bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum concentrations of BDNF in adolescents with metabolic syndrome: a case-control study between normal - BMI adolescents and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Bacopoulou Flora , Angelopoulos Nikolaos G. , Papadodima Stavroula , Apostolaki Despoina , Mantzou Aimilia , Koniari Eleni , Efthymiou Vasiliki , Tsitsika Artemis , Vlachakis Dimitrios , Charmandari Evangelia , Stefanaki Charikleia
Published: August 2023

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been linked to various conditions of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Scarce data exist about the concentrations of BDNF in children and adolescents in relation with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to examine the serum BDNF concentrations in adolescents with metabolic syndrome and according to their body mass index (BMI) status. This was a case-control study, assessing BDNF concentrations between adolescents with MetS (with obesity vs. normal-BMI), in relation to sex, anthropometric, metabolic and endocrine parameters. Participants included male and female adolescents, whose anthropometric and metabolic panel, as well as serum BDNF concentrations were measured. A total of 59 adolescents (obesity: 29; normal-BMI: 30) were included in the study. Increased serum BDNF concentrations were observed in MetS adolescents with obesity when compared with normal-BMI adolescents (p < 0.001). Males exhibited higher concentrations of BDNF than females (p = 0.045). The sample was further divided into four categories by sex and BMI status, with normal-BMI females exhibiting significantly lower BDNF concentrations than females and males with obesity(p = 0.005). In the entire study sample, serum BDNF concentrations correlated positively with BMI z-scores, however, this statistical significance was preserved only in the females of the sample. No statistical difference was observed between males of different BMI z-scores categories.

  Conclusion: Obesity appeared as a major factor for increased serum BDNF concentrations in adolescents with MetS (vs. normal-BMI), with a higher impact on BDNF concentrations in females than males.

What is Known:• The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in metabolic syndrome in adults but data in adolescents are scarce.

What is New:• Obesity (vs. normal BMI) was a major factor for increased serum BDNF in adolescents with metabolic syndrome.• Obesity had a higher impact on BDNF concentrations in females than males with metabolic syndrome.
NTRK fusion events and targeted treatment of advanced radioiodine refractory thyroid cancer
Authors: Koehler Viktoria Florentine , Achterfeld Josefine , Sandner Natalie , Koch Christine , Wiegmann Jonas Paul , Ivanyi Philipp , Käsmann Lukas , Pusch Renate , Wolf Dominik , Chirica Mihaela , Knösel Thomas , Demes Melanie-Christin , Kumbrink Joerg , Vogl Thomas J. , Meyer Gesine , Spitzweg Christine , Bojunga Joerg , Kroiss Matthias
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Pathogenic fusion events involving neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) have been described in ~ 2% of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The selective tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors entrectinib and larotrectinib have been approved in a tumor agnostic manner based on phase 1/2 clinical trials. In a real-world setting at five referral centers, we aimed to describe the prevalence of NTRK gene fusions and the efficacy and safety of TRK inhibitor treatment for non-medullary, advanced thyroid cancer (TC).

Methods

A total of 184 TC patients with testing for NTRK gene fusions were included. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method in six patients with NTRK fusion-positive TC who underwent TRK inhibitor therapy.

Results

8/184 (4%) patients harbored NTRK gene fusions. Six patients with radioiodine (RAI)-refractory TC harboring NTRK1 (n = 4) and NTRK3 (n = 2) gene fusions were treated with larotrectinib. Five patients (83%) had received ≥ 1 prior systemic therapy and one patient did not receive prior systemic therapy. All patients had morphologically progressive disease before treatment initiation. Objective response rate was 83%, including two complete remissions. Median PFS from start of TRK inhibitor treatment was 23 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 0–57.4) and median OS was not reached (NR) (95% CI, NR). Adverse events were of grade 1–3.

Conclusion

The prevalence of NTRK gene fusions in our cohort of RAI-refractory TC is slightly higher than reported for all TC patients. Larotrectinib is an effective treatment option in the majority of NTRK gene fusion-positive advanced TC patients after prior systemic treatment and has a favorable safety profile.
Purification, conformational analysis and cytotoxic activities of host-defense peptides from the Tungara frog Engystomops pustulosus (Leptodactylidae; Leiuperinae)
Authors: Conlon J. Michael , Guilhaudis Laure , Attoub Samir , Coquet Laurent , Leprince Jérôme , Jouenne Thierry , Mechkarska Milena
Published: August 2023

The amphibian family Leptodactylidae is divided into three sub-families: Leiuperinae, Leptodactylinae, and Paratelmatobiinae. Host-defense peptides (HDPs) present in the skins of frogs belonging to the Leptodactylinae have been studied extensively, but information is limited  regarding peptides from Leiuperinae species. Peptidomic analysis of norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from the Tungara frog Engystomops pustulosus (Leiuperinae) collected in Trinidad led to the isolation and structural characterization of previously undescribed pustulosin-1 (FWKADVKEIG KKLAAKLAEELAKKLGEQ), [Q28E] pustulosin-1 (pustulosin-2), and pustulosin-3 (DWKETAKELLKKIGAKVAQVISDKLNPAPQ). The primary structures of these peptides do not resemble those of previously described frog skin HDPs. In addition, the secretions contained tigerinin-1EP (GCKTYLIEPPVCT) with structural similarity to the tigerinins previously identified in skin secretions from frogs from the family Dicroglossidae. Pustulosin-1 and -3 adopted extended α-helical conformations in 25% trifluoroethanol–water and in the presence of cell membrane models (sodium dodecylsulfate and dodecylphosphocholine micelles). Pustulosin-1 and -3 displayed cytotoxic activity against a range of human tumor-derived cell lines (A549, MDA-MB-231, and HT29), but their therapeutic potential for development into anti-cancer agents is limited by their comparable cytotoxic activity against non-neoplastic human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The peptides also displayed weak antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (MIC = 125 µM) but were inactive against Staphylococcus aureus. Tigerinin-1EP was inactive against both the tumor-derived cells and bacteria.
Clinical characterization of patients with anal fistula during follow-up of anorectal abscess: a large population-based study
Authors: Sanchez-Haro E. , Vela E. , Cleries M. , Vela S. , Tapiolas I. , Troya J. , Julian J.-F. , Parés D.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Approximately 15–50% of patients with an anorectal abscess will develop an anal fistula, but the true incidence of this entity is currently unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of anorectal abscess and development of a fistula in a specific population area and to identify potential risk factors associated with demographic, socioeconomic and pre-existing disease (e.g. diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease).

Methods

A longitudinal observational study was designed including a large cohort study in an area with 7,553,650 inhabitants in Spain 1st january 2014 to 31st december 2019. Adults who attended for the first time with an anorectal abscess and had a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The diagnosis was made using ICD-10 codes for anorectal abscess and anal fistula.

Results

During the study period, we included 27,821 patients with anorectal abscess. There was a predominance of men (70%) and an overall incidence of 596 per million population. The overall incidence of anal fistula developing from abscesses was 20%, with predominance in men, and a lower incidence in the lowest income level. The cumulative incidence of fistula was higher in men and in younger patients (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, patients aged 60–69 years (hazard ratio 2.0) and those with inflammatory bowel disease (hazard ratio 1.8–2.0) had a strong association with fistula development (hazard ratio 2.0).

Conclusions

One in five patients with an anorectal abscess will develop a fistula, with a higher likelihood in men. Fistula formation was strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Entropy regularization in probabilistic clustering
Authors: Franzolini Beatrice , Rebaudo Giovanni
Published: August 2023

Bayesian nonparametric mixture models are widely used to cluster observations. However, one major drawback of the approach is that the estimated partition often presents unbalanced clusters’ frequencies with only a few dominating clusters and a large number of sparsely-populated ones. This feature translates into results that are often uninterpretable unless we accept to ignore a relevant number of observations and clusters. Interpreting the posterior distribution as penalized likelihood, we show how the unbalance can be explained as a direct consequence of the cost functions involved in estimating the partition. In light of our findings, we propose a novel Bayesian estimator of the clustering configuration. The proposed estimator is equivalent to a post-processing procedure that reduces the number of sparsely-populated clusters and enhances interpretability. The procedure takes the form of entropy-regularization of the Bayesian estimate. While being computationally convenient with respect to alternative strategies, it is also theoretically justified as a correction to the Bayesian loss function used for point estimation and, as such, can be applied to any posterior distribution of clusters, regardless of the specific model used.
Research on the influence of digital penetration on the entrepreneurial behavior tendency of rural residents in tourism
Authors: Yang Jianchun , Zhang Ting , Zhang Lu
Published: August 2023

Based on the AMO theory framework, this study employs structural equation modeling to empirically analyze 226 questionnaires collected from three villages in Guizhou Province: Zhaoxing Dong Village, Xijiang Miao Village, and Basha Miao Village. The study investigates the influence of digital penetration on villagers' entrepreneurial behavior tendencies in tourism and specifically discusses the mediating effects of digital literacy, entrepreneurial passion, and social network relationships. The results indicate that (1) digital penetration has a direct positive impact on villagers' entrepreneurial behavior tendencies in tourism, and (2) digital literacy, entrepreneurial passion, and social network relationships serve as positive mediators in the relationship between digital penetration and villagers' entrepreneurial behavior tendencies in tourism, functioning as capability, motivation, and opportunity factors, respectively. Based on these findings, this study proposes an implementation path to stimulate villagers' entrepreneurial vitality in the context of digital rural strategies. Suggestions include improving rural basic network infrastructure, actively conducting skills training, inspiring villagers' entrepreneurial enthusiasm, and guiding them to establish social network relationships. The aim is to promote rural economic development, facilitate rural revitalization, and create employment opportunities through entrepreneurship.
Common and Uncommon CT Findings in CVID-Related GL-ILD: Correlations with Clinical Parameters, Therapeutic Decisions and Potential Implications in the Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Scarpa Riccardo , Cinetto Francesco , Milito Cinzia , Gianese Sabrina , Soccodato Valentina , Buso Helena , Garzi Giulia , Carrabba Maria , Messina Emanuele , Panebianco Valeria , Catalano Carlo , Morana Giovanni , Lougaris Vassilios , Landini Nicholas , Bondioni Maria Pia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate computed tomography (CT) findings of Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GL-ILD) in Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), also in comparison with non-GL-ILD abnormalities, correlating GL-ILD features with functional/immunological parameters and looking for GL-ILD therapy predictive elements.

Methods

CT features of 38 GL-ILD and 38 matched non-GL-ILD subjects were retrospectively described. Correlations of GL-ILD features with functional/immunological features were assessed. A logistic regression was performed to find a predictive model of GL-ILD therapeutic decisions.

Results

Most common GL-ILD CT findings were bronchiectasis, non-perilymphatic nodules, consolidations, Ground Glass Opacities (GGO), bands and enlarged lymphnodes. GL-ILD was usually predominant in lower fields. Multiple small nodules (≤10 mm), consolidations, reticulations and fibrotic ILD are more indicative of GL-ILD. Bronchiectasis, GGO, Reticulations and fibrotic ILD correlated with decreased lung performance. Bronchiectasis, GGO and fibrotic ILD were associated with low IgA levels, whereas high CD4+ T cells percentage was related to GGO. Twenty out of 38 patients underwent GL-ILD therapy. A model combining Marginal Zone (MZ) B cells percentage, IgA levels, lower field consolidations and lymphnodes enlargement showed a good discriminatory capacity with regards to GL-ILD treatment.

Conclusions

GL-ILD is a lower field predominant disease, commonly characterized by bronchiectasis, non-perilymphatic small nodules, consolidations, GGO and bands. Multiple small nodules, consolidations, reticulations and fibrotic ILD may suggest the presence of GL-ILD in CVID. MZ B cells percentage, IgA levels at diagnosis, lower field consolidations and mediastinal lymphnodes enlargement may predict the need of a specific GL-ILD therapy.
The impact of silicon on the solidification of duplex lightweight steels
Authors: Balaško Tilen , Burja Jaka , Medved Jožef
Published: August 2023

Efforts are being made worldwide to transform road transport to minimise its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on reducing vehicle mass. Lightweight manganese–aluminium steels have gained popularity for this purpose due to their low density and combination of strength and plasticity. In this particular study, the solidification process of five lightweight manganese–aluminium steels with different silicon content was investigated. The steels were fabricated by inductive melting in a vacuum and remelted during further thermal analysis. A reference steel composition (Fe-14Mn-10Al-0.2Si-0.8C) was used, and the remaining four steels contained different amounts of silicon (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mass%). The impact of silicon on solidification was analysed by thermodynamic calculations (CALPHAD method), differential thermal analysis and optical microscopy. The thermodynamic calculations gave good estimates for the liquidus and austenite liquidus temperatures, but higher solidus temperatures than the experimental results. The presence of silicon decreases the density and lowers the solidus and liquidus temperatures, resulting in a prolonged solidification interval. In addition, the spacing of the secondary dendrite arms decreases, except at a silicon concentration of 0.5 mass%, where an increase was observed compared to the reference steel.
Heat transfer characteristics of charging and discharging encapsulated PCMs (SP24, SP26 & SP29) for free cooling: impact of geometry and nanomaterials addition
Authors: Muzhanje Allan T. , Hassan Hamdy
Published: August 2023

Herein, free cooling an application of thermal energy storage is investigated through theoretical observations of air being cooled after passing over encapsulated phase change material (PCM). The impact of encapsulation geometry changes from circular to; rectangular, square, and elliptical shapes is studied for the PCM solidification and melting cycles. The study is performed for sp24, sp26, and sp29 PCM types with and without the inclusion of CuO and Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs). A transient mathematical model for heat transfer behavior of airflow over the encapsulation is constructed and solved using Ansys 20.2 software. It is found that the rectangular-shaped PCM encapsulation with CuO nano-enhanced PCM has the shortest complete melting (~ 1–2 h) and complete solidification times (~ 3–9.3 h). Nanoparticle enhancement improves the rate of melting by a maximum of 11.56% with Al2O3 NPs and by 6.12% with CuO NPs at an inlet airflow temperature of 313 K. A maximum outlet air-temperature drop of ~ 3.1 K occurs in the cylindrical geometry with CuO nano-enhancement and the highest Nusselt number is obtained at similar conditions. From this study it is recommended to use either sp24 or sp26 PCMs mixed with nano-alumina and encapsulated within rectangular containers for free cooling applications.
The Value of the One Value: Exactly True Logic revisited
Authors: Kapsner Andreas , Rivieccio Umberto
Published: August 2023

In this paper we re-assess the philosophical foundation of Exactly True Logic ($$\mathcal {ET\!L}$$

ET

L

), a competing variant of First Degree Entailment ($$\mathcal {FDE}$$
FDE
). In order to do this, we first rebut an argument against it. As the argument appears in an interview with Nuel Belnap himself, one of the fathers of $$\mathcal {FDE}$$
FDE
, we believe its provenance to be such that it needs to be taken seriously. We submit, however, that the argument ultimately fails, and that $$\mathcal {ET\!L}$$

ET

L

cannot easily be dismissed. We then proceed to give an overview of the research that was inspired by this logic over the last decade, thus providing further motivation for the study of $$\mathcal {ET\!L}$$

ET

L

and, more generally, of $$\mathcal {FDE}$$
FDE
-related logics that result from semantical analyses alternative to Belnap’s canonical one. We focus, in particular, on philosophical questions that these developments raise.
Examining the association between social context and disengagement: Individual and classroom factors in two samples of at-risk students
Authors: Glaesser Dorothea , Holl Christopher , Malinka Julia , McCullagh Laura , Meissner Lydia , Harth Nicole Syringa , Machunsky Maya , Mitte Kristin
Published: August 2023

Disengagement is a concept that captures the gradual behavioral, affective, and cognitive distancing from school, and is thus an early indicator of students being at risk for dropout. Based on a social identity framework, we predicted that higher social identification with the class and a positive classroom climate would be associated with lower rates of disengagement at both the individual and classroom level. In two samples from 16 German middle schools (n1 = 255, n2 = 287) with high annual dropout rates (> 10%), we assessed three disengagement facets: affect (daily mood at school), cognition (amotivation), and behavior (truancy). To examine both the individual and the classroom level, we utilized a 2-level mixed model. Gender, grade-level, and migration background were controlled in both samples, and economic learning resources (ELR) were included in sample 2 to better control for socioeconomic influences. In Study 1 (24 classrooms), we found a significant, positive association between social identification and daily mood at the individual level. In Study 2 (21 classrooms), we replicated initial findings for daily mood. In addition, social identification also impacted amotivation. At the class level, a higher grade, and a higher proportion of students with migration background were related to increased truancy. Classroom climate did not show a significant effect on disengagement in either of the studies. Our study sheds further light on the social dynamics of disengagement and highlights the need to control for classroom dynamics and student composition, particularly in classrooms with diverse student backgrounds.
DIF Statistical Inference Without Knowing Anchoring Items
Authors: Chen Yunxiao , Li Chengcheng , Ouyang Jing , Xu Gongjun
Published: August 2023

Establishing the invariance property of an instrument (e.g., a questionnaire or test) is a key step for establishing its measurement validity. Measurement invariance is typically assessed by differential item functioning (DIF) analysis, i.e., detecting DIF items whose response distribution depends not only on the latent trait measured by the instrument but also on the group membership. DIF analysis is confounded by the group difference in the latent trait distributions. Many DIF analyses require knowing several anchor items that are DIF-free in order to draw inferences on whether each of the rest is a DIF item, where the anchor items are used to identify the latent trait distributions. When no prior information on anchor items is available, or some anchor items are misspecified, item purification methods and regularized estimation methods can be used. The former iteratively purifies the anchor set by a stepwise model selection procedure, and the latter selects the DIF-free items by a LASSO-type regularization approach. Unfortunately, unlike the methods based on a correctly specified anchor set, these methods are not guaranteed to provide valid statistical inference (e.g., confidence intervals and p-values). In this paper, we propose a new method for DIF analysis under a multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) model for DIF. This method adopts a minimal <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">L1\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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Impact of meteorological parameters and air pollutants on airborne concentration of Betula pollen and Bet v 1 allergen
Authors: Ščevková Jana , Dušička Jozef , Zahradníková Eva , Sepšiová Regina , Kováč Jozef , Vašková Zuzana
Published: August 2023

The intensity of birch pollen season is expressed by seasonal pollen integral (SPIn, the sum of the mean daily pollen concentration during the birch pollination period) and the amount of Bet v 1 allergen released per birch pollen grain expressed by pollen allergen potency (PAP). Betula pollen and Bet v 1 allergen were simultaneously measured in the air of Bratislava from 2019 to 2022 by using two Burkard traps (Hirst-type and cyclone) in order to evaluate the causes of the seasonal variation in the SPIn and PAP levels. The highest SPIn (19,975 pollen/m3) was observed in 2022 and the lowest one (1484 pollen/m3) in 2021. The average daily PAP level (4.0 pg Bet v 1/pollen) was highest in 2019 and lowest (2.5 pg Bet v 1/pollen) in 2020. We found that seasonal variation in SPIn was associated mainly with the changes in environmental conditions during the pre-season period, whereas the year-to-year variation in PAP levels was attributed to environmental conditions during both pre- and in-season periods. Our results indicate that rainy weather in June 2020 and cold overcast weather in January‒February 2021 resulted in low SPIn in 2021. On the other hand, dry weather in June 2021 and warm weather in January‒February 2022 resulted in high SPIn in 2022. The low average daily PAP level in 2020 was associated with (1) low levels of gaseous air pollutants in March, when the ripening of pollen takes place; (2) an earlier start of the birch main pollen season (MPS); and (3) dry weather during the MPS. On the other hand, high PAP level in 2019 was associated with higher levels of air pollutants in March and during the MPS.
Evolution of nano-pores in illite-dominant clay during consolidation
Authors: Zheng Yanhao , Baudet Béatrice A.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the evolution of nanoscale pores, covering inter-particle pores and inter-layer pores, in illite-dominant clay during consolidation is monitored using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and nitrogen gas adsorption (N2GA) techniques. No obvious change observed in the characteristic peaks of SAXS intensity curves during consolidation suggests that the intra-particle structure of the clay, including interlayer spacings, is not affected by mechanical loading, at least up to 4 MPa. The N2GA test results show that the volume of inter-particle pores inside the aggregates does decrease gradually as the compression proceeds, which is accompanied by a gradual reduction in specific surface area, probably due to the rearrangement of the particles composing the aggregates. The inter-particle pores are compressed as a whole during consolidation instead of the progressive collapse in an ordered manner, from the larger to the smaller. By comparing the pore-size distributions of illite-dominant clay obtained by MIP (mercury intrusion porosimetry) and N2GA techniques, it is found that the shapes of the two distributions in the common measurement range are obviously not matched, essentially due to the sequential nature of the drying and wetting processes. While filling the research gap in the evolution of intra-aggregate pores during consolidation, this study also shows that the N2GA technique and SAXS measurement used in conjunction with each other appear as a powerful approach for clay nano-pores identification.
The Predictive Effect of Depression on Self-Injury: Positive Youth Development as a Moderator
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqin , Shek Daniel
Published: August 2023

While findings have documented the association between adolescent depression and self-injury, few studies have investigated the moderating effect of positive youth development (PYD) qualities on the association. This study examined concurrent and longitudinal predictive effects of depression and PYD qualities on nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal self-injury (SSI) among Chinese adolescents. The moderating effects of PYD qualities were also studied. Two waves of data with an approximate 6-month interval were collected from five primary and secondary schools in Chengdu, China. A total of 6,948 adolescents aged 10 to 16 (Mage = 12.91, SD = 1.69 at the first wave, 51.17% boys) formed the working sample. Latent moderated structural equation modeling revealed that depression was a positive concurrent and longitudinal predictor of both NSSI and SSI whereas PYD qualities showed adverse concurrent and longitudinal predictive effects. The latent interaction effects were also significant in both cross-sectional and longitudinal models, with PYD qualities mitigating the positive effects of depression on NSSI and SSI. The results suggest that PYD qualities did not only directly reduce the risk of NSSI and SSI among adolescents but also attenuated the influence of depression on self-injury. These findings provide additional evidence for the protective role of PYD qualities in adolescent development and imply that improving PYD qualities may be a promising way to prevent and treat adolescent self-injury.
Suffizienz – Psychische Ressourcen – Transformation
Authors: Braun Andreas Ch.
Published: August 2023

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Spannungsbogen aufgebaut, der von der aktuellen sozio-ökologischen Krise bis hin zur Coachingpraxis leiten soll. Nach einer Erörterung der Grundproblematik der derzeitigen Krise werden zentrale Konzepte der Nachhaltigkeitsforschung vorgestellt, die wichtig sind, um im Kontext Nachhaltigkeit sprechfähig zu sein. Sodann wird die spezifische Rolle von Unternehmen in der Agenda 2030 zu klären versucht. Darauf folgt eine Erörterung, wie Konzepte aus der Psychologie der nachhaltigen Entwicklung in der Organisationsentwicklung bzw. im Coaching eingesetzt werden könnten. Im Mittelpunkt stehen behavioristische Ansätze und das Konzept der psychischen Ressourcen zur nachhaltigen Entwicklung. Abschließend werden Spannungsfelder, Grenzen und Entwicklungsbedarfe aufgezeigt.
Liars, Skeptics, Cheerleaders: Human Rights Implications of Post-Truth Disinformation from State Officials and Politicians
Authors: Deluggi Nicky , Ashraf Cameran
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to philosophically examine how disinformation from state officials and politicians affects the right to access to information and political participation. Next to the more straightforward implications for political self-determination, the paper examines how active dissemination of lies by figures of epistemic authority can be framed as a human rights issue and affects trust patterns between citizens, increases polarization, impedes dialogue, and obstructs access to politically relevant information by gatekeeping knowledge. Analyzing European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) case law, the paper argues that human rights law provides some argumentative basis for extending individuals’ rights as epistemic and political agents towards a “right to truth spoken by politicians”. However, challenges in balancing a possible restriction of lies and assessing the real effective harm that comes from them remain, potentially leading to a vacuum of rights protection for less visible long-term harm to individuals and public discourse. In order to have a real chance at tackling the harmful consequences of publicly told lies from a human rights perspective, it is necessary to rethink the notion of harm to encompass more complex and abstract forms of politico-epistemic damage to individuals and the public.
Wie enden Kriege? Einsichten für den Ukrainekrieg
Authors: Heinemann-Grüder Andreas
Published: August 2023

Die Kriegsbeendigung hängt von den angenommenen Kosten einer Fortsetzung des Krieges, von der Einschätzung der Kräfteverhältnisse, der Glaubwürdigkeit von Zusicherungen und der Akzeptanz von Kompromissen durch die jeweiligen Gesellschaften ab. Das Kriegsende wird von den Finalitätsvorstellungen der Konfliktbeteiligten beeinflusst. Doch solange der Kriegsausgang mehrdeutig ist, geht das Kämpfen weiter, um Eindeutigkeit zu erlangen. Frieden muss öffentlich vertretbar sein, nicht als Verrat gelten. Ein Zwischenschritt könnte ein internationalisiertes Treuhandregime sein.
Deep learning-based ultrasound transducer induced CT metal artifact reduction using generative adversarial networks for ultrasound-guided cardiac radioablation
Authors: Puvanasunthararajah Sathyathas , Camps Saskia M. , Wille Marie-Luise , Fontanarosa Davide
Published: August 2023

In US-guided cardiac radioablation, a possible workflow includes simultaneous US and planning CT acquisitions, which can result in US transducer-induced metal artifacts on the planning CT scans. To reduce the impact of these artifacts, a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm has been developed based on a deep learning Generative Adversarial Network called Cycle-MAR, and compared with iMAR (Siemens), O-MAR (Philips) and MDT (ReVision Radiology), and CCS-MAR (Combined Clustered Scan-based MAR). Cycle-MAR was trained with a supervised learning scheme using sets of paired clinical CT scans with and without simulated artifacts. It was then evaluated on CT scans with real artifacts of an anthropomorphic phantom, and on sets of clinical CT scans with simulated artifacts which were not used for Cycle-MAR training. Image quality metrics and HU value-based analysis were used to evaluate the performance of Cycle-MAR compared to the other algorithms. The proposed Cycle-MAR network effectively reduces the negative impact of the metal artifacts. For example, the calculated HU value improvement percentage for the cardiac structures in the clinical CT scans was 59.58%, 62.22%, and 72.84% after MDT, CCS-MAR, and Cycle-MAR application, respectively. The application of MAR algorithms reduces the impact of US transducer-induced metal artifacts on CT scans. In comparison to iMAR, O-MAR, MDT, and CCS-MAR, the application of developed Cycle-MAR network on CT scans performs better in reducing these metal artifacts.
Accommodating False Positives Within Acoustic Spatial Capture–Recapture, with Variable Source Levels, Noisy Bearings and an Inhomogeneous Spatial Density
Authors: Petersma Felix T. , Thomas Len , Thode Aaron M. , Harris Danielle , Marques Tiago A. , Cheoo Gisela V. , Kim Katherine H.
Published: August 2023

Passive acoustic monitoring is a promising method for surveying wildlife populations that are easier to detect acoustically than visually. When animal vocalisations can be uniquely identified on an array of sensors, the potential exists to estimate population density through acoustic spatial capture–recapture (ASCR). However, sound classification is imperfect, and in some situations, a high proportion of sounds detected on just a single sensor (‘singletons’) are not from the target species. We present a case study of bowhead whale calls (Baleana mysticetus) collected in the Beaufort Sea in 2010 containing such false positives. We propose a novel extension of ASCR that is robust to false positives by truncating singletons and conditioning on calls being detected by at least two sensors. We allow for individual-level detection heterogeneity through modelling a variable sound source level, model inhomogeneous call spatial density, and include bearings with varying measurement error. We show via simulation that the method produces near-unbiased estimates when correctly specified. Ignoring source-level variation resulted in a strong negative bias, while ignoring inhomogeneous density resulted in severe positive bias. The case study analysis indicated a band of higher call density approximately 30 km from shore; 59.8% of singletons were estimated to have been false positives.
In silico molecular docking validation of procalcitonin-binding aptamer and sepsis diagnosis
Authors: Park Dae-Young , Shin Woo-Ri , Kim Sang Yong , Nguyen Quang-Thai , Lee Jin-Pyo , Kim Do-Young , Ahn Ji-Young , Kim Yang-Hoon
Published: August 2023

Background

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a protein that can be used as a biomarker for sepsis detection. Sepsis is a disease where early diagnosis is crucial. Using PCT for sepsis diagnosis can be a new alternative that overcomes limitations of traditional sepsis diagnostic methods.

Objective

To develop a sepsis diagnostic platform for PCT detection using a novel material called aptamer.

Results

Aptamers that could specifically bind to PCT were selected and various molecular biology analysis methods were utilized to confirm the binding affinity between selected aptamers and PCT. Additionally, in silico structural analysis was conducted to gain a more detailed understanding of the binding structure between the aptamer and PCT using the results of molecular experiments as supporting evidence. Ultimately, an aptamer-based PCT detection platform was developed and its ability to detect PCT in general and serum samples with high sensitivity and specificity was confirmed.

Conclusion

Through this study, we were able to develop a technique for early disease diagnosis using aptamer-based protein detection. We also performed aptamer binding validation studies using a combination of molecular validation and in silico validation methods.
Selection of Optimal Well Trajectory Using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm and TOPSIS Method
Authors: Yavari Hossein , Qajar Jafar , Aadnoy Bernt Sigve , Khosravanian Rasool
Published: August 2023

This study presents a novel approach for optimizing well paths in extended reach drilling (ERD) wells. Different trajectories can be used for ERD wells, each with its pros and cons. Previous research overlooked certain objective functions in single-objective optimization and lacked an autonomous method for selecting the best solution from Pareto optimal solutions in multi-objective optimizations. Furthermore, they lacked comparing different profiles in well design. Risk assessment and operational factors, which greatly influence optimization and drilling success, were insufficiently considered. This study utilized the multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method to select the optimal well path based on torque, wellbore length, risk (e.g., keyseat), and required tools. First, all possible trajectories were determined, and MOGA identified the optimal path with minimal torque and length. The fuzzy decision-making method automatically selected the best solution from the Pareto optimal solution set. The associated risks and required tools are evaluated for each trajectory. Finally, the TOPSIS method selected the optimal trajectory based on torque, length, risks, and required tools. The case study demonstrated that the undersection path was the most advantageous trajectory for ERD wells, with a 60% closeness to the ideal state. The multiple build trajectory achieved 57% closeness, while the build and hold and double build paths had lower closeness values (43 and 28%, respectively). Consequently, it can be inferred that in the context of ERD wells, it is preferable to carry out the deviation process at deeper depths.
Cofilin-1 induces acute kidney injury via the promotion of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated ferroptosis
Authors: Lin Sihao , Wang Jie , Cao Bin , Huang Yang , Sheng Xujun , Zhu Yingjian
Published: August 2023

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) leads to acute kidney injury (AKI), which poses serious threat to public health and society. Many clinical studies were conducted to evaluate several biomarkers in AKI, among which Cofilin-1 remains to be a very promising one. To explore the potential mechanism of Cofilin-1 in AKI, we established an oxygen-glucose-deprivation (OGD)-induced AKI cell model. The overexpression and knock-down Cofilin-1 were used for gain- and loss-of-function. Pharmacological inhibitors were employed to study the related pathways. The results showed that Cofilin-1 was significantly upregulated in AKI cells, knocking down Cofilin-1 protected cells against the effect of OGD treatment and alleviated AKI phenotypes. Overexpression of Cofilin-1 might induce AKI by triggering ferroptosis, inhibiting NF-κB signaling or ER stress pathway attenuated Cofilin-1 induced lipid peroxidation and AKI. We also validated our findings in IRI-induced AKI mouse models in vivo. Our work elucidated that Cofilin-1 might induce AKI via promoting ER stress-mediated ferroptosis and argues it as a biomarker for early diagnosis of AKI. We also expect to offer novel insights on future therapeutic interventions.
From art-science to art-science-in-the-making: transcending boundaries in higher education by (de)constructing them
Authors: van Baalen Wander Matijn
Published: August 2023

In Latour’s bookScience in Action, readers are encouraged to use science-in-the-making as an entry point for understanding science instead of reinforcing the stable reality of ready made science. Building on his work, this study employs an art-science-in-the-making approach to trace how a new art-science initiative is helped into being. The ethnographic work centers on the development of an interinstitutional dual degree program between two art schools and a university in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Particular attention is paid to the ways in which mundane, bureaucratic practices feed into the stabilization of the new art-science initiative. Too often, these practices remain outside scholarly discussions on art-science. This article argues that being attentive to the practices of “paper shufflers”, to borrow Latour’s terminology, aids our thinking through encounters across difference. Themodus operandiof holding the new intersection together is conceptualized as a mode of syncretism of continuous repair. This modality of being together points to the tendency not to avoid disruptions or threats, but to continuously attend to them anew.
Investing in Innovation
Authors: Lazonick William
Published: August 2023

Business corporations interact with household units and government agencies to make investments in productive capabilities required to generate innovative goods and services. When they work harmoniously, these three types of organizations constitute 'the investment triad'. The Biden administration's Build Back Better agenda to restore sustainable prosperity in the United States has focused on investment in productive capabilities by government agencies and household units. Largely absent from the Biden agenda have been policy initiatives to ensure that, given government and household investment in productive capabilities, the governance of major U.S. business corporations supports investment in innovation. This Element explains how corporate financialization, manifested by predatory value extraction in the name of 'maximizing shareholder value', undermines investment in innovation in the United States. It concludes by outlining a policy framework, beginning with a ban on stock buybacks, that confronts predatory value extraction and puts in place social institutions that support sustainable prosperity.
The Political Economy of Science, Technology, and Innovation in China
Authors: Sun Yutao , Cao Cong
Published: August 2023

There are a variety of reasons underlying the remarkable development of science and technology (S&T), and innovation in post-1978 China. This book seeks to achieve an understanding of such development from an institutional or a political economy perspective. Departing from the literature of S&T and innovation studies that treats innovation as a market or enterprise's behavior in Schumpeter's sense, Sun and Cao argue that it involves politics, institutions, and the role of the state. In particular, they examine how the Chinese state has played its visible role in making innovation policies, allocating funding for R&D programs, making efforts to attract talent, and organizing critical S&T programs. This book appeals to scholars in S&T and innovation policy, political economy, innovation governance, and China studies as well as policymakers and business executives.
Past changes in and present status of the coastal carbon cycle
Authors: Rixen T.
Published: August 2023

Data were obtained from the literature to identify past changes in and the present status of the coastal carbon cycle. They indicate that marine coastal ecosystems driving the coastal carbon cycle cover, on average, 5.8% of the Earth’s surface and contributed 55.2% to carbon transport from the climate-active carbon cycle to the geological carbon cycle. The data suggest that humans not only increase the CO2concentration in the atmosphere but also mitigate (and before 1860 even balanced) their CO2emissions by increasing CO2storage within marine coastal ecosystems. Soil degradation in response to the expansion and intensification of agriculture is assumed to be a key process driving the enhanced CO2storage in marine coastal ecosystems because it increases the supply of lithogenic matter that is known to favour the burial of organic matter in sediments. After 1860, rising CO2concentrations in the atmosphere indicate that enhanced CO2emissions caused by land-use changes and the burning of fossil fuel disturbed what was a quasi-steady state before. Ecosystem restoration and the potential expansion of forest cover could mitigate the increase of atmospheric CO2concentrations, but this carbon sink to the atmosphere is much too weak to represent an alternative to the reduction of CO2emission in order to keep global warming below 1.5–2.°C. Although the contribution of benthic marine coastal ecosystems to the global CO2uptake potential of ecosystem restoration is only around 6%, this could be significant given national carbon budgets. However, the impact on climate is still difficult to quantify because the associated effects on CH4and N2O emissions have not been established. Addressing these uncertainties is one of the challenges faced by future research, as are related issues concerning estimates of carbon fluxes between the climate-active and the geological carbon cycle and the development of suitable methods to quantify changes in the CO2uptake of pelagic ecosystems in the ocean.
Cost-effectiveness of social media advertising as a recruitment tool: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tsaltskan Vladislav , Sanchez Baez Roel , Firestein Gary S.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Recruitment of study participants is challenging and can incur significant costs. Social media advertising is a promising method for recruiting clinical studies and may improve cost efficiency by targeting populations likely to match a study’s qualifications. Prior systematic reviews of social media as a recruitment tool have been favourable, however, there are no meta-analyses of its cost-effectiveness.

Methods:

Studies evaluating recruitment costs through social media and non-social media methods were identified on MEDLINE and EMBASE. Articles were screened through a two-step process in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Cost data were extracted from selected articles and meta-analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel method. The primary outcome was the relative cost-effectiveness of social media compared to non-social media recruitment, defined as the odds ratio of recruiting a participant per US dollar spent. The secondary outcome was the cost-effectiveness of social media recruitment compared to other online recruitment methods only.

Results:

In total, 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio of recruiting a participant through social media advertising compared to non-social media methods per dollar spent was 1.97 [95% CI 1.24–3.00, P = 0.004]. The odds ratio of recruiting a participant through social media compared to other online methods only was 1.66 [95% CI 1.02–2.72, P = 0.04].

Conclusions:

Social media advertising may be more cost-effective than other methods of recruitment, however, the magnitude of cost-effectiveness is highly variable between studies. There are limited data on newer social media platforms and on difficult-to-reach populations such as non-English speakers or older individuals.
Applying real-world data from expanded-access (“compassionate use”) patients to drug development
Authors: Wasser June S. , Greenblatt David J.
Published: August 2023

Our drug development process has produced many life-saving medications, but patients experiencing rare diseases and similar conditions often are left with limited options for treatment. For an approved treatment to be developed, research on a new candidate or existing drug must validate safety and efficacy based on contemporary research expectations. Randomized clinical trials are conducted for this purpose, but they are also costly, laborious, and time-consuming. For this reason, The 21st Century Cures Act mandates that the US Food and Drug Administration look for alternative methods for approving drugs, in particular exploring the uses of real-world data and evidence. Expanded access (“compassionate use”) is a pathway for the clinical treatment of patients using drugs that are not yet approved for prescribing in the United States. Using real-world evidence generated from expanded-access patients presents an opportunity to provide critical data on patient outcomes that can serve regulatory approval in conjunction with other observational datasets or clinical trials, and in limited circumstances may be the best data available for regulatory review. In doing so, we may also support and encourage patient-centered care and a personalized medicine approach to drug development.