bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial and antioxidant functionalization of cellulosic fabric via mushroom and neem oil treatment: A step toward sustainable textiles
Authors: Saha Joykrisna , Ara Most. Refat , Pranta Arnob Dhar , Hossain Md. Shebbir
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, the demand for protective clothing for specific activities has been fueled by consumer's attitudes toward hygiene and their active lifestyles. The aim of the present work is focused on creating protective textiles that are safe for the environment. This study uses mushroom–neem oil and neem oil to test their antioxidant properties to make cotton fabric that resists bacterial growth. Pad dry cure is used to create antimicrobial fabric with mushroom–neem oil and neem oil with citric acid (1%) as a cross‐linking agent. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and antioxidant activity by DPPH assay were assessed by applying mushroom–neem oil and neem oil separately to cotton knitted fabric at 120, 130, 140, and 150°C. FTIR and EDS were used to study the incorporation of mushroom–neem oil and neem oil on cotton fabric surfaces. Both the treated and untreated fabric surface morphology were examined using scanning electron microscopy. An increase in curing temperature was found to change the comfort characteristics of the treated fabric. The analysis also found that antimicrobials reduced thermal conductivity. Most importantly, increasing the curing temperature improved all comfort properties. Notably, fabric treated with mushroom neem oil is more comfortable than fabric treated with neem oil.

Highlights

Cotton fabrics with mushroom–neem and neem oil showed antibacterial activity.

Neem oil‐treated fabrics had better antioxidant properties than mushroom–neem oil.

Higher curing temperatures reduced thermal conductivity and improved comfort.

Mushroom–neem oil samples have superior physical properties.

Bioactive material treatments can reduce chemical and environmental impact.
X‐ray spectroscopy and quantification of an AlCuLi quasi‐crystal: A step forward for combination of reflection zone plate and crystal spectrometers
Authors: Hassebi Khalil , Rividi Nicolas , Boudouma Omar , Fialin Michel , Le Guen Karine , Jonnard Philippe
Published: August 2024

We present the analysis of an AlCuLi quasi‐crystal on an electron probe microanalyser equipped with spectrometers working both in the soft and ultra‐soft x‐ray ranges. This original combination enables obtaining the Li Kα and Al L2,3 emissions with a reflection plate spectrometer and the Al Kβ and Cu Lα emissions with a curved‐crystal spectrometer. All these emissions are emission bands, sensitive to the chemical state of the emitting element. From the observation of the valence band shapes, it is confirmed that the electronic structure of the quasi‐crystal is quite different from that of the corresponding pure metals. From the measured intensities, quantification is performed using the PAP model. The weight fractions calculated from the ultra‐soft x‐ray emission intensities are very dependent on the chosen database of mass attenuation coefficients. Comparison with fractions calculated with small uncertainty in the soft x‐ray range enables choosing which databases are the most relevant for the ultra‐soft x‐ray range. Both quantifications performed from ultra‐soft and soft x‐ray emissions are compatible, leading to the Al60Cu24Li16 weight concentration of the quasi‐crystal.
Bürgergeld und Grundeinkommen – Der weite Weg der Bürgergeldreform
Authors: Opielka Michael , Strengmann-Kuhn Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Die Autoren diskutieren die Reform der Grundsicherung in Richtung eines „Bürgergeldes“ im Koalitionsvertrag der „Ampel“- Koalition auf Bundesebene vor dem Hintergrund grundsätzlicher Überlegungen zur Zukunft des Sozialstaates, unter anderem aus dem „Zukunftslabor Schleswig-Holstein“. Sie sehen die Bürgergeldreform als inkrementellen Schritt auf dem
Weg zum Grundeinkommen und diskutieren ihre These entlang von vier Themen: a) der Frage der Höhe des Grundeinkommens, b) das Problem der Anrechnung anderer Einkommen, c) das Verhältnis zu Grundrente und Bürgerversicherung und d) zur Kindergrundsicherung. In einem zweiten Schritt wird erörtert, wie und inwieweit das Bürgergeld gezielt in Richtung eines Grundeinkommens entwickelt werden kann.
Die Nichtinanspruchnahme von Grundsicherung als Bewältigungsstrategie
Authors: Sielaff Mareike , Wilke Felix
Published: August 2024

Grundsicherungsleistungen sollen ein menschenwürdiges Existenzminimum sicherstellen﻿ und gesellschaftliche Teilhabe ermöglichen. Doch viele Anspruchsberechtigte verzichten auf ihre Leistungen. Der Beitrag untersucht das Phänomen der Nichtinanspruchnahme von Grundsicherungsleistungen und fragt nach den Implikationen der Bürgergeld-Reform. Mithilfe eines qualitativen Studiendesigns wird die Perspektive der Verzichtenden rekonstruiert und aufgezeigt, dass es verschiedene Strategien gibt, um ohne Grundsicherungsleistungen den Alltag zu bewältigen. Das Ziel ist es, die subjektiven Deutungen und alltagsweltlichen Logiken hinter der Nichtinanspruchnahme von Grundsicherungsleistungen zu verstehen. Aus den im Jahr 2022 geführten episodischen Interviews im Raum Thüringen wurden vier Idealtypen der Nichtinanspruchnahme entwickelt. Im Ergebnis lässt sich die Nichtinanspruchnahme als Möglichkeit der Bewahrung von Vorläufigkeit, der Abkehr von Normalitätsvorstellungen im Zusammenhang mit Autonomiebestrebungen, der Entlastung von bürokratischen Hürden und der Abgrenzung von einem stigmatisierendem System rekonstruieren. Die subjektzentrierte Perspektive lässt vermuten, dass die Neuerungen des Bürgergeldes nur wenig am Inanspruchnahmeverhalten ändern.
Antenna subtraction for processes with identified particles at hadron colliders
Authors: Bonino Leonardo , Gehrmann Thomas , Marcoli Matteo , Schürmann Robin , Stagnitto Giovanni
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Collider processes with identified hadrons in the final state are widely studied in view of determining details of the proton structure and of understanding hadronization. Their theory description requires the introduction of fragmentation functions, which parametrise the transition of a produced parton into the identified hadron. To compute higher-order perturbative corrections to these processes requires a subtraction method for infrared singular configurations. We extend the antenna subtraction method to hadron fragmentation processes in hadronic collisions up to next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in QCD by computing the required fragmentation antenna functions in initial-final kinematics. The integrated antenna functions retain their dependence on the momentum fractions of the incoming and fragmenting partons.
Rational Singularities for Moment Maps of Totally Negative Quivers
Authors: Vernet Tanguy
Published: August 2024

We prove that the zero-fiber of the moment map of a totally negative quiver has rational singularities. Our proof consists in generalizing dimension bounds on jet spaces of this fiber, which were introduced by Budur. We also transfer the rational singularities property to other moduli spaces of objects in 2-Calabi-Yau categories, based on recent work of Davison. This has interesting arithmetic applications on quiver moment maps and moduli spaces of objects in 2-Calabi-Yau categories. First, we generalize results of Wyss on the asymptotic behaviour of counts of jets of quiver moment maps over finite fields. Moreover, we interpret the limit of counts of jets on a given moduli space as its p-adic volume under a canonical measure analogous to the measure built by Carocci, Orecchia and Wyss on certain moduli spaces of coherent sheaves.
Change in incidents of suicidal acts after intervention on a bridge in South Korea
Authors: Shin Sangsoo , Pirkis Jane , Spittal Matthew J. , Too Lay San , Clapperton Angela
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To investigate whether two novel interventions on a bridge – a Video Incident Detection System (VIDS) and spinning bar barriers – have an impact on suicidal behaviour on the bridge.

Methods

A total of 146 suicidal acts were retrieved for analyses; 108 interventions before suicidal acts, 35 suicide deaths and 3 suicide attempts. Incident rate ratios (IRR) were calculated to estimate the change in incident rate associated with implementation of the two interventions: VIDS and the spinning bar 2-metre high barrier.

Results

The results of the Poisson regression showed that the rate of suicide deaths, after installation the VIDS, did not change significantly (IRR: 1.23, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 0.59–2.56), although the rate of intervened suicidal acts increased (IRR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.65–3.47). The results showed that subsequent spinning bar installation resulted in a decrease in the incident rate of intervened suicidal acts (IRR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.25–0.57) as well as suicide deaths (IRR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07–0.71). Comparison of the period when both interventions were in place with the period with no interventions indicated a reduction in suicide deaths (IRR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10–0.82), but no change in intervened suicidal acts (IRR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.59–1.38).

Conclusion

The rate of suicide death decreased after the installation of the spinning bar barrier but not after the implementation of VIDS alone. Our findings reinforce that restricting access to means is a highly effective way of preventing suicide on bridges and that spinning bars may be a helpful way to design barriers.
Additive manufacturing of polymeric pressure die for rotary draw bending process
Authors: Kaleem Muhammad Ali , Steinheimer Rainer , Frohn-Sörensen Peter , Gabsa Steffen , Engel Bernd
Published: August 2024

3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) possesses enormous potential to benefit the manufacturing industry. Presently, rotary draw bending (RDB) is one of the most commonly used cold-forming industrial process for bending metal tubes. Pressure die is a fundamental forming tool in RDB processes, and it is conventionally made by various grades of comparatively expensive alloy steels. This research presents a novel design of a pressure die which can be 3D printed by using inexpensive polymeric filaments. In this research paper, the 3D-printed pressure die is named as “FFF-pressure die.” The material used to fabricate the FFF-pressure die is a thermoplastic polymer known as “ecoPLA.” The mechanical properties of ecoPLA are studied in relation to the process conditions of a RDB process. Firstly, an initial feasibility of using the FFF-pressure die in a RDB process is obtained by conducting a quick static stress analysis with actual process conditions. After initial feasibility, a complete RDB process is developed and simulated with actual process conditions and material properties. The FFF-pressure die is then practically fabricated by FFF 3D printer and experimentally tested on an industrial RDB machine. The results of practical experiments are compared with the simulation results. In order to make a comparison of the FFF-pressure die with the conventional metal pressure die, the simulation and practical process is also conducted with the conventional metal pressure die. A performance and cost comparison is made between the polymeric FFF-pressure die and the conventional metal pressure die. Von Mises stresses, contact forces, failure risk, and elastic deformations are analyzed. The advantages and limitations of using the FFF-pressure die in a RDB process are discussed in the end. This research intends to widen the avenue of using cost-effective and lightweight forming tools in metal forming industries.
Radiological assessment of the dissection area in supraomohyoid neck dissection
Authors: Takeshita Yohei , Iwanaga Joe , Ohyama Yoshio , Ibaragi Soichiro , Matsushita Yuki , Tubbs R. Shane , Kitagawa Norio , Kawazu Toshiyuki , Hisatomi Miki , Okada Shunsuke , Fujikura Mamiko , Asaumi Junichi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The current supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) is performed above the omohyoid muscle to dissect levels I, II, and III in the levels of cervical lymph nodes. However, the anatomical boundary between levels III and IV is the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage. We investigated the anatomical relationship between the omohyoid muscle and cricoid cartilage using contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) images to assess the validity of the current SOHND.

Methods

CE-CT images of the head and neck regions in patients were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: “malignant tumors” and “others”. The vertebral levels corresponding to the positions of anatomical structures such as the intersection of the omohyoid muscle and internal jugular vein (OM-IJ), and the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage (CC), were recorded.

Results

The OM-IJ was located around the seventh cervical to the first thoracic vertebra. There was a significant difference between the malignant tumor and others groups in females (p = 0.036). The CC was located around the sixth to seventh cervical vertebrae. There was a significant sex difference in each group (malignant tumor: p < 0.0001; others: p = 0.008). Both sexes tended to have lower OM-IJ than CC, and females had significantly lower OM-IJ than males.

Conclusion

This study provides clear anatomical evidence showing the difference between the SOHND dissection area and levels I, II, and III. It could be considered that in most cases SOHND invades level IV, not just levels I, II, and III, especially in female patients.
An MRI-based study of the insula in a South African population
Authors: Govender C. R. , Bisetty V. , Naidoo N. , Moodley I. G. , Lazarus L.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The insula, a cortical structure buried deep within the sylvian fissure, has long posed a surgical challenge. Comprehensive knowledge of the insular anatomy is therefore integral to preoperative planning and safe interventional procedures. Since magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a favoured modality for the identification of cerebral structures, this study aimed to investigate the morphology and morphometry of the insula in a South African population, using MRI scans.

Methods

One-hundred MRI studies of insulae (n = 200 hemispheres) were retrospectively analysed for morphological features and morphometric parameters.

Results

The insulae were predominantly trapezoidal in shape (Laterality: Left: 82%; Right: 78%; Sex: Male: 84%, Female: 76%). The central insular sulcus was almost always “well seen” (Laterality: Left: 97%; Right: 99%; Sex: Male: 99%, Female: 97%). The middle short insular gyrus (MSG) was most variable in visibility, especially when compared across the sexes (p = 0.004). Insular gyri widths were comparable in both cerebral hemispheres; the posterior long gyrus (PLG) presented with the smallest mean widths. Anterior lobule (AL) widths were larger than those of the posterior lobule (PL). Widths of the insular gyri and lobules were generally larger in males than in females. The MSG and PLG widths in the left hemisphere, AL width in the right hemisphere, and the PL width in both hemispheres were significantly larger in males than in females (p = 0.001; p = 0.005; p = 0.041; p = 0.001, p = 0.015, respectively).

Conclusion

MRI scans may be used to accurately interpret insular anatomy. The data obtained may aid neurosurgeons to perform safe insula-related surgical procedures.
Enukleationen und Eviszerationen sowie die Verwendung von Orbitaimplantaten in deutschen Augenkliniken
Authors: Schuh Anna , Pensel Nicolas , Priglinger Siegfried , Hintschich Christoph
Published: August 2024

Hintergrund

Auswertung der deutschlandweit durchgeführten Enukleationen und Eviszerationen sowie der zur primären Rekonstruktion verwendeten Orbitaimplantate.

Methodik

Es wurden die vom Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss (G-BA) zur Verfügung gestellten Qualitätsberichte deutscher Augenkliniken für die Jahre 2012 bis 2021 analysiert.

Ergebnisse

In Deutschland werden nahezu 10-mal so viele Enukleationen (8368) wie Eviszerationen (975) durchgeführt. Zur primären Rekonstruktion nach Enukleation werden am häufigsten alloplastische Orbitaimplantate verwendet (44,6 %: alloplastisch, nicht näher spezifiziert; 30,0 %: alloplastisch, nicht näher spezifiziert, ummantelt; 14,1 %: mikroporöse Implantate); autologes Gewebe in Form von Dermis-Fett-Transplantaten in 6,1 % der Fälle.

In Deutschland werden deutlich mehr Enukleationen als Eviszerationen durchgeführt. Zur primären Rekonstruktion nach Enukleation werden alloplastische Orbitaimplantate bevorzugt.
Unbiased sequence analysis of vgsc gene reveals circulation of novel and known knock-down resistance mutations in Culex pipiens, challenging vector control measures
Authors: Pichler Verena , Itokawa Kentaro , Caputo Beniamino , De Marco Carlo Maria , Serini Paola , Bellini Romeo , Veronesi Rodolfo , De Liberato Claudio , Romiti Federico , Arnoldi Daniele , Rizzoli Annapaola , Lia Riccardo Paolo , Otranto Domenico , Michaelakis Antonios , Bisia Marina , Minakawa Noboru , Kasai Shinji , della Torre Alessandra
Published: August 2024

Pyrethroids, targeting the voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC), are fundamental for the control of arboviral disease circulation. The spread of pyrethroid resistance among vector species represents thus a major public health concern. Culex pipiens is one of the most abundant European mosquito species and main vector of West Nile virus, leading cause of arboviral encephalitis worldwide. Despite this, monitoring of its resistance status and the understanding of underlying mechanisms are widely neglected. Herein, we performed an oligo-hybridization capture approach on 82 Cx. pipiens specimens from Italy and Greece to investigate the whole coding sequence of the vgsc gene for the presence of known and potential knock-down resistance (kdr) mutations associated with target-site resistance to pyrethroids in insects. Among the 26 non-synonymous substitutions revealed by the analysis, the super-kdr haplotype—i.e. the association of kdr-alleles 918T and 1014F, known for conferring a strongly enhanced resistance phenotype in Musca domestica – was revealed for the first time in mosquitoes. Three more potential kdr alleles were detected for the first time in Cx. pipiens and multiple kdr variants were observed for locus 1014, with allele 1014F, reaching frequencies  > 80%. Overall, results depict a worrisome situation that could affect the ability to control West Nile virus outbreaks in southern Europe. To avoid this, resistance monitoring needs to be intensified and an enhancement of the diagnostic tool box for the easy detection of different kdr-variants (including in particular the super-kdr haplotype) and for subsequent functional studies on the resistance phenotype of detected variants, is required.
Endoscopic program with a scoring system for surveillance of metachronous esophageal cell carcinoma for older patients considering risk factors after endoscopic resection
Authors: Naito Sakiko , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Shinohara Hirokazu , Kagawa Yasuyuki , Madarame Akira , Koyama Yohei , Yamaguchi Hayato , Yamauchi Yoshiya , Itoi Takao
Published: August 2024

Background

This study evaluated the association between the risk factors and prognosis for metachronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after endoscopic resection (ER) of esophageal cancer in older patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of 127 patients with ESCC who underwent ER from 2015 to 2020. Patients were classified as non-older (≤ 64 years), early older (65–74 years), and late older (≥ 75 years). We analyzed factors associated with poor overall survival and metachronous ESCC after ER using multivariate Cox regression analysis. A metachronous ESCC prediction scoring system was examined to validate the surveillance endoscopy program.

Results

Body mass index (BMI) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were significant risk factors for poor overall survival in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.050 and p = 0.037, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that age of < 64 years, Lugol-voiding lesions (grade B/C), and head and neck cancer were significantly related to metachronous ESCC (p = 0.035, p = 0.035, and p = 0.014, respectively). In the development cohort, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, CCI > 2, age < 64 years, Lugol-voiding lesions (grade B/C), and head and neck cancer were significantly related to metachronous ESCC, and each case was assigned 1 point. Patients were classified into low (0, 1, and 2) and high (> 3) score groups based on total scores. According to Kaplan–Meier curves, the 3-year overall survival was significantly lower in the high-score group than in the low-score group (91.5% vs. 100%, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

We proposed an endoscopic surveillance scoring system for metachronous ESCC considering BMI and CCI in older patients.
Potential biological control agents of Geosmithia morbida restrict fungal pathogen growth via mycoparasitism and antibiosis
Authors: Onufrak Aaron J. , Gazis Romina , Gwinn Kimberly , Klingeman William , Khodaei Sima , Perez Oñate Luis I. , Finnell Autumn , Givens Spencer , Chen Cristine , Holdridge David R. , Hadziabdic Denita
Published: August 2024

Thousand cankers disease of Juglans (walnut) and Pterocarya (wingnut) spp. (Fagales: Juglandaceae) is caused by the fungal pathogen Geosmithia morbida Kolarík, Freeland, Utley, and Tisserat (Hypocreales: Bionectriaceae) and bark beetle pest/vector, Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). To further the development of biological management strategies for thousand cankers disease, we assessed the ability of 14 endophytic Trichoderma (Hypocreales: Hypocreaceae) isolates and the commercially available isolate T. afroharzianum strain KRL-AG2 to inhibit the in vitro growth of three different G. morbida isolates via mycoparasitism and antibiosis. To identify factors that may affect field success of candidate biological control agents, we quantified the growth responses of Trichoderma spp. and the commercially available entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) strain GHA, to the plant secondary metabolite and antimicrobial compound, juglone in vitro. A total of 12 Trichoderma isolates (from six different Trichoderma species) demonstrated antagonistic activity towards G. morbida in dual-plate assays. Juglone consistently reduced the growth of B. bassiana strain GHA and 14 of the 15 screened Trichoderma isolates in vitro. Additionally, one metabolite-producing Trichoderma isolate, TN4-47, completely inhibited the growth of all three G. morbida isolates across all tested metabolite concentrations and had comparatively greater tolerance to juglone compared to other Trichoderma isolates. Future lines of research should focus on characterizing the active antagonistic compound present in the metabolite filtrates, determine the mode of action of the active component(s), and elucidate how abiotic and biotic factors may influence the growth, persistence, and antagonistic activity of candidate biological control agents in planta.
Behaviourally mediated camouflage in the furrowed crab (Xantho Hydrophilus)
Authors: Dyer Emilia , Stevens Martin
Published: August 2024

Camouflage is a classic adaptation used to conceal an individual and avoid detection or recognition by both predator and prey. Research on camouflage spans both artificial systems and real animals, often focussing on the types of camouflage that exist and how they work. It has long been known that many animals also use behaviour to facilitate camouflage, but many questions remain, and most studies are limited to certain taxa such as moths and birds. Here we use behavioural choice experiments, testing the responses of furrowed crabs (Xantho hydrophilus) to backgrounds differing in brightness, substrate grain size, and complexity to determine if individuals use behavioural choice to facilitate camouflage. Crabs preferentially chose backgrounds that were more similar in brightness to their own appearance but showed no preference for substrate size. In addition, crabs showed some tentative, but not statistically significant, preferences for complex, high contrast environments, providing some support for recent theories on the importance of environmental complexity in facilitating improved camouflage. We also found that furrowed crabs exhibit reduced intraspecific variation in carapace colour with age, which most likely reflects ontogenetic changes in coloration that are common in crabs or may be due to greater predation on less well-camouflaged individuals. There was also some evidence that the propensity to choose backgrounds increased with age. Thus, individuals can improve their camouflage through substrate choice, and this may improve with age. These findings provide insights into the camouflage behaviour and ecology of crabs and other animals, with implications for the tuning and efficacy of camouflage strategies.
Impact of corticosteroid doses on prognosis of severe and critical COVID-19 patients with Omicron variant infection: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Wang Shiyao , Chen Ziying , Zhang Xinran , Wu Xiaojing , Wang Yuqiong , Zhang Qi , Huang Linna , Cui Xiaoyang , Cai Ying , Huang Xu , Xia Jingen , Gu Sichao , Li Min , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: August 2024

Background

There is lack of research on corticosteroid use for severe and critical COVID-19 patients with Omicron variant infection.

Methods

This multi-center retrospective cohort study involved 1167 patients from 59 ICUs across the mainland of China diagnosed with severe or critical SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection between November 1, 2022, and February 11, 2023. Patients were segregated into two groups based on their corticosteroid treatment—usual dose (equivalent prednisone dose 30–50 mg/day) and higher dose (equivalent prednisone dose > 50 mg/day). The primary outcome was 28-day ICU mortality. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes between cohorts.

Results

After propensity score matching, 520 patients in the usual dose corticosteroid group and 260 patients in the higher dose corticosteroid group were included in the analysis, respectively. The mortality was significantly higher in the higher dose corticosteroid group (67.3%, 175/260) compared to the usual dose group (56.0%, 291/520). Logistic regression showed that higher doses of corticosteroids were significantly associated with increased mortality at 28-day (OR = 1.62,95% CI 1.19–2.21, p = 0.002) and mortality in ICU stay (OR = 1.66,95% CI 1.21–2.28, p = 0.002). Different types of corticosteroids did not affect the effect.

Conclusions

The study suggests that higher-dose corticosteroids may lead to a poorer prognosis for severe and critical COVID-19 patients with Omicron variant infection in the ICU. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate corticosteroid dosage for these patients.
The self-fulfilling prophecy in medicine
Authors: Mertens Mayli
Published: August 2024

This article first describes the mechanism of any self-fulfilling prophecy through discussion of its four conditions: credibility, employment, employment sensitivity, and realization. Each condition is illustrated with examples specific to the medical context. The descriptive account ends with the definition of self-fulfilling prophecy and an expansion on collective self-fulfilling prophecies. Second, the normative account then discusses the moral relevance of self-fulfilling prophecies in medicine. A self-fulfilling prophecy is typically considered problematic when the prediction itself changes the predicted outcome to match the prediction (transformative self-fulfillment). I argue that also self-fulfilling prophecies that do not change the outcome but change the ways in which the outcome was realized (operative self-fulfillment), have significant ethical and epistemic ramifications. Because it is difficult to distinguish, retrospectively, between a transformative and an operative self-fulfilling prophecy, and thus between a false or true positive, it becomes equally difficult to catch mistakes. Moreover, since the prediction necessarily turns out true, there is never an error signal warning that a mistake might have been made. On the contrary, accuracy is seen as the standard for quality assurance. As such, self-fulfilling prophecies inhibit our ability to learn, inviting repetition and exacerbation of mistakes. With the rise of automated diagnostic and prognostic procedures and the increased use of machine learning and artificial intelligence for the development of predictive algorithms, attention to self-fulfilling feedback loops is especially warranted. This account of self-fulfilling prophecies is practically relevant for medical research and clinical practice. With it, researchers and practitioners can detect and analyze potential self-fulfilling mechanisms in any medical case and take responsibility for their ethical and epistemic implications.
Sand Production Prediction with Machine Learning using Input Variables from Geological and Operational Conditions in the Karazhanbas Oilfield, Kazakhstan
Authors: Shabdirova Ainash , Kozhagulova Ashirgul , Samenov Yernazar , Minh Nguyen , Zhao Yong
Published: August 2024

This paper describes a comprehensive approach to predict sand production in the Karazhanbas oilfield using machine learning (ML) techniques. By analyzing data from 2000 wells, the research uncovered the complex dynamics of sand production and emphasized the critical need for accurately predicting the peak sand mass and its occurrence time. ML techniques can have a significant impact on prediction of sand production and on the optimization of oilfield operation, which can be improved with the combined use of enriched training data and domain-specific knowledge. The research underscored the influence of geological factors, especially fault proximity, on prediction accuracy. Domain and field knowledge is needed to formulate different production scenarios for prediction purposes such that the relevant data can be selected for the training of ML models. Moreover, new metrics are needed to evaluate model performance as the applied method is tailored for different operational strategies. As the peak sand mass is considered a pivotal event in field operation, new metrics in terms of peak prediction accuracy and peak time prediction accuracy were introduced to evaluate the performance of ML models. A suite of ML algorithms was employed in the study, which demonstrated notable accuracy in the classification of sand-producing wells.
Spontaneous Calcium Transients Recorded from Striatal Astrocytes in a Preclinical Model of Autism
Authors: Saavedra-Bonilla Hugo , Varman Durairaj Ragu , Reyes-Haro Daniel
Published: August 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known as a group of neurodevelopmental conditions including stereotyped and repetitive behaviors, besides social and sensorimotor deficits. Anatomical and functional evidence indicates atypical maturation of the striatum. Astrocytes regulate the maturation and plasticity of synaptic circuits, and impaired calcium signaling is associated with repetitive behaviors and atypical social interaction. Spontaneous calcium transients (SCT) recorded in the striatal astrocytes of the rat were investigated in the preclinical model of ASD by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). Our results showed sensorimotor delay, augmented glial fibrillary acidic protein -a typical intermediate filament protein expressed by astrocytes- and diminished expression of GABAA-ρ3 through development, and increased frequency of SCT with a reduced latency that resulted in a diminished amplitude in the VPA model. The convulsant picrotoxin, a GABAA (γ-aminobutyric acid type A) receptor antagonist, reduced the frequency of SCT in both experimental groups but rescued this parameter to control levels in the preclinical ASD model. The amplitude and latency of SCT were decreased by picrotoxin in both experimental groups. Nipecotic acid, a GABA uptake inhibitor, reduced the mean amplitude only for the control group. Nevertheless, nipecotic acid increased the frequency but diminished the latency in both experimental groups. Thus, we conclude that striatal astrocytes exhibit SCT modulated by GABAA-mediated signaling, and prenatal exposure to VPA disturbs this tuning.
Integrated risk mapping for forest fire management using the analytical hierarchy process and ordered weighted average: a case study in southern Turkey
Authors: Özcan Zühal , Caglayan İnci , Kabak Özgür , Kılıç Gül Fatmagül
Published: August 2024

Forest fires pose a critical problem for natural environments and human settlements, necessitating effective risk management approaches. This study focuses on forest fire risk (FFR) mapping in the Antalya Forest, southern Turkey, by analyzing different criteria. Extensive literature research identifies nearly twenty criteria, which we re-evaluate based on expert opinions and study area characteristics, leading to the selection of four main criteria and fourteen sub-criteria. We process the data using Geographic Information System (GIS) software and calculate weights using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Ordered Weighted Average (OWA) techniques. The main criteria are topographic, meteorological, land use, and forest structure. In the AHP sub-criteria, precipitation, tree species, distance to settlement areas, and elevation receive high values. We classify the resultant FFR maps into five risk classes using both the Jenks Natural Breaks method and equal interval classification. We evaluate the accuracy of our maps using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and Area Under Curve (AUC) values, based on historical forest fire data. The equal interval classification shows decreased alignment with historical fire data, especially for the AHP method, which performs significantly worse. Both OWA and AHP methods show better performance with Jenks classification compared to equal interval classification, indicating that Jenks Natural Breaks more effectively captures natural groupings in the data, making it a more suitable choice for risk mapping. Applying AHP and OWA in FFR mapping benefits regional forest management and highlights the universal applicability of these methodologies for broader environmental hazard assessments under changing climates.
Revealing dynamic co-authorship structure in the social sciences through blockmodeling: the Slovenian case (1991–2020)
Authors: Telarico Fabio Ashtar , Mali Franc , Žiberna Aleš
Published: August 2024

Scientific cooperation is gaining importance as worldwide trends in co-authorship indicate. While clustering is an established method in this field and several have studied scientific-cooperation dynamics within a single discipline, little literature exists on its interdisciplinary facet. This paper analyses the evolution of co-authorship amongst social scientists in Slovenia over the three decades between 1991 and 2020 using bibliographic databases. The identification of groups (clusters) of authors based on patterns in their co-authorship ties both within and across decades is carried out using network-analytical method called stochastic blockmodeling (SBM). Meanwhile, previous research used generalised blockmodeling accounting only for within-period ties. Additionally, a topic model is developed to tentatively assess whether co-authorship is driven by research interests, organisational or disciplinary affiliation. Notably, while focusing on the result of the SBM for generalised multipartite networks, the paper draw compares with other SBMs. Generally, the paper identifies clusters of authors that are larger and less cohesive than those found in previous works. Specifically, there are three main findings. First, disciplines appear to become less important over time. Second, institutions remain central, corroborating the suggestion that Slovenian R&D policy reinforces parochial research practices. Yet, whether organisational segregation is an issue remains unclear. Third, interdisciplinarity’s emergence has been slow and partial, thus supporting the idea of a ‘covert interdisciplinarity.’ Importantly, it seems that members of different clusters lack fluency in a meta-language enabling effective communication across cognate paradigms. And this may hinder the implementation of long-term, up-to-date research policies in the country.
Investigating intraspecific variability in the biological responses of sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) to seawater acidification
Authors: Asnicar Davide , Stranci Federica , Monti Silvia , Badocco Denis , Marčeta Tihana , Munari Marco , Marin Maria Gabriella
Published: August 2024

Alterations in seawater chemistry posed by acidification may lead to immunological and antioxidant defence impairment in sea urchins, with differences among local populations. Here, we analyzed the effects of reduced pH on Paracentrotus lividus, with a multibiomarker approach, and the possible intraspecific variations in sea urchin responses. Two groups of animals with different ecological histories (i.e., the pattern of environmental characteristics and pressures experienced throughout the organism’s lifetime) were maintained at ambient pH and pH reduced of 0.4 units for 8 months. Changes in gonadosomatic index (GSI), immunological, and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed in coelomic fluid, gonads, and digestive tract. Animals maintained at reduced pH showed limited impact of seawater acidification compared to the ambient pH condition. However, sea urchins from the two sites were differently influenced by the seawater pH (as shown by multivariate analyses). GSI and immunological and antioxidant status were differentially modulated between the two sexes, with generally higher values in females, but differences between sexes in relation to the pH of exposure were limited. Overall, our findings highlight that the impact of environmental stressors may differ in sea urchins from different locations. This has implications for the maintenance of P. lividus wild populations under future global change scenarios.
Senolytic intervention improves cognition, metabolism, and adiposity in female APPNL−F/NL−F mice
Authors: Fang Yimin , Peck Mackenzie R. , Quinn Kathleen , Chapman Jenelle E. , Medina David , McFadden Samuel A. , Bartke Andrzej , Hascup Erin R. , Hascup Kevin N.
Published: August 2024

Senescent cells accumulate throughout the body and brain contributing to unhealthy aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The APPNL−F/NL−F amyloidogenic AD mouse model exhibits increased markers of senescent cells and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in visceral white adipose tissue and the hippocampus before plaque accumulation and cognitive decline. We hypothesized that senolytic intervention would alleviate cellular senescence thereby improving spatial memory in APPNL−F/NL−F mice. Thus, 4-month-old male and female APPNL−F/NL−F mice were treated monthly with vehicle, 5 mg/kg dasatinib + 50 mg/kg quercetin, or 100 mg/kg fisetin. Blood glucose levels, energy metabolism, spatial memory, amyloid burden, and senescent cell markers were assayed. Dasatinib + quercetin treatment in female APPNL−F/NL−F mice increased oxygen consumption and energy expenditure resulting in decreased body mass. White adipose tissue mass was decreased along with senescence markers, SASP, blood glucose, and plasma insulin and triglycerides. Hippocampal senescence markers and SASP were reduced along with soluble and insoluble amyloid-β (Aβ)42 and senescence-associated-β-gal activity leading to improved spatial memory. Fisetin had negligible effects on these measures in female APPNL−F/NL−F mice while neither senolytic intervention altered these parameters in the male mice. Considering women have a greater risk of dementia, identifying senotherapeutics appropriate for sex and disease stage is necessary for personalized medicine.

Graphical Abstract
Implementation Science for HIV Prevention and Treatment in Indigenous Communities: a Systematic Review and Commentary
Authors: Kemp Christopher G. , Edwards Abagail J. , White Lauren , Kore Gauri , Thurman Pamela Jumper , Gaines Tommi , King Paula Toko , Cole Marama , Orellana E. Roberto
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

We systematically reviewed implementation research conducted in Indigenous communities in the Americas and the Pacific that focused on improving delivery of HIV preventive or treatment services. We highlight strengths and opportunities in the literature and outline principles for Indigenous-led, HIV-related implementation science.

Recent Findings

We identified 31 studies, revealing a consistent emphasis on cultural tailoring of services to Indigenous communities. Common barriers to implementation included stigma, geographic limitations, confidentiality concerns, language barriers, and mistrust. Community involvement in intervention development and delivery emerged as a key facilitator, and nearly half of the studies used community-based participatory research methods. While behavioral HIV prevention, especially among Indigenous youth, was a major focus, there was limited research on biomedical HIV prevention and treatment. No randomized implementation trials were identified.

The findings underscore the importance of community engagement, the need for interventions developed within Indigenous communities rather than merely adapted, and the value of addressing the social determinants of implementation success. Aligned to these principles, an indigenized implementation science could enhance the acceptability and reach of critical HIV preventive and treatment services in Indigenous communities while also honoring their knowledge, wisdom, and strength.
Life-Suspending Technologies, Cryonics, and Catastrophic Risks
Authors: Sauchelli Andrea
Published: August 2024

I defend the claim that life-suspending technologies can constitute a catastrophic and existential security factor for risks structurally similar to those related to climate change. The gist of the argument is that, under certain conditions, life-suspending technologies such as cryonics can provide self-interested actors with incentives to efficiently tackle such risks—in particular, they provide reasons to overcome certain manifestations of generational egoism, a risk factor of several catastrophic and existential risks. Provided we have reasons to decrease catastrophic and existential risks such as climate change, we also have a (defeasible) reason for investing in developing and making life-suspending technologies (more) widespread.
Disruptive Technologies and Open Science: How Open Should Open Science Be? A ‘Third Bioethics’ Ethical Framework
Authors: Spitale Giovanni , Germani Federico , Biller-Andorno Nikola
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the ethical implications of applying open science (OS) practices on disruptive technologies, such as generative AIs. Disruptive technologies, characterized by their scalability and paradigm-shifting nature, have the potential to generate significant global impact, and carry a risk of dual use. The tension arises between the moral duty of OS to promote societal benefit by democratizing knowledge and the risks associated with open dissemination of disruptive technologies. Van Rennselaer Potter's ‘third bioethics’ serves as the founding horizon for an ethical framework to govern these tensions. Through theoretical analysis and concrete examples, this paper explores how OS can contribute to a better future or pose threats. Finally, we provide an ethical framework for the intersection between OS and disruptive technologies that tries to go beyond the simple ‘as open as possible’ tenet, considering openness as an instrumental value for the pursuit of other ethical values rather than as a principle with prima facie moral significance.
Mathematical modeling of local balance in signed networks and its applications to global international analysis
Authors: Diaz-Diaz Fernando , Bartesaghi Paolo , Estrada Ernesto
Published: August 2024

Alliances and conflicts in social, political and economic relations can be represented by positive and negative edges in signed networks. A cycle is said to be positive if the product of its edge signs is positive, otherwise it is negative. Then, a signed network is balanced if and only if all its cycles are positive. An index characterizing how much a signed network deviates from being balanced is known as a global balance index. Here we give a step forward in the characterization of signed networks by defining a local balance index, which characterizes how much a given vertex of a signed network contributes to its global balance. We analyze the mathematical foundations and unique structural properties of this index. Then, we apply this index to the study of the evolution of international relations in the globe for the period 1816–2014. In this way we detect and categorize major historic events based on balance fluctuations, helping our understanding towards new mixed approaches to history based on network theory.
Behavioral Animal Models and Neural-Circuit Framework of Depressive Disorder
Authors: Tian Xiangyun , Russo Scott J. , Li Long
Published: August 2024

Depressive disorder is a chronic, recurring, and potentially life-endangering neuropsychiatric disease. According to a report by the World Health Organization, the global population suffering from depression is experiencing a significant annual increase. Despite its prevalence and considerable impact on people, little is known about its pathogenesis. One major reason is the scarcity of reliable animal models due to the absence of consensus on the pathology and etiology of depression. Furthermore, the neural circuit mechanism of depression induced by various factors is particularly complex. Considering the variability in depressive behavior patterns and neurobiological mechanisms among different animal models of depression, a comparison between the neural circuits of depression induced by various factors is essential for its treatment. In this review, we mainly summarize the most widely used behavioral animal models and neural circuits under different triggers of depression, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for depression prevention.
A case of undifferentiated pleomorphic rectal sarcoma occurring after radiation exposure
Authors: Eizuka Makoto , Toya Yosuke , Yamada Shun , Oizumi Tomofumi , Yanai Shunichi , Kudara Norihiko , Yanagawa Naoki , Sugai Tamotsu , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: August 2024

A 72 year-old man was referred to our hospital for a detailed examination of a recurrent rectal polyp. He had past histories of surgery and radiation therapy for prostate cancer at the age of 66 and endoscopic excision of a rectal polyp at the age of 70. Colonoscopy revealed a semi-pedunculated lesion surrounded by friable mucosa, which was positive under positron-emission tomography-computed tomography. Histopathological examination of the endoscopically excised polyp revealed proliferation of atypical cells, characterized by strong pleomorphic or spindle morphology, which was immunohistochemically compatible with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. We diagnosed this case as sarcoma presumably associated with radiation proctitis.