bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior hypothalamic theta rhythm: Electrophysiological basis and involvement of glutamatergic receptors
Authors: Kowalczyk Tomasz , Staszelis Agata , Bocian Renata , Siwiec Marcin , Sowa Joanna E. , Tokarski Krzysztof , Kaźmierska‐Grębowska Paulina , Caban Bartosz
Published: January 2023

The posterior hypothalamic area (PHa), including the supramammillary nucleus (SuM) and posterior hypothalamic nuclei, forms a crucial part of the ascending brainstem hippocampal synchronizing pathway, that is involved in the frequency programming and modulation of rhythmic theta activity generated in limbic structures. Recent investigations show that in addition to being a modulator of limbic theta activity, the PHa is capable of producing well‐synchronized local theta field potentials by itself. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of the PHa to generate theta field potentials and accompanying cell discharges in response to glutamatergic stimulation under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The second objective was to examine the electrophysiological properties of neurons located in the SuM and posterior hypothalamic nuclei. Extracellular in vivo and in vitro as well as intracellular in vitro experiments revealed that glutamatergic stimulation of PHa with kainic acid induces well‐synchronized local theta field oscillations in both the supramammillary and posterior hypothalamic nuclei. Furthermore, the glutamatergic PHa theta rhythm recorded extracellularly was accompanied by the activity of specific subtypes of theta‐related neurons. We identify, for the first time, a subpopulation of supramammillary and posterior hypothalamic neurons that express clear subthreshold membrane potential oscillations in the theta frequency range.
Population Pharmacokinetics as a Tool to Reevaluate the Complex Disposition of Ethanol in the Fed and Fasted States
Authors: Büsker Sören , Jones Alan Wayne , Hahn Robert G. , Taubert Max , Klotz Ulrich , Schwab Matthias , Fuhr Uwe
Published: January 2023

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of ethanol are important in pharmacology and therapeutics because of potential drug‐alcohol interactions as well as in forensic science when alcohol‐related crimes are investigated. The PK of ethanol have been extensively studied since the 1930s, although some issues remain unresolved, such as the significance of first‐pass metabolism, whether zero‐order kinetics apply, and the effects of food on bioavailability. We took advantage of nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling to describe blood‐alcohol concentration (BAC) profiles derived from 3 published clinical studies involving oral, intraduodenal, and intravenous administration of ethanol with and without food. The overall data set included 1510 BACs derived from 72 healthy subjects (60 men, 12 women) aged between 20 and 60 years. Two‐compartment models with first‐order absorption and Michaelis‐Menten elimination kinetics adequately described the BAC profiles. Food intake had 2 separate effects: It reduced the absorption rate constant and accelerated the maximum elimination rate. Estimates of the maximum elimination rate (fasted) and the food effect (as a factor) were 6.31 g/h (95%CI, 6.04‐6.59 g/h) and 1.39‐fold (95%CI, 1.33‐1.46‐fold), respectively. Simulations showed that the area under the BAC‐time curve (AUC) was smaller with lower input rate of ethanol, irrespective of any first‐pass metabolism. The AUC from time 0 to 10 hours for a 75‐kg subject was 2.34 g • h/L (fed) and 3.83 g • h/L (fasted) after an oral dose of 45 g ethanol. This difference was mainly attributable to the food effect on ethanol elimination and depended less on the absorption rate. Our new approach to explain the complex human PK of ethanol may help when BAC predictions are made in clinical pharmacology and forensic medicine.
Severe neonatal onset neuroregression with paroxysmal dystonia and apnoea: Expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of CARS2‐related mitochondrial disease
Authors: Poquérusse Jessie , Nolan Melinda , Thorburn David R. , Van Hove Johan L. K. , Friederich Marisa W. , Love Donald R. , Taylor Juliet , Powell Christopher A. , Minczuk Michal , Snell Russell G. , Lehnert Klaus , Glamuzina Emma , Jacobsen Jessie C.
Published: January 2023

Disorders of mitochondrial function are a collectively common group of genetic diseases in which deficits in core mitochondrial translation machinery, including aminoacyl tRNA synthetases, are key players. Biallelic variants in the CARS2 gene (NM_024537.4), which encodes the mitochondrial aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase for cysteine (CARS2, mt‐aaRScys; MIM*612800), result in childhood onset epileptic encephalopathy and complex movement disorder with combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency (MIM#616672). Prior to this report, eight unique pathogenic variants in the CARS2 gene had been reported in seven individuals. Here, we describe a male who presented in the third week of life with apnoea. He rapidly deteriorated with paroxysmal dystonic crises and apnoea resulting in death at 16 weeks. He had no evidence of seizure activity or multisystem disease and had normal brain imaging. Skeletal muscle biopsy revealed a combined disorder of oxidative phosphorylation. Whole‐exome sequencing identified biallelic variants in the CARS2 gene: one novel (c.1478T>C, p.Phe493Ser), and one previously reported (c.655G>A, p.Ala219Thr; rs727505361). Northern blot analysis of RNA isolated from the patient's fibroblasts confirmed a clear defect in aminoacylation of the mitochondrial tRNA for cysteine (mt‐tRNACys). To our knowledge, this is the earliest reported case of CARS2 deficiency with severe, early onset dystonia and apnoea, without epilepsy.
SMART: A data reporting standard for mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Xi Ying , Sohn Alexandria L. , Joignant Alena N. , Cologna Stephanie M. , Prentice Boone M. , Muddiman David C.
Published: January 2023

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an important analytical technique that simultaneously reports the spatial location and abundance of detected ions in biological, chemical, clinical, and pharmaceutical studies. As MSI grows in popularity, it has become evident that data reporting varies among different research groups and between techniques. The lack of consistency in data reporting inherently creates additional challenges in comparing intra‐ and inter‐laboratory MSI data. In this tutorial, we propose a unified data reporting system, SMART, based on the common features shared between techniques. While there are limitations to any reporting system, SMART was decided upon after significant discussion to more easily understand and benchmark MSI data. SMART is not intended to be comprehensive but rather capture essential baseline information for a given MSI study; this could be within a study (e.g., effect of spot size on the measured ion signals) or between two studies (e.g., different MSI platform technologies applied to the same tissue type). This tutorial does not attempt to address the confidence with which annotations are made nor does it deny the importance of other parameters that are not included in the current SMART format. Ultimately, the goal of this tutorial is to discuss the necessity of establishing a uniform reporting system to communicate MSI data in publications and presentations in a simple format to readily interpret the parameters and baseline outcomes of the data.
Proarrhythmic effect of bipolar epicardial left ventricular stimulation in CRT resolved maintaining biventricular pacing with unipolar‐cathodical configuration: A peculiar case report
Authors: Magnano Massimo , Devecchi Chiara , Oriente Domenico , Occhetta Eraldo , Rametta Francesco
Published: January 2023

Background

The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on the risk of ventricular arrhythmias is controversial. Several studies reported a decreased risk, but some studies reported a potential proarrhythmic effect of epicardial left ventricular pacing resolved upon discontinuation of biventricular pacing (BiVp).

Case Summary

A 67‐year‐old woman with a history of heart failure due to nonischemic cardiomyopathy and left bundle branch block was hospitalized for CRT device implantation. Unpredictably, as soon as the leads have been connected to the generator, an electrical storm (ES) occurred with relapsing self‐resolving polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) triggered by ventricular extra beats with short‐long‐short sequences. The ES was resolved without interrupting BiVp switching to unipolar left ventricular (LV) pacing. This allowed to keep CRT active with extreme clinical benefit for the patient and to demonstrate that the cause of the PVT was the anodic capture of bipolar LV stimulation. Reverse electrical remodeling was also demonstrated after 3 months of effective BiVp.

Discussion

Proarrhythmic effect of CRT is a rare but significant complication of CRT, and it may compel to discontinuation of the BiVp. The reversal of the physiological transmural activation sequence of epicardial LV pacing and subsequent prolonging of corrected QT interval have been speculated as the most probable explanation, but our case highlights the possibility that the anodic capture may play a relevant role in PVT genesis.
MGFFCNN: Two‐dimensional matrix spectroscopy combined with multi‐channel gradient feature fusion convolutional neural network means to diagnose glioma and esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Chen Chen , Meng Chunzhi , Ma Yuhua , Zhu Min , Wang Xiaohui , Xie Xiaodong , Chen Cheng
Published: January 2023

Currently, glioma and esophageal cancer are common malignant tumors worldwide with low cure rate and high mortality rate, and they endanger human health seriously. In this study, we analyzed the correlation and difference between glioma and esophageal cancer through serum mid‐infrared and Raman spectra and established a multi‐channel gradient feature fusion convolutional neural network to achieve rapid diagnosis of glioma and esophageal cancer patients. We transformed the spectra from one‐dimensional matrix to two‐dimensional matrix form separately as the input of the network and fused the features extracted from the Flatten layer of the network. First, we fused the features of mid‐infrared and Raman spectra and constructed a two‐channel gradient feature fusion idea. Then, in order to enrich the learning of features further, we took the first‐order derivative of mid‐infrared and Raman original spectra, respectively, and used the derivative spectra as two channels as well. The mid‐infrared and Raman spectra in two‐dimensional matrix form were fused with their derivative spectral features, respectively, and the fused features were fused again to construct a four‐channel gradient feature fusion network model. Finally, compared with the single original spectrum and the one‐dimensional matrix feature fusion spectrum, the two‐dimensional matrix feature fused spectrum was more advantageous, and the classification accuracy of the model was as high as 99.2% ± 0.7%. This study showed that two‐dimensional matrix spectra combined with multi‐channel gradient feature fusion technique had great potential for rapid and accurate identification of patients with glioma and esophageal cancer.
Edible coating enriched with cinnamon oil reduces the oxidative stress and improves the quality of strawberry fruit stored at room temperature
Authors: Piechowiak Tomasz , Skóra Bartosz
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to assess the impact of a starch/gelatine coating containing cinnamon oil on selected quality attributes and redox status in strawberry fruit stored at room temperature (72 h).

RESULTS

Research showed that the application of cinnamon oil to an edible coating allows an improvement of the quality of strawberry fruit stored at room temperature. The cinnamon oil coating inhibits the development of yeast and mould, and reduces loss of soluble solids and ascorbic acid during 72 h storage at room temperature. Moreover, the coating with cinnamon oil clearly reduced the level of oxidative stress, which was manifested by a lower level of reactive oxygen species, as well as a lower activity of antioxidant enzymes. The elimination of oxidative stress in the cinnamon oil‐coated fruit also contributed to lowerPARP1mRNA expression, inhibiting the metabolism of NAD+and reducing ATP losses.

CONCLUSION

The coating of strawberry fruit with a starch/gelatine biofilm containing cinnamon oil is an effective method for delaying postharvest senescence of fruit and the storage degradation of tissue. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Myer‐Cotton Grade of Subglottic Stenosis Depends on Style of Endotracheal Tube Used
Authors: Propst Evan Jon , Wolter Nikolaus Ernst
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Determine percentage of subglottic stenosis using current endotracheal tube (ETT) cross‐sectional areas as actual, compared with previously published ETT cross‐sectional areas as expected, and determine if style of ETT could result in a change in percentage of stenosis or Myer‐Cotton grade.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional study.

Design

Prospective analysis.

Methods

Eight styles of uncuffed pediatric ETT from four manufacturers ranging from 2.0 to 6.0 inner diameter (ID) were evaluated. ID and outer diameter (OD) measurements were obtained from each company's specification sheets. Cross‐sectional area was calculated for each ETT using the formula (Area = πr2). The cross‐sectional areas of each current ETT (actual) were compared with those of previously published ETTs (expected) based on age, and the degree of stenosis was calculated using the formula [1‐ (Area actual/Area expected)] × 100%. Ranges of percentage for each style of ETT were calculated.

Results

There was an increase in range of OD and area with increasing size of ETT ID, with the largest range in OD being 0.8 mm, and the largest range in area being 10.55 mm2. The median interquartile range (IQR), range of percentage stenoses was 11 (5%), ranging from 0% to 21%. Seven of 28 (25%) ranges were found to span two Myer‐Cotton grades.

Conclusions

The Myer‐Cotton grade of subglottic stenosis depends on the style of ETT used. Using updated values from currently available ETTs aims to keep this grading system valid with respect to surgical approach and outcomes following surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:2808–2812, 2023
Composition Regulation by Flow Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate and Glycidyl Methacrylate with Free Radical Method
Authors: Wakiuchi Araki , Takasuka Shogo , Asano Shigehito , Hashizume Ryo , Nag Aniruddha , Hatanaka Miho , Miyao Tomoyuki , Ohnishi Yuya , Matsubara Takamitsu , Ando Tsuyoshi , Sugawara Tetsunori , Fujii Mikiya , Ajiro Hiroharu
Published: January 2023

It is important to match the feeding ratio of comonomers to the composition ratio in the resulting copolymers as closely as possible in industrial production, where the goal is often to produce more a homogeneous composition in copolymers. In this study, a flow copolymerization system with a conventionally initiated free radical method, together with randomly selected polymerization conditions is investigated. It is succeeded in achieving a closer match between the composition ratio and feeding ratio than previously reported in the copolymerization of styrene with methyl methacrylate and of glycidyl methacrylate with methyl methacrylate, which will widen the range of applications, by precisely controlling the mixing and heating in a flow polymerization apparatus. This is confirmed by the fact that the estimated values of reactivity ratios, r1 and r2, which are used in the reaction kinetics of copolymerization, are close to 1.
The two‐dimensional stationary Navier–Stokes equations in toroidal Besov spaces
Authors: Tsurumi Hiroyuki
Published: January 2023

We consider the stationary Navier–Stokes equations in the two‐dimensional torus . For any , we show the existence, uniqueness, and continuous dependence of solutions in homogeneous toroidal Besov spaces for given small external forces in when . These spaces become closer to the scaling invariant ones if the difference ε becomes smaller. This well‐posedness is proved by using the embedding property and the para‐product estimate in homogeneous Besov spaces. In addition, for the case , we can show the ill‐posedness, even in the scaling invariant spaces. Actually in such cases of p and q, we can prove that ill‐posedness by showing the discontinuity of a certain solution map from to .
On the Neumann problem for the nonstationary Stokes system in angles and cones
Authors: Kozlov Vladimir , Rossmann Jürgen
Published: January 2023

The authors consider the Neumann problem for the nonstationary Stokes system in a two‐dimensional angle or a three‐dimensional cone. They obtain existence and uniqueness results for solutions in weighted Sobolev spaces and prove a regularity assertion for the solutions.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐2 mRNA‐binding protein 3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and epithelial−mesenchymal transition of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 mRNA
Authors: Feng Yadong , Lin Yanbing , Jiang Zhaoyan , Wu Lei , Zhang Youyu , Wu Hailu , Yuan Xiaoqin
Published: January 2023

The role and mechanism of insulin‐like growth factor‐2 mRNA‐binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) in the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. In this study, IGF2BP3 mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated in ESCC tissues. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), plasmid overexpression, and stable lentivirus transfection were used to manipulate intracellular IGF2BP3 expression levels. The role of IGF2BP3 in ESCC tumorigenesis was investigated in vitro and in vivo. IGF2BP3 target transcripts were detected, and the acetylation effect ratios of the IGF2BP3 promoter region by H3K27ac were determined. IGF2BP3 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in ESCC tissues than in normal esophageal tissues. Increased IGF2BP3 expression levels were detected in node‐negative ESCC tissues and correlated with greater lesion depth in ESCC. Overexpression of IGF2BP3 promoted ESCC development in vitro and in vivo, and IGF2BP3 knockdown caused an opposite effect. IGF2BP3 was found to directly bind to the zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) mRNA, and the downregulation of IGF2BP3 reduced the stability of Zeb1 mRNA. IGF2BP3 induced epithelial−mesenchymal transition in ESCC cells in a Zeb1‐dependent manner. IGF2BP3 was transcriptionally activated in ESCC cell lines via H3K27 acetylation. Our results demonstrate that IGF2BP3 plays a vital role in ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis and is a potential therapeutic target for treating ESCC.
Optimal replenishment and transshipment management with two locations
Authors: Xu Jianjun , Keblis Matthew F. , Feng Youyi , Zhou Sean X.
Published: January 2023

We study the problem of optimally managing an inventory system with backorders over a finite time horizon where the objective is minimization of expected total discounted costs. The system consists of two locations each stocking the same product. At the beginning of each time period decisions are made about replenishment at each location and about any quantity to transship between the locations before demand is observed. Leveraging the L♮‐convexity of the problem's cost function; we characterize the optimal replenishment and transshipment policy for this system. More specifically, we show the optimal policy can be described using switching curves monotone in the system state. We also discuss two extensions. For a lost‐sales model, we establish L♮‐convexity and apply it to characterize the optimal policy, simplifying the analysis found in previous work. In the other extension, we investigate the optimal policy for a partial transshipment problem where only one location orders from the external supply source and then transships to the other location.
Effect of large sized reed fillers on properties and degradability of PBAT composites
Authors: Xie Liangke , Huang Juncheng , Xu Hongguang , Feng Chengqi , Na Haining , Liu Fei , Xue Lixin , Zhu Jin
Published: January 2023

In this paper, large‐size reeds were introduced into PBAT to prepare high‐performance biodegradable composites by high‐speed blending without compatibilizer. Subsequently, the effects of large‐size reeds on the composite properties and biodegradation behavior were further investigated. The length of the reed in composites reaches to ~1.88 mm. It was found that all composites showed larger modulus and flexural strength than PBAT, and a significant increase in heat deflection temperature. By mixing 60% reed and PBAT, the bending strength, bending modulus, and heat deflection temperature reached 23.9 ± 0.4 MPa, 1237 ± 143 MPa, and 71.8°C, respectively. Biodegradation tests showed that the primary bond‐breaking site of PBAT was the C=O group. Compared with pure PBAT, the composites exhibited more significant mass loss, decreased thermal stability, increased melting point, and decreased crystallinity during degradation. A surface erosion degradation model for the composites was proposed. The research provides a scientific basis for applying high‐performance biodegradable composites to biodegradable blister and injection molded products.
Selective Dual‐Ion Modulation in Solid‐State Magnetoelectric Heterojunctions for In‐Memory Encryption
Authors: Ye Xiaoyu , Zhu Xiaojian , Yang Huali , Duan Jipeng , Gao Shuang , Sun Cui , Liu Xuerong , Li Run‐Wei
Published: January 2023

Nanoionic technologies are identified as a promising approach to modulating the physical properties of solid‐state dielectrics, which have resulted in various emergent nanodevices, such as nanoionic resistive switching devices and magnetoionic devices for memory and computing applications. Previous studies are limited to single‐type ion manipulation, and the investigation of multiple‐type ion modulation on the coupled magnetoelectric effects, for developing information devices with multiple integrated functionalities, remains elusive. Here, a dual‐ion solid‐state magnetoelectric heterojunction based on Pt/HfO2−x/NiOy/Ni with reconfigurable magnetoresistance (MR) characteristics is reported for in‐memory encryption. It is shown that the oxygen anions and nickel cations can be selectively driven by voltages with controlled polarity and intensity, which concurrently change the overall electrical resistance and the interfacial magnetic coupling, thus significantly modulate the MR symmetry. Based on this device, a magnetoelectric memory prototype array with in‐memory encryption functionality is designed for the secure storage of image and digit information. Along with the advantages including simple structure, multistate encryption, good reversibility, and nonvolatile modulation capability, this proof‐of‐concept device opens new avenues toward next‐generation compact electronics with integrated information functionalities.
Exploration of cultural norms and behavioural beliefs about zoo animal behaviour, welfare, ethics and husbandry practices in a sample of the international zoo community
Authors: Bacon Heather , Bell Catriona , Dwyer Cathy M. , Waran Natalie , Qing Yan , Xia Liu , Shaw Darren J.
Published: January 2023

Beliefs influence the intentions of people to behave in certain ways towards animals. This study presents survey responses from 237 people working in zoos in China and Europe and describes their demographic characteristics. It explores their beliefs about zoo animal behaviour, welfare and ethical issues, and zoo practices, using a survey methodology. These beliefs may be influenced by individual demographic or cultural factors such as age, gender and region of employment, as well as experiential or situative ‘norms’ within the work environment. Beliefs were significantly influenced by the region of employment with Chinese respondents beliefs being significantly different to beliefs from respondents in the United Kingdom or the rest of Europe. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the survey generated clusters of people from both regions who indicated positive beliefs about zoo animal welfare as well as clu sters indicating a lack of understanding of some zoo animal welfare issues. In addition, a cluster suggesting cognitive dissonance between beliefs about animals welfare and zoo practices was generated from Chinese responses. Factor analysis identified that prioritisation of in‐situ conservation within good animal welfare was a key feature in Chinese respondents, whereas European beliefs prioritising in‐situ conservation were distinct from those on supporting good animal welfare. This paper identifies similarities and differences in beliefs about zoo animal welfare and zoo husbandry practices between Europe and China, and discusses the underlying norms and values that these beliefs may reflect.
Big Data and Computational Social Science for Economic Analysis and Policy
Authors: Manzan Sebastiano
Published: January 2023

The goal of this chapter is to survey the recent applications of big data in economics and finance. An important advantage of these large alternative datasets is that they provide very detailed information about economic behaviour and decisions which has spurred research aiming at answering long-standing economic questions. Another relevant characteristic of these datasets is that they might be available in real time, a property that can be used to construct economic indicators at high frequencies. Overall, big alternative datasets have the potential to make an impact on economic research and policy and to complement the information used by governmental agencies to produce the official statistics.
New Data and Computational Methods Opportunities to Enhance the Knowledge Base of Tourism
Authors: Romanillos Gustavo , Moya-Gómez Borja
Published: January 2023

Tourism is becoming increasingly relevant at different levels, intensifying its impact on the environmental, the economic and the social spheres. For this reason, the study of this rapidly evolving sector is important for many disciplines and requires to be quickly updated. This chapter provides an overview and general guidelines on the potential use of new data and computational methods to enhance tourism’s knowledge base, encourage their institutional adoption and, ultimately, foster a more sustainable tourism.

First, the chapter delivers a brief review of the literature on new data sources and innovative computational methods that can significantly improve our understanding of tourism, addressing the big data revolution and the emergence of new analytic tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML). Then, the chapter provides some guidelines and applications of these new datasets and methods, articulated around three topics: (1) measuring the environmental impacts of tourism, (2) assessing the socio-economic resilience of the tourism sector and (3) uncovering new tourists’ preferences, facilitating the digital transition and fostering innovation in the tourism sector.
Computational Social Science for Policy and Quality of Democracy: Public Opinion, Hate Speech, Misinformation, and Foreign Influence Campaigns
Authors: Tucker Joshua A.
Published: January 2023

The intersection of social media and politics is yet another realm in which Computational Social Science has a paramount role to play. In this review, I examine the questions that computational social scientists are attempting to answer – as well as the tools and methods they are developing to do so – in three areas where the rise of social media has led to concerns about the quality of democracy in the digital information era: online hate; misinformation; and foreign influence campaigns. I begin, however, by considering a precursor of these topics – and also a potential hope for social media to be able to positively impact the quality of democracy – by exploring attempts to measure public opinion online using Computational Social Science methods. In all four areas, computational social scientists have made great strides in providing information to policy makers and the public regarding the evolution of these very complex phenomena but in all cases could do more to inform public policy with better access to the necessary data; this point is discussed in more detail in the conclusion of the review.
The Ethics of Computational Social Science
Authors: Leslie David
Published: January 2023

This chapter is concerned with setting up practical guardrails within the research activities and environments of Computational Social Science (CSS). It aims to provide CSS scholars, as well as policymakers and other stakeholders who apply CSS methods, with the critical and constructive means needed to ensure that their practices are ethical, trustworthy, and responsible. It begins by providing a taxonomy of the ethical challenges faced by researchers in the field of CSS. These are challenges related to (1) the treatment of research subjects, (2) the impacts of CSS research on affected individuals and communities, (3) the quality of CSS research and to its epistemological status, (4) research integrity, and (5) research equity. Taking these challenges as motivation for cultural transformation, it then argues for the incorporation of end-to-end habits of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) into CSS practices, focusing on the role that contextual considerations, anticipatory reflection, impact assessment, public engagement, and justifiable and well-documented action should play across the research lifecycle. In proposing the inclusion of habits of RRI in CSS practices, the chapter lays out several practical steps needed for ethical, trustworthy, and responsible CSS research activities. These include stakeholder engagement processes, research impact assessments, data lifecycle documentation, bias self-assessments, and transparent research reporting protocols.
Modelling Complexity with Unconventional Data: Foundational Issues in Computational Social Science
Authors: Fontana Magda , Guerzoni Marco
Published: January 2023

The large availability of data, often from unconventional sources, does not call for a data-driven and theory-free approach to social science. On the contrary, (big) data eventually unveil the complexity of socio-economic relations, which has been too often disregarded in traditional approaches. Consequently, this paradigm shift requires to develop new theories and modelling techniques to handle new types of information. In this chapter, we first tackle emerging challenges about the collection, storage, and processing of data, such as their ownership, privacy, and cybersecurity, but also potential biases and lack of quality. Secondly, we review data modelling techniques which can leverage on the new available information and allow us to analyse relationships at the microlevel both in space and in time. Finally, the complexity of the world revealed by the data and the techniques required to deal with such a complexity establishes a new framework for policy analysis. Policy makers can now rely on positive and quantitative instruments, helpful in understanding both the present scenarios and their future complex developments, although profoundly different from the standard experimental and normative framework. In the conclusion, we recall the preceding efforts required by the policy itself to fully realize the promises of computational social sciences.
Describing Human Behaviour Through Computational Social Science
Authors: Veltri Giuseppe A.
Published: January 2023

The possibilities offered by digital and Computational Social Science can improve our understanding of human behaviour as never before. The availability of behavioural data in a society where the digital has been widely adopted is because of two reasons: first, the vast amount of digital traces produced by people in their daily lives and related behaviours and, second, the possibility of running online experiments that can cover a large segment of a target population (we have seen online experiments with hundreds of thousands of participants). This chapter will discuss the opportunity offered by online large behavioural experiments. The implications for policymakers of this shift are the possibility of having behavioural insights both across different societies and better understanding and capturing within a country heterogeneity. In other words, large-scale online experiments combined with computational methods allow for unprecedented cognitive and behavioural based segmentation.
Practical tips and new trends in electrochemical biosensing of cancer-related extracellular vesicles
Authors: Sfragano Patrick Severin , Pillozzi Serena , Condorelli Gerolama , Palchetti Ilaria
Published: January 2023

To tackle cancer and provide prompt diagnoses and prognoses, the constantly evolving biosensing field is continuously on the lookout for novel markers that can be non-invasively analysed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) may represent a promising biomarker that also works as a source of biomarkers. The augmented cellular activity of cancerous cells leads to the production of higher numbers of EVs, which can give direct information on the disease due to the presence of general and cancer-specific surface-tethered molecules. Moreover, the intravesicular space is enriched with other molecules that can considerably help in the early detection of neoplasia. Even though EV-targeted research has indubitably received broad attention lately, there still is a wide lack of practical and effective quantitative procedures due to difficulties in pre-analytical and analytical phases. This review aims at providing an exhaustive outline of the recent progress in EV detection using electrochemical and photoelectrochemical biosensors, with a focus on handling approaches and trends in the selection of bioreceptors and molecular targets related to EVs that might guide researchers that are approaching such an unstandardised field.
Removal of the magnetic sphincter augmentation device: an assessment of etiology, clinical presentation, and management
Authors: Eriksson Sven , Schwameis Katrin , Ayazi Shahin , Hoppo Toshitaka , Zheng Ping , Jobe Blair A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) erosion, disruption or displacement clearly requires device removal. However, up to 5.5% of patients without anatomical failure require removal for dysphagia or recurrent GERD symptoms. Studies characterizing these patients or their management are limited. We aimed to characterize these patients, compare their outcomes, and determine the necessity for further reflux surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 777 patients who underwent MSA at our institution between 2013 and 2021. Patients who underwent device removal for persistent dysphagia or recurrent GERD symptoms were included. Demographic, clinical, objective testing, and quality of life data obtained preoperatively, after implantation and following removal were compared between removal for dysphagia and GERD groups. Sub-analyses were performed comparing outcomes with and without an anti-reflux surgery (ARS) at the time of removal.

Results

A total of 40 (5.1%) patients underwent device removal, 31 (77.5%) for dysphagia and 9 (22.5%) for GERD. After implantation, dysphagia patients had less heartburn (12.9-vs-77.7%, p = 0.0005) less regurgitation (16.1-vs-55.5%, p = 0.0286), and more pH-normalization (91.7-vs-33.3%, p = 0.0158). Removal without ARS was performed in 5 (55.6%) GERD and 22 (71.0%) dysphagia patients. Removal for dysphagia patients had more complete symptom resolution (63.6-vs-0.0%, p = 0.0159), freedom from PPIs (81.8-vs-0.0%, p = 0.0016) and pH-normalization (77.8-vs-0.0%, p = 0.0455).

Patients who underwent removal for dysphagia had comparable symptom resolution (p = 0.6770, freedom from PPI (p = 0.3841) and pH-normalization (p = 0.2534) with or without ARS. Those who refused ARS with removal for GERD had more heartburn (100.0%-vs-25.0%, p = 0.0476), regurgitation (80.0%-vs-0.0%, p = 0.0476) and PPI use (75.0%-vs-0.0%, p = 0.0476).

Conclusions

MSA removal outcomes are dependent on the indication for removal. Removal for dysphagia yields excellent outcomes regardless of anti-reflux surgery. Patients with persistent GERD had worse outcomes on all measures without ARS. We propose a tailored approach to MSA removal-based indication for removal.

Graphical abstract
The effects of substrate and sediment burial on survival of developing pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) embryos
Authors: Chojnacki Kimberly A. , George Amy E. , DeLonay Aaron J.
Published: January 2023

The shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) and endangered pallid sturgeon (S. albus) deposit demersal and adhesive eggs in swift currents, near or over coarse substrate. Hydrographic surveys have demonstrated the dynamic nature of spawning habitats and that coarse substrates may episodically be buried (partially or completely) by fine sediments. To evaluate embryo survival of both species in various substrate conditions, laboratory trials were conducted with substrates of clean glass, gravel, medium-coarse sand (MCS), and fine sand-silt (FSS). Embryos in MCS and FSS were tested three ways: unburied, partially buried, and fully buried (1–2-mm depth). Embryos were exposed to trial conditions for 10 days from the day of fertilization (5 days beyond expected hatching). For both species, mean hatch of normally developed free embryos was highest in unburied treatments where embryos were incubated on substrates and not covered with sediments and ranged from 81.0 to 87.1% for shovelnose sturgeon and 55.2–80.0% for pallid sturgeon. Mean hatch of normal free embryos was lowest where incubating embryos were fully buried by MCS or FSS and ranged from 2.4 to 11.6% for shovelnose sturgeon and 4.8–15.2% for pallid sturgeon. We observed free embryos with physical abnormalities in all treatments; however, the occurrence was most variable in treatments fully and partially buried by MCS. Hatch of both species was also delayed in treatments where embryos were incubated fully and partially buried by MCS. Our results may be useful to estimate the relative suitability of spawning substrates in relevant river reaches.
3D printed poly(lactic acid)-based nanocomposite scaffolds with bioactive coatings for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Grigora Maria-Eirini , Terzopoulou Zoi , Baciu Diana , Steriotis Theodore , Charalambopoulou Georgia , Gounari Eleni , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Tzetzis Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

In this work, the effect of two different types of bioactive coatings on the properties of 3D printed poly(lactic acid)/montmorillonite (PLA/MMT) nanocomposite scaffolds was examined. To improve their suitability for bone tissue engineering applications, the PLA nanocomposite scaffolds were coated with (i) ordered mesoporous Strontium bioglass (SrBG) and (ii) SrBG and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) using a simple dip coating procedure. The effect of the coatings on the morphology, chemical structure, wettability and nanomechanical properties of the scaffolds was examined. The hydrophilicity of PLA nanocomposite scaffolds increased after the SrBG coating and increased even more with the SrBG/nHA coating. Moreover, in the case of PLA/MMT/SrBG/nHA 3D printed scaffolds, the elastic modulus increased by ~ 80% and the hardness increased from 156.9 ± 6.4 to 293.6 ± 11.3 MPa in comparison with PLA. Finally, the in vitro biocompatibility and osteogenic potential were evaluated using bone marrow-derived stem cells. The coating process was found to be a fast, economical and effective way to improve the biomineralization and promote the differentiation of the stem cells toward osteoblasts, in comparison with the neat PLA and the PLA/MMT nanocomposite scaffold.

Graphical abstract
Physico-chemical Characteristics of Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid) and Poly(lactic acid)/Chitosan Nano-Composites Under the Influence of Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Elsawy Moataz A. , Fekry Mohamed , Sayed Aisha M. , Maziad Nabila A. , Saad Gamal R.
Published: January 2023

PLA and its nanocomposite containing 3% chitosan nanoparticles (PLA-3CsNP) were studied to see how γ -irradiation affected their characteristics. Different doses of γ -irradiation were applied to the investigated materials under inquiry (5–40 kGy) using 60Co at ambient conditions. The irradiation materials were characterized by FT-IR, GPC, mechanical tensile test, DSC, XRD, and TGA in solid and chloroform solutions. The molecular weight of the studied materials was lowered when the irradiation dose was increased, indicating that γ-irradiation had the dominating effect through oxidative degradation, and chain scission. The addition of chitosan to PLA reduces the impact of γ-irradiation, while the samples irradiated in solution showed more degradation after irradiation than irradiated solid films. Irradiation caused a decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break values. Both the melting temperature (Tm) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased as the irradiation dose was increased. The crystallization peak temperatures were reduced when pure PLA was irradiated in solution. The thermal stability of PLA was diminished as the irradiation dose was raised, and this effect was more pronounced in samples irradiated in chloroform solution.
How vocal and silent forms of participation in combination relate to student achievement
Authors: Sedova Klara , Sedlacek Martin
Published: January 2023

We adopted a person-oriented approach to identify patterns of how classroom talk and internal behavioral engagement are combined in students.

The research was conducted on a sample of 639 ninth-grade students (32 classes). We measured the duration of classroom talk for each individual student during Czech language and language arts lessons. The students completed an inventory to determine their internal behavioral engagement. Student achievement was measured using the results from standardized reading literacy tests. We also inquired about the socioeconomic backgrounds of the students.

We identified five distinct participation profiles (eager, chatty, diligent, aloof, and disconnected) and analyzed whether the profiles could predict student achievement. We found that the profile with high talk and high internal behavioral engagement performed best, and the profile with low talk and low internal behavioral engagement performed worst. Analyzing the inconsistent profiles, we found that high internal behavioral engagement did not guarantee student achievement if the engagement was not accompanied by talk. Our findings thus highlight the important role of classroom talk in relation to student learning.
Avoidance measures for mite allergy—an update
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Brehler Randolf , Bergmann Karl-Christian , Casper Ingrid , Klimek Felix , Hagemann Jan , Polk Marie-Luise , Cuevas Mandy
Published: January 2023

House dust mites are a major source of allergens in house dust and, thus, the main trigger of perennial allergic respiratory diseases [1–5]. Scientific research on the life cycle, diet, and reproductive behavior of dust mites and on the biology of mite allergens has uncovered mechanisms leading to the development of respiratory allergies and suggests measures that can minimize exposure to dust mite allergens. Here, we discuss the evidence linking house dust mite exposure and respiratory allergies and present the efficacy of avoidance measures and their scientific evidence.
Berufliche Gratifikationskrisen, Verausgabungsneigung und Burnout bei ukrainischen Anästhesisten und Intensivmedizinern während der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie
Authors: Böckelmann Irina , Zavgorodnii Igor , Litovchenko Olena , Kapustnyk Valerij , Thielmann Beatrice
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Psychische Belastungen von Anästhesisten und Intensivmedizinern sind vielfältig und komplex. Overcommitment (OC) ist durch eine übersteigerte berufliche Verausgabungsneigung gekennzeichnet, die zu psychischen Beanspruchungsfolgen wie z. B. Burnout führen kann. Die Prävalenz von Burnout bei Intensivmedizinern ist international weit gestreut. Ziel der Studie war es, Verausgabungen und Gratifikationen bei ukrainischen Ärzten der Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin während der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie zu ermitteln und zu analysieren, wie hoch das Burnout-Risiko in dieser Berufsgruppe ist und welche Assoziationen zwischen der intrinsischen Komponente und der extrinsischen Komponente des Modells der beruflichen Gratifikationskrise und dem Burnout bestehen.

Methodik

An der Querschnittsstudie mit der konfirmatorischen Fragestellung im März 2021 nahmen 73 ukrainische intensivmedizinisch tätige Ärzte (47,9 %) und Ärztinnen (52,1 %) teil. Das mittlere Alter lag bei 39,8 ± 10,94 Jahren (Range: 23–78 Jahre). Neben soziodemografischen und berufsbezogenen Daten wurden die berufliche Gratifikation mittels Effort-reward-Imbalance-Fragebogen (ERI) einschließlich der OC-Fragen und das Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) erhoben. Die Teilnehmenden der Befragung wurden in Gruppen mit unterschiedlichem OC (< 16 Punkte) und (≥ 16 Punkte) eingestuft und verglichen.

Ergebnisse

In die Gruppe mit OC < 16 Punkte konnten 75 % (55) Teilnehmende eingestuft werden, 18 boten ein erhöhtes OC. Zwischen diesen beiden Gruppen fand sich eine signifikante Differenz im Effort (13,9 ± 4,1 vs. 17,2 ± 3,6 Punkte; p = 0,003) und in der ERI-Ratio (0,58 ± 0,2 vs. 0,77 ± 0,2; p = 0,006). In der Gruppe mit OC ≥ 16 waren 50 % der Teilnehmenden mit einer hohen emotionalen Erschöpfung (vs. 12,7 % bei OC < 16; p = 0,002), aber auch 61,1 % mit einer hohen Leistungsfähigkeit (61,1 % vs. 32,7 %; p = 0,005). Insgesamt konnte eine Burnout-Prävalenz von 2,7 % in der Gesamtstichprobe festgestellt werden, wobei die beiden Probanden bei der Gruppe mit OC < 16 vertreten waren. Die höhere emotionale Erschöpfung war mit einer höheren Verausgabungsneigung und Verausgabung (Effort) sowie einer geringeren Belohnung (Reward) assoziiert.

Diskussion

Die Studienergebnisse zeigten hohe emotionale Erschöpfung bei Personen mit hohem Overcommitment. Drei Viertel der Befragten zeigten Burnout-Symptome. Aus diesem Grund sollten Gesundheitsförderungsmaßnahmen und Prävention angeboten werden, um den hohen Belastungen während der Pandemie entgegenzuwirken. Diese sollten Verhältnis- und Verhaltensprävention einschließen.
Student Understanding of the Sign of Negative Definite Integrals in Mathematics and Physics
Authors: Bajracharya Rabindra R. , Sealey Vicki L. , Thompson John R.
Published: January 2023

In a study of student understanding of negative definite integrals at two institutions, we administered a written survey and follow-up clinical interviews at one institution and found that “backward integrals”, where the integral was taken from right to left on the x-axis, were the most difficult for students to interpret. We then conducted additional interviews focused on backward integrals at a second institution. Our analysis uses the concept image framework and a recent categorical framework for mathematical sense making. We found that students were most successful using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to determine the sign of an integral when a symbolic expression was provided. When considering a definite integral in a graphical context, students often had difficulty if they viewed the integral as a spatial area, stating that area must always be positive. Some students were able to conceptualize $$\Delta x$$

Δ
x

or $$dx$$

dx

as a difference or change and thus a signed quantity; when these students were able to view the area as a sum of smaller pieces, they were more successful in justifying a negative backward integral. Students who used amounts or similar images often had difficulty making sense of the negative sign. Even more progress was made when students either invoked or were asked explicitly about a specific physical context to be represented by the backward integral, other than spatial area. The context provided a meaning to the difference represented by $$\Delta x$$

Δ
x

or $$dx$$

dx

and thus to the sign of that difference and the definite integral.