bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying fat zonation in liver lobules: an integrated multiscale in silico model combining disturbed microperfusion and fat metabolism via a continuum biomechanical bi-scale, tri-phasic approach
Authors: Lambers Lena , Waschinsky Navina , Schleicher Jana , König Matthias , Tautenhahn Hans-Michael , Albadry Mohamed , Dahmen Uta , Ricken Tim
Published: February 2024

Metabolic zonation refers to the spatial separation of metabolic functions along the sinusoidal axes of the liver. This phenomenon forms the foundation for adjusting hepatic metabolism to physiological requirements in health and disease (e.g., metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease/MASLD). Zonated metabolic functions are influenced by zonal morphological abnormalities in the liver, such as periportal fibrosis and pericentral steatosis. We aim to analyze the interplay between microperfusion, oxygen gradient, fat metabolism and resulting zonated fat accumulation in a liver lobule. Therefore we developed a continuum biomechanical, tri-phasic, bi-scale, and multicomponent in silico model, which allows to numerically simulate coupled perfusion-function-growth interactions two-dimensionally in liver lobules. The developed homogenized model has the following specifications: (i) thermodynamically consistent, (ii) tri-phase model (tissue, fat, blood), (iii) penta-substances (glycogen, glucose, lactate, FFA, and oxygen), and (iv) bi-scale approach (lobule, cell). Our presented in silico model accounts for the mutual coupling between spatial and time-dependent liver perfusion, metabolic pathways and fat accumulation. The model thus allows the prediction of fat development in the liver lobule, depending on perfusion, oxygen and plasma concentration of free fatty acids (FFA), oxidative processes, the synthesis and the secretion of triglycerides (TGs). The use of a bi-scale approach allows in addition to focus on scale bridging processes. Thus, we will investigate how changes at the cellular scale affect perfusion at the lobular scale and vice versa. This allows to predict the zonation of fat distribution (periportal or pericentral) depending on initial conditions, as well as external and internal boundary value conditions.
Explaining the colour of natural healthy gingiva
Authors: Gómez-Polo Cristina , Montero Javier , Martín Casado Ana Maria
Published: February 2024

To examine the differences between natural gingival colour in men and women. To determine the degree of predictability of changes in the gingival colour coordinates recorded for healthy gingiva, according to age, long-term medication, frequency of toothbrushing, and smoking habits. The CIELAB colour coordinates were recorded using a spectrophotometer for 360 Caucasian adult participants (aged 18–92 years), in three zones of the healthy attached gingiva of the maxillary central incisor. Regression models were created for each zone and each sex, taking the L*, a* and b* coordinates as dependent variables and age, frequency of toothbrushing, smoking habits (0—non-smoker; 1—smoker) and whether participants were taking long-term medication (0—no; 1—yes) as independent variables. The statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version 26.0, using multiple regression models. Statistically significant differences between men and women were found only for colour coordinate b*, in all three zones. The only colour coordinate on which the predictor variables had a significant effect was the L* coordinate. In men, age and long-term medication had the greatest effect as predictors (maximum R2 = 0.149). In women, frequency of toothbrushing was the strongest predictor in the predictive models (maximum R2 = 0.099). The colour of gingiva in men contained a larger amount of blue, given that significantly lower values for colour coordinate b* were recorded in men than women, although this difference lacked clinical implications. For both sexes, the regression models produced had a modest predictive capacity. The L* coordinate was the dependent variable that showed the greatest predictability.
Asystole on loop recorder in patients with unexplained syncope and negative tilt testing: age distribution and clinical predictors
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Comune Angelo , Parente Erika , Rago Anna , Papa Andrea Antonio , Nigro Gerardo , Brignole Michele
Published: February 2024

Background

Approximately 50% of patients with unexplained syncope and negative head-up tilt test (HUTT) who have an electrocardiogram (ECG) documentation of spontaneous syncope during implantable loop recorder (ILR) show an asystolic pause at the time of the event.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the age distribution and clinical predictors of asystolic syncope detected by ILR in patients with unexplained syncope and negative HUTT.

Methods

This research employed a retrospective, single-center study of consecutive patients. The ILR-documented spontaneous syncope was classified according to the International Study on Syncope of Uncertain Etiology (ISSUE) classification.

Results

Among 113 patients (54.0 ± 19.6 years; 46% male), 49 had an ECG-documented recurrence of syncope during the observation period and 28 of these later (24.8%, corresponding to 57.1% of the patients with a diagnostic event) had a diagnosis of asystolic syncope at ILR: type 1A was present in 24 (85.7%), type 1B in 1 (3.6%), and type 1C in 3 (10.7%) patients. The age distribution of asystolic syncope was bimodal, with a peak at age < 19 years and a second peak at the age of 60–79 years. At Cox multivariable analysis, syncope without prodromes (OR 3.7; p = 0.0008) and use of beta blockers (OR 3.2; p = 0.002) were independently associated to ILR-detected asystole.

Conclusions

In patients with unexplained syncope and negative HUTT, the age distribution of asystolic syncope detected by ILR is bimodal, suggesting a different mechanism responsible for asystole in both younger and older patients. The absence of prodromes and the use of beta blockers are independent predictors of ILR-detected asystole.
The differences in the anatomy of the thoracolumbar and sacral autonomic outflow are quantitative
Authors: Verlinden Thomas J. M. , Lamers Wouter H. , Herrler Andreas , Köhler S. Eleonore
Published: February 2024

Purpose

We have re-evaluated the anatomical arguments that underlie the division of the spinal visceral outflow into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Methodology

Using a systematic literature search, we mapped the location of catecholaminergic neurons throughout the mammalian peripheral nervous system. Subsequently, a narrative method was employed to characterize segment-dependent differences in the location of preganglionic cell bodies and the composition of white and gray rami communicantes.

Results and Conclusion

One hundred seventy studies were included in the systematic review, providing information on 389 anatomical structures. Catecholaminergic nerve fibers are present in most spinal and all cranial nerves and ganglia, including those that are known for their parasympathetic function. Along the entire spinal autonomic outflow pathways, proximal and distal catecholaminergic cell bodies are common in the head, thoracic, and abdominal and pelvic region, which invalidates the “short-versus-long preganglionic neuron” argument.

Contrary to the classically confined outflow levels T1-L2 and S2-S4, preganglionic neurons have been found in the resulting lumbar gap. Preganglionic cell bodies that are located in the intermediolateral zone of the thoracolumbar spinal cord gradually nest more ventrally within the ventral motor nuclei at the lumbar and sacral levels, and their fibers bypass the white ramus communicans and sympathetic trunk to emerge directly from the spinal roots. Bypassing the sympathetic trunk, therefore, is not exclusive for the sacral outflow. We conclude that the autonomic outflow displays a conserved architecture along the entire spinal axis, and that the perceived differences in the anatomy of the autonomic thoracolumbar and sacral outflow are quantitative.
Choosing Optimal Cutoff Frequencies for Filtering Linear Acceleration and Angular Velocity Signals Associated with Head Impacts Measured by Instrumented Mouthguards
Authors: Gellner Ryan , Begonia Mark , Rowson Steve
Published: February 2024

Head impact sensors worn in the mouth are popular because they couple directly to the teeth and provide six-degree-of-freedom head measurements. Mouthpiece signal filters have conventionally used cutoff frequencies lower than recommended practices (Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE J211-1) to eliminate extraneous noise when measuring with live subjects. However, there is little information about the effects of filter choice on the accuracy of signals measured by instrumented mouthpieces. Lack of standardization in head impact measurement device post-processing techniques can result in data that are not comparable across studies or device brands. This study sought optimal filter cutoff frequencies for six-degree-of-freedom measurements made at the teeth using instrumented mouthguards. We collected linear acceleration and angular velocity signals at the head center of gravity (CG) using laboratory-grade instrumentation. We also collected and filtered similar six-degree-of-freedom measurements from an instrumented mouthguard using 24 cutoff frequencies, from 25 to 600 Hz. We transformed the measurements to linear acceleration at the center of gravity of the head (CG) using all kinematic variables at the teeth, optimizing linear and angular mouthguard cutoff frequencies with one equation. We calculated the percent error in transformed peak resultant linear acceleration and minimized the mean and standard deviation in error. The optimal cutoff frequencies were 175 Hz for linear acceleration and 250 Hz for angular velocity. Rigid impacts (3–5 ms duration) had higher optimal cutoff frequencies (175 Hz linear acceleration, 275 Hz angular velocity) than padded impacts (10–12 ms duration; 100 Hz linear acceleration, 175 Hz angular velocity), and all impacts together (3–12 ms duration; 175 Hz linear acceleration, 250 Hz angular velocity). Instrumented mouthpiece manufacturers and researchers using these devices should consider these optimal filter cutoff frequencies to minimize measurement error. Sport-specific filter criteria for teeth-based sensors may be warranted to account for the difference in optimal cutoff frequency combination by impact duration.
What Influence Could the Acceptance of Visitors Cause on the Epidemic Dynamics of a Reinfectious Disease?: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Xie Ying , Ahmad Ishfaq , Ikpe ThankGod I. S. , Sofia Elza F. , Seno Hiromi
Published: February 2024

The globalization in business and tourism becomes crucial more and more for the economical sustainability of local communities. In the presence of an epidemic outbreak, there must be such a decision on the policy by the host community as whether to accept visitors or not, the number of acceptable visitors, or the condition for acceptable visitors. Making use of an SIRI type of mathematical model, we consider the influence of visitors on the spread of a reinfectious disease in a community, especially assuming that a certain proportion of accepted visitors are immune. The reinfectivity of disease here means that the immunity gained by either vaccination or recovery is imperfect. With the mathematical results obtained by our analysis on the model for such an epidemic dynamics of resident and visitor populations, we find that the acceptance of visitors could have a significant influence on the disease’s endemicity in the community, either suppressive or supportive.
Systematic Review: Patient and Public Involvement of Children and Young People in Mental Health Research
Authors: Totzeck Christina , van der Meer Anna Swantje , Christiansen Hanna , Durlach Friederike , Li Sanchez Kira , Schneider Silvia
Published: February 2024

Objective

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is an essential ethical component in mental health research, and represents a major opportunity to improve translational mental health research. The goals of this review were to (1) provide a comprehensive overview of empirical research focusing on PPI of children and young people (CYP) in mental health research studies; (2) evaluate the results with CYP and parents of those affected; and (3) derive recommendations for PPI of CYP in future mental health research studies.

Methods

Based on an extensive literature review following the PRISMA guidelines, studies including CYP (age range: 0–21 years) in mental health research were identified and examined along a two-part analysis process considering their usability for mental health research. The conclusions drawn from the studies concerning CYP involvement were summarized and recommendations derived.

Results

Overall, 19 articles reported PPI of CYP (age range: 10–26 years) in mental health research and were included for further analyses. The integrated studies differed in the type of PPI, and in the way the participation and involvement processes were presented.

Conclusion

Progress has been made in engaging CYP in mental health research, but there is a need for international standards, operationalization, and evaluation measures. Future research should go beyond merely reporting the PPI process itself. It should clearly indicate how and to what extent feedback from these PPI members was incorporated throughout the research process.
Fabrication of porous bone scaffolds using degradable and mouldable bacterial cellulose
Authors: Öz Yunus Emre , Bingül Nur Deniz , Morçimen Zehra Gül , Şendemir Aylin , Hameş Elif Esin
Published: February 2024

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biomaterial extensively studied in tissue engineering due to its favorable properties. Porosity, biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical durability are essential material properties for scaffold use in tissue engineering. This study aims to fabricate porous scaffolds using a moldable and degradable BC-HAp composite for bone tissue engineering. BC was produced by Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans under static culture conditions. The harvested BC membranes were purified and then mechanically shredded. BC oxidation was performed using different sodium periodate concentrations (0.05–0.5 M) and treatment times (0.5–12 h). Oxidized BCs (oxBC) were modified with hydroxyapatite (HAp), then were moulded, lyophilized, and characterized. The degradability of the scaffolds was determined for 45 days. Cytotoxic analysis of oxBC scaffolds was carried out for 7 days using the L929 fibroblast cell line. The oxidation degrees of the shredded BC samples were between 6.75 and 81%, which increased in line with the increasing concentration and application time of periodate. The scaffolds prepared using oxidized cellulose for 30 and 60 min (oxBC30 and oxBC60) preserved their integrity, These scaffolds showed a weight loss of 9% and 14% in 45 days, respectively. The pore distribution was between 50 and 450 µm and concentrated in the 50–150 µm range. The compression moduli were 88.72 kPa and 138.88 kPa for oxBC30-HAp and oxBC60-HAp, respectively. It was determined that oxBC did not show a significant difference in cell viability compared to the control groups and was not cytotoxic. In conclusion, degradable and more porous bone scaffolds were fabricated using mouldable oxBC.
Impact of ethical leadership and psychological ownership on employees' voluntary pro-environmental behaviour: a case study of selected organisations in Delta State Nigeria
Authors: Nwanzu Chiyem Lucky , Babalola Sunday Samson
Published: February 2024

There is a need to complement strategic policies with discretionary environmentally friendly behaviour to ensure sustainable performance is recognised and accepted. This research investigates the impact of ethical leadership and psychological ownership on employees' voluntary pro-environmental behaviour and whether psychological ownership amplifies the impact of ethical leadership on employees' voluntary pro-environmental behaviour. The study was conducted amongst employees of selected public and commercial organisations in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 163 employees provided the analysed data. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including three established scales. The mean age of the participants was 36.34, with a 7.88 standard deviation; men were 43.6%. Data analysis was conducted using statistical regression complemented with Process Macro. The findings indicated that ethical leadership has a positive association with voluntary pro-environmental behaviour (β = 0.64, 95% CI [0.46–0.68], t = 10.53, p < 0.001). Furthermore, psychological ownership was also found to predict voluntary pro-environmental behaviour as well (β = 0.23, 95% CI [0.10–0.35], t = 3.56, p < 0.001). However, psychological ownership did not moderate the relationship between ethical leadership and voluntary pro-environmental behaviour. Since this is a pioneer study, it could be tentatively concluded that although ethical leadership and psychological ownership energised the voluntary pro-environmental behaviour of the employees, their interaction did not.
Supply-side climate policy and fossil fuels in developing countries: a neo-Gramscian perspective
Authors: Heras Augusto
Published: February 2024

This article examines the perspectives of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) on climate change mitigation and fossil fuel supply within the UN framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC). Achieving the temperature targets of the Paris Agreement requires leaving fossil fuels underground (LFFU), which presents challenges for LMICs due to their significant fossil fuel reserves. This dilemma raises equity concerns as these countries must balance climate action with their Right to Development (RtD). Against this background, through a content analysis of documents submitted to the UNFCCC and triangulation with ownership structures of extraction projects, this paper explores how ten LMICs define their roles in addressing climate change and LFFU, with a focus on mitigation policies and the energy sector. Drawing on Gramscian concepts such as hegemony, common sense, historical bloc, war of position, passive revolution, andtrasformismo, this paper presents a non-exhaustive neo-Gramscian perspective for the analysis of supply-side climate policy in developing countries. The analysis reveals that LMICs’ development paths have been characterized by fossil fuel expansion, energy addition, and carbon lock-in, grounded on energy security reasons, export dependencies, or equity and responsibility. From these findings, the paper argues that the global energy transition can be interpreted as a passive revolution: the fossil historical bloc, through the interdependencies between states, national oil companies, and fossil capital, maintains its hegemonic position by aligning material, organizational, and discursive resources around fossil fuels, with the RtD serving as a discursive tool to perpetuate fossil dominance in energy systems, agreeing to the legitimate demands for development. One of thetrasformisttactics deployed is the bridge narrative of gas, which accommodates and neutralizes the challenge posed by renewables. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for Southern leadership to contest the bloc with potential counter-hegemony. This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on supply-side mitigation policies and distributive justice issues in the North–South context, focusing on the need and potential for an inclusive and just energy transformation. There are avenues of research to analyse how the challengers’ war of position will bear fruit in coalition building and the establishment of a new, just, and inclusive common sense.
Refractive results of photorefractive keratectomy comparing trans-PRK and PTK−PRK for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism
Authors: Saad Ahmed , Saad Amr , Frings Andreas
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To compare refractive outcomes after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) and combined phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK−PRK) procedure using two different excimer laser platforms for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter study, we compared the results of two different PRK methods. The first group received a tPRK treatment with the Amaris750 excimer laser (Schwind eye-tech solutions). The second group received a combined PTK−PRK treatment with the MEL90 excimer laser (Carl Zeiss). Only healthy eyes with no previous surgery and a spherical equivalent (SE) of −1 to −8 diopters (D) were included. Preoperative spherical equivalent (SE), age, and sex were matched among the two groups. All treatments were performed by the same surgeon in different clinics. This study was approved by the local Ethics Committee (No. 2022–1980).

Results

We included 154 eyes of 86 patients in our study. There was no difference in predictability of SE between the two groups. Efficacy and safety indices were equally high in both groups. Similarly, no significant differences were seen in change of higher order aberrations (HOA) between the two groups (p > 0.05). No complications occurred.

Conclusion

Both investigated methods provide safe and effective refractive results. The combination of PTK with PRK may be a suitable option to the already used one-step tPRK for the correction of myopia.
Multi-part cross-intersecting families
Authors: Xi Yuanxiao , Kong Xiangliang , Ge Gennian
Published: February 2024

Let $${\mathcal {A}}\subseteq {[n]\atopwithdelims ()a}$$

A
⊆

[
n
]

a

and $${\mathcal {B}}\subseteq {[n]\atopwithdelims ()b}$$

B
⊆

[
n
]

b

be two families of subsets of [n], we say $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
and $${\mathcal {B}}$$
B
are cross-intersecting if $$A\cap B\ne \emptyset $$

A
∩
B
≠
∅

for all $$A\in {\mathcal {A}}$$

A
∈
A

, $$B\in {\mathcal {B}}$$

B
∈
B

. In this paper, we study cross-intersecting families in the multi-part setting. By characterizing the independent sets of vertex-transitive graphs and their direct products, we determine the sizes and structures of maximum-sized multi-part cross-intersecting families. This generalizes the results of Hilton’s (J Lond Math Soc 15(2):369–376, 1977) and Frankl–Tohushige’s (J Comb Theory Ser A 61(1):87–97, 1992) on cross-intersecting families in the single-part setting.
Rational design of metal-responsive functional DNA supramolecules
Authors: Takezawa Yusuke
Published: February 2024

DNA molecules have excellent molecular recognition abilities through the complementary hydrogen-bonded base pairing. Since the hybridization of oligonucleotides can be programmed based on the sequences of the nucleobases, a great number of DNA supramolecular architectures have been constructed via self-assembly processes. The development of stimuli-responsive DNA supramolecules has attracted increasing interests because it will contribute to the construction of dynamic molecular systems such as molecular machines. Metal ions are considered as useful chemical stimuli, but the construction of metal-responsive DNA systems is still in the early stage. This review article describes current progress on the development of DNA supramolecules whose structure and function can be regulated in response to metal ions, with mainly focusing on our recent studies. The basic strategy is the introduction of unnatural metal ligands that form interstrand metal complexes in DNA structures. For example, artificial metal-mediated base pairs, formed through complexation between ligand-type nucleobase analogs and a bridging metal ion, were incorporated into known DNAzymes (catalytic DNA) to allosterically regulate their activity in a metal-responsive manner. Novel ligand-type nucleobases that form both metal-mediated and hydrogen-bonded base pairs have been recently devised as metal-responsive building blocks, and were used to construct a simple prototype of DNA molecular machines. Branched DNA structures bearing metal ligands at the junction core were also synthesized as novel structural motifs, with which metal-mediated structure transformation was demonstrated. These metal-responsive DNA supramolecules are expected to expand the toolbox of DNA-based supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology.
Pseudo-value regression trees
Authors: Schenk Alina , Berger Moritz , Schmid Matthias
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a semi-parametric modeling technique for estimating the survival function from a set of right-censored time-to-event data. Our method, named pseudo-value regression trees (PRT), is based on the pseudo-value regression framework, modeling individual-specific survival probabilities by computing pseudo-values and relating them to a set of covariates. The standard approach to pseudo-value regression is to fit a main-effects model using generalized estimating equations (GEE). PRT extend this approach by building a multivariate regression tree with pseudo-value outcome and by successively fitting a set of regularized additive models to the data in the nodes of the tree. Due to the combination of tree learning and additive modeling, PRT are able to perform variable selection and to identify relevant interactions between the covariates, thereby addressing several limitations of the standard GEE approach. In addition, PRT include time-dependent effects in the node-wise models. Interpretability of the PRT fits is ensured by controlling the tree depth. Based on the results of two simulation studies, we investigate the properties of the PRT method and compare it to several alternative modeling techniques. Furthermore, we illustrate PRT by analyzing survival in 3,652 patients enrolled for a randomized study on primary invasive breast cancer.
New Insight into Toughness Enhancement in a Lath Martensitic Steel
Authors: Mirzaei Ahmad , Barrett Christopher D. , Ma Xiang , Hodgson Peter D. , Beladi Hossein
Published: February 2024

Grain refinement of the parent austenite led to a significant change in the intervariant boundary network of martensite, ultimately improving the mechanical properties (i.e., toughness and hardness). Molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that the propensity for crack propagation was largely governed by the intervariant boundary energy, where the crack propagation rate was much faster for the high-energy 60 deg/[110] twist boundary than the low-energy 60 deg/[111] symmetric tilt boundary. This agreed with experimental observations where parent austenite grain refinement increased the low-energy boundary population at the expense of high-energy intervariant boundaries in martensite. In turn, this led to a significant toughness improvement without sacrificing the strength. This finding demonstrates that the mechanical properties of a martensitic microstructure can be significantly improved through intervariant boundary network engineering.
Impact of two Erwinia sp. on the response of diverse Pisum sativum genotypes under salt stress
Authors: Ilahi Houda , Zampieri Elisa , Sbrana Cristiana , Brescia Francesca , Giovannini Luca , Mahmoudi Roghayyeh , Gohari Gholamreza , El Idrissi Mustapha Missbah , Alfeddy Mohamed Najib , Schillaci Martino , Ouahmane Lahcen , Calvo Alice , Sillo Fabiano , Fotopoulos Vasileios , Balestrini Raffaella , Mnasri Bacem
Published: February 2024

Currently, salinization is impacting more than 50% of arable land, posing a significant challenge to agriculture globally. Salt causes osmotic and ionic stress, determining cell dehydration, ion homeostasis, and metabolic process alteration, thus negatively influencing plant development. A promising sustainable approach to improve plant tolerance to salinity is the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). This work aimed to characterize two bacterial strains, that have been isolated from pea root nodules, initially called PG1 and PG2, and assess their impact on growth, physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters in three pea genotypes (Merveille de Kelvedon, Lincoln, Meraviglia d’Italia) under salinity. Bacterial strains were molecularly identified, and characterized by in vitro assays to evaluate the plant growth promoting abilities. Both strains were identified as Erwinia sp., demonstrating in vitro biosynthesis of IAA, ACC deaminase activity, as well as the capacity to grow in presence of NaCl and PEG. Considering the inoculation of plants, pea biometric parameters were unaffected by the presence of the bacteria, independently by the considered genotype. Conversely, the three pea genotypes differed in the regulation of antioxidant genes coding for catalase (PsCAT) and superoxide dismutase (PsSOD). The highest proline levels (212.88 μmol g−1) were detected in salt-stressed Lincoln plants inoculated with PG1, along with the up-regulation of PsSOD and PsCAT. Conversely, PG2 inoculation resulted in the lowest proline levels that were observed in Lincoln and Meraviglia d’Italia (35.39 and 23.67 μmol g−1, respectively). Overall, this study highlights the potential of these two strains as beneficial plant growth-promoting bacteria in saline environments, showing that their inoculation modulates responses in pea plants, affecting antioxidant gene expression and proline accumulation.
A Psychological Need-Fulfillment Perspective for Designing Social Robots that Support Well-Being
Authors: Janssen Suzanne , Schadenberg Bob R.
Published: February 2024

This conceptual paper presents a novel framework for the design and study of social robots that support well-being. Building upon the self-determination theory and the associated Motivation, Engagement, and Thriving in User Experience (METUX) model, this paper argues that users’ psychological basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness should be put at the center of social robot design. These basic needs are essential to people’s psychological well-being, engagement, and self-motivation. However, current literature offers limited insights into how human–robot interactions are related to users’ experiences of the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs and thus, to their well-being and flourishing. We propose that a need-fulfillment perspective could be an inspiring lens for the design of social robots, including socially assistive robots. We conceptualize various ways in which a psychological need-fulfillment perspective may be incorporated into future human–robot interaction research and design, ranging from the interface level to the specific tasks performed by a robot or the user’s behavior supported by the robot. The paper discusses the implications of the framework for designing social robots that promote well-being, as well as the implications for future research.
Visual conservation treatment dilemmas in neuroblastoma with bilateral blindness
Authors: Cheng Haiyan , Lin Yu , Yang Wei , Chang Xiaofeng , Feng Jun , Yang Shen , Liu Shan , Yu Tong , Peng Xiaojiao , Zheng Panpan , Zhang Chengyue , Jia Haiwei , Qin Hong , Wang Huanmin
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the clinical features, treatment strategies, and prognosis of neuroblastoma with bilateral blindness.

Methods

The clinical data of five patients with bilateral blindness neuroblastoma admitted to Beijing Children’s Hospital from April 2018 to September 2020 were retrospectively collected to summarize their clinical characteristics.

Results

All patients were female and the median age at presentation was 25 (23, 41) months. The median intervention time from the onset of symptoms of bilateral blindness to the start of treatment was 10 (10, 12) days. All five cases were staged as stage M and grouped as high risk. Four cases were MYCN gene amplification and one case was MYCN acquisition. Five children were treated according to a high-risk neuroblastoma treatment protocol. Four children did not recover their vision after treatment, and one case improved to have light perception. All patients were effectively followed up for a median of 20 (12, 31) months, with three deaths, one tumor-free survival, and one recurrent tumor-bearing survival.

Conclusion

Neuroblastoma with bilateral blindness is rare in the clinic, mostly in children of young age, and is often associated with MYCN amplification and multiple metastases. Early hormone shock therapy and optic nerve decompression are beneficial for preserving the child’s vision. A joint multi-disciplinary treatment may help in the formulation of treatment decisions. Achieving a balance between good visual preservation and survival within the short optic nerve neurotherapeutic window is extremely challenging.
Current and future of immunotherapy for thyroid cancer based on bibliometrics and clinical trials
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhang Ying , Xing Yang , Wang Hong , He Minghua , Guo Rui
Published: February 2024

Background

Thyroid cancer is a leading endocrine malignancy, with anaplastic and medullary subtypes posing treatment challenges. Existing therapies have limited efficacy, highlighting a need for innovative approaches.

Methods

We analyzed 658 articles and 87 eligible clinical trials using bibliometric tools and database searches, including annual publication and citation trends, were executed using Web of Science, CiteSpace, and VOS Viewer.

Results

Post-2018, there is a surge in thyroid cancer immunotherapy research, primarily from China and the University of Pisa. Of the 87 trials, 32 were Phase I and 55 were Phase II, mostly exploring combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Conclusion

The study's dual approach verifies the swift advancement of thyroid cancer immunotherapy from diverse perspectives. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become the preferred regimen for advanced MTC and ATC in late therapeutic lines. However, since ICB plays a pivotal role in ATC, current clinical trial data show that ATC patients account for more and the curative effect is more accurate. Anticipated future developments are inclined toward combination regimens integrating immunotherapy with chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Emerging approaches, such as bispecific antibodies, cytokine-based therapies, and adoptive cell therapies like CAR-T and TCR-T, are exhibiting considerable potential. Upcoming research is expected to concentrate on refining the tumor immune milieu and discovering novel biomarkers germane to immunotherapeutic interventions.
From climate perceptions to actions: A case study on coffee farms in Ethiopia
Authors: Gomm Xenia , Ayalew Biruk , Hylander Kristoffer , Zignol Francesco , Börjeson Lowe , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: February 2024

Increasing temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns have major consequences for smallholder farmers, especially in the Global South. Our study examined spatial patterns and climatic drivers of farmers' perceptions of climate change, and how these perceptions translated into adaptation actions. We interviewed 56 farmers in southwestern Ethiopia and analyzed ERA5-Land reanalysis climate data from 1971 to 2020. The majority of farmers perceived the recorded temperature increase as well as a decrease and shift in the timing of rainfall. Perceived climate change varied with local climate factors and not with the rate of climate change itself. Farmers' adaptation practices showed associations with local temperature, but not with farmers’ perceptions of climate change. Our findings highlight that even if farmers perceive climate change, perceptions are most common in areas where climate action is already urgent, and perceptions may not translate into adaptation. Thus, targeted and timely information and extension programs are crucial.
Advances in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: Sandra E. Black Lecture to the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation
Authors: Smith Eric E.
Published: February 2024

Cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVDs) are among the most common age-related pathologies of the brain. Arteriolosclerosis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) are the most common CSVDs. In addition to causing stroke and dementia, CSVDs can have diverse covert radiological manifestations on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging including lacunes, T2-weighted white matter hyperintensities, increased density of visible perivascular spaces, microbleeds and cortical superficial siderosis. Because they cannot be visualized directly, research on the pathophysiology of CSVD has been difficult. However, advances in quantitative imaging methods, including physiological imaging such as measurement of cerebrovascular reactivity and increased vascular permeability, are beginning to allow investigation of the early effects of CSVD in living people. Furthermore, genomics, metabolomics and proteomics have the potential to illuminate previously unrecognized pathways to CSVD that could be important targets for new clinical trials.
Political change through the culture of the Radical Party (1962–89)
Authors: Bonfreschi Lucia
Published: February 2024

The article aims to sketch out the main features of the political culture of the Radical Party (PR). This political culture is paradigmatic of a much broader phenomenon that has affected the politics of Western democracies since the 1970s: the critique of traditional parties in the name of a party model formed by spontaneous groupings of society; the extreme emphasis placed on individual choices in political action, and the programmatic tracing of the latter back to the former; and the call for a less ‘mediated’ relationship between citizens and institutions. Yet, this culture contained certain ingredients that would distance it from the populist forms of the twenty-first century. After grafting anti-authoritarianism onto its liberal matrix the PR identified the promotion of civil rights as the goal and battle for the transformation of the relationship between politics and the citizen. This transformation emphasised the sphere of individual freedom and the liberty to participate in community decisions, and thus implied a transformation of the ways and means of doing politics. In the late 1970s, the PR deepened its critique of parties and partitocracy and, at the same time, emphasised a supranational view of politics, eventually becoming a ‘transnational transparty’ party in 1989.
HISTORIC LIME MORTARS COMPOSITION AND TERMINOLOGY FOR RADIOCARBON DATING—CASE STUDIES BASED ON THIN-SECTION PETROGRAPHY AND CATHODOLUMINESCENCE
Authors: Wojcieszak Marine , Fontaine Laurent , Elsen Jan , Hayen Roald , Lehouck Alexander , Boudin Mathieu
Published: February 2024

Since the first developments of anthropogenic lime materials radiocarbon (14C) dating in the 1960s, numerous studies have been undertaken and developed to investigate the topic further. Historic mortars are complex composite and open system materials that can incorporate a large range of components. Due to the complexity of the historic lime mortars composition, they are not part of a routine protocol in most radiocarbon laboratories and reliable dating is not always achieved. A thorough characterization needs to be performed and different preparation methods can be considered as a function of their compositions. A vast range of terms are employed to qualify the lime mortars components and alterations that can possibly have an influence on the dating result. Here, a detailed description of these components and the various terms used is listed. To illustrate this, images obtained by thin-section petrography and cathodoluminescence are presented in addition to radiocarbon results using stepwise acid hydrolysis on Belgian mortars having different provenance, state, age and composition. Depending on the type of aggregate used, the type of binder and its conservation state, the eventual presence of weathering carbonates and the assumed speed of the carbonation process, the reliability of radiocarbon measurements using the stepwise acid hydrolysis technique is discussed and confronted with presumed historical constraints.
Rebels and Turcophiles? The Hungarian Protestant Clergy's Resistance against the Habsburg Counter Reformation
Authors: Michels Georg B.
Published: February 2024

In March 1674, Hungary's Lutheran and Calvinist clergy stood collectively accused of fomenting rebellion against the Habsburgs and seeking protection from the Ottomans. A widely publicized tribunal in Pozsony (Bratislava, Pressburg) resulted in systematic expulsions, incarcerations, and the sale of forty-two pastors as galley slaves. A voluminous body of historiography has been dedicated to the victims of the tribunal and their tribulations. It is commonly assumed that the accusations against the Protestant clergy were fabricated. This article shifts the focus from martyrologies, sermons, and narratives written after the year 1674 to eyewitness accounts in inquisitorial records, letters, petitions, official reports, and military dispatches from the years leading up to the Pozsony Tribunal. These unstudied testimonies in the Hungarian and Austrian archives reveal that a significant number of pastors participated in popular resistance and revolt against a brutal Habsburg Counter Reformation. Many put their hopes in the Ottomans whom they considered protectors against the destruction of their religion. These little-known developments shed light on important larger historical realities that have been eclipsed by Habsburg and Central European historians, namely, Hungarian popular hopes for liberation from the Habsburgs by the Ottomans which culminated in two major revolts in 1670 and 1672.
Derivation and travelling wave analysis of phenotype-structured haptotaxis models of cancer invasion
Authors: Lorenzi Tommaso , Macfarlane Fiona R. , Painter Kevin J.
Published: February 2024

We formulate haptotaxis models of cancer invasion wherein the infiltrating cancer cells can occupy a spectrum of states in phenotype space, ranging from ‘fully mesenchymal’ to ‘fully epithelial’. The more mesenchymal cells are those that display stronger haptotaxis responses and have greater capacity to modify the extracellular matrix (ECM) through enhanced secretion of matrix-degrading enzymes (MDEs). However, as a trade-off, they have lower proliferative capacity than the more epithelial cells. The framework is multiscale in that we start with an individual-based model that tracks the dynamics of single cells, which is based on a branching random walk over a lattice representing both physical and phenotype space. We formally derive the corresponding continuum model, which takes the form of a coupled system comprising a partial integro-differential equation for the local cell population density function, a partial differential equation for the MDE concentration and an infinite-dimensional ordinary differential equation for the ECM density. Despite the intricacy of the model, we show, through formal asymptotic techniques, that for certain parameter regimes it is possible to carry out a detailed travelling wave analysis and obtain invading fronts with spatial structuring of phenotypes. Precisely, the most mesenchymal cells dominate the leading edge of the invasion wave and the most epithelial (and most proliferative) dominate the rear, representing a bulk tumour population. As such, the model recapitulates similar observations into a front to back structuring of invasion waves into leader-type and follower-type cells, witnessed in an increasing number of experimental studies over recent years.
Motivating organic farmers to adopt practices that support the pest-suppressive microbiome relies on understanding their beliefs
Authors: Bloom Elias H. , Atallah Shady S. , Casteel Clare L.
Published: February 2024

Certified organic farming is a suite of regulated practices that can support social, economic, and ecological sustainability in agriculture. Despite the standardization and regulation of certifying bodies, practices adopted by organic farmers vary with potential heterogeneous effects on environmental outcomes. While it is accepted that beliefs can enable or constrain the adoption of farming practices, it remains unclear if variation in organic farmer beliefs mediates observed heterogeneity in practices and the ecology of farms. Communities of soil microorganisms that induce plant resistance and regulate insect herbivores offer a lens to explore the relationship between beliefs and practice adoption. Variation in insect herbivores across organic farms is common but none have studied the role of farmer beliefs in regulating pests through the soil microbiome. Herein, we hypothesized that variation in adoption of microbiome-supportive practices by organic farmers is driven by heterogeneity in their microbiome beliefs. We also investigate the importance of demographic variables and farm characteristics, compared to farmer beliefs, for adoption of practices that support the microbiome. To test our hypothesis, we surveyed the microbiome beliefs, farming practices, and motivations of 85 organic farmers in New York State, USA. We used affinity propagation to cluster farmers by their beliefs, and statistical models to evaluate variation in farming practice adoption and farmer motivations. Our survey received a 30.5% response rate, most organic farmers (≈96%) believed the soil microbiome was important for supporting plant defenses and reducing pests, and <16% believed their farming practices were unimportant for promoting beneficial microbiomes. Seven clusters of farmers were identified that varied in their microbiome beliefs. Among the clusters ≈42% of farmers believed on-farm management and external factors (e.g., climate change) were important for promoting the microbiome. These farmers used fewer pesticides and synthetic mulches, more pre-planting practices (e.g., solarization), and were more motivated to adopt new practices to support the microbiome than their peers. The most important factors motivating adoption were reductions in pests, increased yields, and biodiversity benefits. Beliefs, demographics, and farm characteristics (e.g., time in organic management) were correlated with similar suites of farming practices, but only beliefs predicted farmer motivations. Our study suggests beliefs are key to understanding farmer motivations and promoting organic farming system sustainability via the pest-suppressive microbiome. More broadly, we suggest the need for socio-ecological approaches that account for farmer beliefs when studying the adoption of conservation practices in agroecosystems.
Exploring sterile pollen technique as a novel tool for management of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)
Authors: Wu Wenzhuo , Mesgaran Mohsen B.
Published: February 2024

The success of the insect sterile technique (IST) in managing insect pests raised the hypothesis that a similar approach could be employed to control weed populations. Here, we investigated the feasibility of employing irradiated sterile pollen as a means to disrupt seed production in dioecious weeds, specifically focusing on Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeriS. Watson). Our goal was to determine the optimal irradiation dose that strikes a balance between inducing sterility and preserving competitiveness, as excessive doses could result in pollen mortality, while low doses may retain fertility. Plants were grown in a greenhouse during the summer of 2020 and spring of 2021. Once they reached the flowering stage, male and female individuals were isolated. Mature pollen samples were collected and exposed to varying dosages (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Gy) of gamma rays. These irradiated and non-irradiated pollen samples were used in pollen viability assessments and hand-pollination experiments. In the hand-pollination study conducted in 2020, we employed six pollination treatments using different irradiation doses. The results showed that 300 Gy was the most effective dose, resulting in a maximum reduction of 30% in seed set compared with open pollination when irradiated pollen had prior access to the stigma through artificial pollination before open pollination. In 2021, to simulate real field conditions, three additional treatments were introduced into the study, further confirming the effectiveness of the optimal 300 Gy dose. Our findings indicate that the sterile pollen technique (SPT) using irradiated pollen can be a valuable approach for reducing weed seed production. SPT also holds potential for broad-spectrum weed control by mixing sterile pollen from multiple weed species in a single application. Additionally, it could aid in managing herbicide-resistant weeds that have survived in-season control efforts. This research contributes to the development of novel and sustainable weed management strategies.