bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Intuition Effectiveness in Moral Problems
Authors: Julmi Christian
Published: April 2023

There has been a longstanding controversy in research as to whether moral judgment is the result of an analytical or an intuitive process. Today, researchers increasingly recognize that moral judgments can be the result of both intuition and analysis, and that the two paths can lead to different results. This raises the question as to which of the two processes leads to a better moral judgment. The article develops a typology of moral problems depending on their moral uncertainty and moral equivocality and links the derived types with analysis and intuition effectiveness. The typology considers four types of moral problems: compliance problems (low uncertainty, low equivocality), professional ethics problems (high uncertainty, low equivocality), conformity problems (low uncertainty, high equivocality) and ethical dilemmas (high uncertainty, high equivocality). The article argues that compliance and professional ethics problems are best solved analytically, whereas intuition is assumed to be more suitable for conformity problems and ethical dilemmas. Moreover, the article shows that it is not sufficient to contrast intuition with analysis alone. The higher the moral uncertainty, the more important the interplay of intuition and analysis becomes in making moral judgments.
Values and Value Conflicts in the Context of OSINT Technologies for Cybersecurity Incident Response: A Value Sensitive Design Perspective
Authors: Riebe Thea , Bäumler Julian , Kaufhold Marc-André , Reuter Christian
Published: April 2023

The negotiation of stakeholder values as a collaborative process throughout technology development has been studied extensively within the fields of Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Human-Computer Interaction. Despite their increasing significance for cybersecurity incident response, there is a gap in research on values of importance to the design of open-source intelligence (OSINT) technologies for this purpose. In this paper, we investigate which values and value conflicts emerge due to the application and development of machine learning (ML) based OSINT technologies to assist cyber security incident response operators. For this purpose, we employ a triangulation of methods, consisting of a systematic survey of the technical literature on the development of OSINT artefacts for cybersecurity (N = 73) and an empirical value sensitive design case study, comprising semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (N = 9) as well as a focus group (N = 7) with developers. Based on our results, we identify implications relevant to the research on and design of OSINT artefacts for cybersecurity incident response.
Why do people represent time as dynamical? An investigation of temporal dynamism and the open future
Authors: Latham Andrew J. , Miller Kristie
Published: April 2023

Deflationists hold that it does not seem to us, in experience, as though time robustly passes. There is some recent empirical evidence that appears to support this contention. Equally, empirical evidence suggests that we naïvely represent time as dynamical. Thus deflationists are faced with an explanatory burden. If, as they maintain, the world seems to us in experience as though it is non-dynamical, then why do we represent time as dynamical? This paper takes up the challenge of investigating, on the part of the deflationist, one candidate explanation. We hypothesise that people’s belief that the future is what we calldeliberatively openpartly explains why they represent time as dynamical. In a series of two experiments we test this hypothesis. We find no evidence that beliefs about deliberative openness explain why people represent time as dynamical. Hence there remains an explanatory burden for the deflationist to discharge.
Bare statistical evidence and the legitimacy of software-based judicial decisions
Authors: Schmidt Eva , Sesing-Wagenpfeil Andreas , Köhl Maximilian A.
Published: April 2023

Can the evidence provided by software systems meet the standard of proof for civil or criminal cases, and is it individualized evidence? Or, to the contrary, do software systems exclusively provide bare statistical evidence? In this paper, we argue that there are cases in which evidence in the form of probabilities computed by software systems is not bare statistical evidence, and is thus able to meet the standard of proof. First, based on the case of State v. Loomis, we investigate recidivism predictions provided by software systems used in the courtroom. Here, we raise problems for software systems that provide predictions that are based on bare statistical evidence. Second, by examining the case of People v. Chubbs, we argue that the statistical evidence provided by software systems in cold hit DNA cases may in some cases suffice for individualized evidence, on a view on which individualized evidence is evidence that normically supports the relevant proposition (Smith, in Mind 127:1193–1218, 2018).
Mechanical Choices: A Compatibilist Libertarian Response
Authors: List Christian
Published: April 2023

Michael S. Moore defends the ideas of free will and responsibility, especially in relation to criminal law, against several challenges from neuroscience. I agree with Moore that morality and the law presuppose a commonsense understanding of humans as rational agents, who make choices and act for reasons, and that to defend moral and legal responsibility, we must show that this commonsense understanding remains viable. Unlike Moore, however, I do not think that classical compatibilism, which is based on a conditional understanding of the ability to do otherwise, provides a sufficiently robust account of free will, even when it is amended as Moore suggests. I argue that free will and responsibility can be defended more robustly by observing that, at the level of agency, there can be alternative possibilities and mental causation in a stronger sense than recognized by classical compatibilism, even if physical determinism is true. Moore’s arguments could thus be strengthened by embracing this compatibilist libertarian position. At the same time, I note that, although the idea of responsibility is robustly defensible, there are independent reasons for rejecting a retributivist approach to punishment.
Are smart glasses feasible for dispatch prehospital assistance during on-boat cardiac arrest? A pilot simulation study with fishermen
Authors: Barcala-Furelos Roberto , Aranda-García Silvia , Otero-Agra Martín , Fernández-Méndez Felipe , Alonso-Calvete Alejandra , Martínez-Isasi Santiago , Greif Robert , Rodríguez-Núñez Antonio
Published: April 2023

The aim of the study was to explore feasibility of basic life support (BLS) guided through smart glasses (SGs) when assisting fishermen bystanders. Twelve participants assisted a simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on a fishing boat assisted by the dispatcher through the SGs. The SGs were connected to make video calls. Feasibility was assessed whether or not they needed help from the dispatcher. BLS-AED steps, time to first shock/compression, and CPR’s quality (hands-only) during 2 consecutive minutes (1st minute without dispatcher feedback, 2nd with dispatcher feedback) were analyzed. Reliability was analyzed by comparing the assessment of variables performed by the dispatcher through SGs with those registered by an on-scene instructor. Assistance through SGs was needed in 72% of the BLS steps, which enabled all participants to perform the ABC approach and use AED correctly. Feasibility was proven that dispatcher’s feedback through SGs helped to improve bystanders’ performance, as after dispatcher gave feedback via SGs, only 3% of skills were incorrect. Comparison of on-scene instructor vs. SGs assessment by dispatcher differ in 8% of the analyzed skills: greatest difference in the "incorrect hand position during CPR" (on-scene: 33% vs. dispatcher: 0%). When comparing the 1st minute with 2nd minute, there were only significant differences in the percentage of compressions with correct depth (1st:48 ± 42%, 2nd:70 ± 31, p = 0.02). Using SGs in aquatic settings is feasible and improves BLS. CPR quality markers were similar with and without SG. These devices have great potential for communication between dispatchers and laypersons but need more development to be used in real emergencies.
Fairness and Tax Morale in Developing Countries
Authors: Castañeda Néstor
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the relationship between individuals' attitudes towards fairness and their views about tax compliance in developing countries. It argues that individuals’ attitudes regarding fairness shape their views about paying taxes and their ethical stances regarding tax evasion. Using survey data for 18 major cities in Latin America, we find that individuals who are highly sensitive to fairness are less likely to consider paying taxes as a civic duty and more likely to justify tax evasion. These attitudes toward tax compliance are not inelastic. We also find evidence that individualst argues about reciprocity and merit mediate the effect of fairness on personal views about tax compliance. Finally, this paper shows that the heuristics people use to explain their position in the income distribution make them sensitive to inequality, and it affects their tax morale. These findings help us better understand the concept of reciprocity and provide valuable lessons on the urgent task of expanding fiscal capacity to promote economic growth and inequality in developing countries.
Einsatz von patientenspezifischen Implantaten – eine Übersicht und aktuelle Entwicklungen
Authors: Ferrari Raphael , Wagner Maximilian , Essig Harald
Published: April 2023

Der Begriff der personalisierten Medizin wird im 21. Jahrhundert zum Fokus einer modernen Patientenversorgung. Im Bereich der rekonstruktiven Mund‑, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie sind patientenspezifische Implantate (PSI) zentraler Bestandteil einer personalisierten Medizin. Dank des Einsatzes computerunterstützter Gestaltung und Fertigung (CAD/CAM) können auch komplexe anatomische Defekte präzise, vorhersagbar und individuell rekonstruiert werden. Operationssimulationen können dem Patienten das Therapieziel inklusive therapiebedingter ästhetischer Veränderungen aufzeigen und damit neben der Personalisierung auch eine verbesserte Partizipation an der Therapieentscheidung herbeiführen. Frühere Spezialindikationen werden zum Therapiestandard und die Anwendung der PSI konnte auf weitere Spezialgebiete innerhalb der MKG-Chirurgie ausgeweitet werden. Optimierte Planungs- und Herstellungsabläufe unter dem Einsatz von künstlicher Intelligenz, Visualisierung und intraoperative Unterstützung des Chirurgen durch Augmented Reality (AR) sowie der Einsatz neuer dreidimensional druckbarer Biomaterialien sind Bestandteile der aktuellen Forschung und werden das Indikationsspektrum für PSI in Zukunft nochmals erweitern können.
Minimal Residual Disease in the Management of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Systematic Review of Studies from Indian Settings
Authors: Menon Hari , Singh Pawan Kumar , Bagal Bhausaheb , Dolai Tuphan , Jain Ankita , Chaudhri Antara
Published: April 2023

Minimal residual disease (MRD) has become an essential tool in the management of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and aids in tailoring treatment strategies to suit specific patient needs. Although much progress has been made in this area, there is limited data on the use of MRD in the Indian context. Our objective was to identify relevant literature that discusses the utility of MRD in the management of B-cell ALL in adolescents and young adults (AYA) and adults in Indian settings. A systematic search and screening of articles were performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary data source was PubMed followed by Google Scholar for articles and conference proceedings. Of the 254 records screened, 24 records were retained for analysis. MRD monitoring had a significant role in the management of AYA/adult B-cell ALL patients. Variability of results was observed across these studies with respect to methods, techniques, and use. However, these studies evidenced and validated the importance of MRD assessment in risk-adapted management of B-cell ALL and highlighted the need for optimization. The advances in MRD diagnostics and applications are yet to be tested and adopted in Indian settings. Hence, there is a need for in-depth research to develop and optimize approaches for calibrating country-specific management strategies. The potential role of MRD assessments in anticipating relapse or treatment failures warrants more attention for the preemptive positioning of novel strategies involving immunotherapies.
Consequences of Enterprise Social Media Network Positions for Employees
Authors: Schötteler Sebastian , Laumer Sven , Schuhbauer Heidi
Published: April 2023

Employees often use enterprise social media (ESM) for communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, leading to ESM networks–that is, social networks of interrelated employees based on ESM. Many organizations possess ESM networks, and there is increasing research on their consequences for employees depending on how these employees are positioned in such networks. ESM network research is complex and consists of various interrelated dimensions. However, a synthesis of the abovementioned studies is lacking. Therefore, the current body of knowledge may obfuscate how the different dimensions interrelate, impeding a more holistic understanding of the consequences that employees may experience depending on their network positions. Moreover, there is little understanding of which research topics in this area have been addressed to date and where further research is needed. This paper addresses these gaps by means of a literature review and research agenda that synthesizes past studies. The results emphasize that whether ESM are beneficial for and exert a positive influence on employees largely depends on the employees’ positions in the underlying networks.
Predicting perceived ethnicity with data on personal names in Russia
Authors: Bessudnov Alexey , Tarasov Denis , Panasovets Viacheslav , Kostenko Veronica , Smirnov Ivan , Uspenskiy Vladimir
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we develop a machine learning classifier that predicts perceived ethnicity from data on personal names for major ethnic groups populating Russia. We collect data from VK, the largest Russian social media website. Ethnicity was coded from languages spoken by users and their geographical location, with the data manually cleaned by crowd workers. The classifier shows the accuracy of 0.82 for a scheme with 24 ethnic groups and 0.92 for 15 aggregated ethnic groups. It can be used for research on ethnicity and ethnic relations in Russia, with the data sets that have personal names but not ethnicity.
Development and Characterization of Sintered Zeolite and Zeolite-Kaolin Wick Structure for Thermosiphon Heat-Pipe Application
Authors: Ali Muhammad Aon , Leu Tzong-Shyng , Weng Chih-Yuan , Ali Hafiz Muhammad
Published: April 2023

A wick structure is the core part of a heat pipe that produces capillaries to move liquid from a condenser to an evaporator. The purpose of the current study was to develop a wick structure from zeolite and kaolin using various sintering methods. Due to significant porosity and water-adsorption properties, zeolite and kaolin can produce a large capillary force inside the heat pipe. A porous wick specimen is developed from pure zeolite together with a mixture of zeolite and kaolin by using pressureless (loosely packed) and conventional pressurized sintering for thermosiphon heat-pipe applications. Major properties such as porosity, water adsorption, and permeability were noted to be better under pressureless sintering compared to pressurized sintering. Significant and uneven shrinkage in both radial and linear directions is a major problem in loosely packed sintering of pure zeolite. However, the addition of kaolin helps to overcome the problem of porosity and shrinkage in pure zeolite; but the permeability and strength of the wick structure are reduced with the addition of kaolin. A general trend is that increasing porosity causes increasing permeability. Due to grain size and compaction, however, permeability is reduced with the addition of kaolin. Based on the experimental results for porosity and permeability, the wick structure formed from zeolite with 5–10% of kaolin has better thermal properties for heat-pipe applications.
Trust and Contingency Plans
Authors: Chae Lee-Ann
Published: April 2023

Trusting relationships are both valuable and risky. Where the risks are high and the fears of betrayal are also high, it might seem rational to try to mitigate the risks, while still enjoying the benefits of the trusting relationship, by forming a contingency plan. A contingency plan—in the sense I am interested in—involves contingent punishments for defection, which are primarily meant to encourage the trusted partner to act trustworthily. I argue, however, that such contingency plans suffer from an internal tension wherein the contingency planner both seeks and undermines a particular level (or kind) of trust. There are two problems in particular, either of which is sufficient to undermine trusting relationships: one, the planner fails to see the trusted partner as sincerely engaged in the trusting relationship, and two, the planner separates herself out from the trusting relationship by seeing her flourishing as separate from her partner’s (or, even worse, as dependent on her partner’s harm). Continency plans, then, are not just about the future; they cast a moral shadow on what we are doing now.
Creating an age-inclusive workplace: The impact of HR practices on employee work engagement
Authors: Fan Peng , Song Yixiao , Fang Miaoying , Chen Xilin
Published: April 2023

Drawing on social exchange theory, our study aims to examine how age-inclusive human resource (HR) practices affect work engagement by shaping the age-diversity climate and perceived organizational support (POS). We hypothesize that diversity beliefs play a moderating role in the relationship between age-inclusive HR practices and POS. Our analysis of a sample of 983 employees from 48 organizations in China highlights the direct impact of age-inclusive HR practices on work engagement. Moreover, age-diversity climate and POS mediate the association between age-inclusive HR practices and work engagement. We further demonstrate that diversity beliefs play a moderating role in the association between age-inclusive HR practices and POS. Our findings not only contribute to the literature but also provide practical implications for managing an aging workforce.
Response to Critiques and Avenues for Future Research
Authors: Vogt Manuel
Published: April 2023

I would like to start my response by expressing my profound gratitude to the three commentators for their in-depth engagement with my book, their generous comments, and the rich variety of though-provoking challenges and critiques. Their contributions urge me to refine the theoretical and empirical implications of the book in novel ways. Responding to all of their excellent observations would go beyond the scope of this short essay, but I will address what I identify as the most fundamental arguments, clustered in three main themes, according to which I will structure my response. The first part will address the comments of the reviewers that relate to key definitions and case classifications. The second part focuses on challenges to the theoretical argument, including alternative explanations. Finally, the third part addresses unresolved questions in the book identified by the reviewers, which open up promising avenues for future research.
First Detection of Midlatitude Plasma Bubble by SuperDARN During a Geomagnetic Storm on May 27 and 28, 2017
Authors: Sori Takuya , Shinbori Atsuki , Otsuka Yuichi , Nishioka Michi , Perwitasari Septi , Nishitani Nozomu
Published: April 2023

We used the global navigation satellite system‐total electron content (TEC) and Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar to elucidate the characteristics of the plasma bubble extending to midlatitudes over North America during a geomagnetic storm on 27 and 28 May 2017. To identify plasma bubbles, we analyzed the rate of the TEC index (ROTI), which is a good indicator of the occurrence of plasma bubbles. The enhanced ROTI region expanded up to 50°N (geomagnetic latitude), and the upper limit of this region coincided with the equatorward wall of the midlatitude trough. Two‐dimensional ROTI maps show that the enhanced midlatitude ROTI region moved westward at a bulk speed of approximately 310 m/s. The Fort Hays East SuperDARN radar also detected the radar echo, showing the existence of plasma density irregularities at ∼10‐m scales within the midlatitude plasma bubble. The radar echo had a westward velocity of ∼300 m/s, which is almost consistent with the westward motion of the enhanced midlatitude ROTI region. We deduced that the westward propagation of the plasma bubble could be caused by a poleward sub‐auroral polarization stream electric field. The observed radar echo overlapping with the enhanced ROTI region had a narrower spectral width (<50 m/s) than that of the auroral activity. This feature resembled that of the type 1 echo, although the Doppler velocity was smaller than the ion acoustic speed at the F‐region height. This is the first case in which plasma density irregularities within plasma bubbles were captured by the SuperDARN radar.
The Importance of Reversible Scavenging for the Marine Zn Cycle Evidenced by the Distribution of Zinc and Its Isotopes in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sieber M. , Lanning N. T. , Bian X. , Yang S.‐C. , Takano S. , Sohrin Y. , Weber T. S. , Fitzsimmons J. N. , John S. G. , Conway T. M.
Published: April 2023

The North Pacific has played an important role in ongoing discussions on the origin of the global correlation between oceanic dissolved Zn and Si, while data in the North Pacific have remained sparse. Here, we present dissolved Zn and δ66Zn data from the US GEOTRACES GP15 meridional transect along 152°W from Alaska to the South Pacific. In the south (<20°N) Zn and Si exhibit a tight linear correlation reflecting strong Southern Ocean influence, while in the north (>20°N) an excess of Zn relative to Si in upper and intermediate waters is due to regeneration of Zn together with PO4. Using a mechanistic model, we show that reversible scavenging is required as an additional process transferring Zn from the upper to the deep ocean, explaining the deep Zn maximum below the PO4 maximum. This mechanism applied for reversible scavenging also provides an explanation for the observed isotope distribution: (a) fractionation during ligand binding and subsequent removal of residual heavy Zn in the upper ocean, drives the upper ocean toward lower δ66Zn, while (b) release of heavy Zn then coincides with the PO4 maximum where carrier particles regenerate, causing a mid‐depth δ66Zn maximum. In the upper ocean, seasonal physical stratification is an additional important process influencing shallow δ66Zn signals. At the global scale, this mechanism invoking fractionation during ligand binding coupled with reversible scavenging offers a global explanation for isotopically light Zn at shallow depths and corresponding elevated mid‐depth δ66Zn signals, seen dominantly in ocean regions away from strong Southern Ocean control.
Binary Collisions of Water Drops in Presence of Horizontal Electric Fields: A Wind Tunnel Study
Authors: Bhalwankar Rohini , Pawar Vidya , Kamra A. K.
Published: April 2023

Coalescence/breakup characteristics of binary collisions of small water drops (dS = 0.4–1.8 mm diameter) with large drops (dL = 3–3.5 mm diameter) occurring in the absence/presence of horizontal electric field (EH) = 0, 100, and 300 kVm−1 have been investigated in a small vertical wind tunnel using a high‐speed digital camera. The coalescence efficiency (EC) of 0.299 observed for average diameters (dL = 3.2 mm, dS = 1.2 mm) in EH = 0 decreased to 0.244/0.211 when EH is increased to 100/300 kVm−1. The increase in the electric field reduces the probability of coalescence when Weber number (We) < 1. However, when We ≥ 1, an increase in We restricts the probability of coalescence. Our data, when plotted in the regime diagram in the We*‐p plane, delineates the collision outcomes in all‐electric field values but does show the overlapping of some data points in the adjacent categories. After a binary collision, the relaxation time for coalescence is higher than that for the breakup. Further, the relaxation time increases from the filament to sheet to disk mode of breakup in all‐electric field values. Fragment size distributions after the filament and sheet types of breakups differ and are differently affected by the applied electric field. Higher collision kinetic energy has a tendency to increase the number of fragments of the sizes between dL and dS. It is concluded therefore that, the effect of the electric field needs to be included in the estimation of drop growth and precipitation in clouds.
L1CAM deployed perivascular tumor niche promotes vessel wall invasion of tumor thrombus and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Zonglong , Wu Yaqian , Liu Zhuo , Song Yimeng , Ge Liyuan , Du Tan , Liu Yunchong , Liu Li , Liu Cheng , Ma Lulin
Published: April 2023

The survival of tumor cells in the bloodstream, and vasculature adhesion at metastatic sites are crucial for tumor metastasis. Perivascular invasion aids tumor cell self-renewal, survival, and formation of metastases by facilitating readily available oxygen, nutrients, and endothelial-derived paracrine factors. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is among the most prevalent tumors of the urinary system, and the formation of venous tumor thrombus (VTT) is a characteristic feature of RCC. We observed high expression of L1CAM in the VTT with vessel wall invasion. L1CAM promotes the adhesion, migration, and invasion ability of RCC and enhances metastasis by interacting with ITGA5, which elicits activation of signaling downstream of integrin α5β1. L1CAM promotes ADAM17 transcription to facilitate transmembrane ectodomain cleavage and release of soluble L1CAM. In response to soluble L1CAM, vascular endothelial cells release several cytokines and chemokines. Endothelial-derived CXCL5 and its receptor CXCR2 promote the migration and intravasation of RCC toward endothelial cells suggesting that crosstalk between endothelial cells and tumor cells has a direct guiding role in driving the metastatic spread of RCC. LICAM plays a crucial role in the invasive ability of RCC, and regulation of L1CAM expression may contribute therapeutically to preventing RCC progression.
Protective coatings for ceramic artefacts exposed to UV ageing
Authors: Oancea Andrei V. , Bodi George , Cernescu Adrian , Spiridon Iuliana , Nicolescu Alina , Drobota Mioara , Cotofana Corneliu , Simionescu Bogdan C. , Olaru Mihaela
Published: April 2023

The commercial acrylic copolymer Paraloid B72 (PB72) and a synthesized nanostructured material (AMF) bearing silsesquioxane, methacrylate and fluorine units were analyzed to assess their performances as protective coatings for the conservation of Neolithic Cucuteni ceramic pottery when submitted to UV ageing. In the context of comparative evaluation of the protective efficiency, the present paper reports the use of a functional coating that operatesviaspecific photochemical transformations at the coating-air interface as a UV resistant protection coating for cultural heritage artefacts. The main factors that influenced the photo-degradation behavior of the polymeric materials included their structure, the properties at the polymer/air interfaces, and the preferential orientation of functional groups at the surface of the polymeric coatings.
Flow virometry for water-quality assessment: protocol optimization for a model virus and automation of data analysis
Authors: Safford Hannah R. , Johnson Melis M. , Bischel Heather N.
Published: April 2023

Flow virometry (FVM) can support advanced water treatment and reuse by delivering near-real-time information about viral water quality. But maximizing the potential of FVM in water treatment and reuse applications requires protocols to facilitate data validation and interlaboratory comparison—as well as approaches to protocol design to extend the suite of viruses that FVM can feasibly and efficiently monitor. We address these needs herein. First, we optimize a sample-preparation protocol for a model virus using a fractional factorial experimental design. The final protocol for FVM-based detection of T4—an environmentally relevant viral surrogate—blends and improves on existing protocols developed using a traditional pipeline-style optimization approach. Second, we test whether density-based clustering can aid and improve analysis of viral surrogates in complex matrices relative to manual gating. We compare manual gating with results obtained through algorithmic clustering: specifically, by leveraging the OPTICS (Ordering Points to Identify Cluster Structure) ordering algorithm. We demonstrate that OPTICS-assisted clustering can work as well or better than manual gating of FVM data, and can identify features in FVM data difficult to detect through manual gating. We demonstrate our combined sample-preparation and automated data-analysis pipeline on wastewater samples augmented with viral surrogates. We recommend use of this protocol to validate instrument performance prior to and alongside application of FVM on environmental samples. Adoption of a consistent, optimized analytical approach that (i) centers on a widely available, easy-to-use viral target, and (ii) includes automated data analysis will bolster confidence in FVM for microbial water-quality monitoring.
Appropriate noise addition to metaheuristic algorithms can enhance their performance
Authors: Choi Kwok Pui , Kam Enzio Hai Hong , Tong Xin T. , Wong Weng Kee
Published: April 2023

Nature-inspired swarm-based algorithms are increasingly applied to tackle high-dimensional and complex optimization problems across disciplines. They are general purpose optimization algorithms, easy to implement and assumption-free. Some common drawbacks of these algorithms are their premature convergence and the solution found may not be a global optimum. We propose a general, simple and effective strategy, called heterogeneous Perturbation–Projection (HPP), to enhance an algorithm’s exploration capability so that our sufficient convergence conditions are guaranteed to hold and the algorithm converges almost surely to a global optimum. In summary, HPP applies stochastic perturbation on half of the swarm agents and then project all agents onto the set of feasible solutions. We illustrate this approach using three widely used nature-inspired swarm-based optimization algorithms: particle swarm optimization (PSO), bat algorithm (BAT) and Ant Colony Optimization for continuous domains (ACO). Extensive numerical experiments show that the three algorithms with the HPP strategy outperform the original versions with 60–80% the times with significant margins.
Light convolutional neural network by neural architecture search and model pruning for bearing fault diagnosis and remaining useful life prediction
Authors: Ruan Diwang , Han Jinzhao , Yan Jianping , Gühmann Clemens
Published: April 2023

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) has been extensively used in bearing fault diagnosis and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction. However, accompanied by CNN’s increasing performance is a deeper network structure and growing parameter size. This prevents it from being deployed in industrial applications with limited computation resources. To this end, this paper proposed a two-step method to build a cell-based light CNN by Neural Architecture Search (NAS) and weights-ranking-based model pruning. In the first step, a cell-based CNN was constructed with searched optimal cells and the number of stacking cells was limited to reduce the network size after influence analysis. To search for the optimal cells, a base CNN model with stacking cells was initially built, and Differentiable Architecture Search was adopted after continuous relaxation. In the second step, the connections in the built cell-based CNN were further reduced by weights-ranking-based pruning. Experiment data from the Case Western Reserve University was used for validation under the task of fault classification. Results showed that the CNN with only two cells achieved a test accuracy of 99.969% and kept at 99.968% even if 50% connections were removed. Furthermore, compared with base CNN, the parameter size of the 2-cells CNN was reduced from 9.677MB to 0.197MB. Finally, after minor revision, the network structure was adapted to achieve bearing RUL prediction and validated with the PRONOSTIA test data. Both tasks confirmed the feasibility and superiority of constructing a light cell-based CNN with NAS and pruning, which laid the potential to realize a light CNN in embedded systems.
Manual reduction for incarcerated obturator hernia
Authors: Gokon Yusuke , Ohki Yusuke , Ogino Takahiro , Hatoyama Keiichiro , Oikawa Takahiro , Shimizu Kenji , Katsura Kazunori , Abe Takayuki , Sato Koichiro
Published: April 2023

Emergent surgery is a common approach for incarcerated obturator hernias, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Moreover, there have been reports of elective surgery cases after noninvasive manual reduction. For a decade, the initial approach in our institution is also manual reduction unless bowel viability is poor. This study aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of manual reduction followed by elective surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 50 cases of incarcerated obturator hernia from 2010 to 2022 at Iwate Prefectural Iwai Hospital. Manual reduction was attempted in 31 (62%) patients. The reduction was successful in 21 (42%) patients, and most of them received mesh repair using the extraperitoneal approach as elective surgery. However, two patients underwent emergent surgery in the waiting period because of late-onset constriction and a small bowel perforation. Patients with irreducible hernia underwent emergent surgery, except for two patients who received the best supportive care. Postoperative complications were observed in 5% and 22% of reducible and irreducible cases, respectively. Postoperative mortality was zero in both groups. Manual reduction is useful in some cases, but careful observation is needed because late-onset constriction and perforation could occur.
Association between asymmetric dimethylarginine and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women
Authors: Yokoro Miyuki , Otaki Naoto , Yano Megumu , Imamura Tomomi , Tanino Norikazu , Fukuo Keisuke
Published: April 2023

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of endothelium nitric oxide synthesis and causes endothelial dysfunction that may be related to sarcopenia. However, the association between ADMA and sarcopenia has not been studied. We evaluated the correlations between plasma ADMA levels and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women. In total, 144 community-dwelling older women participated in this study. Plasma ADMA levels were measured using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Skeletal muscle mass, measured in terms of bioimpedance and grip strength, was used to assess sarcopenia. Plasma ADMA levels were significantly higher in participants with sarcopenia than in those without sarcopenia. Through receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff value of plasma ADMA level for sarcopenia was estimated at 0.57 μM. Sarcopenia was significantly more prevalent in participants with higher plasma ADMA levels than in those with lower plasma ADMA levels. According to logistic regression analysis, the crude odds ratio of higher plasma ADMA levels in participants with sarcopenia was 4.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.82–11.47; p = 0.001). Reductions in the skeletal muscle mass index over 2 years were significantly greater in participants with higher plasma ADMA levels. In conclusion, plasma ADMA levels were significantly associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women.
Prevalence of chronic pain in hemodialysis patients and its correlation with C-reactive protein: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mizher Aya , Hammoudi Heba , Hamed Farah , Sholi Abrar , AbuTaha Adham , Abdalla Mazen A. , Jaber Mohammad M. , Hassan Mohannad , Koni Amer A. , Zyoud Sa’ed H.
Published: April 2023

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a common chronic disease worldwide that requires hemodialysis. Patients may face chronic pain and poor quality of life. Therefore, a better understanding of these variables in hemodialysis patients is essential to provide a good intervention. We aim to determine how common chronic pain is in hemodialysis patients and its correlation with sociodemographics, C-reactive protein (CRP), calcium, phosphorus, albumin, and parathyroid hormone. A cross-sectional study of hemodialysis patients was conducted in Palestine. Data collection took place between November 2020 and May 2021. We used the brief pain inventory score to assess chronic pain, and lab tests detected CRP levels. Data were collected using a convenience sampling technique. There were two hundred sixty-one patients in the present study. The mean age of the patients was 51 years, with 63.6% being men. 47.1% of them reported having chronic pain. Gender (p = 0.011), social status (p = 0.003), educational status (p = 0.010), and number of chronic diseases (p = 0.004) indicated a significant relationship with the severity score of pain. Furthermore, sex (p = 0.011), social status (p = 0.003), and number of chronic diseases (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with the pain interference score. Additionally, Person’s test indicated significant correlations between CRP and pain severity (p < 0.001) and with pain interference (p < 0.001). Albumin was significantly and negatively correlated with pain severity (p = 0.001) and pain interference (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that patients who had a higher CRP level and many chronic diseases were more likely to have a higher pain severity score. However, pain severity was the only predictor for pain interference. Our results suggest that there is a significant correlation between the existence of chronic pain in hemodialysis patients and increased CRP levels. However, further investigations are needed with a larger number of patients in more than one dialysis unit to confirm this correlation and management of chronic pain in patients with HD.
Questionnaire survey on pharmacists’ roles among non- and health care professionals in medium-sized cities in Japan
Authors: Horio Fukuko , Ikeda Tokunori , Kouzaki Yanosuke , Hirahara Tomoo , Masa Kengo , Narita Sawana , Tomita Yusuke , Tsuruzoe Shu , Fujisawa Akihiko , Akinaga Yuki , Ashizuka Yoko , Inoue Yuki , Unten Ayaka , Okamura Katsutoshi , Takechi Yuiko , Takenouchi Yasuhiro , Tanaka Fuka , Masuda Chiharu , Sugimura Yusuke , Uchida Yuji
Published: April 2023

Although the scope of pharmacists’ work has expanded in Japan, people’s perception of this is unclear. To contribute to medical care together with non- and health care professionals, clarifying the perceptions of these groups is important to best utilize pharmacist professionals. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among non-health care professionals (n = 487) and nurses (n = 151), medical doctors (n = 133), and pharmacists (n = 204) regarding the work of pharmacists. The questionnaire comprised 56 items in four categories associated with the roles of pharmacists. For each questionnaire item, we performed logistic regression analysis to compare pharmacists’ opinions with those of other professionals and non-health care professionals. Opinions were similar between pharmacists and nurses or medical doctors regarding “collecting patient information” and “providing drug information to patients.” However, there were differences in perceptions regarding “medical collaboration” (nurses; 8/23 items, physicians; 11/23 items) and “community medicine” (nurses; 9/15 items, physicians; 11/15 items), and pharmacists themselves perceived greater roles related to health care collaboration and community health care. Perceptions of non-health care professionals were poorer than those of pharmacists in all categories (47/56 items). These results suggest that pharmacists must actively communicate to help others understand their specialty and build trusting relationships to improve patient care.
CRISPR-clear imaging of melanin-rich B16-derived solid tumors
Authors: Schubert Rajib , Bae Taegeun , Simic Branko , Smith Sheena N. , Park Seong-Ho , Nagy-Davidescu Gabriela , Gradinaru Viviana , Plückthun Andreas , Hur Junho K.
Published: April 2023

Tissue clearing combined with deep imaging has emerged as a powerful technology to expand classical histological techniques. Current techniques have been optimized for imaging sparsely pigmented organs such as the mammalian brain. In contrast, melanin-rich pigmented tissue, of great interest in the investigation of melanomas, remains challenging. To address this challenge, we have developed a CRISPR-based gene editing approach that is easily incorporated into existing tissue-clearing workflows such the PACT clearing method. We term this method CRISPR-Clear. We demonstrate its applicability to highly melanin-rich B16-derived solid tumors, including one made transgenic for HER2, constituting one of very few syngeneic mouse tumors that can be used in immunocompetent models. We demonstrate the utility in detailed tumor characterization by staining for targeting antibodies and nanoparticles, as well as expressed fluorescent proteins. With CRISPR-Clear we have unprecedented access to optical interrogation in considerable portions of intact melanoma tissue for stained surface markers, expressed fluorescent proteins, of subcellular compartments, and of the vasculature.
Insect decline in forests depends on species’ traits and may be mitigated by management
Authors: Staab Michael , Gossner Martin M. , Simons Nadja K. , Achury Rafael , Ambarlı Didem , Bae Soyeon , Schall Peter , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Blüthgen Nico
Published: April 2023

Insects are declining, but the underlying drivers and differences in responses between species are still largely unclear. Despite the importance of forests, insect trends therein have received little attention. Using 10 years of standardized data (120,996 individuals; 1,805 species) from 140 sites in Germany, we show that declines occurred in most sites and species across trophic groups. In particular, declines (quantified as the correlation between year and the respective community response) were more consistent in sites with many non-native trees or a large amount of timber harvested before the onset of sampling. Correlations at the species level depended on species’ life-history. Larger species, more abundant species, and species of higher trophic level declined most, while herbivores increased. This suggests potential shifts in food webs possibly affecting ecosystem functioning. A targeted management, including promoting more natural tree species composition and partially reduced harvesting, can contribute to mitigating declines.
DDX3Y is likely the key spermatogenic factor in the AZFa region that contributes to human non-obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Dicke Ann-Kristin , Pilatz Adrian , Wyrwoll Margot J. , Punab Margus , Ruckert Christian , Nagirnaja Liina , Aston Kenneth I. , Conrad Donald F. , Di Persio Sara , Neuhaus Nina , Fietz Daniela , Laan Maris , Stallmeyer Birgit , Tüttelmann Frank
Published: April 2023

Non-obstructive azoospermia, the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to disturbed spermatogenesis, represents the most severe form of male infertility. De novo microdeletions of the Y-chromosomal AZFa region are one of few well-established genetic causes for NOA and are routinely analysed in the diagnostic workup of affected men. So far, it is unclear which of the three genes located in the AZFa chromosomal region is indispensible for germ cell maturation. Here we present four different likely pathogenic loss-of-function variants in the AZFa gene DDX3Y identified by analysing exome sequencing data of more than 1,600 infertile men. Three of the patients underwent testicular sperm extraction and revealed the typical AZFa testicular Sertoli cell-only phenotype. One of the variants was proven to be de novo. Consequently, DDX3Y represents the AZFa key spermatogenic factor and screening for variants in DDX3Y should be included in the diagnostic workflow.
Precision-activated T-cell engagers targeting HER2 or EGFR and CD3 mitigate on-target, off-tumor toxicity for immunotherapy in solid tumors
Authors: Cattaruzza Fiore , Nazeer Ayesha , To Milton , Hammond Mikhail , Koski Caitlin , Liu Lucas Y. , Pete Yeung V. , Rennerfeldt Deena A. , Henkensiefken Angela , Fox Michael , Lam Sharon , Morrissey Kari M. , Lange Zachary , Podust Vladimir N. , Derynck Mika K. , Irving Bryan A. , Schellenberger Volker
Published: April 2023

To enhance the therapeutic index of T-cell engagers (TCEs), we engineered masked, precision-activated TCEs (XPAT proteins), targeting a tumor antigen (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)) and CD3. Unstructured XTEN polypeptide masks flank the N and C termini of the TCE and are designed to be released by proteases in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro, unmasked HER2-XPAT (uTCE) demonstrates potent cytotoxicity, with XTEN polypeptide masking providing up to 4-log-fold protection. In vivo, HER2-XPAT protein induces protease-dependent antitumor activity and is proteolytically stable in healthy tissues. In non-human primates, HER2-XPAT protein demonstrates a strong safety margin (>400-fold increase in tolerated maximum concentration versus uTCE). HER2-XPAT protein cleavage is low and similar in plasma samples from healthy and diseased humans and non-human primates, supporting translatability of stability to patients. EGFR-XPAT protein confirmed the utility of XPAT technology for tumor targets more widely expressed in healthy tissues.
Digital research environments: a requirements analysis
Authors: Kanza Samantha , Willoughby Cerys , Knight Nicola J. , Bird Colin L. , Frey Jeremy G. , Coles Simon J.
Published: April 2023

Physical science depends on historical records as well as new ideas, results, and opportunities.
The beneficial effect of cyclohexyl substituent on the in vitro anticancer activity of diiron vinyliminium complexes
Authors: Benetti Sara , Dalla Pozza Maria , Biancalana Lorenzo , Zacchini Stefano , Gasser Gilles , Marchetti Fabio
Published: April 2023

The introduction of a cyclohexyl on a robust di-organoiron scaffold enhances the antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines influencing the mitochondrial metabolism, and provides a strong selectivity with respect to noncancerous cells.
Exploring opportunities for tuning phenyltris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate donation by varying the extent of phenyl substituent fluorination
Authors: Fischer Paul J. , Roe Charley B. , Stephenson Jasmine N. , Dunscomb Rachel J. , Carthy Camille L. , Nataro Chip , Young Victor G.
Published: April 2023

Complexes of 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl- and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyltris(pyrazol-1-yl)borates have been prepared for comparison to pentafluorophenyl analogues to assess if donor modulation at κ3-N,N,N bound metals is feasible via this strategy.