bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of Workers with Chronic Health Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Examination of Demands and Resources
Authors: Penpek Stephanie M. , Black Kristen Jennings , Beck Emma
Published: March 2024

Chronic health conditions are not uncommon among working adults; however, research on the unique challenges experienced by such workers is relatively limited. The present study investigated the experience of workers with a chronic health condition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were gathered via online survey from 116 workers with a chronic health condition, from various occupations and with various conditions. Results from analyzing qualitative data indicated that around half of workers were satisfied with their organization’s response to the pandemic, but a substantial portion desired additional accommodations or felt some sense of stigma or being undervalued. Quantitative tests of study hypotheses indicated that job insecurity affected workers’ psychological well-being, while perceptions of devaluation affected burnout. Resources of perceived organizational support and flexibility were beneficial for well-being, as evidenced by bivariate correlations, but did not show unique or moderating effects in more stringent regression models. Exploratory analyses suggested that some of the benefits of resources and impacts of demands could depend on the number of health problems being managed. Implications of our findings are discussed, along with recommendations for future research.
Prediction and design of mechanical properties of origami-inspired braces based on machine learning
Authors: Cai Jianguo , Xu Huafei , Chen Jiacheng , Feng Jian , Zhang Qian
Published: March 2024

In order to rapidly and accurately evaluate the mechanical properties of a novel origami-inspired tube structure with multiple parameter inputs, this study developed a method of designing origami-inspired braces based on machine learning models. Four geometric parameters, i.e., cross-sectional side length, plate thickness, crease weakening coefficient, and plane angles, were used to establish a mapping relationship with five mechanical parameters, including elastic stiffness, yield load, yield displacement, ultimate load, and ultimate displacement, all of which were calculated from load-displacement curves. Firstly, forward prediction models were trained and compared for single and multiple mechanical outputs. The parameter ranges were extended and refined to improve the predicted results by introducing the intrinsic mechanical relationships. Secondly, certain reverse prediction models were established to obtain the optimized design parameters. Finally, the design method of this study was verified in finite element methods. The design and analysis framework proposed in this study can be used to promote the application of other novel multi-parameter structures.
Three Conics Determine a Cubic
Authors: Halbeisen Lorenz , Hungerbühler Norbert , Stalder Vera
Published: March 2024

Given a cubic K in the real projective plane. Then for each point P there is a conic $$C_{{P}}$$

C
P

associated to P. The conic $$C_{{P}}$$

C
P

is called the polar conic of K with respect to the pole P. We investigate the situation when three conics $$C_1$$

C
1

, $$C_2$$

C
2

, and $$C_3$$

C
3

are polar conics of K with respect to the poles $$P_1$$

P
1

, $$P_2$$

P
2

, and $$P_3$$

P
3

, respectively. In particular, we give an elementary proof—without using any results from algebraic geometry—that any three conics $$C_1$$

C
1

, $$C_2$$

C
2

, $$C_3$$

C
3

in general position, satisfying only a non-degeneracy condition, determine a unique cubic K and three points $$P_1$$

P
1

, $$P_2$$

P
2

, $$P_3$$

P
3

, such that $$C_1$$

C
1

, $$C_2$$

C
2

, $$C_3$$

C
3

are polar conics of K with respect to the three poles $$P_1$$

P
1

, $$P_2$$

P
2

, $$P_3$$

P
3

. This can be seen as a higher degree variant of von Staudt’s Theorem.
Autism, gender, and identity in college students
Authors: Cooper Jessica
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how assigned female at birth (AFAB) autistic individuals view their autism and gender identities and their relationships.

Methods

This is a qualitative, interview-based study of 10 college students who identify as autistic and were assigned female at birth. Participants shared their experiences with autism diagnosis, gender identity, and navigating their sense of self.

Results

The study found four themes: (i) Many types of diagnosis obstacles exist, as do mitigating factors for some of these obstacles; (ii) Various motives led participants to camouflage, but negative effects motivated many to reduce camouflaging behavior; (iii) Autism is related to both perceptions and enactions of gender; and (iv) Autism impacts identity in multiple ways outside of gender.

Conclusion

This study makes observations and raises questions about autism’s relationships with gender and transgender identities. This study largely agrees with and builds on patterns found in the existing literature while adding the voices of autistic individuals to the literature.
A simple and economic method to modify large organic surfaces for enhancing adhesion and transparent Au/PMMA with high electromagnetic shielding efficiency
Authors: Gao Gang , Zeng Shiqi , Li Kun , Duan Chao , Qin Yujie , Yang Lei , Zhang Hong , Cao Wenxin , Zhu Jiaqi
Published: March 2024

This study introduces a simple and cost-effective approach for modifying large organic surfaces, facilitating robust adhesion between Au films and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) while retaining transparency to visible light and effectively shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). The proposed surface modification method employs a cheap low-power conventional UV lamp to illuminate organic surfaces in an open environment, rending it convenient and applicable for surfaces ranging from small to massive, irrespective of size, shape and location. By subjecting transparent PMMA glass to a brief 20–30 min exposure to a 36 W UV lamp positioned 5 cm away from the sample surface, the PMMA surface is dramatically modified and the surface is turned from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, establishing a strong adhesion between PMMA and Au films. The resulting Au/PMMA glass exhibits remarkable transparency about 70% within the visible light spectrum, coupled with an impressive EMI shielding efficiency that surpasses 20 dB across a broad range of electromagnetic wavebands, encompassing the S, C, X and Ku bands that correspond to the wave frequencies of major electromagnetic pollution and crucial applications of 5G communication, credit card validation, radar systems, traffic control, etc. Various characterizations have been conducted, elucidating the underlying mechanisms. This study presents an important advancement, and the accessible and scalable nature of the large-scalable surface modification method has far-reaching implications across numerous industrial sectors and applications, in addition to transparent EMI shielding Au/PMMA glasses.
Unraveling the role of autophagy regulation in Crohn's disease: from genetic mechanisms to potential therapeutics
Authors: Yuan Ziyue , Ye Jing , Liu Bo , Zhang Lan
Published: March 2024

Autophagy serves as the primary intracellular degradation mechanism in which damaged organelles and self-cytoplasmic proteins are transported to the lysosome for degradation. Crohn's disease, an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, manifests in diverse regions of the digestive system. Recent research suggests that autophagy modulation may be a new avenue for treating Crohn's disease, and several promising small-molecule modulators of autophagy have been reported as therapeutic options. In this review, we discuss in detail how mutations in autophagy-related genes function in Crohn's disease and summarize the modulatory effects on autophagy of small-molecule drugs currently used for Crohn's disease treatment. Furthermore, we delve into the therapeutic potential of small-molecule autophagy inducers on Crohn's disease, emphasizing the prospects for development in this field. We aim to highlight the significance of autophagy modulation in Crohn's disease, with the aspiration of contributing to the development of more efficacious treatments that can alleviate their suffering, and improve their quality of life.
Chlorella vulgaris in biodesalination: a sustainable future from seawater to freshwater
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Monisha , Kasiraman Dinesh , Amirtham S.
Published: March 2024

Demand for freshwater is increasing rapid due to population growth and climate change. A potential solution to this problem is the use of biodesalination, which involves the removal of salt from seawater and brackish water using biological agents. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using Chlorella vulgaris, a green microalga, to remove salt from seawater to produce fresh water. The effects of salinity, light intensity, and nutrient concentration on the growth and salt removal efficiency of C.vulgaris were examined. Our results showed that C. vulgaris was able to grow and remove salt from seawater under salinities of approximately 24ppt and nutrient concentrations of 50%. The highest salt removal efficiency was achieved at a desalination setup involving C. vulgaris and seawater concentration of 1:5 ratio. We also evaluated the economic feasibility of biodesalination using C. vulgaris by estimating the production costs and comparing them with those of conventional desalination technologies. Our results showed that biodesalination using C.vulgaris is potentially a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional desalination technologies. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the potential of C. vulgaris for the biodesalination of seawater, which could contribute to meeting the growing demand for fresh water.
Psychotherapy training in postgraduate psychiatry training in Nigeria – Are we doing enough?
Authors: Adiukwu Frances Nkechi , Adedapo Oluwadolapo Olujinmi , Ojeahere Margaret Isioma , Musami Umar Baba , Mahmood Mohammed Yusuf , Saidu Kakangi Amina , Salihu Mumeen Olaitan , Pinto da Costa Mariana
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Nigeria, with an estimated 40 million people living with mental disorders, faces a critical shortage of psychiatrists to address the significant burden. Despite psychotherapy being integral to psychiatric training, it lacks structure, consistency and adequate supervision. This is alarming, particularly given the substantial demand for specialized psychotherapeutic support among those with mental illness.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study utilised an online survey targeting early career psychiatrists recruited from the Early Career Psychiatrists section of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria.

Results

The questionnaire was distributed to 252 early career psychiatrists across Nigeria, with a 42.9% response rate, of which 50% were male, with 73.2% trainees and 26.8% early career psychiatrists. While 52.8% had received some psychotherapy training, only 2.8% were qualified psychotherapists. Notably, only 27.6% of those with psychotherapy training had over 100 hours of training. Factors such as receiving psychotherapy training during postgraduate training and having supervised psychotherapy training were found significant for having independent psychotherapy training.

Conclusions

There is little emphasis on psychotherapy training in the postgraduate training in Nigeria. Those who had full training in psychotherapy were self-sponsored. Structured, supervised and mandatory psychotherapy within psychiatry training curriculum is recommended.
Unified gas-kinetic wave–particle method for polydisperse gas–solid particle multiphase flow
Authors: Yang Xiaojian , Shyy Wei , Xu Kun
Published: March 2024

The gas-particle flow with multiple dispersed solid phases is associated with a complicated multiphase flow dynamics. In this paper, a unified algorithm is proposed for the gas-particle multiphase flow. The gas-kinetic scheme (GKS) is used to simulate the gas phase and the multiscale unified gas-kinetic wave–particle (UGKWP) method is developed for the multiple dispersed solid particle phase. For each disperse solid particle phase, the decomposition of deterministic wave and statistic particle in UGKWP is based on the local cell's Knudsen number. The method for solid particle phase can become the Eulerian fluid approach at the small cell's Knudsen number and the Lagrangian particle approach at the large cell's Knudsen number. This becomes an optimized algorithm for simulating dispersed particle phases with a large variation of Knudsen numbers due to different physical properties of the individual particle phase, such as the particle diameter, material density, etc. The GKS-UGKWP method for gas-particle flow unifies the Eulerian–Eulerian and Eulerian–Lagrangian methods. The particle and wave decompositions for the solid particle phase and their coupled evolution in UGKWP come from the consideration to balance the physical accuracy and numerical efficiency. Two cases of a gas–solid fluidization system, i.e. one circulating fluidized bed and one turbulent fluidized bed, are simulated. The typical flow structures of the fluidized particles are captured, and the time-averaged variables of the flow field agree well with the experimental measurements. In addition, the shock particle–bed interaction is studied by the proposed method, which validates the algorithm for the polydisperse gas-particle system in the highly compressible case, where the dynamic evolution process of the particle cloud is investigated.
The interaction effect of dietary selenium intake and the IL10 rs1800871 polymorphism on the risk of colorectal cancer: a case–control study in Korea
Authors: Tran Tao Thi , Gunathilake Madhawa , Lee Jeonghee , Oh Jae Hwan , Chang Hee Jin , Sohn Dae Kyung , Shin Aesun , Kim Jeongseon
Published: March 2024

The importance of Se in human health has received much attention due to its antioxidant properties when it is consumed at an appropriate level. However, the existing evidence is limited to obtain an effective conclusion for colorectal cancer (CRC). Notably, an adequate intake of Se was reported for Koreans. Furthermore, cytokine secretion and immune function may be affected by dietary Se. Our study aimed to explore whether Se potentially reduces CRC risk and whether the IL10 rs1800871 polymorphism has an effect on this association. We designed a case–control study with 1420 cases and 2840 controls. A semi-quantitative FFQ was used to obtain information on Se intake. We determined IL10 rs1800871 through genetic analysis. Different models were developed to explore Se intake related to CRC risk by calculating OR and 95 % CI using unconditional logistic regression. A reduced risk of CRC was found as Se intake increased, with an OR (95 % CI) of 0·44 (0·35, 0·55) (Pfor trend < 0·001). However, this association seems to be allele-specific and only present among risk variant allele carriers (GA/GG) with a significant interaction between dietary Se and IL10 rs1800871 (Pfor interaction = 0·043). We emphasised that a reduction in CRC risk is associated with appropriate Se intake. However, the IL10 rs1800871 polymorphism has an impact on this reduction, with a greater effect on variant allele carriers. These findings suggest the importance of considering an individual’s genetic characteristics when developing nutritional strategies for CRC prevention.
The Sugar Revolution in New England: Barbados, Massachusetts Bay, and the Atlantic Sugar Economy, 1600–1700
Authors: Menzin Marion
Published: March 2024

This article traces the patterns of sugar consumption in seventeenth-century New England, from port to countryside, and the way in which economic exchange between New England and Barbados shaped the development of both regions. It deepens understanding of the rise of slavery-based tropical commodity production and consumption in the Atlantic world and examines the ways in which the emergence of capitalism and global imperialism was connected to the primacy of sugar as one of the most widely distributed early modern commodities.
Nematodes associated with terrestrial gastropod molluscs in Belgium and additional characterisation of Pellioditis californica and P. hermaphrodita
Authors: Cortes M.A. , Bert W. , Couvreur M. , De Waele D. , Singh P.R.
Published: March 2024

A survey for slug- and snail-associated nematodes was conducted in forests, parks, botanical gardens, and nature reserves at 13 localities in Belgium to uncover more diversity of gastropod mollusc-associated nematodes and to characterise Pellioditis populations found in the country. A total of 319 slugs and snails belonging to nine species were examined. Arion vulgaris was the most commonly found mollusc species in this study (eight locations), and 19.4% of the examined mollusc specimens were found infected by nematodes. The highest prevalence of nematodes was observed in Cornu aspersum (60%) followed by A. vulgaris (34.8%), Limax maximus (28.6%), and Cepaea sp. (20%). Eleven nematode species belonging to eight families were isolated and identified from the mollusc hosts including Alloionema appendiculatum, Angiostoma dentiferum, A. gandavense, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Cosmocerca longicauda, Panagrolaimus cf. subelongatus, Pellioditis californica, P. hermaphrodita, Rhabditis sp., Tetrameres cf. fissispina, and Troglostrongylus cf. brevior.Pellioditis was the most commonly found nematode genus (at nine localities) and C. longicauda and P. californica were reported in Belgium for the first time. Co-infections of more than one nematode species were observed in eight (2.5%) molluscs specimens. Most co-infections consisted of two nematode species. In one A. vulgaris specimen, a co-infection of three nematode species (A. vasorum, P. hermaphrodita, and Tetrameres cf. fissispina) was observed. Four ex vivo cultures of P. californica and six ex vivo cultures of P. hermaphrodita were established from single hermaphrodites, and both species were described based on light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and morphometric, morphological, and molecular data.
Intransparent-Gap Relatives in Japanese
Authors: Seraku Tohru
Published: March 2024

In the present article, we describe what we call Intransparent-Gap Relatives (IGRs) in Japanese. In IGRs, a gap is located within the relative clause, and the head noun appears outside the relative clause. Unlike the standard head-external relatives, the gap in IGRs is not transparently associated with the head noun, but they are mediated through a metonymic relation. We propose a formal account of IGRs in terms of incremental parsing in Dynamic Syntax: an IGR string is processed in a left-to-right manner, and a semantic structure is progressively built up. This account unifies the standard head-external relatives and IGRs, relegating their differences to the ways in which the head noun is parsed and construed against the relative clause structure. Confirmation of this analysis comes from cross-constructional and cross-linguistic considerations. First, the analysis predicts that a metonymic reading is available in relatives but not in other rightward-displacement constructions, such as clefts and postposing. Second, the analysis suggests that IGRs are possible in languages such as Japanese and Korean, where the relative clause is processed before the head noun, but not in languages such as English and French, where the head noun is processed before the relative clause.
Is the Javan tiger Panthera tigris sondaica extant? DNA analysis of a recent hair sample
Authors: Wirdateti Wirdateti , Yulianto Yulianto , Raksasewu Kalih , Adriyanto Bambang
Published: March 2024

The Javan tiger Panthera tigris sondaica and the Bali tiger P. tigris balica were categorized as Extinct on the IUCN Red List in both 2003 and 2008, leaving only the Sumatran subspecies P. tigris sumatrae extant in Indonesia. There have, however, been occasional, more recent reports of the Javan tiger but without conclusive evidence. Here, a potential observation in 2019 of a Javan tiger in a community plantation near the village of Cipendeuy in the forest of South Sukabumi, West Java, and a single hair found on a fence nearby, are assessed. The cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene sequence of the putative Javan tiger hair were compared with that of a Javan tiger specimen in Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, collected in 1930; hair samples of several tiger subspecies and the Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas were used as controls. The results showed that the genetic distances (d) of the putative Javan tiger hair with the Sumatran, Bengal P. tigris tigris and Amur P. tigris altaica tigers and the Javan leopard are 0.074 ± SE 0.009, 0.071 ± SE 0.009, 0.072 ± SE 0.009 and 0.088 ± SE 0.010, respectively, whereas the genetic distance of the putative Javan tiger hair with the Javan tiger museum specimen is 0.040 ± SE 0.006. In addition, phylogenetic trees showed that the putative Javan tiger hair sample belongs to the same group as the museum specimen of the Javan tiger, but is differentiated from other tiger subspecies and the Javan leopard. Whether the Javan tiger still occurs in the wild needs to be confirmed with further genetic and field studies.
Climate change, energy production, and Arctic tourism: A case study analysis of northern Alaska
Authors: Nyman Elizabeth , Lamphere Jenna A.
Published: March 2024

Historically, there have been two kinds of economic activities in northern Alaska. The first and oldest is the subsistence lifestyle of the Indigenous peoples. The second and more recent is the development of the oil and gas industry, which began in earnest in 1977 with the competition of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline and construction of a new road, the Dalton Highway. Although first used only by commercial traffic for the oilfield, in 1994, the highway opened to the public and is now frequented by tourists travelling above the Arctic Circle. In this paper, we analyse the future of northern Alaska tourism by considering evolutionary economic geography and the area’s likely reduction in oil and gas activity. We consider how climate change may serve as a trigger, impacting tourism through the rise of last chance tourism, and conduct a scenario-based analysis. We argue that the oil and gas industry is likely to continue along its current path, exhausting accessible resources and innovating technology to push into new territories in the far north. However, should the culmination of extraneous factors render climate change a trigger, industry decline could be offset by investments that repurpose the area’s industrial heritage into tourism sites.
Do metacognitive therapies for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders work? A meta-analytic investigation
Authors: Melville Grace , Hoffman Maeve , Pollock Alexia , Kurtz Matthew M.
Published: March 2024

Recent reviews and meta-analyses of metacognitive therapy for schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (SSD) have included uncontrolled studies, single-session interventions, and/or analyses limited to a single form of metacognitive therapy. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of metacognitive therapies more broadly based on controlled trials (CT) of sustained treatments. We conducted a pre-registered meta-analysis of controlled trials that investigated the effects of meta-cognitive therapies on primary positive symptom outcomes, and secondary symptom, function and/or insight measures. Electronic databases were searched up to March 2022 using variants of the keywords, ‘metacognitive therapy’, ‘schizophrenia’, and ‘controlled trial’. Studies were identified and screened according to PRISMA guidelines. Outcomes were assessed with random effects models and sample, intervention, and study quality indices were investigated as potential moderators. Our search identified 44 unique CTs with usable data from 2423 participants. Data were extracted by four investigators with reliability >98%. Results revealed that metacognitive therapies produced significant small-to-moderate effects on delusions (g = 0.32), positive symptoms (g = 0.30) and psychosocial function (g = 0.31), and significant, small effects on cognitive bias (g = 0.25), negative symptoms (g = 0.24), clinical insight (g = 0.29), and social cognition (g = 0.27). Findings were robust in the face of sample differences in age, education, gender, antipsychotic dosage, and duration of illness. Except for social cognition and negative symptoms, effects were evident even in the most rigorous study designs. Thus, results suggest that metacognitive therapies for SSD benefit people, and these benefits transfer to function and illness insight. Future research should modify existing treatments to increase the magnitude of treatment benefits.
Divine authority as divine parenthood
Authors: Hadsell Nicholas
Published: March 2024

In this article, I argue that God is authoritative over us because he is our divine, causal parent. As our causal parent, God has duties to relate to us, but he can only fulfil those duties if he has the practical authority to give us commands aimed at our sanctification. From ought-implies-can reasoning, I conclude that God has that authority. After I make this argument, I show how the view has significant advantages over extant arguments for divine authority and can help solve other significant problems in philosophy of religion.
Photosynthetic acclimation, leaf turnover and growth in tree seedlings suddenly exposed to gaps in Jamaican montane rainforest
Authors: Ball Tom , Tanner Edmund
Published: March 2024

Mature leaves of tree seedlings were exposed to high light in four experimental gaps in the Jamaican upper montane rainforest (UMRF). Two of the six species studied were light-demanders: Alchornea latifolia and Clethra occidentalis. Two were gap-favoured: Pittosporum undulatum (an invasive) and Palicourea alpina (a subcanopy shrub). One was intermediate: Hedyosmum arborescens, and one was shade-tolerant: Guarea glabra. After five months, the following significant changes occurred in shade leaves that were exposed to gaps (‘shade-to-gap’ leaves; values as % of those in the pre-gap shade): maximum rate of photosynthesis + 40% (Alchornea), +35% (Clethra), −34% (Pittosporum), +72% (Palicourea); dark respiration +120% (Alchornea), +140% (Clethra), +60% (Pittosporum), +233% (Palicourea), +175% (Hedyosmum), +100% (Guarea); leaf thickness +18% (Alchornea), +18% (Clethra), +14% (Palicourea); leaf mass per unit area +18% (Alchornea), +15% (Pittosporum). Leaves produced in the gaps were (as a percentage of total live leaf number) 74% (Alchornea), 71% (Clethra), 50% (Pittosporum), 71% (Palicourea), 62% (Hedyosmum) and 50% (Guarea). Photosynthetic rates of leaves produced in the gaps were 53–120% higher than ‘shade-to-gap’ leaves. Overall, shade leaves on the three native, more light-demanding species (Alchornea, Clethra and Palicourea) showed photosynthetic acclimation, while the more shade-tolerant species (Hedyosmum and Guarea and Pittosporum undulatum) showed little acclimation in shade-to-gap leaves.
Wie kann die Psychologie die Psychotherapie verbessern?
Authors: Stangier Ulrich , Ritter Viktoria , Ivankovic Nela , Zaric Jelena , Haberkamp Anke , Rief Winfried , Berg Max , Herrmann Christiane , Martin Marcel A. , Michael Katharina , Psychange-Verbund und der
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Angesichts der wachsenden Bedeutung der Psychotherapie als Anwendungsbereich der Psychologie wird Grundlagenwissen in der Psychotherapieforschung immer noch zu wenig berücksichtigt. Die vorliegende Studie verfolgte die Frage, welche Potenziale und Hindernisse translationaler Psychotherapieforschung aus der Sicht von Hochschullehrer_innen gesehen werden. Dieser Frage ging eine qualitative Studie nach, in der vorgegebene Themen in Fokusgruppen diskutiert und die Diskussionsbeiträge qualitativ ausgewertet wurden. Methode: Nach inhaltlicher Diskussion innerhalb der PSYCHANGE-Forschungsgruppe der Universitäten Gießen, Marburg und Frankfurt wurde ein Interviewleitfaden entwickelt, der drei Forschungsfragen für die Fokusgruppen enthielt: 1. Wie können Grundlagenerkenntnisse besser in psychotherapeutische Interventionen transferiert werden? 2. Wie kann die Kommunikation und Kooperation zwischen grundlagenorientierten und klinischen Forscher_innen gefördert werden? 3. Wie kann die Rückkopplung klinischer Erkenntnisse zu den Grundlagen verbessert werden? Mit 24 Professor_innen und 7 Nachwuchswissenschaftler_innen der beteiligten drei Psychologischen Institute wurden insgesamt 8 Fokusgruppen durchgeführt, in denen Vertreter_innen aus psychologischen Grundlagenfächern und klinischen Anwendungsbereichen vertreten waren. Die Audioaufnahmen der online durchgeführten Fokusgruppen wurden transkribiert und von zwei unabhängigen Rater_innen analysiert. Die Interrater-Übereinstimmung betrug hinsichtlich der Kodierungen identifizierter Texteinheiten 73 % und den hieraus abgeleiteten Oberkategorien 100 %. Ergebnisse: Es wurden acht Kategorien zu Potenzialen und Hindernissen translationaler Psychotherapieforschung identifiziert: Kommunikation, Gemeinsame Forschung, Methodennutzung / -weiterentwicklung, Strukturelle / hochschulpolitische Faktoren, Translation vermitteln / lernen, Anwendungsperspektiven, Rechtliche Barrieren, Motivationale und sonstige Einflüsse. Zusätzlich wurden die spezifischen Translationspfade analysiert. Am häufigsten wurde die Translation von den Grundlagenfächern der Psychologie in die Psychotherapieforschung und in die klinisch-psychologischen Grundlagen angesprochen. Am seltensten wurde die Translation von den Grundlagen in die Klinische Praxis und von der Klinischen Praxis in die Psychotherapieforschung benannt. Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse der Befragung sprechen dafür, Translation im Kontext universitärer Lehre im Fach Psychologie, in den Gremien und Forschungsgruppen an psychologischen Instituten, sowie in den Gremien von Projektträgern zu thematisieren und zu fördern.
Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Qualitative Methods to Translate, Adapt, and Revise Personality Inventories
Authors: Evudottir Emma E. , Heimisson Gudmundur T.
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The Icelandic versions of the HEXACO-100 and HEXACO-60 were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. The sample for HEXACO-100 consisted of N = 716, and the sample for HEXACO-60 of N = 319. Six respondents were recruited for cognitive interviews. Modification indices, factor loadings, and cognitive interviews were used to identify items in need of revision, identifying a total of 56 items. Examples of the types of information gained using a holistic approach during item identification are presented. While widely used in psychometric research, the combination of confirmatory factor analysis with cognitive interviews and probing is underutilized in research on personality assessment. A holistic approach toward psychometric evaluation provides valuable information and is recommended as an integral part of the validation process of personality instruments.
Machine Learning Enables Real‐Time Proactive Quality Control: A Proof‐Of‐Concept Study
Authors: Honda T. , Yamazaki A.
Published: March 2024

To improve the forecast accuracy of numerical weather prediction, it is essential to obtain better initial conditions by combining simulations and available observations via data assimilation. It has been known that a part of observations degrade the forecast accuracy. Detecting and discarding such detrimental observations via proactive quality control (PQC) could improve the forecast accuracy. However, conventional methods for diagnosing observation impacts require future observations as a reference state and PQC cannot be real‐time in general. This study proposes using machine learning (ML) trained by a time series of analyses to obtain a reference state without future observations and enable real‐time ML‐based PQC. This study presents proof‐of‐concept using a low‐dimensional dynamical system. The results indicate that ML‐based and model‐based estimates of observation impacts are generally consistent. Furthermore, ML‐based real‐time PQC successfully improves the forecast accuracy compared to a baseline experiment without PQC.
Illite K‐Ar Dating of the Leibo Fault Zone, Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the Quasi‐Synchronous Far‐Field Tectonic Response to the India‐Asia Collision
Authors: Shu Yuanhai , Shi Xuhua , Haines Samuel , Chen Hanlin , Zheng Yong , Zhu Kongyang , Yang Rong , Li Haibing , Bai Zhuona , Wang Jinhan , Yang Shufeng
Published: March 2024

Whether tectonic strain from the early stage India‐Asia collision has synchronously affected the far‐field margin of the Tibetan Plateau is crucial for understanding plateau deformation and growth processes. However, direct evidence for early far‐field deformation remains scarce. Utilizing illite K‐Ar dating of three fault gouge samples, we established the faulting history of the Leibo fault zone (LFZ) at the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau (SEMTP). Consistent authigenic illite ages of 52 ± 2, 54 ± 12 and 55 ± 6 Ma suggest the reactivated thrust faulting of the LFZ in the Early Cenozoic. Positioned ∼700 km east of the collisional boundary and at the intersection of three blocks with distinct lithospheric rheology in strength/viscosity, this event suggests a quasi‐synchronous far‐field tectonic response in the SEMTP to the India‐Asia collision.
Clonal hematopoiesis and its impact on the aging osteo-hematopoietic niche
Authors: Winter Susann , Götze Katharina S. , Hecker Judith S. , Metzeler Klaus H. , Guezguez Borhane , Woods Kevin , Medyouf Hind , Schäffer Alexander , Schmitz Marc , Wehner Rebekka , Glauche Ingmar , Roeder Ingo , Rauner Martina , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Platzbecker Uwe
Published: March 2024

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) defines a premalignant state predominantly found in older persons that increases the risk of developing hematologic malignancies and age-related inflammatory diseases. However, the risk for malignant transformation or non-malignant disorders is variable and difficult to predict, and defining the clinical relevance of specific candidate driver mutations in individual carriers has proved to be challenging. In addition to the cell-intrinsic mechanisms, mutant cells rely on and alter cell-extrinsic factors from the bone marrow (BM) niche, which complicates the prediction of a mutant cell’s fate in a shifting pre-malignant microenvironment. Therefore, identifying the insidious and potentially broad impact of driver mutations on supportive niches and immune function in CH aims to understand the subtle differences that enable driver mutations to yield different clinical outcomes. Here, we review the changes in the aging BM niche and the emerging evidence supporting the concept that CH can progressively alter components of the local BM microenvironment. These alterations may have profound implications for the functionality of the osteo-hematopoietic niche and overall bone health, consequently fostering a conducive environment for the continued development and progression of CH. We also provide an overview of the latest technology developments to study the spatiotemporal dependencies in the CH BM niche, ideally in the context of longitudinal studies following CH over time. Finally, we discuss aspects of CH carrier management in clinical practice, based on work from our group and others.
Priorities, needs and willingness of use of nerve stimulation devices for bladder and bowel function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI): an Australian survey
Authors: Bochkezanian Vanesa , Henricksen Kelsey J. , Lineburg Benjamin J. , Myers-Macdonnell Louis A. , Bourbeau Dennis , Anderson Kim D.
Published: March 2024

Study design

Anonymous online survey

Objectives

To investigate the priorities, needs and willingness to adopt nerve stimulation devices for managing neurogenic bladder and bowel function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in Australia.

Setting

Online survey of people living with SCI in Australia.

Methods

This anonymous online survey used Qualtrics and was advertised via standard communication channels, such as advocacy groups representing the SCI community in Australia, social media, attending SCI sporting events and by word-of-mouth.

Results

Responses from 62 individuals (32% female, 68% male) were included. Bladder emptying through urethra without catheter was the highest priority for bladder function. Reducing time required for bowel routines and constipation were the top priorities regarding bowel function. The highest concern for internal/implanted devices was the 4% chance of device surgical removal, while wearing wires under the clothes was the main concern for external devices. 53% of respondents were willing to trial an implanted nerve stimulation device, while 70% would trial an external device to improve and gain independence in bladder and bowel function.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlighted the potential role in which nerve stimulation can have in addressing bladder and bowel dysfunction in people with SCI, and have also identified that there was a need for Australian physiotherapists to evaluate their role in bladder and bowel dysfunction. Results from this study can help guide further research in nerve stimulation devices for bladder and bowel dysfunction in people with SCI.

Sponsorship

n/a
miR-218-5p and doxorubicin combination enhances anticancer activity in breast cancer cells through Parkin-dependent mitophagy inhibition
Authors: Naso Francesco Davide , Bruqi Krenare , Manzini Valeria , Chiurchiù Valerio , D’Onofrio Mara , Arisi Ivan , Strappazzon Flavie
Published: March 2024

Breast Cancer (BC) is one of the most common tumours, and is known for its ability to develop resistance to chemotherapeutic treatments. Autophagy has been linked to chemotherapeutic response in several types of cancer, highlighting its contribution to this process. However, the role of mitophagy, a selective form of autophagy responsible for damaged mitochondria degradation, in the response to therapies in BC is still unclear. In order to address this point, we analysed the role of mitophagy in the treatment of the most common anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DXR), in different models of BC, such as a luminal A subtype-BC cell line MCF7 cells, cultured in 2-Dimension (2D) or in 3-Dimension (3D), and the triple negative BC (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231. Through a microarray analysis, we identified a relationship between mitophagy gene expressions related to the canonical PINK1/Parkin-mediated pathway and DXR treatment in BC cells. Afterwards, we demonstrated that the PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy is indeed induced following DXR treatment and that exogenous expression of a small non-coding RNA, the miRNA-218-5p, known to target mRNA of Parkin, was sufficient to inhibit the DXR-mediated mitophagy in MCF7 and in MDA-MB-231 cells, thereby increasing their sensitivity to DXR. Considering the current challenges involved in BC refractory to treatment, our work could provide a promising approach to prevent tumour resistance and recurrence, potentially leading to the development of an innovative approach to combine mitophagy inhibition and chemotherapy.
Diagnosing glaucoma in primary eye care and the role of Artificial Intelligence applications for reducing the prevalence of undetected glaucoma in Australia
Authors: Jan Catherine , He Mingguang , Vingrys Algis , Zhu Zhuoting , Stafford Randall S.
Published: March 2024

Glaucoma is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with over 70% of people affected remaining undiagnosed. Early detection is crucial for halting progressive visual impairment in glaucoma patients, as there is no cure available. This narrative review aims to: identify reasons for the significant under-diagnosis of glaucoma globally, particularly in Australia, elucidate the role of primary healthcare in glaucoma diagnosis using Australian healthcare as an example, and discuss how recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can be implemented to improve diagnostic outcomes. Glaucoma is a prevalent disease in ageing populations and can have improved visual outcomes through appropriate treatment, making it essential for general medical practice. In countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, and the UK, optometrists serve as the gatekeepers for primary eye care, and glaucoma detection often falls on their shoulders. However, there is significant variation in the capacity for glaucoma diagnosis among eye professionals. Automation with Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis of optic nerve photos can help optometrists identify high-risk changes and mitigate the challenges of image interpretation rapidly and consistently. Despite its potential, there are significant barriers and challenges to address before AI can be deployed in primary healthcare settings, including external validation, high quality real-world implementation, protection of privacy and cybersecurity, and medico-legal implications. Overall, the incorporation of AI technology in primary healthcare has the potential to reduce the global prevalence of undiagnosed glaucoma cases by improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
Artificial intelligence-enabled prediction of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity from baseline electrocardiograms
Authors: Yagi Ryuichiro , Goto Shinichi , Himeno Yukihiro , Katsumata Yoshinori , Hashimoto Masahiro , MacRae Calum A. , Deo Rahul C.
Published: March 2024

Anthracyclines can cause cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) that adversely affects prognosis. Despite guideline recommendations, only half of the patients undergo surveillance echocardiograms. An AI model detecting reduced left ventricular ejection fraction from 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) (AI-EF model) suggests ECG features reflect left ventricular pathophysiology. We hypothesized that AI could predict CTRCD from baseline ECG, leveraging the AI-EF model’s insights, and developed the AI-CTRCD model using transfer learning on the AI-EF model. In 1011 anthracycline-treated patients, 8.7% experienced CTRCD. High AI-CTRCD scores indicated elevated CTRCD risk (hazard ratio (HR), 2.66; 95% CI 1.73–4.10; log-rank p < 0.001). This remained consistent after adjusting for risk factors (adjusted HR, 2.57; 95% CI 1.62–4.10; p < 0.001). AI-CTRCD score enhanced prediction beyond known factors (time-dependent AUC for 2 years: 0.78 with AI-CTRCD score vs. 0.74 without; p = 0.005). In conclusion, the AI model robustly stratified CTRCD risk from baseline ECG.
Targeted sampling of natural product space to identify bioactive natural product-like polyketide macrolides
Authors: Wilson Darryl M. , Driedger Daniel J. , Liu Dennis Y. , Keerthisinghe Sandra , Hermann Adrian , Bieniossek Christoph , Linington Roger G. , Britton Robert A.
Published: March 2024

Polyketide or polyketide-like macrolides (pMLs) continue to serve as a source of inspiration for drug discovery. However, their inherent structural and stereochemical complexity challenges efforts to explore related regions of chemical space more broadly. Here, we report a strategy termed the Targeted Sampling of Natural Product space (TSNaP) that is designed to identify and assess regions of chemical space bounded by this important class of molecules. Using TSNaP, a family of tetrahydrofuran-containing pMLs are computationally assembled from pML inspired building blocks to provide a large collection of natural product-like virtual pMLs. By scoring functional group and volumetric overlap against their natural counterparts, a collection of compounds are prioritized for targeted synthesis. Using a modular and stereoselective synthetic approach, a library of polyketide-like macrolides are prepared to sample these unpopulated regions of pML chemical space. Validation of this TSNaP approach by screening this library against a panel of whole-cell biological assays, reveals hit rates exceeding those typically encountered in small molecule libraries. This study suggests that the TSNaP approach may be more broadly useful for the design of improved chemical libraries for drug discovery.
Structurally diverse macrocycle co-crystals for solid-state luminescence modulation
Authors: Li Bin , Liu Lingling , Wang Yuan , Liu Kun , Zheng Zhe , Sun Shougang , Hu Yongxu , Li Liqiang , Li Chunju
Published: March 2024

Organic co-crystals offer an opportunity to fabricate organic functional materials. Traditional co-crystals are generally packed following the segregated or mixed stacking mode, leading to the lack of structural and functional diversity. Herein, we report three sets of macrocycle co-crystals with identical co-constitutions. The macrocycle co-crystals differ in the stoichiometric ratios (2:1, 1:1, and 2:3) of the constituents and molecular packing modes. The co-crystals are constructed using triangular pyrene-macrocycle and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene exploiting exo-wall charge-transfer interactions. Interestingly, the three co-crystals exhibit distinct, tunable emission properties. The corresponding emission peaks appear at 575, 602, and 635 nm, covering yellow via orange to red. The X-ray diffraction analyses and the density functional theory calculations reveal the superstructure-property relationships that is attributed to the formation of different ratios of charge-transfer transition states between the donor and acceptor motifs, resulting in red-shifted luminescence.
Electrically driven amplification of terahertz acoustic waves in graphene
Authors: Barajas-Aguilar Aaron H. , Zion Jasen , Sequeira Ian , Barabas Andrew Z. , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Barrett Eric B. , Scaffidi Thomas , Sanchez-Yamagishi Javier D.
Published: March 2024

In graphene devices, the electronic drift velocity can easily exceed the speed of sound in the material at moderate current biases. Under these conditions, the electronic system can efficiently amplify acoustic phonons, leading to an exponential growth of sound waves in the direction of the carrier flow. Here, we show that such phonon amplification can significantly modify the electrical properties of graphene devices. We observe a superlinear growth of the resistivity in the direction of the carrier flow when the drift velocity exceeds the speed of sound — resulting in a sevenfold increase over a distance of 8 µm. The resistivity growth is observed at carrier densities away from the Dirac point and is enhanced at cryogenic temperatures. We develop a theoretical model for the resistivity growth due to the electrical amplification of acoustic phonons — reaching frequencies up to 2.2 THz — where the wavelength is controlled by gate-tunable transitions across the Fermi surface. These findings provide a route to on-chip high-frequency sound generation and detection in the THz frequency range.
Trimethylamine N-oxide impairs β-cell function and glucose tolerance
Authors: Kong Lijuan , Zhao Qijin , Jiang Xiaojing , Hu Jinping , Jiang Qian , Sheng Li , Peng Xiaohong , Wang Shusen , Chen Yibing , Wan Yanjun , Hou Shaocong , Liu Xingfeng , Ma Chunxiao , Li Yan , Quan Li , Chen Liangyi , Cui Bing , Li Pingping
Published: March 2024

β-Cell dysfunction and β-cell loss are hallmarks of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we found that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) at a similar concentration to that found in diabetes could directly decrease glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in MIN6 cells and primary islets from mice or humans. Elevation of TMAO levels impairs GSIS, β-cell proportion, and glucose tolerance in male C57BL/6 J mice. TMAO inhibits calcium transients through NLRP3 inflammasome-related cytokines and induced Serca2 loss, and a Serca2 agonist reversed the effect of TMAO on β-cell function in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, long-term TMAO exposure promotes β-cell ER stress, dedifferentiation, and apoptosis and inhibits β-cell transcriptional identity. Inhibition of TMAO production improves β-cell GSIS, β-cell proportion, and glucose tolerance in both male db/db and choline diet-fed mice. These observations identify a role for TMAO in β-cell dysfunction and maintenance, and inhibition of TMAO could be an approach for the treatment of T2D.