bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar‐Driven Sulfide Oxidation Paired With CO2 Reduction Based on Vacancies Engineering of Copper Selenide
Authors: Wang Zhongke , Zhang Qixing , Wang Jin , He Han , Pan Sanjiang , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: December 2024

Photovoltaic‐driven electrochemical (PV‐EC) carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R) coupled with sulfide oxidation (SOR) can efficiently convert the solar energy into chemical energy, expanding its applications. However, developing low‐cost electrocatalysts that exhibit high selectivity and efficiency for both CO2R and SOR remains a challenge. Herein, a bifunctional copper selenide catalyst is developed with copper vacancies (v‐CuSe2) for the CO2R‐SOR. The Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 62.4% for methane at −200 mA cm−2 is achieved in the cathodic CO2R. In a two‐electrode CO2R‐SOR system with 16 h of long‐term operation at a current density of 200 mA cm−2, an average Faradaic efficiency of 57.2% for methane and 97.7% for sulfur powder generation is achieved at cathode and anode, respectively. Compared to the coupling of CO2R with oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the energy efficiency (EE) of the CO2R‐SOR system can be increased to 22.9%. The mechanism study has found that the synergistic effect of copper vacancies and introduced Se significantly enhances the selectivity toward methane. Driven by silicon solar cells, a solar‐to‐methane conversion efficiency of 2% is achieved.
A Serious Game Approach to Introduce the Code Review Practice
Authors: Ardic Baris , Tuzun Eray
Published: December 2024

Code review is a widely utilized practice that focuses on improving code via manual inspections. However, this practice is not addressed adequately in a typical software engineering curriculum. We aim to help address the code review practice knowledge gap between the software engineering curricula and the industry with a serious game approach. We determine our learning objectives around the introduction of the code review process. To realize these objectives, we design, build, and test the serious game. We then conduct three case studies with a total of 280 students. We evaluated the results by comparing the student's knowledge and confidence about code review before and after case studies, as well as evaluating how they performed in code review quizzes and game levels themselves. Our analysis indicates that students had a positive experience during gameplay, and an in‐depth examination suggests that playing the game also enhanced their knowledge. We conclude that the game had a positive impact on introducing the code review process. This study represents a step taken toward moving code review education from industry starting positions to higher education. The game and its auxiliary materials are available online.
A Strategy for Mitigating Lattice Stress and Enhancing Cycle Stability Through Modulating Transition Metal Redox Sequence
Authors: Ma Yushan , Wang Jinkun , Tang Xincun , Wang Li , He Xiangming
Published: December 2024

Modifying the redox properties of transition metals within layered cathode materials represents a pivotal approach in the pursuit of high‐performance cathode materials. The recent research has revealed a novel finding: the introduction of Mg2+ into LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 leads to a shift in the oxidation sequence of transition metals during lithium extraction, with Co3+ supplanting Ni2+ as the primary oxidized species during the initial stages of lithium extraction. This alteration in the lattice constants and volume, among other structural parameters, serves to mitigate lattice stress during the charging and discharging cycles. The abundance of Co4+ during the early stages of lithium extraction effectively curtails structural alterations and the dissolution of transition metal ions, thereby bolstering the material's cyclability. This effect is attributed to the enhanced Ni─O bond strength imparted by Mg2+ doping, which, in concert with Co3+, stabilizes the Li─O structure at the outset of lithium extraction, conferring a thermodynamic advantage to Co3+ for preferential oxidation. The exploration of the underlying mechanism of this induced effect and its influence on electrochemical performance holds the potential to offer fresh perspectives for the design of materials with exceptional cycle stability.
All Weather‐Usable Wearable Dual Energy Harvester for Outdoor Sustainable Operation
Authors: Jung Yeongju , Ahn Jiyong , Kim Ji‐Seok , Bang Junhyuk , Kim Minwoo , Jeong Seongmin , Lee Jinwoo , Han Seonggeun , Oh Il‐Kwon , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: December 2024

Sustainable power sources for outdoor wearable electronics are essential for the continuous operation of wearable devices. However, the current lack of engineering design that can harvest energy regardless of weather conditions presents a significant challenge. In this regard, this study introduces a wearable, breathable all‐weather usable dual energy harvester (AWuDEH) that can seamlessly generate electrical energy regardless of weather conditions. In this study, the AWuDEH integrated with the thermoelectric generator and the droplet‐based electricity generator is demonstrated. The AWuDEH, especially engineered with a bi‐functional top substrate for radiative cooling and electrification, achieves sustainable energy harvesting outdoors, thereby addressing the conventional challenge associated with the necessity for separate energy harvesters tailored to outdoor usage contingent on weather conditions. The device reaches a maximum power output of 14.6 µW cm−2 under simulated sunny conditions and generates a much more enhanced thermoelectric power of 74.78 µW cm−2 and a droplet‐based electric power of 256.25 mW m−2 in rainy conditions. As proof, this study developed self‐powered wearable electronics capable of acquiring physiological signals in simulated outdoor scenarios. This study presents a promising advancement in wearable technology, offering a potent solution for sustainable energy harvesting independent of weather conditions.
Application of Cleaner Production in Esmeralda Corp's Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Salazar Nelson León
Published: December 2024

Currently, industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have not been studied with respect to cleaner production strategies as opposed to the productive sector. The objective was to evaluate the application of production strategies in the WWTP processes over a period of 4 years. For this purpose, the methodology recommended by UNIDO was used. The results indicated that throughout the life cycle they have been satisfactory, due to the implementation of activated sludge technology and ultrafiltration membranes to obtain quality water for irrigation of green areas, compliance with the Environmental Quality Standard, removing more than 99% of BOD and COD. The average savings are equivalent to 410,625 m3, having a positive impact on stakeholders, as well as a CO2 reduction of 143.71 t CO2/year. Finally, it complies with the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing value to society.
Investigation of growth behavior for rice sprout during heterotrophic cultivation and the potential for high‐density cultivation
Authors: Ishikawa Daitaro , Kotani Hiroaki , Tamate Haruka , Nakai Ran , Tsukada Yoshihiro , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: December 2024

The efficient production of useful substances in plant factories is very attractive to secure the nutrition for human health in the future. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth behavior of rice sprouts to establish a high‐density production system for plant factories. To clarify the material balance during the growth of sprout of brown rice, a single individual of rice was cultivated in vitro. The weight of the sample and the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the test tube were measured, with bioactivity indices being calculated. The contribution of growth respiration was confirmed based on the growth, oxygen uptake, and carbon dioxide evolution rates. The specific growth rates and oxygen concentrations all increased during the 60‐ to 80‐h period. The decrease in the specific oxygen uptake rate and carbon dioxide evaluation rate generally corresponded to the 90‐ to 160‐h period. These results suggest that the physiological state of rice sprouts can be evaluated using bioactivity indices obtained from individual cultivation systems. A trial application for the high‐density heterotrophic cultivation of rice sprouts was performed using the developed container. The growth productivity of rice sprouts cultivated in containers was similar to that of individual test tubes. These results showed the new value of crop cultivation by the plant factory.
Variations in medicare reimbursements among surgical oncologists who are US versus international medical graduates
Authors: Mehdi Khan Muhammad Muntazir , Altaf Abdullah , Khalil Mujtaba , Iyer Sidharth , Thamachack Razeen , Shahid Abdul Hadi , Rashid Zayed , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

We sought to assess the variations in practice metrics and billing practices among US Medical Graduates (USMGs) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in surgical oncology who serve a fee‐for‐service population.

Methods

Medicaid Services Medicare fee‐for‐service provider utilization and payment files were used to obtain publicly available data between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Comparisons were conducted using the t‐test for parametric variables and Wilcoxon rank‐sum for nonparametric variables.

Results

A total of 952 surgical oncologists (IMGs: n = 102 [10.7%]) were included in the analytic cohort. The average risk score among beneficiaries treated by IMGs was higher than USMGs (1.70 [0.04] vs. 1.46 [0.02], p < 0.001) and IMGs also had a higher total number of unique codes (47.0 [IQR: 36.0–69.0] vs. 38.0 [IQR: 24.0–60.0], p < 0.05). IMG surgical oncologists had higher payment‐per‐service amounts ($236.56 [10.34] vs. $196.20 [$2.65]; p < 0.05), charge‐per‐service amounts ($1242.48 [$83.14] vs. $1014.89 [$26.13]; p < 0.05), and higher total submitted charges ($400,373.26 [$342,978.45] vs. $360,020.29 [$523,675.91]; p < 0.05). IMGs provided a higher percentage of procedural services (34.1% vs. 27.9%; p < 0.001) and treatment services (2.1% vs. 1.9%; p < 0.001) versus USMGs. Female surgical oncologists, particularly female IMGS, billed lower annual mean Medicare charges (female IMGS: $295,383 vs. male IMGs: $424,407 vs. female USMGs: $294,168 vs. male USMGs: $414,543; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

IMGs provided more procedural services, cared for patients with a higher average risk score, and performed a greater variety of procedures compared with USMGs. Consequently, IMGs had higher mean annual charges, payment‐per‐service, and charge‐per‐service amounts.
Fluoride Binding by a Neutral Organoantimony(V) Lewis Acid Embedded within a Dibenzodithiophene Chromophore
Authors: Christianson Anna M. , Kim Ahran , Murphy Brendan L. , Gabbaï François P.
Published: December 2024

Organoantimony Lewis acids have been coveted for their ability to bind hard anions like fluoride in competing media. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a phenyl dithienostibole (1) in which the antimony(III) center is embedded within a planar dibenzodithiophene chromophore. Compound 1 reacts with o‐chloranil to form the corresponding catecholatostiborane (2); it also reacts with tert‐butyl peroxide in the presence of perfluoropinacol to form the corresponding pinacolatostiborane (3). Compound 2 was investigated as a platform for anion binding. UV–vis titrations in CH2Cl2 afforded an association constant greater than 107 M−1 pointing to the high fluoridophilicity of this new system. Density functional theory calculations highlight the role played by the σ*(Sb‐Cphenyl) orbital in imparting Lewis acidity to the antimony center of 2.
Menshutkin Complexes: Influence of Pnictogen, Halide, and Arene on Pn···πarene Interactions in [(PnX3)2{(2‐R‐C6H4)C2H4(2‐R‐C6H4)}]
Authors: Scholz Sebastian , Fritzsche Ana‐Maria , Rüffer Tobias , Krautscheid Harald , Korb Marcus , Lang Heinrich , Mehring Michael
Published: December 2024

More than 100 years ago, B. N. Menshutkin systematically studied phase diagrams of antimony(III) halides with aromatic hydrocarbons for the first time, leading to the discovery of what is known today as Menshutkin complexes. As an extension to the wide variety of these Pn···πarene type complexes, which have been nicely reviewed by Schmidbaur and Schier in 2008, a series of isomorphous compounds with diphenylethane derivatives as organic linkers in supramolecular networks are reported. By setting up a library of complexes consisting of PnX3 (Pn = Sb, Bi; X = Cl, Br) and (2‐R‐C6H4)C2H4(2‐R‐C6H4) (R = Me, Br, NH2, NO2), the structures of five new Menshutkin complexes and six additionally isolated Sb···R donor–acceptor type complexes are compared. Lewis basic R‐groups favor the formation of donor–acceptor complexes whereas weaker ones lead to Pn···πarene complexes. The influence of the pnictogen atom (Pn), the halide (X), and the substituent (R) concerning Pn···πarene distances in the solid state of the isomorphous Menshutkin complexes is examined. The results are discussed in view of previous studies providing a deeper insight into the qualitative and quantitative nature of Pn···πarene interactions.
From Chemical Analysis to Analytical Chemistry in Germany, 1790–1862
Authors: Ramberg Peter J.
Published: December 2024

The phrase “chemical analysis” has historically had two meanings: first, the long-standing, traditional definition of decomposing substances into their simpler, possibly ultimate, components and, second, the development of methods for identifying the proximate components contained in unknown mixtures and materials. The second meaning straddles the elusive border between theoretical and applied chemistry and has been present since antiquity. However, by the mid-nineteenth century, this second meaning of “chemical analysis” had become established as a new area of chemistry called “analytical chemistry.” Based on searches of key phrases using Google Ngrams and within digital texts, this essay traces the appearance of key concepts in analytical chemistry in German textbooks between the late eighteenth century and the appearance of Karl Fresenius’ Zeitschrift für analytische Chemie in 1862. It argues that analytical chemistry had become a subdiscipline by the middle of the nineteenth century and has the characteristics of a second-order activity, characterized by its focus on devising trustworthy and reliable techniques for the identification of unknown substances.
The Dark Side of Sunthesis? Fraud and Substitution in Graeco-Roman Pharmacology
Authors: Totelin Laurence
Published: December 2024

This paper examines one specific aspect of the compounding—sunthesis in Greek—of remedies in ancient pharmacy, namely the substitution of one or several of the ingredients stipulated in the original recipe. This aspect has both positive and negative facets. The positive is the art of substitution, which should theoretically rely on sufficient knowledge of the powers of ingredients to replace like for like. The negative facet is the implication of the potential for fraud or adulteration, which led to the development of tests to determine the authenticity of a given preparation or its ingredients. The paper examines the boundary between substitution and fraud and assesses the roles that these two phenomena played in the development of ancient pharmacy.
Chymistry Goes Further: Sensible Principiata and Things Themselves Over the Longue Durée
Authors: Klein Joel A.
Published: December 2024

This paper historicizes a constellation of interrelated ideas regarding the chymical principles as they developed and became resilient fixtures within a major chymical tradition. Focusing primarily on German chymists, several of whom have eluded sustained historical interest, it explores how experimental analysis was generally thought to produce sensible chymical principles, often conceived as principiata: bodies produced by combining or mixing fundamental elements or principles. These principiata allowed for the establishment of hierarchies of increasingly complex compounds and helped to define the most fundamental components of matter. Chymists’ ability to separate tangible substances that were believed to be fundamental was considered so central to the chymical enterprise that it came to define or delimit chymistry itself and was often used to attack groups perceived as overly speculative or less empirical. This chymical tradition, which included Paracelsus as well as figures such as Andreas Libavius, Daniel Sennert, and Georg Ernst Stahl, significantly influenced later chemistry. Its approach to hierarchies of combinatorial principles was integral to the concept of chemical compounds and the delineation of chemistry as an autonomous discipline.
Philosophical Methods of Analysis and Synthesis from Medieval Scholasticism to Descartes and Hobbes
Authors: Hattab Helen
Published: December 2024

Drawing on scholarship that traces the medieval appropriation of ancient methods of analysis and synthesis, I demonstrate that the intermingling of differing senses of analysis and synthesis, resolution, and composition predates the early moderns. Section 5.1 maps out five distinct ancient senses of resolution and composition and illustrates that several are conflated in the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, whose philosophy witnessed a resurgence with the rise of the Jesuit order in the sixteenth century. Section 5.2 examines how earlier methods of analysis and synthesis were taken up and developed by scholastic logicians influential in Descartes’ and Hobbes’ contexts. Sections 5.3 and 5.4 clarify Descartes’ and Hobbes’ claims about philosophical analysis and synthesis in light of this background. I demonstrate that the incoherencies generated by linking their philosophical methods solely to Zabarella’s regressus may be resolved by reinterpreting these claims in their wider context. The question as to whether/how their own and prior philosophical methods of analysis and synthesis shape the methodical procedures that Descartes and Hobbes employ to tackle scientific problems is shelved, but the philosophical texts examined indicate that they need not be directly connected.
Segen Interaktiv: die Interdisziplinäre Entwicklung Eines Außerschulischen Lernortes zu Interreligiösen Segensräumen
Authors: Nord Ilona , Wolf Sara , Luthe Simon , Hurtienne Jörn , Schleier Leon
Published: December 2024

Religionskulturen nehmen zunehmend Designformate von Digital Religion an. Dabei zeigt sich als religionspädagogisch nahezu unerforscht die didaktisch reflektierte User Experience und das Design von digitalen Lehr- und Lernszenarien. AP6 geht aus der Perspektive der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit von Human–Computer Interaction und Ev. Religionspädagogik davon aus, dass Religionen und mit ihnen Glaubenspraxen am gesellschaftlichen Wandel zu einer Kultur der Digitalität teilhaben. Es wird auf vorangehende Studien aufgebaut, die zeigen, dass die Erwartung von Lehrpersonen, guten Unterricht mit digitalen Medien gestalten zu können, von positiven Vorerfahrungen mit diesen abhängt. Das Projekt greift hierfür exemplarisch die innerhalb von digitalen Kommunikationen verbreitete religiöse Urgeste des Segens und Segnens auf. In einem iterativen Prozess entstanden interaktive Exponate, sogenannte Blessing Machines. Sie wurden entlang psychologischer Bedürfnisse mit dem Ziel gestaltet, für Schüler:innen und ihre Lehrpersonen religionserschließende Erfahrungen mit digitalem Lernen zu ermöglichen. 200 Personen testeten die dreizehn Blessing Machines (Schulklasse, Konfirmandengruppen) in the wild. Religionslehrpersonen wurden hierbei von der „Logistik“ des Einsatzes digitaler Medien im Unterricht entlastet. Der außerschulische Lernort erfüllte die wichtige Funktion, Schüler:innen und Lehrpersonen gelingende Erfahrungen mit Digital Religion zu ermöglichen. Die Gestaltung der Blessing Machines hat sich als wirksam herausgestellt, besonders Aspekte von Autonomie, Stimulation, Verbundenheit, Gemeinschaft und Provokation wurden positiv hervorgehoben.
Empathiesteuerung in Musikvideos
Authors: Haase Volker
Published: December 2024

Zu den wichtigen Themen in der Arbeit Bettina Bussmanns zählen, neben dem konsequenten Einbezug empirischer Wissenschaften in das Philosophieren im Allgemeinen, auch konkrete Fragestellungen zur Verbindung von Philosophie und Psychologie, die im österreichischen Schulwesen traditionell sehr eng ist. Eines ihrer Interessengebiete stellt in diesem Zusammenhang die Philosophie der Gefühle dar, wobei es ihr u. a. um das fachdidaktische Verständnis und um die Rolle von Empathie in persönlichkeitsbildenden Prozessen im Philosophie- und Ethikunterricht geht. Der nachfolgende Artikel setzt hier an und widmet sich dem Thema eines Philosophierens mit Musikvideos unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Empathiesteuerung bei den Zuschauenden im Zusammenspiel von Liedtexten und filmischen Darstellungsmitteln.
Die Beförderung intellektueller Autonomie und der angemessene Umgang mit wissenschaftlicher Expertise
Authors: Balg Dominik
Published: December 2024

Bettina Bussmann hat bereits in ihrer Dissertationsschrift mit Überlegungen zu Möglichkeiten der angemessenen Identifizierung wissenschaftlicher Expertise und deren Bedeutung für den Philosophie- und Ethikunterricht ein wichtiges Problemfeld für die philosophiedidaktische Forschung zu einem Zeitpunkt eröffnet, zu dem die entsprechende fachphilosophische Forschung noch in ihren Kinderschuhen steckte. Da dieses Problemfeld bis heute nichts an Relevanz eingebüßt hat und die erkenntnistheoretische Literatur zu diesem Thema in den letzten Jahren ein hohes Maß an Ausdifferenzierung erfahren hat, erscheint eine intensivere philosophiedidaktische Debatte dringend erforderlich. In diesem Beitrag arbeite ich anhand einer Rekonstruktion von Bussmanns Überlegungen und eines exemplarischen Abgleichs der diesen Überlegungen zugrundeliegenden fachphilosophischen Literatur mit aktuellen erkenntnistheoretischen Diskursen verschiedene Desiderate und Anknüpfungspunkte für eine solche Debatte heraus.
Philosophische Bildung als Aufklärung
Authors: Rohbeck Johannes
Published: December 2024

Im Zentrum der Philosophiedidaktik von Bettina Bussmann steht die Vermittlung von Philosophie, Lebenswelt und Wissenschaft. Um dieses Spannungsverhältnis zu verdeutlichen, entwirft Bussmann ein „Philosophiedidaktisches Dreieck“, an dessen Spitze die Philosophie steht (Bussmann 2014, 2015). Auf der einen Seite bezieht sich die Philosophie auf die Lebenswelt, deren Probleme sie reflektiert. Wichtig ist dabei, dass sich die Lebenswelt nicht auf das individuelle und subjektive Erleben der Menschen beschränkt, sondern jetzt die gesellschaftliche Dimension mit einschließt, zu der wesentlich der Umgang mit den Wissenschaften gehört.
Vaccine Recommendations and Epistemic Competence
Authors: Werndl Charlotte
Published: December 2024

In this contribution I will start in Sect. 2 by introducing epistemic competence. I will stress that like Bussmann, I regard it as fundamental that people in a democratic society possess epistemic competence and that it would be important to teach epistemic competence at school. In Sect. 3 I show that even for countries where the epidemiological situation is roughly the same or very similar such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland, there are often very different recommendations concerning vaccinations. In Sect. 4 I will identify and discuss five rational reasons that can alone or in combination lead to different vaccine recommendations. Finally, Sect. 5 will reflect on epistemic competence and vaccine recommendations. In particular, I will point out that different vaccine recommendations are an example where students can develop epistemic competence. Further, I will stress that different vaccine recommendations are an example where epistemic competence among the general population is desirable; if it is not present, this can lead to science scepticism and mistrust about science.
Effiziente Therapie des leichten Morbus Crohn und der leichten Colitis ulcerosa
Authors: Rogler Gerhard
Published: December 2024

Grundstein der Behandlung der leichten Colitis ulcerosa ist nach wie vor die perorale oder topische (rektale) Anwendung von 5‑Aminosalicylaten (5-ASA). Häufig werden bei der leichten Colitis ulcerosa 5‑ASA-Präparate nur peroral verabreicht. Dabei zeigen Studiendaten, dass bei der Proctitis ulcerosa und der linksseitigen Kolitis rektale 5‑ASA-Applikationen sogar wirksamer sind als die orale Verabreichung. In einem nächsten Schritt sollten steroidhaltige topische Therapien eingesetzt werden. Beim leichten Morbus Crohn kommen primär topische Steroide wie Budesonid zum Einsatz. Bei symptomfreien Patienten ist aber umstritten, ob eine Therapie notwendig ist. Es fehlt nach wie vor die Evidenz, die nachweisen würde, dass die aggressivere Behandlung (mit Immunsuppressiva, Biologika oder „small molecules“) bei diesen Patienten einen Vorteil für den Langzeitverlauf hat. In den meisten Leitlinien wird der Einsatz von 5‑ASA bei leichtem Morbus Crohn kritisch gesehen. Dennoch existiert eine gewisse Evidenz für eine ausreichend hoch dosierte Therapie mit 5‑ASA, wobei man sich der limitierten Wirksamkeit bewusst sein muss. Für den postoperativen Einsatz von 5‑ASA bei einem leichten Rezidiv gibt es dagegen klare Evidenz.
Bilateral septic acromioclavicular arthritis in a farm worker with high suspicion of zoonotic disease: a case report
Authors: Barlow K. A. , Gütler J.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

We report the case of a 54-year-old male with the rare entity of bilateral septic acromioclavicular (AC) arthritis with osteomyelitis of the lateral clavicle with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). The glenohumeral joint was affected as well. The patient was immunocompetent with no history of diabetes or intravenous drug abuse. There is a high possibility of a transmission from farm animals.

Material and methods

The case files including laboratory measurements, imaging and documentation were used to reassess the case and complete the case report. Regular clinical follow-up was done in our outpatient clinic. We compared our case with the literature and existing guidelines.

Results

We report this rare entity of bilateral septic AC arthritis to ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment in the future. In comparison to the existing guidelines, we followed similar treatment concepts. The outcome of our patient was satisfactory despite a pre-existing rotary cuff tear, which might need further treatment in the future.

Conclusion

This report of a rare case can help to understand this infectious disease in the future and help establish treatment guidelines. In farm workers, one should be highly suspicious of transmission through animals and establish a quick and effective treatment as we did in this case.
Impact of Hedgehog modulators on signaling pathways in primary murine and human hepatocytes in vitro: insights into liver metabolism
Authors: Ott Fritzi , Körner Christiane , Krohn Knut , Fischer Janett , Damm Georg , Seehofer Daniel , Berg Thomas , Matz-Soja Madlen
Published: December 2024

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is essential for maintaining homeostasis during embryogenesis and in adult tissues. In the liver, dysregulation of this pathway often leads to liver cancer development. Recent studies also suggest that disturbances in the Hh pathway can affect liver metabolism in healthy livers through interactions with other signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. As a result, the Hh pathway has emerged as a promising target for therapeutic intervention. However, little is known about the effects of Hh modulators on healthy hepatocytes. In our study, we investigated the effects of the Hh agonists SAG (300 nM) and triamcinolone acetonide (40 µM), as well as the antagonists RU-SKI 43 (100 nM), cyclopamine (5 µM), budesonide (25 µM), GANT61 (0.5 µM), and vismodegib (1 µM) on healthy mouse and human primary hepatocytes in vitro. We employed toxicological, transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional assays, including proliferation and Seahorse assays. Our results show that these compounds significantly impact metabolic pathways such as lipid and glucose metabolism at both transcriptional and protein levels. Mechanistically, our data suggest the involvement of both canonical and non-canonical Hedgehog pathways, a phenomenon not previously described in hepatocytes. These findings highlight the diverse effects of these compounds on signaling and key metabolic functions in the liver, which emphasizes the need to investigate the hepatic Hh cascade and its metabolic control in depth. As the compounds regulate different aspects of metabolism, they need to be carefully studied in appropriate model systems for specific therapeutic use.
On proper intersections on a singular analytic space
Authors: Andersson Mats , Samuelsson Kalm Håkan
Published: December 2024

Given a reduced analytic space Y we introduce a class of nice cycles, including all effective

$${\mathbb {Q}}$$

Q

-Cartier divisors. Equidimensional nice cycles that intersect properly allow for a natural intersection product. Using

$$\bar{\partial }$$

∂

¯

-potentials and residue calculus we provide an intrinsic way of defining this product. The intrinsic definition makes it possible to prove global formulas. In case Y is smooth all cycles are differences of nice cycles, and so we get a new way to define classical proper intersections.
Influence of CYP2C8*3 and ABCG2 C421A genetic polymorphisms on trough concentration and molecular response of imatinib in Egyptian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Mangoura Safwat A. , Abdel-Raheem Mahmoud H. , Eltyb Hanan A. , Molla Mohammed S. , Hussein Abeer M. R.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The treatment landscape for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has been revolutionized by the introduction of imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which has transformed the disease from a fatal condition into a manageable chronic illness for a substantial number of patients. Despite this, some individuals do not respond adequately to the treatment, and others may experience disease progression even with continued therapy. This study examined how CYP2C8*3 (G416A; rs11572080) and ABCG2 C421A (rs2231142) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect the plasma trough concentration and therapeutic response of imatinib in Egyptian CML patients.

Methods

The study included fifty patients with chronic-phase CML, who were categorized into two groups: responders (n = 26) and non-responders (n = 24), according to their BCR-ABL1 transcription levels after 12 months of imatinib treatment. Genotyping of the CYP2C8*3 and ABCG2 C421A polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), while plasma trough concentrations were determined through high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet-diode array detection (HPLC-UV/DAD).

Results

Patients with the CA genotype of ABCG2 C421A showed significantly higher mean plasma trough concentrations of imatinib (CA: 1731 ± 424.7 ng/mL; CC: 1294 ± 381.3 ng/mL; p = 0.0132) and demonstrated a better molecular response compared to those with the CC genotype (p = 0.0395).

Conclusion

The ABCG2 C421A polymorphism significantly influenced imatinib plasma trough concentrations and molecular responses in Egyptian chronic-phase CML patients. Genotyping of this polymorphism in these patients could assist in optimizing imatinib therapy, predicting more favorable treatment outcomes, and enabling the development of more personalized treatment plans.
Lower extremity lymphedema in patients with gynecologic cancer: Validation of the Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) in German language and investigation of lymphedema real-world treatment
Authors: Meyer Henrike , Hinz Andreas , Weisgerber Christiane , Pilny Adrian , Dornhöfer Nadja , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Aktas Bahriye , Wolf Benjamin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) is an established patient-reported outcome measure for lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) in gynecologic oncology. We aimed to validate the GCLQ in German language (GCLQ-GER) for lymphedema detection in German-speaking patients and also investigated real-world patterns of lymphedema treatment.

Methods

The GCLQ was translated from English into German in accordance with the standards of a professional translation process. Subsequently, the questionnaire was administered in a prospective observational study including 102 patients who had undergone lymph node dissection (LND) within gynecologic cancer surgery. Various test quality criteria were calculated for the GCLQ-GER. As gold standard of testing methods, patients were clinically evaluated for LEL, and limb volume measurements were taken. Further data for lymphedema treatment were collected in patients with lymphedema diagnosis.

Results

Patients with LEL had increased GCLQ-GER total scores (mean 7.27) compared to patients without LEL (mean 1.81), p < 0.001. High diagnostic accuracy was indicated by the large area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.874 (95% CI 0.802–0.946). Based on sensitivity and specificity values ≥ 79.0%, the GCLQ total score ≥ 4 was determined as the optimal cut-off value to identify LEL. Excellent internal consistency was demonstrated by Cronbach’s alpha of 0.876. The clinical examination revealed a LEL prevalence of 48.0% (n = 49), and 85.7% (n = 42) of these patients received treatment.

Conclusion

The GCLQ-GER is a valid and feasible patient-reported outcome measure for lymphedema detection in German-speaking gynecologic cancer survivors. Its clinical introduction could improve secondary prevention of lymphedema and real-world treatment.
Enhancing waste sorting and recycling efficiency: robust deep learning-based approach for classification and detection
Authors: Sayem Faizul Rakib , Islam Md. Sakib Bin , Naznine Mansura , Nashbat Mohammad , Hasan-Zia Mazhar , Kunju Ali K Ansaruddin , Khandakar Amith , Ashraf Azad , Majid Molla Ehsanul , Kashem Saad Bin Abul , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H.
Published: December 2024

Given the severity of waste pollution as a major environmental concern, intelligent and sustainable waste management is becoming increasingly crucial in both developed and developing countries. The material composition and volume of urban solid waste are key considerations in processing, managing, and utilizing city waste. Deep learning technologies have emerged as viable solutions to address waste management issues by reducing labor costs and automating complex tasks. However, the limited number of trash image categories and the inadequacy of existing datasets have constrained the proper evaluation of machine learning model performance across a large number of waste classes. In this paper, we present robust waste image classification and object detection studies using deep learning models, utilizing 28 distinct recyclable categories of waste images comprising a total of 10,406 images. For the waste classification task, we proposed a novel dual-stream network that outperformed several state-of-the-art models, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 83.11%. Additionally, we introduced the GELAN-E (generalized efficient layer aggregation network) model for waste object detection tasks, obtaining a mean average precision (mAP50) of 63%, surpassing other state-of-the-art detection models. These advancements demonstrate significant progress in the field of intelligent waste management, paving the way for more efficient and effective solutions.
SWOOP: top-k similarity joins over set streams
Authors: Mann Willi , Augsten Nikolaus , Jensen Christian S. , Pawlik Mateusz
Published: December 2024

We provide efficient support for applications that aim to continuously find pairs of similar sets in rapid streams, such as Twitter streams that emit tweets as sets of words. Using a sliding window model, the top-k result changes as new sets enter the window or existing ones leave the window. Specifically, when a set arrives, it may form a new top-k result pair with any set already in the window. When a set leaves the window, all its pairings in the top-k result must be replaced with other pairs. It is therefore not sufficient to maintain the k most similar pairs since less similar pairs may become top-k pairs later. We propose SWOOP, a highly scalable stream join algorithm. Novel indexing techniques and sophisticated filters efficiently prune obsolete pairs as new sets enter the window. SWOOP incrementally maintains a provably minimal stock of similar pairs to update the top-k result at any time. Empirical studies confirm that SWOOP is able to support stream rates that are orders of magnitude faster than the rates supported by existing approaches.
Towards LES of Liquid Jet Atomization Using an Eulerian-Lagrangian Multiscale Approach
Authors: Trautner Elias , Hasslberger Josef , Klein Markus
Published: December 2024

This study is concerned with Large Eddy Simulation of liquid jet atomization using a two-way coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian multiscale approach. The proposed framework combines Volume-of-Fluid interface capturing with Lagrangian Particle Tracking. The former is used to compute the core jet and large liquid elements in the near-nozzle region, whereas the latter is used to track the large number of small droplets in the dilute downstream region of the spray. The convective and surface tension sub-grid scale terms arising in the context of two-phase flow LES are closed using suitable models, and secondary atomization is considered by employing a modified version of the Taylor Analogy Breakup model. The introduced framework is used to simulate an oil-in-air atomization as well as the Diesel-like Spray A test case of the Engine Combustion Network. Compared to previous studies based on Eulerian-Lagrangian methods, the present work stands out for the high-fidelity numerical approach, the complex test cases and the detailed comparison of the results to experimental data, which indicates a promising performance.
The Distorting Influence of Primacy Effects on Reporting Cognitive Load in Learning Materials of Varying Complexity
Authors: Krieglstein Felix , Beege Maik , Wesenberg Lukas , Rey Günter Daniel , Schneider Sascha
Published: December 2024

In research practice, it is common to measure cognitive load after learning using self-report scales. This approach can be considered risky because it is unclear on what basis learners assess cognitive load, particularly when the learning material contains varying levels of complexity. This raises questions that have yet to be answered by educational psychology research: Does measuring cognitive load during and after learning lead to comparable assessments of cognitive load depending on the sequence of complexity? Do learners rely on their first or last impression of complexity of a learning material when reporting the cognitive load of the entire learning material after learning? To address these issues, three learning units were created, differing in terms of intrinsic cognitive load (low, medium, or high complexity) as verified by a pre-study (N = 67). In the main-study (N = 100), the three learning units were studied in two sequences (increasing vs. decreasing complexity) and learners were asked to report cognitive load after each learning unit and after learning as an overall assessment. The results demonstrated that the first impression of complexity is the most accurate predictor of the overall cognitive load associated with the learning material, indicating a primacy effect. This finding contrasts with previous studies on problem-solving tasks, which have identified the most complex task as the primary determinant of the overall assessment. This study suggests that, during learning, the assessment of the overall cognitive load is influenced primarily by the timing of measurement.
Harnessing Soft Information to Promote Financial Inclusion: The Case of Business Lending by a Native CDFI
Authors: Dimitrova-Grajzl Valentina , Grajzl Peter , Vogel Lakota , Wheeler Laurel
Published: December 2024

Native Community Development Financial Institutions (NCDFIs) promote financial inclusion in financially underserved Native communities by adopting innovative lending strategies, including designing their own soft-information-based measures of borrower risk. Drawing on business loan data from one prominent NCDFI, a nonprofit loan fund, we examine to what extent the NCDFI-generated borrower risk measures help explain the NCDFI's loan performance and pricing above and beyond the effect of the credit score, a conventional credit-bureau-produced, hard-information-based metric. All else equal, both loan delinquency hazard and loan interest rate are robustly predicted by one of the NCDFI's two proprietary soft-information-based measures, the character score, but do not vary with the other one, commitment to business score. The credit score is an important determinant of loan delinquency hazard but, all else equal, does not exhibit a detectable relationship with the loan interest rate. We do not find evidence of noteworthy interactions among the three NCDFI-used borrower risk measures. Our study offers evidence in support of the unique underwriting practices and relationship-based lending operations that characterize the NCDFI industry.
Agenda Formation and Prediction of Voting Tendencies for European Parliament Election using Textual, Social and Network Features
Authors: Shahi Gautam Kishore , Basyurt Ali Sercan , Stieglitz Stefan , Neuberger Christoph
Published: December 2024

As per agenda-setting theory, political agenda is concerned with the government’s agenda, including politicians and political parties. Political actors utilize various channels to set their political agenda, including social media platforms such as Twitter (now X). Political agenda-setting can be influenced by anonymous user-generated content following the Bright Internet. This is why speech acts, experts, users with affiliations and parties through annotated Tweets were analyzed in this study. In doing so, the agenda formation during the 2019 European Parliament Election in Germany based on the agenda-setting theory as our theoretical framework, was analyzed. A prediction model was trained to predict users’ voting tendencies based on three feature categories: social, network, and text. By combining features from all categories logistical regression leads to the best predictions matching the election results. The contribution to theory is an approach to identify agenda formation based on our novel variables. For practice, a novel approach is presented to forecast the winner of events.
Parental Burnout in Israeli Parents of Children with ASD During Wartime: The Role of Child Behavior, Parental Emotion Regulation, Stress, and Social Support
Authors: Aviad Shani , Shnitzer-Meirovich Shlomit , Gur Ayelet
Published: December 2024

During emergencies like wartime, parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face heightened challenges, potentially leading to Parental Burnout (PB). Wartime conditions can exacerbate children’s behavioral difficulties, contributing to PB. Protective factors such as successful Emotional Regulation (ER) and perceived social support may mitigate PB. This study aims to compare child behavioral problems, parental ER difficulties, perceived social support, stress, and PB between parents of children with ASD and Typical Development (TD) during wartime. It also investigates how ER difficulties, perceived social support, and stress moderate the relationship between child behavioral problems and PB. The study included 213 Israeli parents: 101 parents of children diagnosed with ASD and 112 parents of TD children. Participants were recruited during the “Swords of Iron” War using purposive sampling via online platforms. Findings indicate that children with ASD exhibited higher levels of behavioral problems, and their parents experienced increased difficulties in ER, stress, and PB, alongside decreased perceived social support compared to parents of TD children. Moderation analysis revealed that ER difficulties, perceived social support, and stress moderated the direct association between child behavioral problems and PB specifically among parents of TD children. This study underscores the heightened vulnerability of parents with ASD-diagnosed children during wartime, emphasizing the importance of understanding how these circumstances impact parental well-being and available resources. Effective interventions should target enhancing ER, social support, and addressing parental stress, PB, and child behavioral issues, underscoring the need for prioritized services despite wartime challenges.
ETiSeg-Net: edge-aware self attention to enhance tissue segmentation in histopathological images
Authors: R Rashmi , S Girisha
Published: December 2024

Digital pathology employing Whole Slide Images (WSIs) plays a pivotal role in cancer detection. Nevertheless, the manual examination of WSIs for the identification of various tissue regions presents formidable challenges due to its labor-intensive nature and subjective interpretation. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based semantic segmentation algorithms have emerged as valuable tools for assisting in this task by automating ROI delineation. The incorporation of attention modules and carefully designed loss functions has shown promise in further augmenting the performance of these algorithms. However, there exists a notable gap in research regarding the utilization of attention modules specifically for tissue segmentation, thereby constraining our comprehension and application of these modules in this context. This study introduces ETiSeg-Net (Edge-aware self attention to enhance Tissue Segmentation), a CNN-based semantic segmentation model that uses a novel edge-based attention module to achieve effective delineation of class boundaries. In addition, an innovative iterative training strategy is devised to efficiently optimize the model parameters. The study also conducts a comprehensive investigation into the impact of attention modules and loss functions on the efficacy of semantic segmentation models. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of these semantic segmentation models are conducted using publicly available datasets. The findings underscore the potential of attention modules in enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of tissue semantic segmentation.