bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Aggressive Interaction Rapidly Increases Brain Androgens in a Male Songbird during the Non-breeding Season
Authors: Jalabert Cecilia , Gray Sofia L. , Soma Kiran K.
Published: April 2024

Aggression is a crucial behavior that impacts access to limited resources in different environmental contexts. Androgens synthesized by the gonads promote aggression during the breeding season. However, aggression can be expressed during the non-breeding season, despite low androgen synthesis by the gonads. The brain can also synthesize steroids (neurosteroids), including androgens, which might promote aggression during the non-breeding season. Male song sparrows,
Melospiza melodia
, are territorial year-round and allow the study of seasonal changes in the steroid modulation of aggression. Here, we quantified steroids following a simulated territorial intrusion (STI) for 10 min in wild adult male song sparrows during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we examined 11 steroids: pregnenolone, progesterone, corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, 5a-dihydrotestosterone, 17-estradiol, 17a-estradiol, estriol, and estrone. Steroids were measured in blood and 10 microdissected brain regions that regulate social behavior. In both seasons, STI increased corticosterone in the blood and brain. In the breeding season, STI had no rapid effects on androgens or estrogens. Intriguingly, in the non-breeding season, STI increased testosterone and androstenedione in several behaviorally relevant regions, but not in the blood, where androgens remained non-detectable. Also in the non-breeding season, STI increased progesterone in the blood and specific brain regions. Overall, rapid socially modulated changes in brain steroid levels are more prominent during the non-breeding season. Brain steroid levels vary with season and social context in a region-specific manner and suggest a role for neuroandrogens in aggression during the non-breeding season.
Impact of COVID-19 on Acute Care Hospitalizations for Suicidality
Authors: Dellazoppa Alicia , Porada Kelsey , Zaspel Jennifer A. , Bourgeois Shay , Vepraskas Sarah H.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic contributed to the public health crisis for pediatric mental health. We characterized our local patient population presenting with suicidality or suicide attempts before and after the pandemic by examining: 1. frequencies of hospitalizations for suicidality to determine whether they differed by age, legal sex, race and ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; 2. average length of stay and discharge disposition; 3. 7-, 30-, and 365-day reutilization rates; and 4. admission trends during COVID-19 surges.

METHODS

Retrospective data between March 2018 and March 2022 was analyzed, including patients ages 10 to 17 years hospitalized for either suicidality or a suicide attempt at 1 freestanding tertiary care pediatric medical hospital in the Midwest. Encounters were divided into 2 categories on the basis of the COVID-19 pandemic: “Prelockdown” (March 1, 2018–March 12, 2020) and “postlockdown” (March 13, 2020–March 31, 2022). Patients were limited to 1 presentation pre- and postlockdown. We analyzed frequencies using means and SDs, categorical data using χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests, and continuous data with t tests.

RESULTS

A total of 1017 encounters were included, stratified into pre- and postlockdown groups for analysis (909 encounters, 889 unique patients). There was a significant difference in 365-day reutilization pre- and postlockdown when analyzing re-presentation to the emergency department (P = .025) and hospital readmission (P = .006). Admissions incrementally increased after the COVID-19 alpha variants in September 2020 and again after the delta variant in August 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified the already critical issue of pediatric mental health, demonstrating increased reutilization in the year after their initial presentation and an increase in admissions after the alpha variant.
Successful Antimicrobial Therapy of Esophageal Stenosis Because of Actinomycosis
Authors: Yokoyama Shinichiro , Hashimoto Satsuki , Nishibori Shigeki , Hamada Hiromi , Nui Akihiro , Kimura Sachiko
Published: April 2024

Esophageal stenosis can cause vomiting or dysphagia in children and is commonly treated with esophageal balloon dilation. However, surgery may be required if the stenosis does not respond to dilation. Although esophageal actinomycosis can cause severe esophageal strictures and be refractory to balloon dilation, it has been reported to respond effectively to antimicrobial therapy in adults. However, the course of the disease and appropriate treatment strategies in children are not well understood. We present a case of a previously healthy 2-year-old boy diagnosed with esophageal stenosis because of actinomycosis. The patient was treated with intravenous penicillin G, followed by oral amoxicillin for 8 weeks and 6 months, respectively. After completion of the antimicrobial treatment, the patient showed improvement in symptoms and endoscopic findings. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient showed consistent weight gain and normal growth without further intervention. This case highlights the importance of considering esophageal actinomycosis as a potential cause of esophageal stenosis in children and the potential effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy in avoiding surgical intervention.
Beteiligungsorientierte Aktionen als Teil eines Forschungsprojekts
Authors: Lölsdorf Diana , Abel Annette
Published: April 2024

Dem Beitrag liegt eine gemeinsame Reflexion der Autorinnen zugrunde, die als Projektmitarbeiterin im Lenzsiedlung e.V. die beteiligungsorientierten Aktionen plante und durchführte bzw. als wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin die Begleitforschung vornahm. Neben der Entstehungsgeschichte des Projekts, insbesondere der soziokulturellen Aktionen, werden vier der Aktionen beleuchtet und deren Gemeinsamkeiten herausgestellt. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer kritischen Auseinandersetzung mit den Begriffen Partizipation und Beteiligungsorientierung sowie der Frage der Übertragbarkeit der durchgeführten Aktionen auf andere Settings.
Overview for developing Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging: pros and cons
Authors:   1 Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland, Dietrich Tobias Johannes , Mascarenhas Vasco V. ,   Musculoskeletal Imaging Unit, Imaging Center, Radiology Department, Hospital da Luz, Grupo Luz Saúde, Lisbon, Portugal, Cerezal Luis ,   Radiology Department, Diagnóstico Médico Cantabria, Santander, Spain, Afonso P. Diana ,   Musculoskeletal Imaging Unit, Imaging Center, Radiology Department, Hospital da Luz, Grupo Luz Saúde, Lisbon, Portugal, Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona ,   Department of Radiology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland,   Advanced Imaging Research Consortium, AIRC, Lisbon, Portugal,   Musculoskeletal Imaging Unit, Imaging Center, Radiology, Hospital Particular da Madeira, HPA, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal 6 Department of Radiology
Published: April 2024

This review paper offers a concise guide on how to execute Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging. Fundamental to the Delphi methodology are several core principles. First, an initial key element is the selection of experts, known as panelists. Second is the principle of anonymity among participants, ensuring that no single individual or group applies excessive influence over others. Third, the methodology involves iterative rounds where statements are presented repeatedly, allowing for controlled feedback. Lastly, after each round, participants are given insight into the collective panel’s previous responses. This knowledge enables them to potentially reconsider and adjust their positions in subsequent rounds, driving towards the group consensus. These principles emphasize the critical role of statistical group responses and the structured interaction inherent in the Delphi approach. Looking at the broader process, the development of Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging unfolds through several stages. It begins with identifying the research field or the consensus statements in question. This is followed by undertaking comprehensive literature research. Subsequently, pertinent questions and their corresponding statements are crafted. The process then moves on to administering anonymous, iterative questionnaire rounds. Feedback, both on an individual and collective level, is provided between the rounds. The process culminates in the summarization and reporting of the finalized Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging.
Compulsivity-related behavioral features of problematic usage of the internet: A scoping review of paradigms, progress, and perspectives
Authors: Liu Lu , Yao Yuan-Wei , Fang Xiao-Yi , Xu Lin-Xuan , Hu Meng-Jian , Zhang Jin-Tao , Potenza Marc N.
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

Compulsivity contributes to the development and maintenance of multiple addictive disorders. However, the relationship between compulsivity-related cognitive features and problematic usage of the internet (PUI), an umbrella term for various internet use disorders/interfering behaviors, remains largely unclear, partly due to the multidimensional nature of compulsivity. This scoping review utilized a four-domain framework of compulsivity to consider this topic and aimed to summarize available evidence on compulsivity-related neuropsychological characteristics in PUI based on this framework.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted by applying the combination of search term to the search engines of PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science. A four-domain framework of compulsivity, involving cognitive flexibility, set-shifting, attentional bias, and habit learning, was used to consider its complex structure and frequently used tasks. Main findings in related PUI studies were summarized based on this framework. Our secondary aim was to compare compulsivity-related features between different PUI subtypes.

Results

Thirty-four empirical studies were retained, comprising 41 task-results and 35 independent data sets. Overall, individuals with PUI showed more consistent deficits in attentional biases and were relatively intact in set-shifting. Few studies have examined cognitive flexibility and habit learning, and more evidence is thus needed to establish reliable conclusions. Moreover, most studies focused on internet gaming disorder, whereas other PUI sub-types were not sufficiently examined.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the use of the four-domain framework for advancing understanding of mechanisms underlying compulsivity in PUI. Related therapeutic implications and future directions are discussed.
A mesterséges intelligencia mint tudáskörnyezet és tudásprotézis
Authors: Z. Karvalics László
Published: April 2024

Hogyan értelmezzük a tudáskörnyezet és tudásprotézis kifejezéseket az oktatás és
az emberiség közösen gyarapított tudáskincsének vonatkozásában? Milyen korábbi
tudástechnológiai törekvések utolsó fejezetét jelentik a mesterséges
intelligencia mai szöveg- és képalapú megoldásai – Otlet, Bush, Licklider,
Nelson, Engelbart –, mi valósult meg az egykori elképzelésekből, és milyen
korlátok maradtak?

Megfontolások és érvek hálójában igyekszem megjeleníteni, milyen jellegzetes
helyzetekben milyen oktatási célokat támogathatnak a mesterséges intelligencia
jelenlegi, egyre többet tudó rendszerei, és miket nem.
A mesterséges intelligencia lehetőségei és kihívásai a pedagógiai tervezés folyamatában
Authors: Horváth László
Published: April 2024

Tanulmányunkban megvizsgáljuk, hogy – a mesterséges intelligencia fogalmából
kiindulva –, milyen lehetőségek merülnek fel a pedagógiailag racionálisan
cselekvő ágensek létrehozásában az általános pedagógiai tudás részeként
értelmezett tervezés folyamatában (az óratervezés szintjén). A pedagógiai
tervezés során felmerülő kihívásokon keresztül bemutatjuk az MI által
biztosított lehetőségeket és kihívásokat, reflektálunk a paradigmaváltás
lehetőségeire és az ebből fakadóan felmerülő új szerepekre és kompetenciákra.
Két lehetséges út (generatív út – tartalom létrehozása; prediktív út –
algoritmusokkal támogatott konstruktív összehangolás) mentén mutatjuk be az MI
felhasználását a tervezésben. Megközelítésünkben elsősorban a tervezési
kompetencia fejlesztésének támogatására fókuszálunk.
A mesterséges intelligencia hatása a mérés-értékelésre
Authors: Molnár Gyöngyvér
Published: April 2024

Minden új technológia megjelenése lehetőséget ad arra, hogy átgondoljuk az
oktatás céljait, hatékonyságát. A mesterséges intelligencia mérés-értékelésben
való alkalmazása nemcsak új lehetőségeket kínál, hanem komoly kihívások elé is
állítja az oktatás szereplőit. A mesterségesintelligencia-alapú értékelési
technikákban, melyek lehetővé teszik nagy adathalmazok gyors elemzését és a
személyre szabott visszacsatolás megvalósítását, benne van az a lehetőség, hogy
a hagyományos értékelési módszerek átalakításával jelentős mértékben fokozzák a
tanulási folyamat hatékonyságát és emeljék a tanítás minőségét. Autentikus,
megbízható és valid adatok nélkül azonban az adatokon, bizonyítékokon alapuló
fejlesztés kudarcra van ítélve. A mesterséges intelligencia mérés-értékelésben
történő alkalmazása nem csupán technológiai vagy infrastrukturális, sokkal
inkább pedagógiai és módszertani kihívás.
A ChatGPT mint házitanító
Authors: Bessenyei István
Published: April 2024

A tanulmány célja, hogy felmérje az MI-alapú szöveggenerátorok, a GPT 3.5 és
GPT-4 (GPT: Generative Pre-trained Transformer) és az újabb
fejlesztésű intelligens keresők (Bing, Bard) tanulásszervező potenciálját.
Különböző típusú kérdésfeltevések (promptok) segítségével
bemutat néhány lehetséges tanulási utat. Felméri az MI által támogatott eszközök
előnyeit és hátrányait, megmutatja a különbséget az iskolai közegben való
használat és az élethosszig tartó tanulás kontextusában történő használat
között. A tanulmány rámutat a kérdések pontos feltevésének kiemelkedő szerepére
és vázlatosan bemutatja a technológia legújabb fejleményeit.
A metagenomic approach to unveil the association between fecal gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in diarrhea caused by diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in children
Authors: Gallardo Pablo , Izquierdo Mariana , Viver Tomeu , Bustos-Caparros Esteban , Piras Dana , Vidal Roberto M. , Harmsen Hermie M.J. , Farfan Mauricio J.
Published: April 2024

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is the main cause of diarrhea in children under five years old. The virulence of DEC is tightly regulated by environmental signals influenced by the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main metabolic product of anaerobic fermentation in the gut, but their role in DEC diarrhea has not yet been established. In this study, we determine the levels of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in stool samples from children with diarrhea caused by DEC, and we identify bacteria from the fecal gut microbiota associated with the production of SCFAs. The microbiota and SCFAs levels in stool samples obtained from 40 children with diarrhea and 43 healthy children were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and HPLC, respectively. Additionally, shotgun metagenomics was used to identify metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) in a subgroup of samples. The results showed significantly higher levels of all SCFAs tested in diarrheal samples than in healthy controls. The abundance of Streptococcus sp., Limosilactobacillus, Blautia, Escherichia, Bacteroides, Megamonas, and Roseburia was higher in the DEC group than in healthy individuals. Functional analysis of bacteria and their main metabolic pathways made it possible to identify species MAGs that could be responsible for the detected SCFAs levels in DEC-positive diarrhea. In conclusion, based on our results and published data, we suggest that SCFAs may be important in the crosstalk between the microbiota and DEC pathogens in the gut.
Oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs after heart valve reconstructive surgery: modern guidelines for the practitioners
Authors: Kuzmin V. P. , Gevorgyan A. A. , Gimatdinova G. R. , Danilova O. E. , Davydkin I. L. , Krivova S. P. , Khairetdinov R. K. , Davydkin G. I.
Published: April 2024

After heart valve surgery, anticoagulant therapy is usually recommended. The duration and necessity of combining oral anticoagulants with antiplatelet drugs depends on the type of manipulation performed, patient comorbidity and some other factors. Several randomized trials have shown that continued direct oral anticoagulation as monotherapy in some groups of patients requiring cardiac surgery is superior in efficacy and safety to treatment combining anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. The presented literature review reflects the management strategy of patients after heart valve operations.
Computed tomography angiography or invasive coronary angiography in patients with lowto intermediate risk acute coronary syndrome — a single-center study
Authors: Kuznetsova K. V. , Bikbaeva G. R. , Sukhinina E. M. , Taumova G. Kh. , Benyan A. S. , Duplyakov D. V. , Tukhbatova A. A. , Adonina E. V. , Kislukhin T. V. , Nagornova V. V.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To evaluate the strategy of using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with low-to-intermediate risk of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) in relation to early (in-hospital) and long-term prognosis in comparison with standard management tactics.

Material and methods. The study included 259 patients (men (M), 47,9%, mean age, 62,2±9,4 years). Patients in group 1 (n=148 people, M 46,6%, mean age 61,99±9,92 years) underwent CCTA to assess coronary involvement, and patients in group 2 (n=111 people, M 49,5%, mean age 62,4±8,6 years) — invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The follow-up lasted 18 months.

Results. Patients in both groups were comparable in age, concomitant chronic diseases and smoking. Patients in the CCTA group compared with the ICA group had lower GRACE score and lower values of high-sensitivity Troponin I. In 85 patients (57,4%) of group 1 there was no coronary involvement, while 41 patients (27,7%) had <50% stenosis, 22 patients (14,9%) — >50% stenosis in at least one coronary artery. In group 2, the majority of patients also had non-involved coronary vessels (n=76; 68,5%), while hemodynamically insignificant (20-40%) and significant lesions were detected in 20 patients (12,3%) and 15 people (13,5%), respectively. In group 1, 20 patients were referred for ICA as follows: 10 patients underwent percutaneous coronary interventions; 2 patients had multivessel disease; in 4 patients, intraoperative fractional flow reserve revealed hemodynamically insignificant stenoses; in 4 remaining patients, no significant lesions were detected. All-cause mortality was 4,05% in the CCTA group, and 7,2% in the ICA group (p=0,28). In the CCTA group, cardiovascular mortality was 0%, and in the ICA group — 0,9% (p=0,43).

Conclusion. CCTA in patients with low-to-intermediate risk ACS is not inferior to the standard tactics for managing these patients and significantly reduces the need for iCAG.
Possible risk factors for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Azarapetyan L. G. , Hayrapetyan G. G. , Grigoryan S. V.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To study possible risk factors (RFs) for the development of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrHF).

Material and methods. The study included 193 patients with chronic HFmrHF and non-valvular paroxysmal/persistent AF. Seventy-six comparable patients, but without AF, were studied as a control group. All patients underwent a detailed physical examination, including electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and Holter ECG monitoring. Levels of inflammatory markers, namely high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-a and fibrotic marker, transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1) were measured using ELISA. The results obtained were analyzed using the method of binary logistic regression and odds ratio (OR), which allows us to assess the relationship of a specific outcome with possible risk factors and compare study groups according to the detection rate of risk factors.

Results. A higher level of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR=1,09, confidence interval (CI)=1,01-1,17, p=0,017) is a possible risk factor for paroxysmal AF in patients with CHF. Possible risk factors for paroxysmal and persistent AF in such patients are an increase in episodes of hypertensive crisis (OR=1,17, CI=1,071,43, p=0,001) and an increase in body mass index (BMI) (OR=1,13, CI=0,931,27, p=0,031). An increase in the OR index of left ventricular diastolic and systolic parameters was associated with significant atrial and ventricular remodeling, which contributes to AF progression from paroxysmal to persistent. Higher levels of inflammatory markers were observed in patients with AF compared with patients with HFmrHF without AF. The increase in the OR level of TGF-b1 (OR=3,84, CI=2,106,23, p=0,005) was significant in patients with persistent AF.

Conclusion. Using the OR method, an increase in DBP, the prevalence of hypertensive crisis, BMI, left atrial and ventricular remodeling, an increase in markers of systemic inflammation and fibrosis are possible risk factors for AF in patients with HFmrHF.
O PAPEL DA FIBRINA RICA EM PLAQUETAS E LEUCÓCITOS NA CICATRIZAÇÃO ÓSSEA DE DEFEITOS EM CALVÁRIA: ESTUDO EM COELHOS
Authors: Oliveira Evans Soares de , Nassif Paulo Afonso Nunes , Tabushi Fernando Issamu , Nascimento-Filho Geraldo Odilon do , Rabello Samuel , Carmo Alexsandro Batista da Costa , Ribas Filho Jurandir Marcondes
Published: April 2024

Introdução: O L-PRF é concentrado de plaquetas e leucócitos em rede de fibrina, obtido pela centrifugação autóloga coletada no momento da cirurgia. Faz parte da segunda geração de concentrados plaquetários, sendo de baixo custo, fácil preparo, simples obtenção e tem a capacidade de acelerar a cicatrização de tecidos moles e duros.
Objetivo: Revisar o reparo ósseo de defeitos não críticos em calvária utilizando o L-PRF isoladamente e em associação com osso autógeno particulado.
Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura retirada das plataformas SciELO, Pubmed e Scopus em inglês e português utilizando os seguintes descritores: “L-PRF, cicatrização óssea, defeitos em calvária. Coelhos” em AND ou OR pelo título ou resumo. Após a seleção apenas os artigos cosiderados pertinentes foram lidos na íntegra.
Resultados: Foram incluídos 39 artigos.
Conclusão: O L-PRF isoladamente teve efeito positivo na formação óssea no decorrer das semanas.
PREDICTING FLUID PARTICLE TRAJECTORIES WITHOUT FLOW COMPUTATIONS: A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH
Authors: Wei Jianchen , Green Melissa A. , Shen Lixin , Rostami Minghao W.
Published: April 2024

The Lagrangian analysis of a fluid flow entails calculating the trajectories of fluid particles, which are governed by an autonomous or non-autonomous dynamical system, depending on whether the flow is steady or unsteady. In conventional methods, a particle's position is incremented time step by time step using a numerical solver for ordinary differential equations (ODEs), assuming that the fluid velocity field is known analytically or can be acquired through either numerical simulation or experimentation. In this work, we assume instead that the velocity field is unavailable but
abundant trajectory data are available. Leveraging the data processing power of deep neural networks, we construct data-driven models for the increment in particles' positions and simulate their trajectories by applying such a model recursively. We develop a novel, more experiment-friendly
model for non-autonomous systems and compare it with two existing models: one developed for autonomous
systems only and one developed for non-autonomous systems with some knowledge of the time-varying terms. Theoretical analysis is performed for all three that sheds a new light on the existing models. Numerical results obtained for several benchmark problems confirm the validity of these models for advancing fluid particles' positions and reveal how their performance depends on the structure of the neural network and physical features of the flow, such as vortices.
Shear modulus of sand-rubber mixtures: element testing and constitutive modeling
Authors: Kavand A. , Sarajpoor S. , Ghalandarzadeh A. , Akhyani S. , Zogh P.
Published: April 2024

In this study, a series of resonant column tests was conducted to measure the shear modulus of sand-rubber mixtures at small strain amplitudes (i.e. between 10−4% and 10−2%), considering different rubber percentages and confining stress levels. The results were then combined with data obtained by dynamic hollow cylinder tests to investigate shear modulus degradation of the mixtures over a wider shear strain range. Based on the test results, a new expression was proposed to improve the prediction of maximum shear modulus of sand-rubber mixtures using the modified equivalent void ratio concept. A new constitutive model was also developed for estimation of strain-dependent shear modulus of the mixtures based on the modified hyperbolic framework. The shear modulus of the mixtures was found to be a function of rubber percentage, confining stress, the modified equivalent void ratio and the relative shear stiffness of rubber and sand. The experimental data and the developed models showed that the shear modulus decreased with rubber percentage and increased with confining stress. Moreover, the reference shear strain of the modified hyperbolic model increased with both rubber percentage and confining stress while its curvature coefficient increased more considerably with rubber percentage compared to the confining stress.
Plasma Proteins Associated with Chronic Histopathologic Lesions on Kidney Biopsy
Authors: Kim Taesoo , Surapaneni Aditya L. , Schmidt Insa M. , Eadon Michael T. , Kalim Sahir , Srivastava Anand , Palsson Ragnar , Stillman Isaac E. , Hodgin Jeffrey B. , Menon Rajasree , Otto Edgar A. , Coresh Josef , Grams Morgan E. , Waikar Sushrut S. , Rhee Eugene P. ,   for the Kidney Precision Medicine Project
Published: April 2024

Key Points

Proteomic profiling identified 35 blood proteins associated with chronic histopathologic lesions in the kidney.

Testican-2 was expressed in the glomerulus, released by the kidney into circulation, and inversely associated with glomerulosclerosis severity.

NELL1 was expressed in tubular epithelial cells, released by the kidney into circulation, and inversely associated with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy severity.

Background

The severity of chronic histopathologic lesions on kidney biopsy is independently associated with higher risk of progressive CKD. Because kidney biopsies are invasive, identification of blood markers that report on underlying kidney histopathology has the potential to enhance CKD care.

Methods

We examined the association between 6592 plasma protein levels measured by aptamers and the severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA), glomerulosclerosis, arteriolar sclerosis, and arterial sclerosis among 434 participants of the Boston Kidney Biopsy Cohort. For proteins significantly associated with at least one histologic lesion, we assessed renal arteriovenous protein gradients among 21 individuals who had undergone invasive catheterization and assessed the expression of the cognate gene among 47 individuals with single-cell RNA sequencing data in the Kidney Precision Medicine Project.

Results

In models adjusted for eGFR, proteinuria, and demographic factors, we identified 35 proteins associated with one or more chronic histologic lesions, including 20 specific for IFTA, eight specific for glomerulosclerosis, and one specific for arteriolar sclerosis. In general, higher levels of these proteins were associated with more severe histologic score and lower eGFR. Exceptions included testican-2 and NELL1, which were associated with less glomerulosclerosis and IFTA, respectively, and higher eGFR; notably, both of these proteins demonstrated significantly higher levels from artery to renal vein, demonstrating net kidney release. In the Kidney Precision Medicine Project, 13 of the 35 protein hits had cognate gene expression enriched in one or more cell types in the kidney, including podocyte expression of select glomerulosclerosis markers (including testican-2) and tubular expression of several IFTA markers (including NELL1).

Conclusions

Proteomic analysis identified circulating proteins associated with chronic histopathologic lesions, some of which had concordant site-specific expression within the kidney.
Higher Education and Unemployment in Turkey: Regional Panel Analysis with Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD Perspectives
Authors: Algül Yahya
Published: April 2024

In the past two decades, Turkey has experienced a noteworthy increase in the establishment of universities and enrollment of students across various degree programs. However, this surge in higher education has been accompanied by a growing number of unemployed higher education graduates. To address this phenomenon, this research conducts a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between different levels of tertiary education, undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. (Doctorate) and unemployment. The study utilizes TurkStat's regional database, covering data from 26 provinces in Turkey spanning the years 2008 to 2021. Prior to delving into coefficient analysis, the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) panel causality test was applied to identify the direction of potential causality and to establish an accurate model. The findings suggest a potential causal relationship running from being a higher education graduate, at all levels (bachelor's, master's, and PhD ), to unemployment rate. Subsequently, to further scrutinize this relationship in light of causality findings, the Panel Augmented Mean Group estimator (AMG) was employed. The results indicate that a 1% increase in the total number of Bachelor's degree graduates is associated with a 1.16% increase in unemployment rate. Based on these findings, it can be argued that, instead of further investing in higher education, a policy approach targeting middle-skilled jobs through advanced investment in vocational high schools may be more cost-effective.
The Class of Demi-Strongly Order Bounded Operators
Authors: Keleş Gül Sinem , Altın Birol
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we introduce the class of demi-strongly order bounded operators on a Riesz space generalization of strongly order bounded operators. Let M be a Riesz space, an operator H from M into M is said to be a demi-strongly order bounded operator if for every net {u_α} in M^+ whenever 0≤u_α↑ ≤u^'',u^'' in M^(∼∼) and {u_α-H(u_α )} is order bounded in M, then {u_α} is order bounded in M. We obtain a characterization of the b-property by the term of demi-strongly order bounded operators. In addition, we study the relationship between strongly order bounded operators and demi-strongly order bounded operators. Finally, we also investigate some properties of the class of demi-strongly order bounded operators.
Rehberli Turlarda Rehber-Turist Etkileşimi: Bir Katılımcı Gözlem Araştırması
Authors: Keskin Pulluk Serpil , Sop Serhat Adem
Published: April 2024

Bu araştırmada, rehberli turlarda temel hizmet sağlayıcı olan profesyonel turist rehberi ile tura katılan turistler arasındaki sosyal etkileşimin nasıl gerçekleştiğini keşfetmek ve rehberin bu süreçte uyguladığı izlenim yönetimi tekniklerini açığa çıkarmak amaçlanmıştır. Nitel araştırma yaklaşımı benimsenerek, dört günlük bir Karadeniz turundan katılımcı gözlem tekniğiyle veri toplanmıştır. Katılımcı gözlem sürecindeki saha notları içerik analiziyle çözümlenmiştir. Rehber-turist etkileşiminin detaylı şekilde açıklanabilmesi için verilerden alt kategoriler ve kategoriler oluşturulmuş; rehber kaynaklı etkileşim ve turist kaynaklı etkileşim olmak üzere iki tema ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Bu çerçevede rehber-turist etkileşiminin ilk izlenim yoluyla, anlatım yoluyla, otoriter davranış yoluyla, uyumlu davranış yoluyla, birebir iletişim yoluyla, agresif davranış yoluyla ve tek taraflı etkileşim yoluyla gerçekleştiği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, rehberin tur sürecinde kullandığı izlenim yönetimi tekniklerinin kendini sevdirme, örnek olma, kendini övme/niteliklerini tanıtma ve yıldırma/gözdağı verme olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ulaşılan sonuçlar sosyal etkileşim teorisi bağlamında yorumlanmış, araştırmanın teorik ve pratik katkıları tartışılmıştır.
Contributions of tutoring to the development of academic writing in graduate education
Authors: Salazar Gaviria Carlos Andrés , Abad Olaya José Vicente
Published: April 2024

Earning a master’s or doctoral degree often requires writing scientific articles, a challenging task for graduate students. A review of existing literature on writing in higher education underscores the need to learn more about the strategies tutors use when teaching their tutees how to prepare their theses and academic articles. Objective: Explore the contribution of tutoring to the composition of academic articles as graduation requirements and thereby to the development of academic literacies among master’s degree students. Methodology: Descriptive case study following the interpretive paradigm. This qualitative study was conducted in a master’s degree program in education at a private university in Medellin, Colombia. The data were collected through semistructured interviews with three tutors, two students, and one graduate student. The content was analyzed by utilizing open and axial coding. Results: The study revealed three pivotal functions performed by tutors in fostering academic literacies during their support for article writing: adept management of the tutor-tutee relationship concerning co-authorship, skillful guidance in navigating interactions with external agents who regulate publication, and proactive promotion of the tutees’ relationship with writing and research, thereby fostering the configuration of their identity as authors and researchers.
Analysis of Production Capacity, Profitability, and Constraints in The South African Aquaculture Industry: Case of Gauteng Province Food Fish Aquaculture
Authors: Sowemimo Babawale Oyeleke , Vivier Leon , Mogoje Barileng L.
Published: April 2024

Gauteng province’s aquaculture was grossly underdeveloped and very little was known about its profitability and the possible constraints faced by its operators. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the production capacity, and profitability of existing aquaculture projects and to identify the constraints responsible for the underdevelopment of the industry in the province. To achieve these, data was collected from five fish farms located in the province using structured questionnaires and interviews. Gross margin analysis and gross profit margin ratio were used to determine the profitability of aquaculture production. The fish farmers in the study used 36% of the capacities of the established aquaculture projects leading to lower tonnage of fish per cycle of production in all the farms. This is an indication of the underutilization of the production capacities of the established fish farms. The profit margins were greater than 40% in all the projects surveyed, proof that aquaculture has good potential as a business enterprise in the province. However, the study identified several constraints which include lack of skilled workforce, poor access to funding, and lack of established input suppliers within the province as being responsible for the underdevelopment of the sector.
Padded geriatric headbands to mitigate fall injuries
Authors: Yong K Kim , Armand F Lewis
Published: April 2024

In response to information that more older Americans are dying from accidental falls, UMass Dartmouth researchers have addressed the problem by employing Flocked Impact Energy Absorbing (FEAM) materials to design special Wrap-Around Padded Headband (WAPH) garment structures. Such headband structures are intended for use by geriatric patients who might be vulnerable to falling. Overall, head-worn WAPHs should serve as head protection therefore mitigating any serious head injury that may occur during any such falling mishaps. The designed geriatric headbands feature a customizable, one-size-fits-all, linearly stretchable, wearer-comfortable design. Additionally, the particular wrap-around feature provides an overlap in headband over-wrap length such that some parts of the head perimeter (forehead or back-head) zone have a double thickness of the FEAM impact force material protection. Impact Force Absorbing (IFA) measurements carried out on FEAM employing headband material show that the IFA properties of the designed headband are superior in impact absorbing properties compared to non-IFA material containing stretchable fabric. As a means of determining how the designed WAPHs will absorb sweat, water immersion studies were carried out on some representative headband materials. The designed headbands should also be able to manage body heat. Self-wearing-trials of some WAPH prototypes demonstrated that they are very wearer comfortable. However, more experimental studies must be carried out to optimize the IFA properties of the FEAM element used in fabricating these WAPH garments.
Загрузка сиквенсов в базу данных коллекции (Specify 7) и экспорт данных в GenBank и GBIF v1
Authors: Filippova Nina , Zvyagina Elena
Published: April 2024

Protocol for uploading sequences and their metadata into the Specify 7 database and subsequent export of data to GenBank and GBIF. The first stage of preparing sequences involves their initial processing (trimming ends, assembling), saving the edited sequence, and adding comments to the laboratory journal. The second stage involves the actual uploading of sequences, their metadata, and trace files into the Specify 7 database. The database serves as the primary long-term storage location for the sequences. From here, the data is exported to GenBank and GBIF. Exporting data to GenBank is done by creating a request in Specify and then uploading the table and sequences to GenBank through batch upload. Exporting sequence data to GBIF is done for all sequences open for publication in the database after receiving the corresponding numbers in GenBank. The export of sequences is done through a query template, exporting to a .csv table, and then importing the table into the Integrated Publishing Toolkit portal, where each sequence is linked to the corresponding specimen in the collection dataset.
Triparental mating with pSEVA protocol v2
Authors: Gómez Laura
Published: April 2024

This process involves bacterial conjugation, where a conjugative plasmid found in one bacterial strain facilitates the transfer of a mobilizable plasmid from a second bacterial strain to a third bacterial strain. In the method from our lab, CC118λpir containing a pSEVA plasmid works as the donor, the E. coli 1047 pRK2013 strand is the helper, and the receiver is a C. rodentium strand.
A Method for Constructing the Resulting Scale for Objects Presented in Interval Estimates in Multi-Criteria Evaluation and Selection Tasks
Authors:   Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Korneenko V. P.
Published: April 2024

For the tasks of multi-criteria evaluation and selection under uncertainty conditions, the most accurate is the presentation of object estimates in an interval form, which allows you to preserve the completeness of information. The correct application of the additive data aggregation mechanism in multi-criteria problems presented in various measurement scales requires that the initial estimates be transformed into the resulting homogeneous scales characterized by the same scope and number of gradations. At the same time, there is a problem of converting interval estimates into point estimates. The idea of the method for intersecting interval estimates and a large number of objects is to construct a histogram, and then equally divide the original measurement scale into segments, the numbers of which are identified with the point gradations of the resulting scale. An example of solving the problem of multi-criteria evaluation and comparison of a civil helicopter project relative to competitors in terms of tactical and technical characteristics and with interval-set sales prices is given.
Investigation of Structural Electrophysical Parameters of ZnO al Films for Electronics
Authors:   Penza State University, Penza, 440026, Russian Federation, Kozin A.S. , Sukhov I.V. ,   Penza State University, Penza, 440026, Russian Federation, Ilyin K.A. ,   Penza State University, Penza, 440026, Russian Federation, Pronin I.A. ,   Penza State University, Penza, 440026, Russian Federation, Golovyashkin A.N. ,   Penza State University, Penza, 440026, Russian Federation
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the effect of the introduction of aluminum in concentrations 1—3 at was investigated. % in semiconductor nanostructured zinc oxide films obtained by sol-gel method. Based on the results of scanning electron microscopy, it was found that all samples have a branched structure, while there is a tendency for the branches to enlarge with an increase in the concentration of the modifier. Studies of optical transmission spectra have shown that the samples are transparent in the visible radiation range; the calculation of the optical band gap showed an increase in the amorphization of the material, which we associate with the for-mation of impurity levels formed by aluminum cations overlapping with the band conductivity, as well as an increase in the concentration of intrinsic point electrically active defects. Analysis of the results of the dependence of electrical conductivity on temperature showed its semiconductor nature and the presence of two regions with the following activation energies: the first region is a low—temperature region with low energy in the range of 35—75 meV; the second region is a high—temperature region with energy in the range of 0.35— 0.45 eV. We associate the low activation energy with donor levels of interstitial zinc Zni defects. At the same time, with an increase in the concentration of aluminum, the value of the activation energy of this level decreases, which is associated with the substitution of zinc atoms with aluminum and their displacement into the internode. The analysis of the electrical conductivity of the studied films in the range of 20...400 °C shows its maximum value at the concentration of the alloying impurity in 1 at. %. Thus, this composition is optimal from the point of view of obtaining transparent conductive films.
Effects of pH and Temperature on Ethanol Photocatalytic Oxidation using Por-Si/Pd
Authors:   National Research University Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology, Moscow, Zelenograd, 124498, Russian Federation, Volovlikova O.V. , Silakov G.O. ,   National Research University Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology, Moscow, Zelenograd, 124498, Russian Federation, Lazarenko P.I. ,   National Research University Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology, Moscow, Zelenograd, 124498, Russian Federation, Gavrilov S.A. ,   National Research University Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology, Moscow, Zelenograd, 124498, Russian Federation
Published: April 2024

The paper presents the results of a study of ethanol electrooxidation on por-Si/Pd structures formed by metal-stimulated etching. The emphasis on the influence of external factors, such as temperature, pH of ethanol solution and external radiation in the visible and UV ranges on the catalytic activity of the structure. The empirical mechanism of ethanol electrooxidation on the por-Si/Pd structure under additional external illumination is presented.
Metasurfaces for Resonant Tunneling Diodes with Double Metal Waveguides
Authors:   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National University), Moscow, Sobolev A.S. , Pavlov A.Yu. ,   Institute of Ultra-High-Frequency Semiconductor Electronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IUHFSE RAS), Moscow, Maytama M.V. ,   Institute of Ultra-High-Frequency Semiconductor Electronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IUHFSE RAS), Moscow,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University (Bauman MSTU), Glinsky I.A. ,   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National University), Moscow, Ponomarev D.S. ,   Institute of Ultra-High-Frequency Semiconductor Electronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IUHFSE RAS), Moscow, Khabibullin R.A. ,   Institute of Ultra-High-Frequency Semiconductor Electronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IUHFSE RAS), Moscow,   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National University), Moscow
Published: April 2024

The paper proposes designs of distributed resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) with a double metal waveguide (DMW), in the top electrode of which a periodic pattern (metasurface) is formed based on holes in a hexagonal array and a chain of slotted (split-ring) resonators. This solution will make it possible to control the phase velocity of the propagating wave and increase the wave impedance in order to reduce ohmic losses in the waveguide, as well as to create a generation mode in it. For the proposed designs of metasurfaces, electromagnetic modeling was carried out and the input impedances of the resonators were calculated.
“There’s No Connection Plugging Me Into This System”: Citizenship as Non‐Participation and Voicelessness
Authors: Hayfield Erika Anne
Published: April 2024

The small and remote island community, the Faroe Islands, has experienced a vast increase in immigration recently. In the space of a decade, immigration has risen from 1.5% of the population to 5.5%. The island community, previously ethnically and culturally homogenous, is now facing growing diversity. The Faroese context is characterised by its small size and a micro‐administration that is ill‐equipped for the complexities of immigration. Previous research has found that underlying the Faroese language and identity is a pervasive ideology of who is considered to “authentically belong.” Furthermore, the small population is strongly connected through multiple relations, and navigating formal and informal life depends on social/family networks. In this small island community context, this article examines immigrant citizenship experiences, drawing on qualitative data collated between 2016 and 2023. Citizenship is here understood as everyday relational and spatial experiences at various levels of society. From the analysis, two central values of citizenship emerged as key to entangled citizenship experiences: (non)participation and (mis)recognition. The analysis finds that Faroese society, both formally and informally, is highly inaccessible to immigrants, rendering them voiceless and marginalised. Furthermore, immigrants experience misrecognition for the resources they bring and find themselves on the margins of the labour market and society in general.