bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of sortilin with apolipoprotein E3 enables neurons to use long-chain fatty acids as alternative metabolic fuel
Authors: Greda Anna K , Gomes Jemila P , Zurawska-Plaksej Ewa , Fritsche-Guenther Raphaela , Rudolph Ina-Maria , Telugu Narasimha S , Cömert Cagla , Kirwan Jennifer , Kunz Séverine , Rothe Michael , Diecke Sebastian , Bross Peter , Willnow Thomas E
Published: June 2024

Sortilin (SORT1) is a lipoprotein receptor that shows genome-wide association with hypercholesterolemia, explained by its ability to control hepatic output of lipoproteins. Remarkably,SORT1also shows genome-wide association with Alzheimer disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobe dementia, the most prevalent forms of age-related dementias. Yet, sortilin’s contribution to human brain lipid metabolism and health remains unclear. Using humanized mouse strains and iPSC-based cell models of brain lipid homeostasis, we document that sortilin mediates neuronal uptake of polyunsaturated fatty acids carried by apoE. Internalized lipids are converted into ligands for PPARα, inducing transcription profiles that enable neurons to use long-chain fatty acids as metabolic fuel. This pathway works with apoE3, but is lost with the AD risk factor apoE4, which disrupts sortilin’s endocytic activity. We document a role for the lipoprotein receptor sortilin in metabolic fuel choice in neurons, possibly crucial when supply with glucose is limited, as in the aging brain.
Identifying genes within pathways in unannotated genomes with PaGeSearch
Authors: Won Sohyoung , Yu Jaewoong , Kim Heebal
Published: June 2024

In biological research, the identification and comparison of genes within specific pathways across the genomes of various species are invaluable. However, annotating the entire genome is resource intensive, and sequence similarity searches often yield results that are not actually genes. To address these limitations, we introduce Pathway Gene Search (PaGeSearch), a tool designed to identify genes from predefined lists, especially those in specific pathways, within genomes. The tool uses an initial sequence similarity search to identify relevant genomic regions, followed by targeted gene prediction and neural network–based result filtering. PaGeSearch suggests the regions that are most likely the orthologs of the genes in the query and is designed to be applicable for species within five classes: mammals, fish, birds, eudicotyledons, and Liliopsida. Compared with GeMoMa and miniprot, PaGeSearch generally outperforms in terms of sensitivity and positive predictive value, as well as negative predictive value. Also, the exon coverage of gene models from PaGeSearch is higher compared with those in GeMoMa and miniprot. Although its performance shows increased variability when applied to actual biological pathways, it nonetheless maintains an acceptable level of accuracy. Evaluating PaGeSearch across different assembly levels, chromosome, scaffold, and contig shows minimal variation in outcomes, indicating that PaGeSearch is resilient to variations in assembly quality.
Charmonium
χc0
and
χc2
resonances in coupled-channel scattering from lattice QCD
Authors: Wilson David J. , Thomas Christopher E. , Dudek Jozef J. , Edwards Robert G. ,   for the Hadron Spectrum Collaboration
Published: June 2024

In order to explore the spectrum of hidden-charm scalar and tensor resonances, we study meson-meson scattering with JPC=0++,2++ in the charmonium energy region using lattice QCD. Employing a light-quark mass corresponding to mπ≈391  MeV, we determine coupled-channel scattering amplitudes up to around 4100 MeV considering all kinematically relevant channels consisting of a pair of open-charm mesons or a charmonium meson with a light meson. A single isolated scalar resonance near 4000 MeV is found with large couplings to DD¯, DsD¯s and the kinematically closed D*D¯* channel. A single tensor resonance at a similar mass couples strongly to DD¯, DD¯* and D*D¯*. We compare the extracted resonances to contemporary experimental candidate states, previous lattice results and theoretical modeling. In contrast to several other studies, we do not find any significant feature in the scalar amplitudes between the ground state χc0(1P) and the resonance found around 4000 MeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Infrared fixed point in the massless twelve-flavor SU(3) gauge-fermion system
Authors: Hasenfratz Anna , Peterson Curtis T.
Published: June 2024

We present strong numerical evidence for the existence of an infrared fixed point in the renormalization group flow of the SU(3) gauge-fermion system with twelve massless fermions in the fundamental representation. Our numerical simulations using nHYP-smeared staggered fermions with Pauli-Villars improvement do not exhibit any first-order bulk phase transition in the investigated parameter region. We utilize an infinite volume renormalization scheme based on the gradient flow transformation to determine the renormalization group β function. The gradient flow β function exhibits a zero at gGF⋆2=6.60(62), implying that the system is infrared conformal. We calculate the leading irrelevant critical exponent γg⋆=0.199(32). Our prediction for γg⋆ is consistent with available literature at the 1−2σ level.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unified unquenched quark model for heavy-light mesons with chiral dynamics
Authors: Ni Ru-Hui , Wu Jia-Jun , Zhong Xian-Hui
Published: June 2024

In this work, an unquenched quark model is proposed for describing the heavy-light mesons by taking into account the coupled-channel effects induced by chiral dynamics. After including a relativistic correction term for the strong transition amplitudes, both the mass spectra and decay widths of the observed heavy-light mesons can be successfully described simultaneously in a unified framework, several long-standing puzzles related to the small masses and broad widths are overcome naturally. We also provide valuable guidance in searching new heavy-light mesons by the detailed predictions of their masses, widths, and branching ratios. The success of the unquenched quark model presented in this work indicates it may be an important step for understanding the hadron spectrum.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Corporate takeover susceptibility and classification shifting
Authors: Zudana Arfian , Opare Solomon
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the effect of firms’ takeover susceptibility on the manipulation of financial statements through classification shifting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies ordinary least squares regression (OLS) with fixed effects analyses to a sample of United States listed firms over the period 1992–2014. We use takeover index as a proxy for takeover susceptibility of firms, with high values representing higher takeover susceptibility and lower values representing lower takeover susceptibility.

Findings

The study finds that firms engage in classification shifting through core expenses, suggesting that takeover threats reduce the incentive to manage earnings through classification shifting. We also find that takeover susceptibility improves the monitoring mechanism for firms with low profitability because these firms have greater incentives to engage in classification shifting. Finally, we find that the Sarbanes–Oxley Act strengthens the monitoring mechanism influenced by takeover threats. Overall, the results provide evidence of the important role of takeover susceptibility in mitigating classification shifting. Our results are robust to a battery of sensitivity tests.

Practical implications

The results emphasise the disciplinary role of the legal environment around corporate takeovers. The study suggests that policymakers and regulators should be cognisant of antitakeover laws which may increase agency conflicts between managers and shareholders and promote managerial self-seeking behaviours such as classification shifting.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the important role of takeover threats as an external governance mechanism to mitigate classification shifting which is detrimental to investors’ value. From prior literature, this study is the first to provide evidence of the effect of takeover threats on classification shifting.
Examining switching intention in professional sport: a push-pull-mooring perspective
Authors: Sato Mikihiro , Tokuyama Tomo , Motoyama Shohgo , Warwick Lance , Deguchi Junko
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Drawing upon a push-pull-mooring model and the literature on behavioral loyalty, this research aims to examine the underlying factors and mechanisms that influence switching intention in the context of professional sport in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a two-wave survey design (pregame and postgame surveys), we collected data from 367 fans of a professional soccer team in Japan. Our data included three push factors (quality, satisfaction, and perceived value of the current favorite team), a pull factor (alternative team attractiveness), a mooring factor (team identification), and behavioral loyalty and switching intention to the alternative team. We used structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses.

Findings

A mediation analysis revealed that perceived value of an individual’s current favorite team was negatively associated with behavioral loyalty to an alternative team, whereas attractiveness of the alternative team was positively associated with behavioral loyalty, which, in turn, resulted in fans’ switching intention. Latent moderated structural equation modeling further revealed the negative moderating effect of team identification with the current team on the relationship between behavioral loyalty and switching intention.

Originality/value

The findings provide new evidence about the role of behavioral loyalty in understanding sport consumers’ switching intention and highlight the importance of team identification that can foster a sustainable and long-term relationship between fans and their favorite sport teams.
Heuristic biases influencing individual stock investment decisions: a hybrid fuzzy DELPHI-AHP-DEMATEL approach
Authors: Abhijith R. , Bijulal D.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Stock investing choices of individual investors are predominantly influenced by heuristic biases, leading to sub-optimal choices. Accordingly, this study aims to identify, categorize, validate, prioritize, and find causality among the heuristic biases shaping stock investment decisions of individual investors.

Design/methodology/approach

This research offers original contribution by employing a hybrid approach combining fuzzy DELPHI method (FDM), fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (F-DEMATEL) techniques to validate, prioritize, and find causality among the heuristic biases.

Findings

Twenty sub-heuristic biases were identified under five main heuristic bias categories. Out of which, 17 were validated using FDM. Further, availability and representativeness within main heuristic categories, and availability cascade and retrievability within sub-heuristic biases were prioritized using FAHP. Overconfidence and availability were identified as the causes among the five main biases by F-DEMATEL.

Practical implications

This study offers the stock investors a deeper understanding of heuristic biases and empowers them to make rational investment decisions.

Originality/value

This paper is the inaugural effort to identify, categorize, validate, prioritize and examine the cause-and-effect relationship among the heuristic biases.
The effects of ethical leadership, help seeking and happiness on innovation: an examination in China
Authors: Xie Lei , Li Guangping , Bian Xinyi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The study specifically focused on ethical leadership and help seeking during innovation and tested the moderating effect of happiness on the path from help seeking to innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this longitudinal study, 472 employees from an HR outsourcing company in China participated in the first survey. However, only 184 employees completed two surveys (1 month apart). We used path analysis to test all hypotheses through Mplus.

Findings

We found that ethical leadership, through help-seeking, is correlated to innovation. We also found that one’s happiness level is related to innovation, and when employees are chronically happy, the positive effect of help-seeking on innovation is stronger.

Originality/value

Working in an ethical environment, employees are comfortable acknowledging mistakes, hearing feedback and making corrections, which fosters continuous innovation. Conversely, without the influence from ethical leaders, employees may choose to remain silent and abandon continuous innovation due to the concern of losing “face” the context of China.
Management styles and innovation
Authors: Bruttini Paolo , Gallo Michele , Mariani Paolo , Menini Tullio
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Using a sample of about 323 Italian companies and 423 managers from July 2020–March 2021, the work tests hypotheses on reliability of The Open MOOd Questionnaire. Data collected are analyzed by a psychometric model and a latent trait is found. Results are verified and validated. Moreover, external robustness is assured by comparing the Rasch Analysis results with other statistical methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this paper is to measure the level of openness of managers through the Open MOOd Questionnaire. Which aspects allow us to identify different management styles, and if the “openness” characterizes specific clusters of managers.

Findings

The study shows that the openness attitude in the professional activity of the managers is very high. The Open MOOd Questionnaire can be improved by considering some dichotomic items.

Practical implications

The study highlights the model proposed identifies the Open Manager’s competencies, and identifies teaching methods for their development.

Originality/value

The authors propose a new model to study openness. Diagnostic tools of consolidated statistical methods show that the Open MOOd Questionnaire is an effective tool to evaluate the openness.
Seized drug reporting of NPS helps to guide regional toxicological practice: A 17 month review between 2022 and 2023
Authors: Ellefsen Kayla N. , Papsun Donna M. , Mata Dani C. , Ayala Jessica L. , Modell Celia , Goodson Lana J. , Truver Michael T.
Published: June 2024

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are everchanging and plague forensic laboratories who must identify an unending variety of emerging substances and evolve current methodologies to detect these substances. Identifying potential regional NPS targets and timely examining trends in seized drug data could help mitigate the burden laboratories face. Over 17 months, NPS seized drug data were processed and categorized from three laboratories located across the United States to determine any NPS regional similarities and prevalent NPS drug categories: the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center (SCRFSC), and the Orange County Crime Laboratory (OCCL). Seized drug materials, including pills, powders, and plant material, were primarily analyzed for NPS via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. From June 2022 to October 2023, 1940 NPS seized drug identifications were reported by these laboratories with 63 different NPS reported. Novel synthetic opioids (NSO) were the most prevalent NPS class across all three laboratories (55%), with fluorofentanyl accounting for 74% of NSO identifications. This is unsurprising given the fentanyl epidemic in the United States. Furthermore, these data highlighted varying regional NPS seized drug trends: eutylone, a synthetic cathinone, was one of the most frequently identified NPS in SLED, SCRFSC observed the most diverse set of synthetic cannabinoids, and OCCL observed an increased prevalence in the designer benzodiazepine, bromazolam. NPS scope recommendations are a valuable resource for forensic laboratories; however, most focus on a national perspective. Timely analysis and reporting of NPS seized drug data may help to develop regional NPS scope recommendations laboratories may employ.
Extended observation of reduced methamphetamine use with combined naltrexone plus bupropion in the ADAPT‐2 trial
Authors: Li Michael J. , Chau Brendon , Belin Thomas , Carmody Thomas , Jha Manish K. , Marino Elise N. , Trivedi Madhukar , Shoptaw Steven J.
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

A 12‐week placebo‐controlled, sequential parallel Accelerated Development of Additive Pharmacotherapy Treatment for Methamphetamine Use Disorder (ADAPT‐2) trial evaluated the effects of extended‐release injectable naltrexone plus extended‐release oral bupropion (NTX + BUPN) on methamphetamine (MA) use over two stages. This study reports on the previously unpublished stage 2 MA use in participants randomized at stage 1 to receive NTX + BUPN through both stages compared with those assigned to placebo.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) ADAPT‐2 network trial.

Setting

The parent ADAPT‐2 trial was carried out across multiple NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) sites in the United States.

Participants

This analysis includes 403 people with MA use disorder who participated in the ADAPT‐2 CTN trial.

Intervention and comparator

NTX + BUPN was compared with placebo over the course of the trial.

Measurement

MA use was measured by urine drug screens conducted twice weekly for 12 weeks, then once in week 13 and once in week 16 post‐treatment follow‐up.

Findings

Participants on NTX + BUPN in stage 1 showed an additional 9.2% increase [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.09%–17.9%, P = 0.038] during stage 2 in their probability of testing negative for MA, with a total increase of 27.1% (95% CI, 13.2%–41.1%, P < 0.001) over the full 12 weeks of treatment. In contrast, participants on placebo in both stages increased in probability of testing MA‐negative by a total of 11.4% (95% CI, 4.1%–18.6%, P = 0.002) over all 12 weeks. The 12‐week increase among participants on NTX + BUPN was significantly greater—by 15.8% (95% CI, 4.5%–27.0%, P = 0.006)—than the increase among those on placebo.

Conclusion

For people with methamphetamine (MA) use disorder receiving treatment with extended‐release injectable naltrexone plus extended‐release oral bupropion (NTX + BUPN), continued treatment with NTX + BUPN after 6 weeks is associated with additional reductions in MA use up to 12 weeks.
Diversity, habitat and activity patterns of mesocarnivore assemblages in an Afrotropical protected forest savannah mosaic of Central Cameroon
Authors: Fotsing Ernest D. B. , Kamkeng Meigang M. F. , Marcel Senge Salah , Zinner Dietmar
Published: June 2024

Little is known about the diversity and ecology of mesocarnivores in the Mpem and Djim National Parks in central Cameroon. Therefore, we undertook a rapid assessment using camera traps from September 2021 to December 2021. The main objective of our study was to collect data on the diversity, abundance and relative frequency of mesocarnivores per habitat type and their activity period using camera traps with a distance sampling method. In 1700 trap nights, we recorded 53 events of seven mesocarnivores, all belonging to the family of Viveridae, Herpesdidae and Felidae which yield 3.12 mesocarnivores per 100 days. The black‐legged mongoose (Bdeogale nigripes, Pucheran, 1855) exhibited the highest capture rate (CR, 0.88). The long‐nosed mongoose (Xenogale naso, Winton, 1901) was found in all habitats class and was the more active mesocarnivore. The Shannon‐Weaver diversity index (H) showed a high diversity of species in the community with high diversity in the near primary forest. We obtained a lower dominance of one species over the other, a lower richness and a more even distribution of species between habitats. Our results suggest a possible spatio‐temporal niche partitioning between the species recorded, with blotched genet (Genetta maculata, Gray, 1830), showing no clear peak of activity. However, the rarefaction curve indicates that the effort expended was insufficient, suggesting that additional sampling is required to obtain a reasonable estimate of species richness within our community. The activity patterns of the recorded mesocarnivores were generally similar to those reported elsewhere but suggest some behavioural flexibility. Although all these species are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the low number of recorded events may indicate that mesocarnivores may be threatened in this area if effective conservation strategies are not implemented.
Do matching skill sets matter? Exploring the relationship between motivation, satisfaction, and role identification in the context of older adults' volunteering
Authors: Park Jihyun
Published: June 2024

This study investigates whether deliberate “matching” of older volunteers with agencies, based on their skill sets and organizational needs, leads to increased volunteer satisfaction, commitment, and role identity compared to placements made without such considerations. Utilizing data from the Center for Excellence in Aging Services and Community Wellness (CEASCW) in 2019, a subset of 140 older adult volunteers from upstate New York was analyzed. Various statistical methods, including frequency analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling, were employed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 23.0. This research introduces the concept of a prolonged transition into retirement and explores how aligning skill sets with specific volunteer opportunities can better cater to the needs of older adults, resulting not only in increased satisfaction but also in a more stable role identity and ultimately a heightened sense of well‐being during later life transitions.
Variability of sequence architecture in a rift margin controlled by tectonic activity: The Eocene Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Tian Rongheng , Xian Benzhong , Liu Jianping , Wu Qianran , Rahman Naveed Ur , Chen Peng , Li Qian , Wang Zhen , Chen Sirui , Yu Jingqiang , Li Yuzhi , Zhang Wenmiao
Published: June 2024

Sequence architectures along the margins of rift basins are still poorly documented compared to passive continental margin settings. The Eocene Shahejie Formation on the rift margin of the Dongying Depression records a complex sequence stratigraphic distribution of conglomerate, sandy conglomerate, sandstone and mudstone. These facies have been mainly attributed to fan delta and marginal subaqueous fan depositional settings that developed during segmented fault activity along the rift margin. We utilize three‐dimensional (3D) seismic data, conventional cores, and wireline log data to dissect the overall wedge‐shaped upper sub‐member strata of the Shahejie Formation's fourth member. The study interval is a third‐order sequence formed between 45.4 and 42.5 Ma and contains a lowstand–transgressive systems tract (LST–TST) and a highstand systems tract–falling‐stage systems tract (HST–FSST). We found that the LST–TST developed several huge amalgamated depocenters along the Chennan border fault; whereas, these depocenters gradually diminished or even disappeared during the HST–FSST period, illustrating less significant control by the border fault. Through calculations of strata growth rates, we confirmed that the segmented activity of the border fault influences the stratigraphic distribution and facies evolution during these two periods. Specifically, deep‐water depositional systems, represented by marginal subaqueous fans were widely developed in the LST–TST period and were influenced by overall strong tectonic activity, including retrogradational (R) and aggradational (A) patterns. However, the aggradational to progradational (AP) deltas and progradational to degradational (PD) deltas dominated the generally muted tectonic activity setting during the HST–FSST. Additionally, influenced by localized segmented fault activity, these systems tracts exhibit incomplete vertical development, resulting in spatial variability in stratigraphic stacking patterns.
Meta‐analyses reveal support for the Social Intelligence Hypothesis
Authors: Speechley Elizabeth M. , Ashton Benjamin J. , Foo Yong Zhi , Simmons Leigh W. , Ridley Amanda R.
Published: June 2024

The Social Intelligence Hypothesis (SIH) is one of the leading explanations for the evolution of cognition. Since its inception a vast body of literature investigating the predictions of the SIH has accumulated, using a variety of methodologies and species. However, the generalisability of the hypothesis remains unclear. To gain an understanding of the robustness of the SIH as an explanation for the evolution of cognition, we systematically searched the literature for studies investigating the predictions of the SIH. Accordingly, we compiled 103 studies with 584 effect sizes from 17 taxonomic orders. We present the results of four meta‐analyses which reveal support for the SIH across interspecific, intraspecific and developmental studies. However, effect sizes did not differ significantly between the cognitive or sociality metrics used, taxonomy or testing conditions. Thus, support for the SIH is similar across studies using neuroanatomy and cognitive performance, those using broad categories of sociality, group size and social interactions, across taxonomic groups, and for tests conducted in captivity or the wild. Overall, our meta‐analyses support the SIH as an evolutionary and developmental explanation for cognitive variation.
Race, community, and doing sociology
Authors: James Carl E.
Published: June 2024

What further evidence is needed to effectively address the unsatisfactory schooling experiences and educational trajectory of Black youth to help shape their path toward more successful social outcomes? I return to this persistent question in my research to reflect on how I have used sociological research in prior observations, and to build on earlier studies. I show how following research participants over a period of time, and with attention to how they relate to and are nested in community, family and peers, has enabled me to more effectively document their experiences, imaginations, and ambitions from adolescence to adulthood. I contend that longitudinal studies, framed by a community referenced approach, best ensure that we attend to the complex, diverse, and transitional lives of Black youth, and the social, cultural, educational, economic, and political contexts they navigate. At this time of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, sociology could help to advance education about, and initiate action for, Black people so that the equity promised by Canadian multiculturalism might be realized.
Use of levothyroxine for euthyroid, thyroid antibody positive women with infertility: Analyses of aggregate data from a survey of European thyroid specialists (Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists: An International Survey)
Authors: Negro Roberto , Žarković Miloš , Attanasio Roberto , Hegedüs Laszlo , Nagy Endre V. , Papini Enrico , Akarsu Ersin , Alevizaki Maria , Ayvaz Göksun , Bednarczuk Tomasz , Beleslin Biljana Nedeljković , Berta Eszter , Bodor Miklos , Borissova Anna Maria , Boyanov Mihail , Buffet Camille , Burlacu Maria‐Cristina , Ćirić Jamina , Cohen Chagit Adler , Díez Juan J. , Dobnig Harald , Fadeyev Valentin , Field Benjamin C. T. , Fliers Eric , Führer Dagmar , Galofré Juan C. , Hakala Tommi , Jan Jiskra , Kopp Peter , Krebs Michael , Kršek Michal , Kužma Martin , Leenhardt Laurence , Luchytskiy Vitaliy , Puga Francisca Marques , McGowan Anne , Melo Miguel , Metso Saara , Moran Carla , Morgunova Tatyana , Niculescu Dan Alexandru , Perić Božidar , Planck Tereza , Poiana Catalina , Robenshtok Eyal , Rosselet Patrick Olivier , Ruchala Marek , Riis Kamilla Ryom , Shepelkevich Alla , Tronko Mykola , Unuane David , Vardarli Irfan , Visser Edward , Vryonidou Andromachi , Younes Younes R. , Perros Petros
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The use of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment aiming to improve fertility in euthyroid women with positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) is not supported by the available evidence. The aim of the study was to document the use of LT4 by European thyroid specialists in such patients.

Design

The data presented derive from Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists, an International Survey (THESIS), a questionnaire conducted between 2019 and 2021 to document the management of hypothyroidism by European thyroid specialists. Here, we report the aggregate results on the use of LT4 in infertile, euthyroid women with positive TPOAb.

Results

A total of 2316/5406 (42.8%) respondents stated that LT4 may be indicated in TPOAb positive euthyroid women with infertility. The proportion of those replying positively to this question varied widely across different countries (median 39.4, range 22.9%–83.7%). In multivariate analyses males (OR: 0.8; CI: 0.7–0.9) and respondents >60 years (OR: 0.7; 0.6–0.8) were the least inclined to consider LT4 for this indication. Conversely, respondents managing many thyroid patients (“weekly” [OR: 1.4; CI: 1.0–1.9], “daily” [OR: 1.8; CI: 1.3–2.4]) and practicing in Eastern Europe (OR: 1.5; CI: 1.3–1.9) were most likely to consider LT4.

Conclusions

A remarkably high number of respondents surveyed between 2019 and 2021, would consider LT4 treatment in TPOAb positive euthyroid women with infertility. This view varied widely across countries and correlated with sex, age and workload, potentially influencing patient management. These results raise concerns about potential risks of overtreatment.
CAN: Concept‐Aligned Neurons for Visual Comparison of Deep Neural Network Models
Authors: Li M. , Jeong S. , Liu S. , Berger M.
Published: June 2024

We present concept‐aligned neurons, or CAN, a visualization design for comparing deep neural networks. The goal of CAN is to support users in understanding the similarities and differences between neural networks, with an emphasis on comparing neuron functionality across different models. To make this comparison intuitive, CAN uses concept‐based representations of neurons to visually align models in an interpretable manner. A key feature of CAN is the hierarchical organization of concepts, which permits users to relate sets of neurons at different levels of detail. CAN's visualization is designed to help compare the semantic coverage of neurons, as well as assess the distinctiveness, redundancy, and multi‐semantic alignment of neurons or groups of neurons, all at different concept granularity. We demonstrate the generality and effectiveness of CAN by comparing models trained on different datasets, neural networks with different architectures, and models trained for different objectives, e.g. adversarial robustness, and robustness to out‐of‐distribution data.
Improving Temporal Treemaps by Minimizing Crossings
Authors: Dobler Alexander , Nöllenburg Martin
Published: June 2024

Temporal trees are trees that evolve over a discrete set of time steps. Each time step is associated with a node‐weighted rooted tree and consecutive trees change by adding new nodes, removing nodes, splitting nodes, merging nodes, and changing node weights. Recently, two‐dimensional visualizations of temporal trees called temporal treemaps have been proposed, representing the temporal dimension on the x‐axis, and visualizing the tree modifications over time as temporal edges of varying thickness. The tree hierarchy at each time step is depicted as a vertical, one‐dimensional nesting relationships, similarly to standard, non‐temporal treemaps. Naturally, temporal edges can cross in the visualization, decreasing readability. Heuristics were proposed to minimize such crossings in the literature, but a formal characterization and minimization of crossings in temporal treemaps was left open. In this paper, we propose two variants of defining crossings in temporal treemaps that can be combinatorially characterized. For each variant, we propose an exact optimization algorithm based on integer linear programming and heuristics based on graph drawing techniques. In an extensive experimental evaluation, we show that on the one hand the exact algorithms reduce the number of crossings by a factor of 20 on average compared to the previous algorithms. On the other hand, our new heuristics are faster by a factor of more than 100 and still reduce the number of crossings by a factor of almost three.
Investigating the Effect of Operation Mode and Manifestation on Physicalizations of Dynamic Processes
Authors: Pahr Daniel , Ehlers Henry , Wu Hsiang‐Yun , Waldner Manuela , Raidou RenataG.
Published: June 2024

We conducted a study to systematically investigate the communication of complex dynamic processes along a two‐dimensional design space, where the axes represent a representation's manifestation (physical or virtual) and operation (manual or automatic). We exemplify the design space on a model embodying cardiovascular pathologies, represented by a mechanism where a liquid is pumped into a draining vessel, with complications illustrated through modifications to the model. The results of a mixed‐methods lab study with 28 participants show that both physical manifestation and manual operation have a strong positive impact on the audience's engagement. The study does not show a measurable knowledge increase with respect to cardiovascular pathologies using manually operated physical representations. However, subjectively, participants report a better understanding of the process—mainly through non‐visual cues like haptics, but also auditory cues. The study also indicates an increased task load when interacting with the process, which, however, seems to play a minor role for the participants. Overall, the study shows a clear potential of physicalization for the communication of complex dynamic processes, which only fully unfold if observers have to chance to interact with the process.
Moderate aortic stenosis: Navigating the uncharted
Authors: Caprio Maria Vittoria , De Donno Federica , Bisaccia Giandomenico , Mantini Cesare , Di Baldassarre Angela , Gallina Sabina , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Ricci Fabrizio
Published: June 2024

Aortic stenosis (AS) stands as the most common valvular heart disease in developed countries and is characterized by progressive narrowing of the aortic valve orifice resulting in elevated transvalvular flow resistance, left ventricular hypertrophy, and progressive increased risk of heart failure and sudden death. This narrative review explores clinical challenges and evolving perspectives in moderate AS, where discrepancies between aortic valve area and pressure gradient measurements may pose diagnostic and therapeutic quandaries. Transthoracic echocardiography is the first‐line imaging modality for AS evaluation, yet cases of discordance may require the application of ancillary noninvasive diagnostic modalities. This review underscores the importance of accurate grading of AS severity, especially in low‐gradient phenotypes, emphasizing the need for vigilant follow‐up. Current clinical guidelines primarily recommend aortic valve replacement for severe AS, potentially overlooking latent risks in moderate disease stages. The noninvasive multimodality imaging approach—including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and nuclear techniques—provides unique insights into adaptive and maladaptive cardiac remodeling in AS and offers a promising avenue to deliver precise indications and exact timing for intervention in moderate AS phenotypes and asymptomatic patients, potentially improving long‐term outcomes. Nevertheless, what we may have gleaned from a large amount of observational data is still insufficient to build a robust framework for clinical decision‐making in moderate AS. Future research will prioritize randomized clinical trials designed to weigh the benefits and risks of preemptive aortic valve replacement in the management of moderate AS, as directed by specific imaging and nonimaging biomarkers.
Changes of Chinese forest‐grassland ecotone in geographical scope and landscape structure from 1990 to 2020
Authors: Guo Jia , Li Yuehui , Ma Wang , Guo Qinghua , Cheng Kai , Ma Jun , Wang Zhengwen
Published: June 2024

Forest–grassland ecotone (FGE) has essential ecological and economic value. Unfortunately, it is impacted greatly by environmental changes and anthropogenic disturbance, and is considered one of the most severely threatened biomes in China. To protect Chinese FGE, identifying its exact boundary and exploring its landscape structure dynamic are badly needed, especially on nationwide scale at one‐year temporal resolution. Here, we mapped the annual FGE distribution of China from 1990 to 2020, investigated its changing trends of area, location and landscape patterns, and revealed the underlying driving factors. Our results showed that FGE area over the 31 years totaled 1 011 870 km2, covering about 10.54% of China's land. The FGE area first increased from 1990 and peaked in 1999, and then kept decreasing until 2020. The FGE gravity center has moved accumulatively 590.15 km over the 31 years, with the net moving distance of 228.76 km southwestward. From 1990 to 2020, forest area increased continuously while grassland and cropland area decreased, but these three landscape types had been dominating the FGE. The increase in forest area was largely converted from grassland. The decline in grassland mainly resulted from its conversion into cropland and forest. Meanwhile, the conversion of cropland to grassland supplemented grassland loss to a certain extent. At landscape level, the total area with decreased fragmentation is larger than that with increased fragmentation. Returning Farmland to Grassland Project and land reclamation were primary drivers for changes of fragmentation in the northern and middle part of the FGE, while temperature and precipitation were primary drivers in southern part. Our results will improve the understanding into the dynamic trends of distribution and pattern of FGE at nationwide scale, and thus help to optimize the designing of ecological projects and protective schemes for FGE as a unique and integral biome.
A user perspective on youth mental health services: Increasing help‐seeking behaviour requires addressing service preferences and attitudinal barriers
Authors: Wittevrongel Eline , Kessels Roselinde , Everaert Geert , Vrijens May , Danckaerts Marina , van Winkel Ruud
Published: June 2024

Aim

Although the incidence of mental health problems is highest in young people, the majority do not seek help. Reducing the discrepancy between need for care and access to services requires an understanding of the user perspective, which is largely lacking. This study aimed to examine preferences for mental health service attributes and their relative importance among young people, as well as the potential impact on actual help‐seeking intentions.

Methods

Youth aged 16–24 years (N = 258) participated in a discrete choice experiment. In addition to choosing which service would suit their needs most out of two service options in nine choice sets, participants were asked whether they would consult the chosen service in the case of mental health problems. Demographic information was also collected, as well as their current mental health status, experience with and perceived barriers to care. Panel mixed logit models were estimated.

Results

Young people's preferences were mostly driven by the attribute ‘format’, with a preference for individual rather than group therapy. Other attributes, in order of importance, were ‘wait times’ (short), ‘cost’ (low), ‘healthcare professionals' expertise’ (particular experience with working with youth aged 12 to 25 years), and ‘location’ (house in a city). However, a majority of young people would not consult the service they had indicated, mainly due to attitudinal barriers such as wanting to deal with problems on their own (self‐reliance).

Conclusions

Addressing psychological barriers to access care should be a priority in mental health policies. Furthermore, entry point services, in particular, should be able to provide the option of individual treatment.
Arts Practice as the Daily Extraordinary: A Philosophy of Inclusivity
Authors: Matthews Miranda
Published: June 2024

To conceive a philosophy of art education that is removed from actual practice would belie the extraordinary experience of developing and making practice. In this article, I propose to explore the philosophical implications of art practice being an experience of the ‘daily extraordinary.’ A view of practice as being at once stretching and comfortable, takes the artist and viewer's responses to the strangeness of the everyday: the delightful, the shocking, or even the miraculous, in what appear to be simple and mundane experiences. If we perceive learning in the arts as a pursuit of ideas, affect and expression that occurs in regular practice, there is an inclusivity that renders both learning in the arts and philosophy of art education accessible to everyone. In this article I will refer to the Goldsmiths Centre for Arts and Learning's research programme of 2022–2023, in which events and connected teaching activities practised being All For the Arts. With visiting speakers, museums and galleries and postgraduate students, CAL researched how the vitality and challenge of art practice, which includes the individualities and expression of persons and histories made ordinary and invisible, could bring the value of learning in the arts to the fore. Including reflections from contributors such as John Baldacchino, A Particular Reality, Carol Wild, Danny Braverman, Raphael Vella, Kevin Tavin and Andrea Kárpáti, we explored inclusivity in art practice from the daily extraordinary of each speaker's developments in educational research. Also, in the company of representatives from arts organisations such as Entelechy Arts, Autograph ABP, Whitechapel Gallery, Young V&A and Bow Arts, we considered the amazing and essential factors of inclusivity in the arts – that could be encountered on a daily basis. I will gather meeting points here among this incredible range of contributors.
MiR‐26a and miR‐191 are upregulated while PLAG1 and HIF2 are downregulated in pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands compared to Warthin tumors
Authors: Carkic Jelena , Nikolic Nadja , Sango Violeta , Riberti Nicole , Anicic Boban , Milasin Jelena
Published: June 2024

Background

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are a heterogenous group of pathologies, which still represents a challenge regarding differential diagnosis and therapy. Although histological findings govern SGTs management, detection of molecular alterations is emerging as an effective additional tool. The aim of this study was to analyze the relative expression levels of three micro RNAs (miR‐26a, miR‐26b, and miR‐191), and three pro‐oncogenic molecular markers (PLAG1, MTDH, and HIF2) in SGTs and normal salivary gland (NSG) tissues and evaluate them as potential differential diagnosis markers.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 58 patients with SGTs (23 pleomorphic adenomas, 27 Warthin tumors, and 8 malignant SGTs) and 10 controls (normal salivary gland tissues). Relative gene expression levels of all investigated molecules were determined by reverse transcriptase‐real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

All three micro RNAs exhibited highest expression levels in benign SGTs, whereas miR‐26a And miR‐191 were significantly more expressed in PAs compared to WTs (p = 0.045 and p = 0.029, respectively). PLAG1 And HIF2 were both overexpressed in WTs compared to PAs (p = 0.048 and p = 0.053, respectively). Bioinformatic analysis suggested that all investigated micro RNAs function as negative regulators of MTDH.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that all three micro RNAs have a considerable negative impact on MTDH oncogene expression in malignant tumors, while the differences between levels of miR‐26a, miR‐191, PLAG1, and HIF2 in PA and WT represent possible differential diagnosis markers.
Capturing the contradictory beauty of Mexico City in The Romanoffs
Authors: Lozano‐Alonso Angélica
Published: June 2024

Through a cultural studies approach to identity and spatial studies, this article considers how the spaces and communities of “Panorama” of The Romanoffs series paint a fuller visual portrait of contemporary Mexico City then first meets the eye. For every scene that celebrates the wealth of Mexico City and tourist landmarks, there is a parallel one that shows Mexico's poverty or working‐class communities. “Panorama” is a love story to Mexico City that showcases the many identities contained in the multifaceted capital, exposes injustice, and ultimately aligns itself with those who are disenfranchised.
Long‐term care and myopia: Optimal linear subsidies for private insurance
Authors: Jasaityte Rosita , Klimaviciute Justina
Published: June 2024

This paper studies optimal linear policy directed at private long‐term care insurance in the context where individuals are myopic, that is, underestimate their dependency risk. Without government intervention, myopic individuals underinsure, while the first‐best optimum requires full insurance. To decentralize the first‐best, one needs personalized linear subsidies on private insurance premiums combined with personalized lump‐sum taxes to finance these subsidies and redistribute resources among individuals. In the second‐best setting where only uniform instruments can be used, the determination of the optimal insurance subsidy rate includes three main considerations: standard efficiency concern, correction for myopia, and redistributive concerns. While the correction for myopia pushes for a higher subsidy rate, the analysis of the redistributive concerns is far less straightforward. Overall, the redistributive concerns depend on three main factors: whether wealthier individuals are less myopic, how the probability of dependency varies with wealth and what is the type of absolute risk aversion exhibited by individual preferences.
Nationwide synthetic human mobility dataset construction from limited travel surveys and open data
Authors: Kashiyama Takehiro , Pang Yanbo , Shibuya Yuya , Yabe Takahiro , Sekimoto Yoshihide
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the explosion of extensive geolocated datasets related to human mobility has presented an opportunity to unravel the mechanism behind daily mobility patterns on an individual and population level; this analysis is essential for solving social matters, such as traffic forecasting, disease spreading, urban planning, and pollution. However, the release of such data is limited owing to the privacy concerns of users from whom data were collected. To overcome this challenge, an innovative approach has been introduced for generating synthetic human mobility, termed as the “Pseudo‐PFLOW” dataset. Our approach leverages open statistical data and a limited travel survey to create a comprehensive synthetic representation of human mobility. The Pseudo‐PFLOW generator comprises three agent models that follow seven fundamental daily activities and captures the spatiotemporal pattern in daily travel behaviors of individuals. The Pseudo‐PFLOW dataset covers the entire population in Japan, approximately 130 million people across 47 prefectures, and has been compared with the existing ground truth dataset. Our generated dataset successfully reconstructs key statistical properties, including hourly population distribution, trip volume, and trip coverage, with coefficient of determination values ranging from 0.5 to 0.98. This innovative approach enables researchers and policymakers to access valuable mobility data while addressing privacy concerns, offering new opportunities for informed decision‐making and analysis.