bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between cigarette smoking and biliary tract cancer by anatomic subsite and sex: a prospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Lin Yingsong , Kawai Sayo , Sasakabe Tae , Kurosawa Michiko , Tamakoshi Akiko , Kikuchi Shogo ,   The JACC Study Group
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) has not been considered a tobacco-related cancer, largely because of inconclusive results from epidemiological studies. We herein evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and risk of death from BTC by anatomic subsite and sex using data from a large, prospective cohort study in Japan.

Methods

The present study included 97,030 Japanese individuals who were enrolled in 1988–1990 and followed until 31 December 2009. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of BTC with cigarette smoking, including smoking status, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and pack-years of smoking.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 16.2 years, we documented 484 deaths (187 from gallbladder cancers and 297 from cancers of other and unspecified biliary tract parts). After adjustment for sex, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and history of gallstones, current smokers had a higher risk of death due to BTC (RR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.01–1.79) than never smokers. In the analyses by anatomic subsite, current smoking was associated with an increased risk of death from gallbladder cancer (RR = 1.89 95% CI = 1.19–3.02), whereas no evidence of an association was noted for cancers of other and unspecified biliary tract parts (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.77–1.58). Moreover, mortality risk increased with an increasing number of cigarettes smoked per day and pack-years of smoking, particularly for gallbladder cancer in men.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of death from BTC, particularly gallbladder cancer, in Japanese men.
Uncertainty maps for motion around binary asteroids
Authors: Fodde Iosto , Feng Jinglang , Vasile Massimiliano
Published: August 2022

In this work, two novel dynamics indicators are introduced and used to characterise the uncertain dynamics around a binary asteroid. These indicators are derived from the propagated expansion of the states in polynomial series of the uncertainty in initial conditions and dynamical model parameters. Thus, each indicator encapsulates in a single scalar the effect of the uncertainty in multiple model parameters. The first indicator directly calculates the second statistical moment of the propagated uncertainty set. This indicator gives a measure of the rate of divergence of an ensemble of trajectories in phase space. The second indicator estimates the approximation error of the polynomial expansion. Hence, it captures the nonlinearity in the distribution of the propagated states that is induced by the uncertainty. The two indicators are then used to create a map in phase space, which relates initial conditions to the sensitivity of the state over time to multiple realisation of the uncertain parameters. The case of the a spacecraft orbiting the binary asteroid system Didymos is considered in this paper. The uncertainty maps proposed in this paper are shown to reveal the characteristics of the motion around Didymos under uncertainty in the masses of both bodies.
Minimization over the $$\ell _1$$-ball using an active-set non-monotone projected gradient
Authors: Cristofari Andrea , De Santis Marianna , Lucidi Stefano , Rinaldi Francesco
Published: August 2022

The$$\ell _1$$ℓ1-ball is a nicely structured feasible set that is widely used in many fields (e.g., machine learning, statistics and signal analysis) to enforce some sparsity in the model solutions. In this paper, we devise an active-set strategy for efficiently dealing with minimization problems over the$$\ell _1$$ℓ1-ball and embed it into a tailored algorithmic scheme that makes use of a non-monotone first-order approach to explore the given subspace at each iteration. We prove global convergence to stationary points. Finally, we report numerical experiments, on two different classes of instances, showing the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation Analyses of Flame Spread Behaviour over Wood Treated with Flame Retardant in Ancient Buildings of Fuling Mausoleum, China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Jing , Wang Jianghua , Sheng Guohua
Published: August 2022

To protect ancient buildings from fire, prevent the occurrences of fire, and minimise the losses caused by fire to the maximum extent possible, this study combined experimental measurements and numerical simulations to analyse the flame spread behaviour over wood treated with flame retardants. First, some wood blocks were treated with a nitrogen and phosphorus (water-based) flame retardant, and then a smoke combustion experiment was performed to test the smoke density. Scanning electron microscopy was also employed to observe the flame retardant effect. Next, a fire dynamic simulation software was used to simulate and analyse the results of the flame spread behaviour over the yellow pine collected from the Long’en Hall of Fuling Mausoleum, that was treated with flame retardants. The results showed the variation trend of the fire site’s heat release rate (HRR) over time to be consistent with the movement of fire spread after its occurrence. Compared with pristine wood, the flame retardant-treated wood exhibited a HRR reduction of 53.1%. The addition of flame retardants also reduced the concentration of the released smoke and CO2 gas, decreased the temperature of the fire site, and enhanced visibility.
Challenging to Read, Easy to Comprehend? Effects of Linguistic Demands on Secondary Students’ Text Comprehension in Physics
Authors: Hackemann Timo , Heine Lena , Höttecke Dietmar
Published: August 2022

Students with high reading proficiency typically achieve better results in science assessments, indicating the importance of reading proficiency. Since the process of reading is a complex interaction between properties of a text and a reader, the linguistic demands of a text might affect text comprehension. Certain linguistic features, such as complex syntactic structures and low word frequency, have been found to create higher cognitive load. However, studies investigating the influence of linguistic features on test item difficulty and students’ text comprehension in science have hitherto let to inconclusive results. The present study investigates whether the linguistic demands of expository text affect German students’ text comprehension in the domain of physics. Within an experimental study, we presented three introductory texts on different subtopics of thermodynamics and 27 single-select, multiple-choice items to 812 secondary school students (grades 7–9). Items measured students’ text comprehension (dependent variable); the linguistic demands of each text were systematically varied across three levels (independent variables) while other features of text quality and content were held constant. The results of the item response theory analysis indicated no consistent differences in item difficulty across levels of linguistic demands. Moreover, differential analyses of subgroups presented no consistent differences in solution frequencies of items related to different linguistic demands. Furthermore, while the highest linguistic demand of the texts led the students to perceive a lower comprehensibility, their text comprehension was not affected. Hence, this study provides evidence that the influence of linguistic features on text comprehension is at most low and might be overestimated in present discussions.
Evaluation of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature changes in cases of sarcoid and tuberculosis-associated posterior uveitis using OCT angiography
Authors: Hassan Lameece Moustafa , Asaad Ashgan , ElSanabary Zeinab , Youssef Maha M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to evaluate retinal microvascular changes in sarcoid and tuberculous (TB) posterior uveitis.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study includes 30 eyes. FFA and OCTA images were acquired. OCTA images were analyzed for areas of capillary hypo-perfusion, disorganization of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP) and intraretinal cystoid spaces and for measuring the size of the foveal avascular zone and vessel density (VD) in the SCP and DCP.

Results

A total of 11 eyes were associated with TB and 19 with sarcoidosis. By OCTA, 100% had areas of capillary non-perfusion, 36.7% choroidal voids, 30% disorganization of the SCP and DCP and 26.6% intraretinal cystoid spaces. The VD of the DCP was significantly lower in the TB group. On comparing OCTA and FFA, parafoveal ischemia was detected more frequently on OCTA and macular edema more frequently on FFA (P =  < 0.001). The BCVA was not significantly correlated with the VD of the SCP or DCP.

Conclusion

OCTA can be used in detection of early microvascular changes, segmenting retinal layers and localizing abnormalities. The presence of these changes may aid in the diagnosis of TB and sarcoid uveitis, for prognosis, follow-up and may be the only choice when FFA is contraindicated.
The continuing formation of relational caring professionals
Authors: Timmerman Guus , Baart Andries
Published: August 2022

Learning to work as a relational caring professional in healthcare and social welfare, is foremost a process of transformative learning, of Building, of professional subjectification. In this article we contribute to the design of such a process of formation by presenting a structured map of five domains of formational goals. It is mainly informed by many years of care-ethical research and training of professionals in healthcare and social work. The five formational domains are:Relational Caring Approach,Perception,Knowledge,Interpretation, andPractical Wisdom. The formation process, described as the recurring detour of a continuing practice, requires ‘exposure’, in-depth learning and learning communities. Relational caring—care consequently resulting from and structured by relational thinking, exploring, and steering—requires ‘inquiry’ as a continuous learning process in practice. The process is ultimately aimed at fostering mature, competent, and practically wise professional caregivers who are able to relationally connect with and attune to care receivers, and adequately navigate existential, moral, and political-institutional tensions in relational caring in complex organizations in Late-Modern society.
Is intracranial volume a risk factor for IDH-mutant low-grade glioma? A case–control study
Authors: Sagberg Lisa Millgård , Fyllingen Even Hovig , Hansen Tor Ivar , Strand Per Sveino , Håvik Aril Løge , Sundstrøm Terje , Corell Alba , Jakola Asgeir Store , Salvesen Øyvind , Solheim Ole
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Risk of cancer has been associated with body or organ size in several studies. We sought to investigate the relationship between intracranial volume (ICV) (as a proxy for lifetime maximum brain size) and risk of IDH-mutant low-grade glioma.

Methods

In a multicenter case–control study based on population-based data, we included 154 patients with IDH-mutant WHO grade 2 glioma and 995 healthy controls. ICV in both groups was calculated from 3D MRI brain scans using an automated reverse brain mask method, and then compared using a binomial logistic regression model.

Results

We found a non-linear association between ICV and risk of glioma with increasing risk above and below a threshold of 1394 ml (p < 0.001). After adjusting for ICV, sex was not a risk factor for glioma.

Conclusion

Intracranial volume may be a risk factor for IDH-mutant low-grade glioma, but the relationship seems to be non-linear with increased risk both above and below a threshold in intracranial volume.
Cost-effectiveness of direct surgery versus preoperative octreotide therapy for growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenomas
Authors: Caulley Lisa , Krijkamp Eline , Doyle Mary-Anne , Thavorn Kednapa , Alkherayf Fahad , Sahlollbey Nick , Dong Selina X. , Quinn Jason , Johnson-Obaseki Stephanie , Schramm David , Kilty Shaun J. , Hunink Myriam G. M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of preoperative octreotide therapy followed by surgery versus the standard treatment modality for growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenomas, direct surgery (that is, surgery without preoperative treatment) from a public third-party payer perspective.

Methods

We developed an individual-level state-transition microsimulation model to simulate costs and outcomes associated with preoperative octreotide therapy followed by surgery and direct surgery for patients with growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenomas. Transition probabilities, utilities, and costs were estimated from recent published data and discounted by 3% annually over a lifetime time horizon. Model outcomes included lifetime costs [2020 United States (US) Dollars], quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results

Under base case assumptions, direct surgery was found to be the dominant strategy as it yielded lower costs and greater health effects (QALYs) compared to preoperative octreotide strategy in the second-order Monte Carlo microsimulation. The ICER was most sensitive to probability of remission following primary therapy and duration of preoperative octreotide therapy. Accounting for joint parameter uncertainty, direct surgery had a higher probability of demonstrating a cost-effective profile compared to preoperative octreotide treatment at 77% compared to 23%, respectively.

Conclusions

Using standard benchmarks for cost-effectiveness in the US ($100,000/QALY), preoperative octreotide therapy followed by surgery may not be cost-effective compared to direct surgery for patients with growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenomas but the result is highly sensitive to initial treatment failure and duration of preoperative treatment.
Investigating people’s lifetime history of suicide attempts: a roadmap for studying interviewer-related error
Authors: Eikelenboom Merijn , Horsfall Melany , Draisma Stasja , Smit Jan H
Published: August 2022

It is critically important to correctly identify persons with a lifetime history (LTH) of suicide attempts (SA) from both a clinical and research perspective. Face-to-face interviews are often the best available method for researchers to collect data about a complex phenomenon like a LTH of SA. However, extensive survey methodology research has shown that probing sensitive topics like a LTH of SA are sensitive for interviewer-related errors or interviewer effects. Studies investigating these interviewer effects are scarce in the field of suicide studies. This study presents a possible roadmap for study of interviewerrelated measurement error and an exploration of role-dependent behaviour of interviewers by assessing the LTH of SA through an epidemiological design. Data from the baseline assessment of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (N = 2981) was used to illustrate the proposed roadmap to study interviewer effects. Results show: : (1) that it was possible to identify the existence of interviewer effects in assessing a LTH of SA; (2) that interviewer effects occurred by probing and clarification activities of the interviewer but not with inadequate formulation of the original question and so give a possible explanation for these effects; and (3) that it was possible to study the impact of these effects on the association between a well-known risk factor and LTH of SA. Applying the Measurement Error framework for systematically examining errors in data collection on suicidality seems a promising method.
An experimental test of the effectiveness of cognitive interviewing in pretesting questionnaires
Authors: Lenzner Timo , Hadler Patricia , Neuert Cornelia
Published: August 2022

Pretesting survey questions via cognitive interviewing is based on the assumptions that the problems identified by the method truly exist in a later survey and that question revisions based on cognitive interviewing findings produce higher-quality data than the original questions. In this study, we empirically tested these assumptions in a web survey experiment (n = 2,200). Respondents received one of two versions of a question on self-reported financial knowledge: either the original draft version, which was pretested in ten cognitive interviews, or a revised version, which was modified based on the results of the cognitive interviews. We examined whether the cognitive interviewing findings predicted problems encountered in the web survey and whether the revised question version was associated with higher content-related and criterion-related validity than the draft version. The results show that cognitive interviewing is effective in identifying real question problems, but not necessarily in fixing survey questions and improving data quality. Overall, our findings point to the importance of using iterative pretesting designs, that is, carrying out multiple rounds of cognitive interviews and also testing the revisions to ensure that they are indeed of higher quality than the draft questions.
Methods for disentangling period and cohort changes in mortality risk over the twentieth century: comparing graphical and modelling approaches
Authors: Jones Phil Mike , Minton Jon , Bell Andrew
Published: August 2022

This paper explores changes in age-specific mortality risk across periods and cohorts during the twentieth century in the developed world. We use and compare two approaches—one graphical (Lexis plots) and one statistical (an adapted Hierarchical age-period-cohort model)—that control out overall trends in mortality, to focus on discrete changes associated with specific events. Our analyses point to a number of key global and local events in the Twentieth Century associated with period and/or cohort effects, including the World Wars and the influenza pandemic of 1918–19. We focus particularly on the UK but look at other countries where results are particularly noteworthy, either substantively or methodologically. We also find a decline in mortality in many western countries, specifically in the 1948 birth cohort, which may be associated with the development of post-war social welfare policies, the economic investment in Europe by the United States, the accessibility of antibiotics such as penicillin, and, in the UK, the founding of the NHS. We finish by considering the advantages and disadvantages of using the two methods with different sorts of data and research questions.
Pre-service Chemistry Teachers’ Views about the Tentative and Durable Nature of Scientific Knowledge
Authors: Mueller Stefan , Reiners Christiane S.
Published: August 2022

With regard to current controversial public discussions about the credibility of scientific knowledge, it seems particularly important that students possess adequate ideas about the tentativeness of scientific knowledge, which is a key aspect of nature of science. However, international studies show that many pre-service science teachers tend to have naïve conceptions about the tentativeness and these conceptions turn out to be resistant to change. So far, no research was done, on the conceptions of German pre-service chemistry teachers about tentativeness. Therefore, two empirical, qualitative research studies were conducted. The first study with 50 participants was to investigate, which conceptions about tentativeness German pre-service chemistry teachers possess, what the origins of these conceptions are and if they are resistant to change. In a second study with 56 participants, it was examined how a more adequate and functional understanding could be promoted. Data were collected by using different methods, such as open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The participants’ views about tentativeness were assigned to different categories. Results show that most participants held inconsistent or only partially informed views on tentativeness. The views turn out to be resistant to change, and many participants are not able to explain their ideas. And if so, their explanations are mostly restricted to scientific theories. Additionally, dealing with tentativeness unsettles some participants. To promote an adequate understanding, new approaches were developed, like the BlackTube activity. Additionally, instructions should focus on the durability of scientific knowledge. Furthermore, a differentiated reflection on different types of scientific knowledge seems necessary.
Rethinking hereditary relations: the reconstitutor as the evolutionary unit of heredity
Authors: Veigl Sophie J. , Suárez Javier , Stencel Adrian
Published: August 2022

This paper introduces the reconstitutor as a comprehensive unit of heredity within the context of evolutionary research. A reconstitutor is the structure resulting from a set of relationships between different elements or processes that are actively involved in the recreation of a specific phenotypic variant in each generation regardless of the biomolecular basis of the elements or whether they stand in a continuous line of ancestry. Firstly, we justify the necessity of introducing the reconstitutor by showing the limitations of other evolutionary conceptions of the unit of heredity, such as the replicator, the reproducer, and the Darwinian individual. We argue that these conceptions are based on the requirement of lineage formation (Stability of Lineages), which we argue to be unnecessary for the existence of evolutionary heredity. In the second part, we introduce the reconstitutor, which we base on the concept of Stability of Traits, and illustrate how it covers cases of hereditary phenomena (small RNAs, microbiota) not covered by the previous accounts. Secondly, we illustrate how the reconstitutor could serve as a platform to rethink ecological inheritance and other forms of inheritance that have been recently introduced under the song/singer model of evolution.
Molecular and functional characterization of two RGA type genes in the PdR1b locus for Pierce’s disease resistance in Vitis arizonica/candicans
Authors: Agüero Cecilia B. , Riaz Summaira , Tenscher Alan C. , Bistué Carolina , Walker M. Andrew
Published: August 2022

Pierce’s disease is a deadly disease of grapevines caused by the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). A Pierce’s disease resistance locus from Vitis arizonica/candicans b43-17 segregated as a single dominant gene and mapped as PdR1a and PdR1b in two F1 sibling selections. The physical mapping of the PdR1b allele allowed the identification of five ORFs of the Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor Kinase gene family. Two ORFs: V.ari-RGA14 and V.ari-RGA18 were used to transform embryogenic callus of V. vinifera Chardonnay (CH) and Thompson Seedless (TS) and V. rupestris St George (SG) via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Regenerated plants were inoculated with Xf under greenhouse conditions. Genetic transformation with RGA14 and 18 did not generate resistance in CH and TS, although some lines of CH showed significantly lower stem bacterial concentration and/or exhibited reduced symptoms. In transgenic SG14, improved regrowth was accompanied with lower bacterial titers and decreased pectin lyase and ß-1,3-glucanase 3 gene expression. The limited effects of the transgenes on PD resistance could be explained by the lack of suitable partners or the presence of susceptibility factors that could not be overcome under these experimental conditions. The involvement of RGA17 in b43-17 resistance to Xf should not be discarded.
Non-Newtonian Rheology in a Capillary Tube with Varying Radius
Authors: Lanza Federico , Rosso Alberto , Talon Laurent , Hansen Alex
Published: August 2022

Fluid blobs in an immiscible Newtonian fluid flowing in a capillary tube with varying radius show highly nonlinear behavior. We consider here a generalization of previously obtained results to blobs of non-Newtonian fluids. We compute here the yield pressure drop and the mean flow rate in two cases: (i) When a single blob is injected, (ii) When many blobs are randomly injected into the tube. We find that the capillary effects emerge from the non-uniformity of the tube radius and contribute to the threshold pressure for flow to occur. Furthermore, in the presence of many blobs the threshold value depends on the number of blobs and their relative distances which are randomly distributed. For a capillary fiber bundle of identical parallel tubes, we calculate the probability distribution of the threshold pressure and the mean flow rate. We consider two geometries: tubes of sinusoidal shape, for which we derive explicit expressions, and triangular-shaped tubes, for which we find that essential singularities are developed. We perform numerical simulations confirming our analytical results.
Auxiliary signal-guided knowledge encoder-decoder for medical report generation
Authors: Li Mingjie , Liu Rui , Wang Fuyu , Chang Xiaojun , Liang Xiaodan
Published: August 2022

Medical reports have significant clinical value to radiologists and specialists, especially during a pandemic like COVID. However, beyond the common difficulties faced in the natural image captioning, medical report generation specifically requires the model to describe a medical image with a fine-grained and semantic-coherence paragraph that should satisfy both medical commonsense and logic. Previous works generally extract the global image features and attempt to generate a paragraph that is similar to referenced reports; however, this approach has two limitations. Firstly, the regions of primary interest to radiologists are usually located in a small area of the global image, meaning that the remainder parts of the image could be considered as irrelevant noise in the training procedure. Secondly, there are many similar sentences used in each medical report to describe the normal regions of the image, which causes serious data bias. This deviation is likely to teach models to generate these inessential sentences on a regular basis. To address these problems, we propose an Auxiliary Signal-Guided Knowledge Encoder-Decoder (ASGK) to mimic radiologists’ working patterns. Specifically, the auxiliary patches are explored to expand the widely used visual patch features before fed to the Transformer encoder, while the external linguistic signals help the decoder better master prior knowledge during the pre-training process. Our approach performs well on common benchmarks, including CX-CHR, IU X-Ray, and COVID-19 CT Report dataset (COV-CTR), demonstrating combining auxiliary signals with transformer architecture can bring a significant improvement in terms of medical report generation. The experimental results confirm that auxiliary signals driven Transformer-based models are with solid capabilities to outperform previous approaches on both medical terminology classification and paragraph generation metrics.
Quality assurance and quality control reporting in untargeted metabolic phenotyping: mQACC recommendations for analytical quality management
Authors: Kirwan Jennifer A. , Gika Helen , Beger Richard D. , Bearden Dan , Dunn Warwick B. , Goodacre Royston , Theodoridis Georgios , Witting Michael , Yu Li-Rong , Wilson Ian D. ,   the metabolomics Quality Assurance and Quality Control Consortium (mQACC)
Published: August 2022

Background

Demonstrating that the data produced in metabolic phenotyping investigations (metabolomics/metabonomics) is of good quality is increasingly seen as a key factor in gaining acceptance for the results of such studies. The use of established quality control (QC) protocols, including appropriate QC samples, is an important and evolving aspect of this process. However, inadequate or incorrect reporting of the QA/QC procedures followed in the study may lead to misinterpretation or overemphasis of the findings and prevent future metanalysis of the body of work.

Objective

The aim of this guidance is to provide researchers with a framework that encourages them to describe quality assessment and quality control procedures and outcomes in mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based methods in untargeted metabolomics, with a focus on reporting on QC samples in sufficient detail for them to be understood, trusted and replicated. There is no intent to be proscriptive with regard to analytical best practices; rather, guidance for reporting QA/QC procedures is suggested. A template that can be completed as studies progress to ensure that relevant data is collected, and further documents, are provided as on-line resources.

Key reporting practices

Multiple topics should be considered when reporting QA/QC protocols and outcomes for metabolic phenotyping data. Coverage should include the role(s), sources, types, preparation and uses of the QC materials and samples generally employed in the generation of metabolomic data. Details such as sample matrices and sample preparation, the use of test mixtures and system suitability tests, blanks and technique-specific factors are considered and methods for reporting are discussed, including the importance of reporting the acceptance criteria for the QCs. To this end, the reporting of the QC samples and results are considered at two levels of detail: “minimal” and “best reporting practice” levels.
Unterrichtsqualität aus der Sicht von externen Raterinnen und Ratern – Analysen zum Reihenfolgeeffekt
Authors: Igler Jennifer , Ohle-Peters Annika , McElvany Nele
Published: August 2022

Unterrichtsqualität wird häufig über Urteile von Externen erfasst. Mit Blick auf die Güte dieser Urteile stellt sich die Frage, ob diese aufgrund von Darbietungsmodalitäten sowie individuellen Faktoren systematisch verzerrt sein können. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden daher der Einfluss der Reihenfolge von Unterrichtsvideos mit unterschiedlichen Qualitätsniveaus sowie von individuellen Faktoren wie Vorerfahrung und mentaler Zustand (Müdigkeit) auf Unterschiede in den Urteilen und Interaktionen untersucht. Hierfür wurdenN = 69 Studierende zu drei Versuchsgruppen zugeordnet, die zwei zehnminütige Videos in variierender Reihenfolge der Qualitätsniveaus präsentiert bekamen: Gruppe A (niedrig/mittel), B (mittel/hoch) und C (hoch/mittel). Die Analysen zeigten Unterschiede in den mittleren Ratings aufgrund der Reihenfolge sowie der Vorerfahrung und der Müdigkeit. Überdies wurden Interaktionen zwischen der experimentellen Bedingung und der Müdigkeit identifiziert. Die Ergebnisse wiesen auf Verzerrungen der Urteile von Externen hin, besonders im Bereich Motivierung. Konsequenzen für die Interpretation und Durchführung von videogestützten Unterrichtsqualitätsstudien werden diskutiert.
Kinetic Modeling of Grain Boundary Cementite Evolution
Authors: Vogric M. , Kozeschnik E. , Svoboda J. , Führer M. , Kreyca J. , Wei W. , Povoden-Karadeniz E.
Published: August 2022

Prediction of grain boundary cementite growth kinetics in hypereutectoid steels is necessary to control its thickness. It is a question of major industrial importance but has remained unresolved to date. This paper presents and compares two different and new modeling approaches. The first one relies on diffusion-based nucleation and growth of cementite precipitates using a modified SFFK model with short-circuit grain boundary diffusion and accounting for heterogeneous nucleation site energy during isothermal treatments and continuous cooling. It is compared to previously published simulations of diffusion-controlled reaction with moving phase boundaries and a similar simulation using the software Dictra. The second approach implies that cementite thickening is driven by the nucleation of ledges at the stepped austenite/cementite interface, controlled by a structure barrier to ledge formation previously assumed in the literature.[1] We suggest a semi-empirical formulation of this barrier to ledge nucleation during isothermal transformation. Both approaches lead to an excellent match to experimental data for an almost pure Fe–C system. This implies that modeling the stepped structure of the austenite/cementite interface is not imperative for simulation of thickening kinetics, but also that understanding the governing physics of ledge formation allows for a comprehensive description of secondary cementite formation.
Boronic Acid-Based n-Type Semiconductor for Electronic Device Application
Authors: Kagatikar Sneha , Sunil Dhanya , Kekuda Dhananjaya , Satyanarayana M. N. , Kulkarni Suresh D. , Karkera Chaya
Published: August 2022

Electron transporting, or n-type, semiconductors can serve as charge-transport materials, and are ideal for use in organic electronic devices. Boron-based small organic molecules have garnered immense research attention as the heteroatom can effectively alter the electronic structures leading to excellent photophysical and electrochemical properties. A luminescent Schiff base (E)-(4-((2-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazono)methyl)phenyl)boronic acid (SHB) was prepared by a one-pot condensation reaction between salicyloyl hydrazide and formylphenylboronic acid. The synthesized molecule was chemically characterized by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The blue-emitting boronic acid-derived molecule displayed intramolecular charge transfer, high carrier concentration, good thermal stability, a reversible reduction tendency and formation of uniform amorphous thin films. A diode was successfully fabricated via a solution processing technique with an ideality factor of 7.76. Further, AC conductivity, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and capacitance values in a frequency range of 10–1000 Hz were extracted from dielectric studies. The dielectric constant of SHB was found to be 9.71 with an AC conductivity of 6.34 × 10−9 Ω−1 cm−1 at 1000 Hz.

Graphical Abstract
Ribosomal RNA Transcription Machineries in Intestinal Protozoan Parasites: A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Lagunas-Rangel Francisco Alejandro
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Ribosome biogenesis is a key process in all living organisms, energetically expensive and tightly regulated. Currently, little is known about the components of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription machinery that are present in intestinal parasites, such as Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Entamoeba histolytica. Thus, in the present work, an analysis was carried out looking for the components of the rRNA transcription machinery that are conserved in intestinal parasites and if these could be used to design new treatment strategies.

Methods

The different components of the rRNA transcription machinery were searched in the studied parasites with the NCBI BLAST tool in the EuPathDB Bioinformatics Resource Center database. The sequences of the RRN3 and POLR1F orthologs were aligned and important regions identified. Subsequently, three-dimensional models were built with different bioinformatic tools and a structural analysis was performed.

Results

Among the protozoa examined, C. parvum is the parasite with the fewest identifiable components of the rRNA transcription machinery. TBP, RRN3, POLR1A, POLR1B, POLR1C, POLR1D, POLR1F, POLR1H, POLR2E, POLR2F and POLR2H subunits were identified in all species studied. Furthermore, the interaction regions between RRN3 and POLR1F were found to be conserved and could be used to design drugs that inhibit rRNA transcription in the parasites studied.

Conclusion

The inhibition of the rRNA transcription machinery in parasites might be a new therapeutic strategy against these microorganisms.
Synergistic Effect of miR-200 and Young Extracellular Matrix-based Bio-scaffolds to Reduce Signs of Aging in Senescent Fibroblasts
Authors: Pennarossa Georgia , De Iorio Teresina , Arcuri Sharon , Gandolfi Fulvio , Brevini Tiziana A. L.
Published: August 2022

Aging is defined as a complex, multifaceted degenerative process that causes a gradual decline of physiological functions and a rising mortality risk with time. Stopping senescence or even rejuvenating the body represent one of the long-standing human dreams. Somatic cell nuclear transfer as well as cell reprogramming have suggested the possibility to slow or even reverse signs of aging. We exploited miR-200 family ability to induce a transient high plasticity state in human skin fibroblasts isolated from old individuals and we investigated whether this ameliorates cellular and physiological hallmarks of senescence. In addition, based on the assumption that extracellular matrix (ECM) provides biomechanical stimuli directly influencing cell behavior, we examine whether ECM-based bio-scaffolds, obtained from decellularized ovaries of young swine, stably maintain the rejuvenated phenotype acquired by cells after miR-200 exposure. The results show the existence of multiple factors that cooperate to control a unique program, driving the cell clock. In particular, miR-200 family directly regulates the molecular mechanisms erasing cell senescence. However, this effect is transient, reversible, and quickly lost. On the other hand, the use of an adequate young microenvironment stabilizes the miR-200-mediated rejuvenating effects, suggesting that synergistic interactions occur among molecular effectors and ECM-derived biomechanical stimuli. The model here described is a useful tool to better characterize these complex regulations and to finely dissect the multiple and concurring biochemical and biomechanical cues driving the cell biological clock.

Graphical Abstract
Interferometric Imaging Ellipsometer for Characterizing the Physical Parameters of a Grown Oxide Layer
Authors: Abdallah A. W. , Farid N.
Published: August 2022

Interferometric and ellipsometric techniques are widely used in object characterization, investigation and testing. Both techniques are crucial for industrial sectors in manufacturing and production. In this work, an interferometric imaging ellipsometry method has been developed to measure the ellipsometric parameters Ψ, Δ and thickness t of native oxide layer formed on a copper thin film at wide angle of incidence 57.8–80.2º instantaneously. In this system, Michelson interferometer is illuminated with 45° polarized laser beam of 30 mm diameter. The produced fringes are split by a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) into p- and s- polarization fringes. The interferograms are captured separately by two CCD sensors at the reference and the measurement states without moving any parts in the optical system for each state. The detected p- and s- interferograms are analyzed using ImageJ software for mathematically calculating the values of Ψ, Δ and t of the oxide layer grown on copper thin film surface. The proposed method avoids the offset errors and the probable misalignment resulting from the beam and the optical components. In addition, it gathers the information of the interference pattern with the state of polarization of light for accurate, precise and real time contrast images. The oxide layer thickness is determined under controlled environment with high accuracy and low uncertainty. The results obtained by the proposed technique are consistent with the spectroscopic ellipsometer measurements.
Validation of the Italian Translation of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale
Authors: Simione Luca , De Berardinis Carola , Calabrese Lucia , Raffone Antonino
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Assessing mindfulness skills is an important topic for the mindfulness research community around the world. Having a variety of mindfulness measures validated in different languages would increase the quality of research on the topic. Thus, we propose a contribution to the validation of the Italian version of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) and its relatively short form, including only 10 out of the original 20 items. We also study its relationships with other psychological measures, and how it relates to meditation experience.

Methods

We translated the original scale into Italian and then assessed its psychometric properties in two convenience samples of healthy participants from the general population (total n = 429). We analyzed the validity and the dimensionality of the scale (study 1 and 2), its construct validity and relationships with other psychological measures (study 3), and then how it relates to meditation experience (study 4).

Results

An exploratory factor analysis (study 1) on sample 1 confirmed the original PHLMS structure, indicating two orthogonal dimensions named awareness and acceptance. A successive confirmatory factor analysis (study 2) on sample 2 also revealed a good fit of the model for the two-factor structure with correlated error. The short form also revealed a good model fit. In the successive studies conducted on a pooled sample including both sample 1 and 2, we confirmed the predominant role of acceptance in determining psychological well-being (study 3) and that meditation experience was related to increased mindfulness skills (study 4).

Conclusions

The results support both the long and short forms of the Italian PHMLS (PHLMS-I) as valid and reliable instruments for measuring mindfulness skills in non-meditative and meditative samples.
Responses of Four Peatland Emergent Macrophytes to Salinity and Short Salinity Pulses
Authors: Batistel Cheryl , Porsche Christian , Jurasinski Gerald , Schubert Hendrik
Published: August 2022

Sea-level rise intensifies saltwater influx into coastal wetlands causing osmotic stress and probably changing vegetation composition. To determine especially the impact of salinity pulses that occur during flooding events, Typha latifolia, Carex acutiformis, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani and Phragmites australis were exposed to different salinity regimes consisting of control (permanently freshwater and permanently brackish water) and alternating freshwater and brackish water with different exposure durations (2 days brackish – 2 days fresh; 4 days brackish – 4 days fresh; 2 days brackish – 4 days fresh). Plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll fluorescence, root:shoot ratio and photosynthetic pigments were measured. Salinity suppressed the growth of T. latifolia resulting in shorter height, smaller mean leaf area and higher root:shoot ratio. Carex acutiformis had smaller mean leaf area and higher root:shoot ratio. Photosynthetic pigment and chlorophyll fluorescence of both species were not affected. Shorter but frequent salinity pulses (alternate 2 days brackish – 2 days freshwater, and 2 days brackish – 4 days freshwater) decreased the leaf area of T. latifolia while C. acutiformis was not affected. Salinity and salinity pulses did not affect the height and root:shoot ratio of P. australis and S. tabernaemontani. Phragmites australis showed signs of successful acclimation through decreased chlorophyll a:carotenoid ratio and high fluorescence Δyield at low and high irradiance. Our results imply that with increasing seawater influx into coastal peatlands, T. latifolia and C. acutiformis may experience growth retardation or may even be replaced by S. tabernaemontani or P. australis since they are more resilient against salinity and frequent salinity pulses.
Deconstructing the Conspiratorial Mind: the Computational Logic Behind Conspiracy Theories
Authors: Rigoli Francesco
Published: August 2022

In the social sciences, research on conspiracy theories is accumulating fast. To contribute to this research, here I introduce a computational model about the psychological processes underlying support for conspiracy theories. The proposal is that endorsement of these theories depends on three factors: prior beliefs, novel evidence, and expected consequences. Thanks to the latter, a conspiracy hypothesis might be selected because it is the costliest to reject even if it is not the best supported by evidence and by prior beliefs (i.e., even if it is not the most accurate). In this way, the model implies a key role for motivated reasoning. By examining the social conditions that favour the success of conspiracy theories, the paper embeds the model, whose focus is primarily psychological, within the broader social context, and applies this analysis to probe the role of conspiracy theories within contemporary Western societies. Altogether, the paper argues that a computational outlook can contribute to elucidate the socio-psychological dynamics underlying the attractiveness of conspiracy theories.
Smart Tramway Systems for Smart Cities: A Deep Learning Application in ADAS Systems
Authors: Guerrieri Marco , Parla Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

Artificial intelligence and deep learning-based techniques undoubtedly are the future of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies. In this article is presented a technique for detecting, recognizing and tracking pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists along a tramway infrastructure in a complex urban environment by Computer Vision, Deep Learning approaches and YOLOv3 algorithm. Experiments have been conducted in the tramway Line 2 “Borgonuovo –Notarbartolo” (Palermo, Italy) in correspondence of the tramway segments crossing a roundabout having an external diameter of 24 m. A survey vehicle equipped with a video camera was used in the study. The results of the research show that the proposed method is able to search and detect the position and the speed of road users near and over the rails in front of the tram in a very precise way as demonstrate by the estimated values of the Accuracy, Loss and Precision obtained during the neural networks training process. The implementation of this advanced detection method in ADAS systems may increase the safety of novel autonomous trams and autonomous rapid trams (ARTs).
Mapping complications in thyroid surgery: statistical data are useful for medico-legal management of a recurrent safety issue
Authors: Padovano Martina , Scopetti Matteo , Tomassi Raoul , Manetti Federico , D’Errico Stefano , Santurro Alessandro , De Toma Giorgio , Frati Paola , Miccoli Paolo , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: August 2022

Quality of care assessment is a crucial tool for patient safety implementation. Litigation relating to thyroid surgery is one of the most represented sectors also due to the continuous increase in the number of thyroid interventions. Given the incidence of the problem, the present study aims to outline an operational methodology for risk mapping and litigation management in thyroid surgery. The study was conducted through the analysis of data collected at Umberto I General Hospital in Rome from 2007 to 2018. All thyroid surgery claims were included and, subsequently, a descriptive statistical analysis of the categorical variables was performed with the representation of frequencies in absolute terms and as a percentage. The results obtained show that in 94% of cases (44 cases) the reported event consists of incorrect treatment. The most frequent adverse events were identified in unilateral or bilateral recurrent nerve lesions (31; 70%); incomplete removal of the thyroid gland (6; 14%), post-surgical hypoparathyroidism (4; 9%), aesthetic damage secondary to surgical scars (2; 5%), dental avulsion during intubation maneuvers (1; 2%). The experience derived from the risk mapping through management of thyroid claims proved it to be a reactive tool of considerable importance in clinical governance. The promotion of measures aimed at improving the satisfaction of some critical parameters identified in the litigation management activity such as adherence to the indications for surgery, the preoperative diagnostic path, and the adequacy of the surgical report allows to further implement the quality of care in the surgical treatment of thyroid pathology.

Graphical Abstract