bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling up Roundoff Analysis of Functional Data Structure Programs
Authors: Isychev Anastasia , Darulova Eva
Published: October 2023

Floating-point arithmetic is counter-intuitive due to inherent rounding errors that potentially occur at every arithmetic operation. A selection of automated tools now exists to ensure correctness of floating-point programs by computing guaranteed bounds on rounding errors at the end of a computation, but these tools effectively consider only straight-line programs over scalar variables. Much of numerical codes, however, use data structures such as lists, arrays or matrices and loops over these. To analyze such programs today, all data structure operations need to be unrolled, manually or by the analyzer, reducing the analysis to straight-line code, ultimately limiting the analyzers’ scalability.

We present the first rounding error analysis for numerical programs written over vectors and matrices that leverages the data structure information to speed up the analysis. We facilitate this with our functional domain-specific input language that we design based on a new set of numerical benchmarks that we collect from a variety of domains. Our DSL explicitly carries semantic information that is useful for avoiding duplicate and thus unnecessary analysis steps, as well as enabling abstractions for further speed-ups. Compared to unrolling-based approaches in state-of-the-art tools, our analysis retains adequate accuracy and is able to analyze more benchmarks or is significantly faster, and particularly scales better for larger programs.
High-LET charged particles: radiobiology and application for new approaches in radiotherapy
Authors: Helm Alexander , Fournier Claudia
Published: October 2023

The number of patients treated with charged-particle radiotherapy as well as the number of treatment centers is increasing worldwide, particularly regarding protons. However, high-linear energy transfer (LET) particles, mainly carbon ions, are of special interest for application in radiotherapy, as their special physical features result in high precision and hence lower toxicity, and at the same time in increased efficiency in cell inactivation in the target region, i.e., the tumor. The radiobiology of high-LET particles differs with respect to DNA damage repair, cytogenetic damage, and cell death type, and their increased LET can tackle cells’ resistance to hypoxia. Recent developments and perspectives, e.g., the return of high-LET particle therapy to the US with a center planned at Mayo clinics, the application of carbon ion radiotherapy using cost-reducing cyclotrons and the application of helium is foreseen to increase the interest in this type of radiotherapy. However, further preclinical research is needed to better understand the differential radiobiological mechanisms as opposed to photon radiotherapy, which will help to guide future clinical studies for optimal exploitation of high-LET particle therapy, in particular related to new concepts and innovative approaches. Herein, we summarize the basics and recent progress in high-LET particle radiobiology with a focus on carbon ions and discuss the implications of current knowledge for charged-particle radiotherapy. We emphasize the potential of high-LET particles with respect to immunogenicity and especially their combination with immunotherapy.
Female sex is a risk factor for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: the EURODIAB prospective diabetes complications study
Authors: Elliott Jackie , Sloan Gordon , Stevens Lynda , Selvarajah Dinesh , Cruccu Giorgio , Gandhi Rajiv A. , Kempler Peter , Fuller John H. , Chaturvedi Nishi , Tesfaye Solomon ,   for the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study Group
Published: October 2023

Aims/hypothesis

While the risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are now well recognised, the risk factors for painful DPN remain unknown. We performed analysis of the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study data to elucidate the incidence and risk factors of painful DPN.

Methods

The EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study recruited 3250 participants with type 1 diabetes who were followed up for 7.3±0.6 (mean ± SD) years. To evaluate DPN, a standardised protocol was used, including clinical assessment, quantitative sensory testing and autonomic function tests. Painful DPN (defined as painful neuropathic symptoms in the legs in participants with confirmed DPN) was assessed at baseline and follow-up.

Results

At baseline, 234 (25.2%) out of 927 participants with DPN had painful DPN. At follow-up, incident DPN developed in 276 (23.5%) of 1172 participants. Of these, 41 (14.9%) had incident painful DPN. Most of the participants who developed incident painful DPN were female (73% vs 48% painless DPN p=0.003) and this remained significant after adjustment for duration of diabetes and HbA1c (OR 2.69 [95% CI 1.41, 6.23], p=0.004). The proportion of participants with macro- or microalbuminuria was lower in those with painful DPN compared with painless DPN (15% vs 34%, p=0.02), and this association remained after adjusting for HbA1c, diabetes duration and sex (p=0.03).

Conclusions/interpretation

In this first prospective study to investigate the risk factors for painful DPN, we definitively demonstrate that female sex is a risk factor for painful DPN. Additionally, there is less evidence of diabetic nephropathy in incident painful, compared with painless, DPN. Thus, painful DPN is not driven by cardiometabolic factors traditionally associated with microvascular disease. Sex differences may therefore play an important role in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain in diabetes. Future studies need to look at psychosocial, genetic and other factors in the development of painful DPN.

Graphical Abstract
Combined in vivo metabolic effects of quetiapine and methadone in brain and blood of rats
Authors: Heisel Laura Smedegaard , Andersen Freja Drost , Joca Sâmia , Sørensen Lambert Kristiansen , Simonsen Ulf , Hasselstrøm Jørgen Bo , Andersen Charlotte Uggerhøj , Nielsen Kirstine Lykke
Published: October 2023

Changes in pharmacokinetics and endogenous metabolites may underlie additive biological effects of concomitant use of antipsychotics and opioids. In this study, we employed untargeted metabolomics analysis and targeted analysis to examine the changes in drug metabolites and endogenous metabolites in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), midbrain, and blood of rats following acute co-administration of quetiapine and methadone. Rats were divided into four groups and received cumulative increasing doses of quetiapine (QTP), methadone (MTD), quetiapine + methadone (QTP + MTD), or vehicle (control). All samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Our findings revealed increased levels of the quetiapine metabolites: Norquetiapine, O-dealkylquetiapine, 7-hydroxyquetiapine, and quetiapine sulfoxide, in the blood and brain when methadone was present. Our study also demonstrated a decrease in methadone and its metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) in the rat brain when quetiapine was present. Despite these findings, there were only small differences in the levels of 225–296 measured endogenous metabolites due to co-administration compared to single administrations. For example, N-methylglutamic acid, glutaric acid, p-hydroxyphenyllactic acid, and corticosterone levels were significantly decreased in the brain of rats treated with both compounds. Accumulation of serotonin in the midbrain was additionally observed in the MTD group, but not in the QTP + MTD group. In conclusion, this study in rats suggests a few but important additive metabolic effects when quetiapine and methadone are co-administered.
Feasibility of GPT-3 and GPT-4 for in-Depth Patient Education Prior to Interventional Radiological Procedures: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Scheschenja Michael , Viniol Simon , Bastian Moritz B. , Wessendorf Joel , König Alexander M. , Mahnken Andreas H.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study explores the utility of the large language models, GPT-3 and GPT-4, for in-depth patient education prior to interventional radiology procedures. Further, differences in answer accuracy between the models were assessed.

Materials and methods

A total of 133 questions related to three specific interventional radiology procedures (Port implantation, PTA and TACE) covering general information as well as preparation details, risks and complications and post procedural aftercare were compiled. Responses of GPT-3 and GPT-4 were assessed for their accuracy by two board-certified radiologists using a 5-point Likert scale. The performance difference between GPT-3 and GPT-4 was analyzed.

Results

Both GPT-3 and GPT-4 responded with (5) “completely correct” (4) “very good” answers for the majority of questions ((5) 30.8% + (4) 48.1% for GPT-3 and (5) 35.3% + (4) 47.4% for GPT-4). GPT-3 and GPT-4 provided (3) “acceptable” responses 15.8% and 15.0% of the time, respectively. GPT-3 provided (2) “mostly incorrect” responses in 5.3% of instances, while GPT-4 had a lower rate of such occurrences, at just 2.3%. No response was identified as potentially harmful. GPT-4 was found to give significantly more accurate responses than GPT-3 (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

GPT-3 and GPT-4 emerge as relatively safe and accurate tools for patient education in interventional radiology. GPT-4 showed a slightly better performance. The feasibility and accuracy of these models suggest their promising role in revolutionizing patient care. Still, users need to be aware of possible limitations.

Graphical Abstract
Prognostic MRI features to predict postresection survivals for very early to intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Hanyu , Qin Yun , Wei Hong , Zheng Tianying , Yang Ting , Wu Yuanan , Ding Chengyu , Chernyak Victoria , Ronot Maxime , Fowler Kathryn J. , Chen Weixia , Bashir Mustafa R. , Song Bin
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Contrast-enhanced MRI can provide individualized prognostic information for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to investigate the value of MRI features to predict early (≤ 2 years)/late (> 2 years) recurrence-free survival (E-RFS and L-RFS, respectively) and overall survival (OS).

Materials and methods

Consecutive adult patients at a tertiary academic center who received curative-intent liver resection for very early to intermediate stage HCC and underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI were retrospectively enrolled from March 2011 to April 2021. Three masked radiologists independently assessed 54 MRI features. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations of imaging features with E-RFS, L-RFS, and OS.

Results

This study included 600 patients (median age, 53 years; 526 men). During a median follow-up of 55.3 months, 51% of patients experienced recurrence (early recurrence: 66%; late recurrence: 34%), and 17% died. Tumor size, multiple tumors, rim arterial phase hyperenhancement, iron sparing in solid mass, tumor growth pattern, and gastroesophageal varices were associated with E-RFS and OS (largest p = .02). Nonperipheral washout (p = .006), markedly low apparent diffusion coefficient value (p = .02), intratumoral arteries (p = .01), and width of the main portal vein (p = .03) were associated with E-RFS but not with L-RFS or OS, while the VICT2 trait was specifically associated with OS (p = .02). Multiple tumors (p = .048) and radiologically-evident cirrhosis (p < .001) were the only predictors for L-RFS.

Conclusion

Twelve visually-assessed MRI features predicted postoperative E-RFS (≤ 2 years), L-RFS (> 2 years), and OS for very early to intermediate-stage HCCs.

Clinical relevance statement

The prognostic MRI features may help inform personalized surgical planning, neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapies, and postoperative surveillance, thus may be included in future prognostic models.

Key Points

• Tumor size, multiple tumors, rim arterial phase hyperenhancement, iron sparing, tumor growth pattern, and gastroesophageal varices predicted both recurrence-free survival within 2 years and overall survival.

• Nonperipheral washout, markedly low apparent diffusion coefficient value, intratumoral arteries, and width of the main portal vein specifically predicted recurrence-free survival within 2 years, while the VICT2 trait specifically predicted overall survival.

• Multiple tumors and radiologically-evident cirrhosis were the only predictors for recurrence-free survival beyond 2 years.

Graphical Abstract
Efficacy and influencing factors of cervical perivascular sympathectomy in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Wu Junjie , Yan Baofeng , Mutalifu Nurehemaiti , Guan Qi , Bai Chao , Li Jianglong , Luan Xinping
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a lack of research to determine the efficacy of cervical perivascular sympathectomy (CPVS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CPVS in children with CP and analyze the associated influential factors.

Methods

Using the method of retrospective cohort studies, children who underwent CPVS were included in the CPVS group, whereas those who underwent selective posterior rhizotomy (SPR) were included in the SPR group. The Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) and Teacher Drooling Scale (TDS) were used to evaluate the communication function and salivation in the two groups before and 12 months after surgery and compare the surgical efficiency between the two groups, and the factors affecting the efficacy were screened by binary logistic regression.

Results

The study included 406 patients, 202 in the CPVS group and 204 in the SPR group. No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics (p > 0.05). The surgical efficacy of the CPVS group (47.01%) was significantly higher than that in the SPR group (9.81%) (χ2 = 71.08, p < 0.001). Binary logic regression analysis showed that preterm birth and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) grade were influencing factors of surgical efficacy. Eighteen patients developed postoperative complications.

Conclusion

CPVS is a safe and effective surgery for cerebral palsy. Preterm birth and GMFCS grade are independent factors affecting the efficacy of surgery.
TSH receptor autoantibody levels post-total thyroidectomy in Graves’ ophthalmopathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Anees Arsalan , Ayeni Femi E. , Eslick Guy D. , Edirimanne Senarath
Published: October 2023

Background

TSH receptor autoantibodies (TRAbs) are pathognomonic for Graves’ disease and are thought to also underly the pathogenesis of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO). A decline in TRAb levels has been documented post-total thyroidectomy (TTx) in GO, however with conflicting correlations with disease outcomes. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of TTx to other treatment modalities of Graves’ disease and examine whether the lowering of TRAbs is associated with GO improvements.

Method

We searched electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science until 31 September 2022 using a broad range of keywords. Patients with GO undergoing TTx with measurements of both TRAbs and progression of the disease using a validated GO scoring system were included. Fourteen studies encompassing data from 1047 patients with GO met our eligibility criteria. The PRISMA guidelines were followed, and five studies had comparable data that were suitable for a meta-analysis.

Results

The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs showed low risk of bias across most domains. The pooled odds ratio showed that more patients significantly had normalized TRAb levels post-TTx as compared to other interventions (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02–1.81, p = 0.035). But, there was no significant difference in GO improvement post-TTx as compared with other intervention groups.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows that TRAb levels may decline largely post-TTx, but may not predict added improvements to the progression of GO. Thus, future studies with uniform designs are required to assess the minimal significant GO improvements.
Home initiation of apomorphine infusion: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for current clinical practice
Authors: Kobylecki Christopher , Partington-Smith Lucy
Published: October 2023

Starting Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients on subcutaneous apomorphine (APO) infusion is generally undertaken on a hospital day-case basis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, day-case facilities were unavailable. To avoid delays in treatment, a new procedure was developed for initiation of APO therapy in the patient’s home. A home initiation protocol was developed and followed for each patient in this analysis. The hospital team worked in collaboration with APO nurses provided by the manufacturer of APO therapies to implement initiation and undertake follow-up. In this analysis, 27 PD patients were initiated onto APO infusion and 21 (77.8%) achieved a therapeutic response. Home initiation of APO infusion can be undertaken successfully and has benefits for both patients and healthcare teams. This protocol will now continue as a standard of care at our centre.
Retrospective clinical study on the performance and aesthetic outcome of pressed lithium disilicate restorations in posterior teeth up to 8.3 years
Authors: Lindner Stefanie , Frasheri Iris , Hickel Reinhard , Crispin Alexander , Kessler Andreas
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Evaluation of cumulative survival and complication rate of monolithic lithium disilicate inlays and partial crowns performed by supervised undergraduate students up to 8.3 years of clinical service.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective clinical study 143 lithium disilicate posterior restorations (IPS e.max Press) were examined according to the FDI criteria. A standardised questionnaire was used to determine patient satisfaction. The aesthetic outcome was evaluated by dentists and dental technicians using intraoral photographs. Data were descriptively analysed. Cumulative survival and success rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier estimation.

Results

The cumulative survival rate of lithium disilicate restorations was 97.5% after a mean service time of 5.9 years and 95.0% after 8.3 years. The cumulative success rate decreased from 94.4% after 5.9 years to 30.7% after 8.3 years. Repairs were required for 7 restorations (4.9%), and 5 (3.5%) were classified as failures. The results of the questionnaire indicate a high level of patient satisfaction. The subjective aesthetics were assessed more critically by dental technicians compared to dentists.

Conclusion

Lithium disilicate posterior restorations survived successfully up to 8.3 years when carried out by undergraduate students.

Clinical relevance

Pressed lithium disilicate glass ceramic inlays and partial crowns are reliable treatment options in posterior teeth.
Core genome multilocus sequence typing of Clostridioides difficile to investigate transmission in the hospital setting
Authors: Filippidis Paraskevas , Senn Laurence , Poncet Fabrice , Grandbastien Bruno , Prod’hom Guy , Greub Gilbert , Guery Benoit , Blanc Dominique S.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Traditional epidemiological investigations of healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infection (HA-CDI) are often insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate a procedure that includes secondary isolation and genomic typing of single toxigenic colonies using core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) for the investigation of C. difficile transmission.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively all toxigenic C. difficile-positive stool samples stored at the Lausanne University Hospital over 6 consecutive months. All isolates were initially typed and classified using a modified double-locus sequence typing (DLST) method. Genome comparison of isolates with the same DLST and clustering were subsequently performed using cgMLST. The electronic administrative records of patients with CDI were investigated for spatiotemporal epidemiological links supporting hospital transmission. A comparative descriptive analysis between genomic and epidemiological data was then performed.

Results

From January to June 2021, 86 C. difficile isolates were recovered from thawed samples of 71 patients. Thirteen different DLST types were shared by > 1 patient, and 13 were observed in single patients. A genomic cluster was defined as a set of isolates from different patients with ≤ 3 locus differences, determined by cgMLST. Seven genomic clusters were identified, among which plausible epidemiological links were identified in only 4/7 clusters.

Conclusion

Among clusters determined by cgMLST analysis, roughly 40% included unexplained HA-CDI acquisitions, which may be explained by unidentified epidemiological links, asymptomatic colonization, and/or shared common community reservoirs. The use of DLST, followed by whole genome sequencing analysis, is a promising and cost-effective stepwise approach for the investigation of CDI transmission in the hospital setting.
Closed-circuit hypolimnetic withdrawal and treatment: impact of effluent discharge on epilimnetic P and N concentrations
Authors: Silvonen Soila , Nurminen Leena , Horppila Jukka , Niemistö Juha , Jilbert Tom
Published: October 2023

Closed-circuit hypolimnetic withdrawal and treatment systems (HWTS) represent a novel lake restoration technique in which nutrient-rich near-bottom water is pumped through a treatment system and returned to the same lake. However, the design of such systems is not yet standardized and routing of effluent waters must be planned carefully to minimize the risk of adverse water quality impacts. Here we assessed the risk of HWTS effluent to elevate epilimnetic nutrient concentrations under a range of withdrawal and effluent discharge scenarios (4.5–45 L/s, sand filtration only and sand filtration combined with wetland) at Lake Kymijärvi, Finland. The filter of the HWTS removed most of the phosphorus (67%), but only a small fraction of nitrogen (14%). For both nutrients, filter effluent concentrations were elevated with respect to the lake epilimnion. However, the results of our calculations suggest only minor increases (0–12%) in epilimnetic phosphorus concentrations in all withdrawal and discharge scenarios. For nitrogen, somewhat higher increases (1–17%) are expected unless the filter effluent is first discharged into a wetland as part of the HWTS circuit. We conclude that the impacts of the filter effluent on the epilimnion do not mask the benefits gained in the treated lake by the closed-circuit HWTS, but use of a buffering system such as a wetland decreases the risks further.
Repellent effects of Chinese cinnamon oil on nymphal ticks of Haemaphysalis longicornis, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, and Hyalomma asiaticum
Authors: Zhou Yongzhi , Cao Jie , Wang Yanan , Battsetseg Badgar , Battur Banzragch , Zhang Houshuang , Zhou Jinlin
Published: October 2023

The repellent activity of Chinese cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum cassia) on nymphal ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Supino, and Hyalomma asiaticum Schulze and Schlottke) was evaluated in a sample Y-tube bioassay. The results were based on the vertical migration of ticks during the host-seek phase and showed a dose-dependent repellent effect of Chinese cinnamon oil on the tested nymphs after 6 h. For H. longicornis, R. haemaphysaloides, and H. asiaticum at the concentrations (vol/vol) of 3, 3, and 1.5%, the repellent percentages over time were 68–97, 69–94, and 69–93%, respectively, which indicated strong repellent activities against ticks, similar to the positive control DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). Chinese cinnamon oil exerted the strongest effect on H. asiaticum nymphs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the repellent effects of Chinese cinnamon oil on ticks. Chinese cinnamon oil has considerable potential and should be developed as a practical tick repellent.
Ultimate in-plane shear behaviour of clay brick masonry elements strengthened with TRM overlays
Authors: Elghazouli A. Y. , Bompa D. V. , Mourad S. A. , Elyamani A.
Published: October 2023

This paper studies the response of unreinforced masonry (URM) members made of hydraulic lime mortar and fired clay bricks, commonly found in heritage structures, strengthened with textile reinforced mortar (TRM) overlays. The investigation includes URM and TRM-strengthened diagonal compression tests on square panels, and relatively large-scale wall specimens subjected to combined gravity and lateral cyclic loads. Complementary compression, tension, and interface material tests are also carried out. The diagonal panel tests show that the TRM effectiveness depends in a non-proportional manner on the overlays, render thickness, and substrate strength. The enhancement in stiffness, strength, and ultimate shear strain, using one to four mesh layers on each side, is shown to vary in the range of 49–132%, 102–536%, and 300–556% respectively. It is shown that strut crushing typically governs the response of such low-strength URM masonry elements confined by TRM overlays. The cyclic tests on the comparatively larger walls show that the TRM is effective, shifting the response from URM diagonal tension to rocking, and enhancing the stiffness, strength, and ultimate drift capacity by more than 160%, 30%, and 130%, respectively. It is shown that analytical assessment methods for predicting the response of TRM-strengthened and URM members in terms of stiffness, strength and load-deformation can be reliably adapted. The cumulative contribution of the URM and TRM components, in conjunction with a suitable fibre textile strain, is also found to offer an improved prediction of the shear strength compared to codified procedures. The findings enable the evaluation and improvement of analytical models for determining the main inelastic response parameters of TRM-strengthened masonry and provide information for validating future detailed nonlinear numerical simulations.
Organizational Network Analysis of SAMHSA’s Technology Transfer Center (TTC) Network
Authors: Agley Jon , Gassman Ruth , Reho Kaitlyn , Roberts Jeffrey , Heil Susan K. R. , Golzarri-Arroyo Lilian , Eddens Kate
Published: October 2023

Technology transfer centers (TTCs) facilitate the movement of evidence-based practices in behavioral healthcare from theory to practice. One of the largest such networks is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) TTC Network. This brief report shares findings from an organizational network analysis (ONA) of the network conducted as part of an external evaluation. For non-supervisory TTCs (n = 36) across three focus areas (addiction, prevention, and mental health), the authors computed network density, harmonic closeness, and non-null dyadic reciprocity for five types of interactions (e.g., “collaborated in workgroups”), then, for each interaction type, used Welch’s T-test to compare mean harmonic closeness of standalone TTC grantees versus multiple-TTC grantees. ONA identified potentially isolated regional TTCs as well as mismatches between some centers’ desired scope and their network centrality and enabled investigation of broader questions around behavioral health support systems. The approach appears useful for evaluating TTCs and similar support networks.
Agile work practices: opportunities and risks for occupational well-being
Authors: Rietze Sarah , Zacher Hannes
Published: October 2023

This article in the journal “Group. Interaction. Organization. (GIO)” presents the results of a study on the opportunities and risks of agile work practices (AWP) for occupational well-being. AWP have become an integral part of project work today, and they significantly change processes of collaboration and work design. However, findings on the relationships between AWP and occupational well-being are inconsistent. Based on job demands-resources theory, this study investigates concrete relationships between specific AWP, job demands and resources, and occupational well-being. Data were collected using qualitative interviews with 14 individuals working in agile teams in different organizations. Opportunities and risks were reported for almost all AWP, except for incrementation practice. Results confirm our propositions that the relationships are heterogeneous and should be investigated in a more differentiated way. In addition, various personal and organizational resources impacting these relationships are explored. The results serve as an important theoretical body and a basis for further research in this field. Furthermore, they raise awareness of opportunities and risks of agile teamwork and provide practical suggestions for its implementation.
La Niña Pushes an Endangered Temperate Soft Coral Species to the Brink of Localised Extinction
Authors: Larkin Meryl F. , Davis Tom R. , Harasti David , Smith Stephen D. A. , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: October 2023

Extreme weather events such as floods are becoming more frequent, and pose a substantial threat to Australia’s nearshore marine communities. In March 2021, a 450 km stretch of the eastern NSW coastline experienced a La Niña-related rainfall event over several days, resulting in large volumes of freshwater ingress to marine systems. Port Stephens, an estuary 250 km north of Sydney, recorded its highest week of rainfall on record. This was followed by two more flood events in March 2022 and June 2022. Prior to 2021, the marine-dominant Eastern Port of Port Stephens was home to the world’s largest aggregations of Dendronephthya australis, an endangered species of soft coral endemic to the south-east coast of Australia. Using data from a 2019–2022 D. australis monitoring program in Port Stephens, spanning the unprecedented series of flood events in 2021–2022, we detail the impacts of flood events on the population. Prior to the floods, aggregations of colonies were persisting, and individuals were growing at two of the four monitored sites. However, flooding in March 2021 caused a 91% decline in the remaining areal extent of D. australis. Modelling of likely causative factors highlighted water depth as the most significant environmental variable correlated with coral loss. Corals in shallower waters experienced lower salinity and were the most impacted. Continued monitoring during 2021 and 2022 documented the loss of all remaining aggregations in the estuary after further La Niña-related rainfall events, to the point where D. australis is now on the brink of localised extinction.
Computational Modelling Enabling In Silico Trials for Cardiac Physiologic Pacing
Authors: Strocchi Marina , Wijesuriya Nadeev , Mehta Vishal , de Vere Felicity , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Niederer Steven A.
Published: October 2023

Conduction system pacing (CSP) has the potential to achieve physiological-paced activation by pacing the ventricular conduction system. Before CSP is adopted in standard clinical practice, large, randomised, and multi-centre trials are required to investigate CSP safety and efficacy compared to standard biventricular pacing (BVP). Furthermore, there are unanswered questions about pacing thresholds required to achieve optimal pacing delivery while preventing device battery draining, and about which patient groups are more likely to benefit from CSP rather than BVP. In silico studies have been increasingly used to investigate mechanisms underlying changes in cardiac function in response to pathologies and treatment. In the context of CSP, they have been used to improve our understanding of conduction system capture to optimise CSP delivery and battery life, and noninvasively compare different pacing methods on different patient groups. In this review, we discuss the in silico studies published to date investigating different aspects of CSP delivery.

Graphical Abstract
Challenges of IT freelancers on digital labor platforms: A topic model approach
Authors: Gussek Lisa , Grabbe Alex , Wiesche Manuel
Published: October 2023

Freelancers working on digital labor platforms have to deal with many challenges. IT freelancers should be considered separately due to special characteristics such as high skill level or collaborative nature of IT work. Through a Latent Dirichlet Allocation analysis of 2804 forum posts with over 20,000 comments from IT freelancers and additional qualitative analysis, we assign themes to each identified topic, cluster them into aggregated dimensions, and illustrate the interrelationships in a model of IT freelancing. Thus, we examine the challenges of IT freelancers and synthesize them. We extend the challenges of online freelancing already outlined in the literature and identify four IT-specific challenges for IT freelancers. Therefore, we improve our understanding of how IT work is performed on digital labor platforms and which particular aspects should be considered in future research. Furthermore, we highlight implications for practitioners, i.e., IT freelancers on the one hand and platform owners on the other hand.
A Puzzle About Mental Lexicons and Semantic Relatedness
Authors: Damirjian Alice
Published: October 2023

According to the received view in the literature on homonymy and polysemy representation, there is a difference between how polysemes and homonyms are represented in our mental lexicons. More concretely, the received view holds that whereas the meanings associated with a homonymous expression are (mentally) represented in separate lexical entries, the meanings associated with a polysemous expression are represented together in a single lexical entry. It is usually argued that this is the picture that is supported by the growing body of empirical evidence coming from psycholinguistics. Empirical studies of ambiguity processing and resolution consistently show that polysemous expressions enjoy various processing advantages compared to homonyms, and the received view is generally taken to be required in order to explain these results. The aim of this paper is not only to show that this is not the case but also, and more fundamentally, that the received view falls far short of explaining the available data to a sufficient degree. As a result, the received view is caught up in an explanatory dilemma that I dub the Continuum Puzzle. I then claim that the best way to escape this puzzle is to give up the received view’s core thesis in favor of an alternative view consistent with the empirical evidence. Reaching such an alternative will require rejecting the following pervasive but ill-motivated assumption: Differences in ambiguity processing and resolution can only be explained by there being some corresponding differences in the architecture of our mental lexicons.
Inflammatory potential of the diet is associated with psychological stress in adults with type 2 diabetes: a methodological approach of e-Health
Authors: Sánchez-Rosales Abril I. , Gaona-Valle Laura S. , Guadarrama-López Ana L. , Martínez-Carrillo Beatriz E. , Valdés-Ramos Roxana
Published: October 2023

Objective

We studied the presence of psychological stress in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and if could be attributed to the consumption of a pro-inflammatory diet. We evaluated the inflammatory potential of the habitual Mexican diet, addressed by tools with an approach to collecting information on e-Health.

Methods

In this cross-sectional analytic study of 238 Mexican adults with T2D, the profile of the inflammatory diet was obtained by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and the presence of psychological stress by the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DSS) was assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between diabetes stress and DII score. Sensitivity analysis was performed by Energy–Density Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII).

Results

We demonstrated that there is an association between a profile of stress and high-inflammatory values of the DII score after adjustment for potential confounders (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.2, 4.6).

Conclusion

Using e-Health through web-based tools to collect information showed benefits of the application as a method of dietary assessment. We provide evidence showing that better values of the DII score and physical activity may play a protective role against the presence of psychological stress; DII and E-DII scores qualify and label habitual diet into pro and anti-inflammatory and are associated with psychological stress in T2D.
The perils of ranking mining countries and regions: a critical look at the annual survey of the Fraser Institute
Authors: Söderholm Patrik , Ericsson Magnus , Hellman Frida
Published: October 2023

The attractiveness of mineral investments across countries and regions worldwide can be judged through various measures, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the Fraser Institute’s ranking of mining jurisdictions, which builds on eliciting the perceptions of industry representatives around the world through an annual survey. The analysis takes stock in the growing scholarship on country performance indicators and concludes that due to the low response rate and the lack of clear definitions of some of the underlying concepts (e.g., political stability), there are reasons to question both the reliability and the validity of this survey. There could also exist incentives among exploration companies to “game” the rankings. For these reasons, the ranking outcomes do not constitute a meaningful scorecard that countries can employ to improve their mining-related policies. However, despite these deficiencies, the Fraser Institute’s survey often enjoys relatively uncritical media attention. It even sets in motion a political “rankings game” in which the mining companies, governments, and other organized groups choose to participate. There is an urgent need for a more reliable and unbiased survey approach, including the consideration of alternative—complementing—measures for assessing investment attractiveness in the mining industry.
Biological activities of gastropods secretions: snail and slug slime
Authors: Rashad Muhammad , Sampò Simone , Cataldi Amelia , Zara Susi
Published: October 2023

Gastropods, a mollusk class including slugs and snails, represent an extraordinarily diverse and ecologically significant group of organisms featuring the largest class of invertebrates. They can be classified as aquatic and terrestrial animals having coiled shells, although some species have reduced or absent shells. Their unique body structure includes a muscular foot for locomotion, a visceral mass containing essential organs, and a distinct head region with sensory organs such as tentacles and eyes. They are used to secrete a complex mixture of glycoproteins, enzymes, peptides, mucus and other bioactive compounds, namely slime, which represents a tool to allow locomotion, protection, and interaction within different habitats. The biological activities of the slime have attracted considerable interest due to their diverse and potentially valuable properties ranging from defense mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications in wound healing, antimicrobial therapy, management of inflammation, and neurological disorders. This review aims at exploring the beneficial effects of snail and slug slime focusing, in particular, on the improvement of the biological processes underlying them. Continued exploration of the intricate components of these slimy secretions promises to discover new bioactive molecules with diverse applications in various scientific and industrial fields.

Graphical Abstract
The antifungal properties of terpenoids from the endophytic fungus Bipolaris eleusines
Authors: Fan Yin-Zhong , Tian Chun , Tong Shun-Yao , Liu Qing , Xu Fan , Shi Bao-Bao , Ai Hong-Lian , Liu Ji-Kai
Published: October 2023

A series of terpenoids (1–17), comprising six new compounds designated bipolariterpenes A-F (1–6) and eleven recognized compounds (7–17), were isolated from the wheat culture of the potato endophytic fungus Bipolariseleusines. Their structures and stereochemistry were clarified by HRESIMS, NMR, DP4 + probability analyses, and computations for electronic circular dichroism (ECD). All compounds are made up of six meroterpenoids, four sesterterpenes and seven sesquiterpenes. Among them, four sesterterpenes (4, 5, 10, 11) were investigated for their antifungal, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties, and six meroterpenoids (1–3, 7–9) were evaluated for their antifungal properties. The compounds 7, 9, and 10 had substantial antifungal activity against Epidermophytonfloccosum at a concentration of 100 µM. No antibacterial and cytotoxic activities were observed.

Graphical Abstract
CAROUSEL: An Open-Source Framework for High-Throughput Microstructure Simulations
Authors: Carrion Ständer Sebastian , Barschkett Nora , Kabliman Evgeniya
Published: October 2023

High-throughput screening (HTS) can significantly accelerate the design of new materials, allowing for automatic testing of a large number of material compositions and process parameters. Using HTS in Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), the computational evaluation of multiple combinations can be performed before empirical testing, thus reducing the use of material and resources. Conducting computational HTS involves the application of high-throughput computing (HTC) and developing suitable tools to handle such calculations. Among multiple ICME methods compatible with HTS and HTC, the calculation of phase diagrams known as the CALPHAD method has gained prominence. When combining thermodynamic modeling with kinetic simulations, predicting the entire history of precipitation behavior is possible. However, most reported CALPHAD-based HTS frameworks are restricted to thermodynamic modeling or not accessible. The present work introduces CAROUSEL—an open-sourCe frAmewoRk fOr high-throUghput microStructurE simuLations. It is designed to explore various alloy compositions, processing parameters, and CALPHAD implementations. CAROUSEL offers a graphical interface for easy interaction, scripting workflow for advanced simulations, the calculation distribution system, and simulation data management. Additionally, CAROUSEL incorporates visual tools for exploring the generated data and integrates through-process modeling, accounting for the interplay between solidification and solid-state precipitation. The application area is various metal manufacturing processes where the precipitation behavior is crucial. The results of simulations can be used in upscale material models, thus covering different microstructural phenomena. The present work demonstrates how CAROUSEL can be used for additive manufacturing (AM), particularly for investigating different chemical compositions and heat treatment parameters (e.g., temperature, duration).
Endocrine, genetic, and microbiome nexus of obesity and potential role of postbiotics: a narrative review
Authors: Wu Weiming , Chen Zhengfang , Han Jiani , Qian Lingling , Wang Wanqiu , Lei Jiacai , Wang Huaguan
Published: October 2023

Obesity is a public health crisis, presenting a huge burden on health care and the economic system in both developed and developing countries. According to the WHO’s latest report on obesity, 39% of adults of age 18 and above are obese, with an increase of 18% compared to the last few decades. Metabolic energy imbalance due to contemporary lifestyle, changes in gut microbiota, hormonal imbalance, inherent genetics, and epigenetics is a major contributory factor to this crisis. Multiple studies have shown that probiotics and their metabolites (postbiotics) supplementation have an effect on obesity-related effects in vitro, in vivo, and in human clinical investigations. Postbiotics such as the SCFAs suppress obesity by regulating metabolic hormones such as GLP-1, and PPY thus reducing feed intake and suppressing appetite. Furthermore, muramyl di-peptides, bacteriocins, and LPS have been tested against obesity and yielded promising results in both human and mice studies. These insights provide an overview of targetable pharmacological sites and explore new opportunities for the safer use of postbiotics against obesity in the future.
Printed Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Zhou Shiqiang , Li Mengrui , Wang Peike , Cheng Lukuan , Chen Lina , Huang Yan , Yu Suzhu , Mo Funian , Wei Jun
Published: October 2023

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) possess the advantages of high safety, high energy density and long cycle life, which hold great promise for future energy storage systems. The advent of printed electronics has transformed the paradigm of battery manufacturing as it offers a range of accessible, versatile, cost-effective, time-saving and ecoefficiency manufacturing techniques for batteries with outstanding microscopic size and aesthetic diversity. In this review, the state-of-the-art technologies and structural characteristics of printed SSBs have been comprehensively summarized and discussed, with a focus on the cutting-edge printing processes. Representative materials for fabricating printed electrodes and solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have been systematically outlined, and performance optimization methods of printed SSBs through material modification have been discussed. Furthermore, this article highlights the design principles and adjustment strategies of printing processes of advanced SSB devices to realize high performance. Finally, the persistent challenges and potential opportunities are also highlighted and discussed, aiming to enlighten the future research for mass production of printed SSBs.

Graphical Abstract
Die Bedeutung der Ethik in einer zunehmend technisierten Medizin
Authors: Siegetsleitner Anne
Published: October 2023

In einer zunehmend technisierten Medizin steigt ebenso die Bedeutung der Ethik. Dies ist insbesondere deshalb der Fall, weil die Zusammenhänge zwischen dem Zweck medizinischen Handelns, der in der Gesundheit und dem Wohl der Patientinnen und Patienten liegt, und der zwangsläufig damit verbundenen ethisch-moralischen Dimension durch das Dazwischentreten von Technik nicht mehr so offensichtlich sind. Eine nicht zu unterschätzende Gefahr entsteht durch die irrtümliche Annahme, Verantwortung an KI-Systeme abtreten zu können. Trotz allen Fortschritts ist es jedoch nicht die Künstliche Intelligenz (KI), die Verantwortung trägt und vertrauenswürdig zu sein hat. Vielmehr braucht es vertrauenswürdige und verantwortungsvolle Medizinerinnen und Mediziner, die nur zuverlässige Technik einsetzen. Im Sinne ethisch-moralischer Gesichtspunkte und der Medizin wird es entscheidend sein, sich der Tendenz, Verantwortung abtreten zu wollen, bewusst und entschieden entgegenzustemmen, nicht nur auf technischer und rechtlicher, sondern auch auf persönlicher Ebene. Eine philosophische Ethik, die wissenschaftlich informiert und fundiert argumentiert und selbst die (latente) Technikfeindlichkeit manch geltender Moralsysteme hinterfragt, kann hierbei auf allen Ebenen unterstützen und einen bedeutenden Beitrag leisten.
Recent highlights of cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Fan Xianqun
Published: October 2023

Cancer immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking paradigm shift in the field of cancer treatment, harnessing the power of the immune system to combat cancer cells. As an innovative approach, it has shown immense promise and has revolutionized the way we perceive and treat cancer. This commentary aims to highlight the recent important advances in cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade therapy, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, T cell receptor-gene engineered T cell therapy, and tumor vaccines.