Snoek Frank J.
Published: July 2023

Background/Objectives

Obesity during pregnancy is associated with neonatal adiposity, which is a risk factor for childhood obesity. Maternal physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours during pregnancy might modify this risk. We therefore studied associations between maternal PA and sedentary time (ST) during pregnancy and neonatal anthropometry and cord blood parameters and investigated whether associations differed by offspring sex.

Subjects/Methods

Participants of the Vitamin D And Lifestyle Intervention for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Prevention (DALI) study with a BMI  ≥ 29 kg/m2 were analysed as a cohort. Maternal moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and ST were measured repeatedly with accelerometers across pregnancy. Associations between mean levels and changes in MVPA and ST and birthweight, neonatal adiposity (fat mass (FM)%) and cord blood parameters, including C-peptide, leptin and lipids, were analysed in 213 mother-child pairs with Bayesian multilevel models. Interactions with offspring sex were considered.

Results

Almost all women decreased MVPA levels and increased ST throughout gestation. Both higher maternal mean MVPA and increasing MVPA were associated with lower offspring FM% in males (−0.520%; 95% CI: −1.011%, −0.031% and −4.649%; −7.876%, −1.432% respectively). In female offspring, mean ST was associated with lower cord blood C-peptide (−0.145 µg/l; −0.279 µg/l, −0.005 µg/l). No associations were found with birthweight or other cord blood parameters.

Conclusions

Maternal MVPA is associated with neonatal fat mass, but not birthweight, in male offspring. Our findings underline the importance of physical activity throughout pregnancy.
A novel transcription factor SIPA1: identification and verification in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Guo Lijuan , Zhang Wanjun , Zhang Xue , Wang Jun , Nie Jiaqi , Jin Xiaomeng , Ma Ying , Wang Shi , Zhou Xinhong , Zhang Yilei , Xu Yan , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Yuan Jingping , Liao Xing-Hua , Gong Yiping , Su Li
Published: July 2023

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate the expression of genes responsible for cell growth, differentiation, and responses to environmental factors. In this study, we demonstrated that signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 (SIPA1), known as a Rap-GTPase-activating protein, bound DNA and served as a TF. Importin β1 was found to interact with SIPA1 upon fibronectin treatment. A TGAGTCAB motif was recognized and bound by DNA-binding region (DBR) of SIPA1, which was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. SIPA1 regulated the transcription of multiple genes responsible for signal transduction, DNA synthesis, cell adhesion, cell migration, and so on. Transcription of fibronectin 1, which is crucial for cell junction and migration of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, was regulated by SIPA1 in a DBR-dependent manner both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptome sequencing analysis of specimens from a metastatic TNBC patient revealed that SIPA1 was highly expressed in metastatic TNBC. Hence, this study demonstrated that SIPA1 served as a TF, promoting TNBC migration, invasion, and metastasis.
Patient-reported understanding and dentist-reported management of periodontal diseases - a survey: do you know what gum disease is?
Authors: Rana Haajarah , Warnes Barbara , Davies Maria , West Nicola X.
Published: July 2023

Introduction Mild-to-moderate gingivitis is treatable by effective toothbrushing with appropriate over-the-counter oral health care products; however, rates remain high.

Aim To determine patient knowledge of gingivitis and dentists' views on management.

Methods Surveys were completed by dentists and dental hospital patients.

Results In total, 224 patients and 50 dentists participated. Clinical health, gingivitis, or periodontitis was detected in 2%, 33% and 56% of patients, respectively; 32% reported never suffering gingival bleeding. Moreover, 74% of patients reported gingival health as very important but only 53.7% with gingivitis occasionally/often were moderately-extremely worried about their symptoms. More than 50% of patients knew gingivitis causes poor oral health but <20% knew it elevated risks of other systemic conditions. Patients thought education on risks associated with poor oral health and product recommendations were most likely, and daily reminders least likely, to improve compliance with oral health advice (OHA). Also, 40% of dentists thought their patients were relatively unaware of the importance of gingival health, 76.9% of their patient-base had gingivitis, and 96% give OHA to these patients but only 30% thought this effected improvement. The most useful tools for improving oral health were better patient knowledge of the consequences and one-to-one instruction.

Conclusion Patients struggle to attain oral health following OHA. Education about gingivitis-associated risks might improve OHA compliance.
THOC3 interacts with YBX1 to promote lung squamous cell carcinoma progression through PFKFB4 mRNA modification
Authors: Yu Tao , Zhang Qi , Yu Shao-Kun , Nie Feng-Qi , Zhang Mei-Ling , Wang Qian , Lu Kai-Hua
Published: July 2023

The THO complex (THOC) is ubiquitously involved in RNA modification and various THOC proteins have been reported to regulate tumor development. However, the role of THOC3 in lung cancer remains unknown. In this study, we identified that THOC3 was highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and negatively associated with prognosis. THOC3 knockdown inhibited LUSC cell growth, migration, and glycolysis. THOC3 expression was regulated by TRiC proteins, such as CCT8 and CCT6A, which supported protein folding. Furthermore, THOC3 could form a complex with YBX1 to promote PFKFB4 transcription. THOC3 was responsible for exporting PFKFB4 mRNA to the cytoplasm, while YBX1 ensured the stability of PFKFB4 mRNA by recognizing m5C sites in its 3′UTR. Downregulation of PFKFB4 suppressed the biological activities of LUSC. Collectively, these findings suggest that THOC3, folded by CCT proteins can collaborate with YBX1 to maintain PFKFB4 expression and facilitate LUSC development. Therefore, THOC3 could be considered as a novel promising therapeutic target for LUSC.
A transient increase of HIF-1α during the G1 phase (G1-HIF) ensures cell survival under nutritional stress
Authors: Belapurkar Ratnal , Pfisterer Maximilian , Dreute Jan , Werner Sebastian , Zukunft Sven , Fleming Ingrid , Kracht Michael , SCHMITZ M. Lienhard
Published: July 2023

The family of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF) is activated to adapt cells to low oxygen conditions, but is also known to regulate some biological processes under normoxic conditions. Here we show that HIF-1α protein levels transiently increase during the G1 phase of the cell cycle (designated as G1-HIF) in an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent manner. The transient elimination of G1-HIF by a degron system revealed its contribution to cell survival under unfavorable metabolic conditions. Indeed, G1-HIF plays a key role in the cell cycle-dependent expression of genes encoding metabolic regulators and the maintenance of mTOR activity under conditions of nutrient deprivation. Accordingly, transient elimination of G1-HIF led to a significant reduction in the concentration of key proteinogenic amino acids and carbohydrates. These data indicate that G1-HIF acts as a cell cycle-dependent surveillance factor that prevents the onset of starvation-induced apoptosis.
Precise cooperative sulfur placement leads to semi-crystallinity and selective depolymerisability in CS2/oxetane copolymers
Authors: Fornacon-Wood Christoph , Manjunatha Bhargav R. , Stühler Merlin R. , Gallizioli Cesare , Müller Carsten , Pröhm Patrick , Plajer Alex J.
Published: July 2023

CS2 promises easy access to degradable sulfur-rich polymers and insights into how main-group derivatisation affects polymer formation and properties, though its ring-opening copolymerisation is plagued by low linkage selectivity and small-molecule by-products. We demonstrate that a cooperative Cr(III)/K catalyst selectively delivers poly(dithiocarbonates) from CS2 and oxetanes while state-of-the-art strategies produce linkage scrambled polymers and heterocyclic by-products. The formal introduction of sulfur centres into the parent polycarbonates results in a net shift of the polymerisation equilibrium towards, and therefore facilitating, depolymerisation. During copolymerisation however, the catalyst enables near quantitative generation of the metastable polymers in high sequence selectivity by limiting the lifetime of alkoxide intermediates. Furthermore, linkage selectivity is key to obtain semi-crystalline materials that can be moulded into self-standing objects as well as to enable chemoselective depolymerisation into cyclic dithiocarbonates which can themselves serve as monomers in ring-opening polymerisation. Our report demonstrates the potential of cooperative catalysis to produce previously inaccessible main-group rich materials with beneficial chemical and physical properties.
Hippocampal ensemble dynamics and memory performance are modulated by respiration during encoding
Authors: Nakamura Nozomu H. , Furue Hidemasa , Kobayashi Kenta , Oku Yoshitaka
Published: July 2023

During offline brain states, such as sleep and memory consolidation, respiration coordinates hippocampal activity. However, the role of breathing during online memory traces remains unclear. Here, we show that respiration can be recruited during online memory encoding. Optogenetic manipulation was used to control activation of the primary inspiratory rhythm generator PreBötzinger complex (PreBötC) in transgenic mice. When intermittent PreBötC-induced apnea covered the object exploration time during encoding, novel object detection was impaired. Moreover, the mice did not exhibit freezing behavior during presentation of fear-conditioned stimuli (CS+) when PreBötC-induced apnea occurred at the exact time of encoding. This apnea did not evoke changes in CA3 cell ensembles between presentations of CS+ and conditioned inhibition (CS−), whereas in normal breathing, CS+ presentations produced dynamic changes. Our findings demonstrate that components of central respiratory activity (e.g., frequency) during online encoding strongly contribute to shaping hippocampal ensemble dynamics and memory performance.
Loss of N-terminal acetyltransferase A activity induces thermally unstable ribosomal proteins and increases their turnover in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Guzman Ulises H. , Aksnes Henriette , Ree Rasmus , Krogh Nicolai , Jakobsson Magnus E. , Jensen Lars J. , Arnesen Thomas , Olsen Jesper V.
Published: July 2023

Protein N-terminal (Nt) acetylation is one of the most abundant modifications in eukaryotes, covering ~50-80 % of the proteome, depending on species. Cells with defective Nt-acetylation display a wide array of phenotypes such as impaired growth, mating defects and increased stress sensitivity. However, the pleiotropic nature of these effects has hampered our understanding of the functional impact of protein Nt-acetylation. The main enzyme responsible for Nt-acetylation throughout the eukaryotic kingdom is the N-terminal acetyltransferase NatA. Here we employ a multi-dimensional proteomics approach to analyze Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking NatA activity, which causes global proteome remodeling. Pulsed-SILAC experiments reveals that NatA-deficient strains consistently increase degradation of ribosomal proteins compared to wild type. Explaining this phenomenon, thermal proteome profiling uncovers decreased thermostability of ribosomes in NatA-knockouts. Our data are in agreement with a role for Nt-acetylation in promoting stability for parts of the proteome by enhancing the avidity of protein-protein interactions and folding.
Evidence for baryon acoustic oscillations from galaxy–ellipticity correlations
Authors: Xu Kun , Jing Y. P. , Zhao Gong-Bo , Cuesta Antonio J.
Published: July 2023

The baryon acoustic oscillation feature in the clustering of galaxies or quasars provides a ‘standard ruler’ for distance measurements in cosmology. In this work, we report a 2–3σ signal of the baryon acoustic oscillation dip feature in the galaxy density–ellipticity cross-correlation functions using the spectroscopic sample of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey CMASS, combined with the deep Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument Legacy Imaging Surveys for precise galaxy shape measurements. We measure the galaxy–ellipticity correlation functions and model them using the linear alignment model. We constrain the distance DV/rd to redshift 0.57 to a precision of 3–5%, depending on the details of modelling. The galaxy–ellipticity measurement reduces the uncertainty of distance measurement by ~10% on top of that derived from the galaxy–galaxy correlation. More importantly, for future large and deep galaxy surveys, the independent galaxy–ellipticity measurements can help sort out the systematics in the baryon acoustic oscillation studies.
The photometric variability of massive stars due to gravity waves excited by core convection
Authors: Anders Evan H. , Lecoanet Daniel , Cantiello Matteo , Burns Keaton J. , Hyatt Benjamin A. , Kaufman Emma , Townsend Richard H. D. , Brown Benjamin P. , Vasil Geoffrey M. , Oishi Jeffrey S. , Jermyn Adam S.
Published: July 2023

Massive stars die in catastrophic explosions that seed the interstellar medium with heavy elements and produce neutron stars and black holes. Predictions of the explosion’s character and the remnant mass depend on models of the star’s evolutionary history. Models of massive star interiors can be empirically constrained by asteroseismic observations of gravity wave oscillations. Recent photometric observations reveal a ubiquitous red noise signal on massive main sequence stars; a hypothesized source of this noise is gravity waves driven by core convection. We present three-dimensional simulations of massive star convection extending from the star’s centre to near its surface, with realistic stellar luminosities. Using these simulations, we predict the photometric variability due to convectively driven gravity waves at the surfaces of massive stars, and find that gravity waves produce photometric variability of a lower amplitude and lower characteristic frequency than the observed red noise. We infer that the photometric signal of gravity waves excited by core convection is below the noise limit of current observations, and thus the red noise must be generated by an alternative process.
Late Pleistocene 100-kyr glacial cycles paced by precession forcing of summer insolation
Authors: Hobart Bethany , Lisiecki Lorraine E. , Rand Devin , Lee Taehee , Lawrence Charles E.
Published: July 2023

Climate variability over the past 800,000 years has long been described as being dominated by ~100-kyr glacial cycles, and researchers have debated whether these glacial cycles were driven by Earth’s orbital cycles of eccentricity, obliquity and precession. Some recent studies have suggested that these ~100-kyr glacial cycles are best characterized as groupings of two or three 41-kyr obliquity cycles; however, age uncertainties have made it difficult to distinguish whether the dramatic changes in ice-sheet size were more associated with 41-kyr obliquity or ~23-kyr precession cycles. We compare the impacts of obliquity and precession on glacial cycles using improved age estimates to analyse orbital phases during the onset of glacial terminations. Terminations are dated using a 640-kyr multiproxy stack of eight North Atlantic benthic δ18O records with well-constrained probabilistic age estimates derived from correlating North Atlantic ice-rafted debris to instances of abrupt Asian monsoon variability in high-resolution 230Th-dated speleothems. Rayleigh’s R statistics for the precession and obliquity phases of terminations demonstrate that, although both have statistically significant effects, the precession phase is more predictive of termination onset, particularly for the largest events. Thus, we conclude that Late Pleistocene ice sheets were sensitive to the precession forcing of Northern Hemisphere summer insolation intensity.