bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal blood in detecting chromosomal anomalies in twin pregnancy: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Della Valle L. , Piergianni M. , Khalil A. , Novelli A. , Rizzo G. , Mappa I. , Prasad S. , Matarrelli B. , Gatta V. , Stuppia L. , Pagani G. , Flacco M. E. , D'Antonio F.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To report the diagnostic accuracy of cell‐free fetal DNA (cfDNA) in maternal blood in detecting fetal chromosomal anomalies in twin pregnancy.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to November 2023. The inclusion criteria were twin pregnancy undergoing cfDNA screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, monosomy X and/or other sex‐chromosome aneuploidies (SCA). The index test was cfDNA screening. The reference standard was pre‐ or postnatal karyotyping (in the case of a positive cfDNA result) or neonatal phenotypic assessment (in case of a negative cfDNA result). The quality of included studies was assessed using the revised quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS‐2) tool. Summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy were computed using a bivariate random‐effects model.

Results

Thirty‐five studies were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. cfDNA had a high accuracy in detecting trisomy 21 in twin pregnancy, with a sensitivity of 98.8% (95% CI, 96.5–100%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 99.9–100%). Sensitivity and specificity were 94.9% (95% CI, 75.9–99.1%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.9–100%), respectively, for trisomy 18 and 84.6% (95% CI, 54.6–98.1%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.9–100%), respectively, for trisomy 13. We could not compute the diagnostic accuracy of cfDNA in detecting monosomy X, owing to an absence of positive cases, while cfDNA had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 71.5–100%) and specificity of 99.8% (95% CI, 99.7–99.9%) for other SCA. The accuracy of cfDNA in detecting the common trisomies was similar in dichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies.

Conclusions

cfDNA has high diagnostic accuracy in detecting trisomies 21 and 18 in twin pregnancy, irrespective of chorionicity. Estimation of diagnostic accuracy for trisomy 13 and other SCA was limited by the small number of affected cases and the difficulty associated with detecting false‐negative cases of other SCA, and thus requires confirmation in larger studies. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Philosophy of cognitive science in the age of deep learning
Authors: Millière Raphaël
Published: May 2024

Deep learning has enabled major advances across most areas of artificial intelligence research. This remarkable progress extends beyond mere engineering achievements and holds significant relevance for the philosophy of cognitive science. Deep neural networks have made significant strides in overcoming the limitations of older connectionist models that once occupied the center stage of philosophical debates about cognition. This development is directly relevant to long‐standing theoretical debates in the philosophy of cognitive science. Furthermore, ongoing methodological challenges related to the comparative evaluation of deep neural networks stand to benefit greatly from interdisciplinary collaboration with philosophy and cognitive science. The time is ripe for philosophers to explore foundational issues related to deep learning and cognition; this perspective paper surveys key areas where their contributions can be especially fruitful.

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Artificial Intelligence

Computer Science and Robotics > Machine Learning
Entwicklung gewaltassoziierter penetrierender Traumata in der Metropolregion Düsseldorf über einen fünfjährigen Zeitraum (GewPen-Studie)
Authors: Schürmann Jutta , Michael Mark , Picker Olaf , Bieler Dan , Heitkötter Kalle , Tremmel Thomas , Schnäbelin Bernd , Bernhard Michael
Published: May 2024

Einleitung

Penetrierende Verletzungen sind eine seltene, aber immer wieder vorkommende Einsatzsituation in der Notfallmedizin. Das Ziel der Untersuchung war es, die Häufigkeit und Verletzungscharakteristika penetrierender, gewaltassoziierter Verletzungen einer Metropolregion über einen 5‑jährigen Zeitraum zu ermitteln.

Material und Methodik

In der retrospektiven Untersuchung wurden anhand einer Datenbankabfrage der Leitstelle des Rettungsdienstbereichs Düsseldorf sämtliche rettungsdienstliche Einsätze mit penetrierenden, gewaltassoziierten Verletzungen in den Jahrgängen 2015, 2017 und 2019 identifiziert und deskriptiv analysiert. Für diejenigen Patienten, die dem überregionalen Traumazentrum (ÜTZ) zuverlegt wurden, erfolgte neben der präklinischen eine weitergehende transsektorale Analyse des innerklinischen Verlaufes.

Ergebnisse

In den 3 Jahrgängen 2015, 2017 und 2019 konnten insgesamt 266 Patienten (Alter: 33 ± 14 Jahre, männlich: 79 %) mit penetrierenden, gewaltassoziierten Verletzungen erfasst werden (2015 vs. 2017 vs. 2019: n = 81 vs. n = 93 vs. n = 92). Die am häufigsten betroffene Altersgruppe war zwischen 15 und 34 Jahre alt. Eine höhere Einsatzhäufigkeit fand sich für die Stadtbezirke Altstadt, Stadtmitte und einen weiteren Stadtteil (Oberbilk). Eine hohe Einsatzhäufigkeit fand sich in den Nächten von Samstag auf Sonntag zwischen 20.00 und 04.00 Uhr. Rettungsdiensteinsätze mit Notarztbeteiligung nahmen über die Jahrgänge zu (2015 vs. 2019: 27 vs. 42 %, p = 0,04). Als Tatwaffe kamen vorwiegend Messer (56 %), abgeschlagene Glasflaschen (18 %) und Scherben (6 %) zum Einsatz. Im ÜTZ kamen 71 aller Patienten (27 %, Injury Severity Score 11 ± 14) zur Aufnahme. Bei diesen Patienten stiegen über die Jahre der Anteil einer unmittelbar erfolgten operativen Versorgung (2015 vs. 2019: 20 vs. 35 %, p < 0,05) und ein positiver Alkoholnachweis an (2015 vs. 2019: 10 vs. 43 %, p < 0,05). Die 30-Tages-Letalität betrug 1,1 % (n = 3).

Schlussfolgerung

Penetrierende, gewaltassoziierte Verletzungen sind relevante, aber seltene rettungsdienstliche und innerklinische Einsatzsituationen. Zukünftige Versorgungsstrategien sollten sich auf die Stationierung von Rettungskräften in Schwerpunkteinsatzbereichen („Altstadtwache“, Hauptbahnhof) und Präventionsstrategien auf Waffen- und Glas‑/Flaschenzonen ausrichten. Eine Steuerung des Alkoholkonsums sollte diskutiert werden.
L-carnitine protects the lung from radiation-induced damage in rats via the AMPK/SIRT1/TGF-1ß pathway
Authors: Karakuyu Nasıf Fatih , Özseven Alper , Akın Süleyman Emre , Çamaş Hasan Ekrem , Özmen Özlem , Cengiz Çağla
Published: May 2024

Radiotherapy (RAD) is a common cancer treatment method, but it can have unintended lung side effects. L-carnitine (LCAR) is an amino acid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to demonstrate the effects of LCAR against radiation-induced acute lung injury and to elucidate its possible protective molecular mechanisms. A total of 32 Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups: control, RAD (10 Gy once on 1st day), RAD + LCAR (intraperitoneally, 200 mg/kg/d, for 10 days), and LCAR. At the end of the experiment, the rats were euthanized, and the lung tissues were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and genetic analysis. Emphysema, pronounced hyperemia, increased total oxidant status, and increased caspase-3 and TNF-α immunostainings were all seen in the lung tissues of the RAD group. LCAR treatment reduced these negative effects. In addition, AMPK and SIRT1 gene expressions increased in the RAD + LCAR group compared to the RAD group, while TGF-1ß gene expression decreased. While RAD caused major damage to the lungs of rats, LCAR application reduced this damage through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Specifically, LCAR reduced fibrosis while attenuating RAD-induced inflammation and oxidative stress via the AMPK/SIRT1/TGF-1ß pathway. Therefore, LCAR can be considered a supplement to reduce complications associated with RAD.

Graphical abstract
Étale cohomology of algebraizable rigid analytic varieties via nearby cycles over general bases
Authors: Kato Hiroki
Published: May 2024

We prove a finiteness theorem and a comparison theorem in the theory of étale cohomology of rigid analytic varieties. By a result of Huber, for a quasi-compact separated morphism of rigid analytic varieties with target being of dimension $$\le 1$$

≤
1

, the compactly supported higher direct image preserves quasi-constructibility. Though the analogous statement for morphisms with higher dimensional target fails in general, we prove that, in the algebraizable case, it holds after replacing the target with a modification. We deduce it from a known finiteness result in the theory of nearby cycles over general bases and a new comparison result, which gives an identification of the compactly supported higher direct image sheaves, up to modification of the target, in terms of nearby cycles over general bases.
Exploring the risk of second primary malignancies in laryngeal cancer survivors: insights from the SEER database
Authors: Afify Abdelrahman Yousry , Ashry Mohamed Hady
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We intended to investigate the risk for second primary malignancy (SPM) development in Laryngeal Cancer (LC) survivors. We conducted a population-based analysis of SPM risk using the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

Data of selected LC survivors from the SEER database between 2000 and 2020 were examined. Standardized Incidence ratios (SIRs) for SPM development were calculated, followed by detailed stratification according to anatomical site and different latency periods.

Results

A total of 8413 SPMs were observed in our extracted cohort. The collective standardized incidence of SPMs was 2.12 (95% CI 2.07–2.17) compared to the US population, with an absolute excess risk (AER) of 201.73 per 10,000 individuals. The highest SPM risks were observed in patients with young age at diagnosis, females, and American Indians/Alaska natives. Increased SPM risks were reported in patients receiving all modalities of treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Most SPMs were detected in solid organs such as the lungs and bronchus, oral cavity and pharynx, and prostate. The highest increased risks of developing SPMs were observed in Trachea, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, lung and bronchus, and esophagus.

Conclusions

The risk of SPMs in LC survivors was significantly increased compared to the general US population. Accordingly, a more impactful cancer surveillance strategy for LC patients should be implemented.
Mixed series solution for vibration and stability of porous bi-directional functionally graded beams
Authors: Turan Muhittin
Published: May 2024

A new analytical solution based on the Ritz method is presented in this paper for analyzing the free vibration and buckling behavior of porous bi-directional functionally graded (2D-FG) beams under various boundary conditions. The solution is based on first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The selection of solution functions used in Ritz methods distinguishes the methods from each other and determines the accuracy of the analytical solution. To accurately capture the system's behavior and achieve the desired results, these functions have been carefully selected as a combination of polynomial and trigonometric expressions tailored as mixed series functions for each boundary condition. The study considers three types of porosity, namely PFG-1, PFG-2, and PFG-3. The equations of motion are derived using Lagrange's principle, taking into account the power-law variation of the beam material components throughout the volume. The non-dimensional fundamental frequencies and critical buckling loads are calculated for different boundary conditions, gradation exponents in the x and z directions (px, pz), slenderness (L/h), porosity coefficient (e), and porosity types. Initially, the accuracy of the mixed series functions is investigated for non-porous bi-directional functionally graded beams, and the numerical results are compared with existing literature to validate the proposed solution. Subsequently, the paper focuses on analyzing the influence of porosity on the free vibration and buckling behavior of bi-directional functionally graded beams using the developed solution method.
Tailored treatment of female indirect inguinal hernias by using single-port laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suture: a comparison between children and adults
Authors: Wang S.‑H. , Lee C.-Y. , Hsieh W.-C. , Yen J.-B. , Tseng I.-M. , Wong C.-H. , Ho D.-R.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To compare the outcome of indirect inguinal hernias repaired by using single-port laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suture (SPIRS) between the pediatric and adult females.

Methods

The medical records of females who were clinically assessed to have inguinal hernia from Oct. 2016 to May 2022 were reviewed. Patients who received laparoscopy for the diagnosis of the hernia type and customized treatment according to their hernia type were included, while those who chose other operation methods initially were excluded. The patients were divided into the adult and pediatric groups based on their age. The demographic characteristics, hernia types, operation durations, and outcomes were analyzed between these two groups.

Results

A total of 65 adults and 60 children were included in this study. The median age was 38 years. (range: 23–88) for group A and 3 years (range: 0.1–16) for group P. Indirect hernias were present in 85% of adults and 100% of children. All the indirect hernias were repaired by SPIRS uneventfully. Incidence of contralateral patent processus vaginalis was 24% in adults and 50% in children (p = 0.016). The average operation time was 22/46 min (one/two sides) for the adults and 9/15 min (one/two sides) for the pediatrics (p < 0.010 for both). The overall complication rates were 5.4% and 3.3% for the adult and pediatric group respectively (p = 0.106). No recurrence was observed in the pediatric group, but two adults experienced recurrence and another had chronic postoperative inguinal pain, necessitating reoperation. The mean follow-up period was 38.6 ± 15.4 months for adults and 42.8 ± 18.9 months for children (p = 0.198).

Conclusion

Our results support that the pathogenesis of indirect inguinal hernia for the female adults is due to the non-obliteration of a congenital processus vaginalis. Tailored treatment of the female IIH by using single-port laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suture may be an alternative for the management of female IHs.
Interference effects on light scattering properties of dense colloidal suspensions: a short review
Authors: Fujii Hiroyuki , Na Hyeonwoo , Nishikawa Koyata , Kobayashi Kazumichi , Watanabe Masao
Published: May 2024

Near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging using scattered light potentially evaluate the structural properties of the medium, like the average particle size, based on a relation between its structure and light scattering. A qualitative understanding of light scattering is crucial for developing optical imaging techniques. The scattering properties of dense colloidal suspensions have been extensively investigated using the electromagnetic theory (EMT). The colloidal suspensions are widely used in liquid tissue phantoms for optical imaging techniques and are encountered in various fields, such as the food and chemical industries. The interference between electric fields scattered by colloidal particles significantly influences the scattering properties, so-called the interference effects. Despite many efforts since the 1980s, a complete understanding of the interference effects has still not been achieved. The main reason is the complicated dependence of the interference on the optical wavelength, particle size, and so on. This paper briefly reviews numerical and theoretical studies of the interference effect based on the dependent scattering theory, one of the EMTs, and model equations.
Clinical features of COVID-19-related encephalitis: comparison with the features of herpes virus encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Cui Yue , Chen Zhongyun , Kong Yu , Wang Yingtao , Wang Yihao , Zhang Jing , Wang Lin , Zhang Jiatang , Sun Wei , Wu Liyong
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Identifying coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related encephalitis without clear etiological evidence is clinically challenging. The distinctions between this condition and other prevalent encephalitis types remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore the similarities and differences in the clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related encephalitis and other encephalitis types.

Methods

Adult patients with encephalitis admitted to the neurology department at Xuanwu Hospital were enrolled and categorized into the following six groups based on the results of metagenomic next-generation sequencing and autoimmune antibody detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): COVID-19-related encephalitis (n = 36), herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis (HSV-1 encephalitis; n = 28), human herpesvirus 3 encephalitis (HHV-3 encephalitis; n = 10), NMDAR-antibody encephalitis (n = 18), LGI1-antibody encephalitis (n = 12), and GABAB-antibody encephalitis (n = 8).

Results

The predominant characteristics of COVID-19-related encephalitis include a low incidence of seizures (38.9%), cognitive defects (30.6%), and meningeal irritation signs (8.3%). Compared with HSV-1 and HHV-3 encephalitis, COVID-19-related encephalitis exhibited lower white blood cell count (2.5 count/mm3), protein (32.2 mg/dL), and immunoglobulin M, G, and A levels (0.09, 3.2, and 0.46 mg/dL, respectively) in the CSF tests. Abnormal imaging findings were present in only 36.1% of COVID-19-related encephalitis cases, mostly showing diffuse inflammation scattered in various parts, which differed from HSV-1 encephalitis. Additionally, COVID-19-related encephalitis exhibited significant differences in clinical symptoms and CSF white blood cell counts compared with NMDAR-antibody encephalitis; however, it showed limited differences compared with LGI1-antibody and GABAB-antibody encephalitis.

Discussion

COVID-19-related encephalitis and herpes virus or autoimmune encephalitis differ clinically. Symptoms and auxiliary examinations can be used as distinguishing tools.
A parametric study in reinforced concrete frames with different infill wall materials
Authors: Onat Özge , Evci Pınar Usta
Published: May 2024

Understanding the behavior of structures during earthquakes is crucial for ensuring safety. Despite their significant impact on buildings, infill walls are often overlooked in seismic assessments, contributing to the complexity of a structure. Because of their intricate nature and modeling difficulties, infill walls are frequently excluded from seismic models. However, given the prevalence of reinforced concrete buildings with various infill wall materials in earthquake-prone areas, it is essential to incorporate infill walls for a more realistic evaluation of seismic behavior. This study scrutinizes a building that sustained damage in the Izmir earthquake in Turkey. The building was represented in four distinct models using the SAP2000 V24 finite element program: without infill walls, with porotherm clay blocks, burnt clay brick, and autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. Real parameters of the building were utilized in the modeling process. Upon comparing the results of the time history analysis, it was observed that the presence of infill walls had a positive impact on various building properties, including period, ground floor shear force, column bearing capacity, and inter-story drift ratio. Additionally, infill walls increased base shear forces on the ground floors and the overall base shear force. Notably, similar outcomes were obtained with porotherm clay blocks and burnt clay brick as infill wall types, while autoclaved aerated concrete blocks exhibited lower stiffness than other infill wall models.
Mapping the Contours of Blame: An Account of the Moral Boundaries of Organizations
Authors: Mota Rita , Morrison Alan D.
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an account of the moral boundaries of organizations. We define an organization’s moral boundary to encompass all of the actions for which it could be held morally responsible. Our theory requires us to view organizations as subjects that act in the world, rather than as objects that are used as tools; that is, it requires us to focus on corporate moral agency. We present a process model for determining whether a given action lies within an organization’s moral boundary, and we discuss how an organization’s moral boundary can be created, destroyed, or modified as a result of deliberate choices by human and organizational actors. Our article contributes to the literature by conceptualizing the distinction between organizations as subjects and organizations as objects, and so clarifying the distinction between legal and moral boundaries; by recentering the discussion of boundaries on organizational actions rather than on contingent institutional features; and by adding nuance to the assignment of moral responsibility in complex organizational networks and in situations where one corporate moral agent depends upon another for its existence.
quant: a minimalist interval method for time series classification
Authors: Dempster Angus , Schmidt Daniel F. , Webb Geoffrey I.
Published: May 2024

We show that it is possible to achieve the same accuracy, on average, as the most accurate existing interval methods for time series classification on a standard set of benchmark datasets using a single type of feature (quantiles), fixed intervals, and an ‘off the shelf’ classifier. This distillation of interval-based approaches represents a fast and accurate method for time series classification, achieving state-of-the-art accuracy on the expanded set of 142 datasets in the UCR archive with a total compute time (training and inference) of less than 15 min using a single CPU core.
Comparison of the effects of PBL in 3D virtual environment and F2F on learning and spatial skills
Authors: Küçük - Avcı Şirin , Akgün Özcan Erkan , Balkan - Kıyıcı Fatime
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to juxtapose the impacts of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodology implemented within a three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment against PBL in a conventional face-to-face setting, along with a control group, on students' learning performance, conceptual comprehension, and spatial aptitude. The investigation concentrated on the structure of matter within a seventh-grade science curriculum, encompassing a cohort of 79 students enrolled in the course. The study was conducted under a mixed methods experimental design and comprised three distinct groups: two experimental groups (E1; E2) and one control group (C). The instructional intervention in the E1 group involved utilizing a 3D virtual environment grounded in the problem-based learning method, whereas the E2 group underwent face-to-face instruction employing worksheets derived from problem-based learning. In contrast, the control group received traditional direct instruction from the science teacher through lectures, demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions, all focusing on the same topic. Pretests and posttests were administered to the participants before and after the experimental interventions, assessing conceptual understanding, spatial visualization, and mental rotation. Additionally, learning tasks completed by the E1 and E2 groups were evaluated using rubrics to assess learning performance. Subsequent to the post-test, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with randomly selected students from the E1 group. The results indicated that instruction within the problem-based 3D virtual environment significantly enhanced students' learning performance, conceptual understanding, spatial visualization, and mental rotation skills compared to the other instructional conditions.
The level and development of university students’ social integration: personality traits and person-environment fit predict integration with fellow students and teaching staff
Authors: Jusri Regina , Lechner Clemens
Published: May 2024

The transition from secondary to higher education can be challenging for students. They have to adjust academically and must integrate into a new social environment. Successful social integration is important for university students’ academic success and well-being. Previous studies illustrate that personality traits shape social behavior. However, research on the impact of personality traits on social integration in the university context is scarce. In this study, we investigate how students’ Big Five personality traits influence the level and development of their social integration. We analyze whether the fit of the students’ Big Five profile with their chosen major affects their social integration. We differentiate social integration with teaching staff and social integration with fellow students. We use the student cohort of the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) for our analysis. We observed students for up to four academic years and estimated growth curve models with random intercept and random slope. The results show that all Big Five traits are significantly associated with both forms of social integration at the end of the first academic year, with the exception of extraversion and openness. While extraversion is only significant for social integration with fellow students, openness is only relevant for social integration with teaching staff. A poor person-environment fit regarding personality is significantly negatively linked to both forms of social integration at the end of the first academic year. However, the Big Five traits and person-environment fit affect the level of social integration only but not the development of social integration.
Differences in Students’ Computational Thinking Activities when Designing an Algorithm for Drawing Plane Figures
Authors: Büscher Carina
Published: May 2024

Computational thinking (CT) is becoming increasingly important as a learning content. Subject-integrated approaches aim to develop CT within other subjects like mathematics. The question is how exactly CT can be integrated and learned in mathematics classrooms. In a case study involving 12 sixth-grade learners, CT activities were explored that learners engage in when drawing geometric figures with a visual programming language. The empirical findings indicate differences not only across various CT activities but also within a single CT activity. Subcategories were developed to describe these differences. Implications for further research and classroom practice are discussed.
Investigation of MHD fractionalized viscous fluid and thermal memory with slip and Newtonian heating effect: a fractional model based on Mittag-Leffler kernel
Authors: Ali Qasim , Amir Muhammad , Metwally Ahmed Sayed M. , Younas Usman , Jan Ahmed Zubair , Amjad Ayesha
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces an innovative approach for modelling unsteady incompressible natural convection flow over an inclined oscillating plate with an inclined magnetic effect that employs the Atangana-Baleanu time-fractional derivative (having a non-singular and non-local kernel) and the Mittag-Leffler function. The fractional model, which includes Fourier and Fick's equations, investigates memory effects and is solved using the Laplace transform. The Mittag-Leffler function captures power-law relaxation dynamics, which improves our understanding of thermal and fluid behaviour. Graphical examination shows the influence of fractional and physically involved parameters, leading to the conclusion that concentration, temperature, and velocity profiles initially grow and then decrease asymptotically with time. Moreover, the study emphasizes the impact of effective Prandtl and Schmidt numbers on temperature, concentration, and velocity levels in the fluid.
The Threshold Effect of Finance on Growth: Reassessing the Burden of Evidence
Authors: Luintel Kul B. , Li Guangjie , Khan Mosahid
Published: May 2024

Ronald Coase famously stated, “If you torture the data long enough, it will confess,” underscoring the need for the replication of well-accepted empirical results. In Economics, replication is more honoured in the breach than the observance. As a departure, this paper assesses whether the ‘burden of evidence’ is met for a recent, widely-cited finding, with potentially deep policy implications — that the finance-growth relationship is non-monotonic and has a credit threshold above 100% of GDP that reduces economic growth. If this empirical fact is established beyond a reasonable doubt, then it could be pathbreaking in further developing our understanding of the link between finance and growth. We assemble the ‘burden of evidence’ through the comprehensive scrutiny of several vital aspects, viz., (i) an exhaustive list of 14 absolute and relative measures of financial development, (ii) replications and extensions across two global datasets, (iii) near exhaustive analytical trajectories, (iv) different functional forms, (v) unifying analytical approach, and (vi) analytical rigor. The ‘burden of evidence’ from almost 3,000 well-structured cross-sectional and panel estimates do not support the threshold effect, and where evidence is uncovered, the parameters imply the questionable policy implication that advanced economies need to scale back their relative levels of financial development to those of Eastern Europe to avoid the growth costs associated with over-developed financial systems. The findings reject the assertion that finance is excessive and reduces economic growth.
Education Policies and Intergenerational Educational Mobility in China: New Evidence for the 1986–95 Birth Cohort
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Marois Guillaume
Published: May 2024

Research on educational mobility for Chinese born in or before 1976–85 abounds. Although the Compulsory Education Law implemented in 1986 and the expansion of higher education introduced in 1999 changed Chinese millennials’ educational achievements, little is known about the educational mobility for the 1986–95 birth cohort and where it stands in the long-term trends. In this study, we calculated population-level educational percentile ranks by birth cohort and gender using data from the 1982 to 2020 China Censuses before linking these ranks to respondents in Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) or China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to document 1986–95 birth cohort's educational mobility and its historical position. We also explored the role played by offspring's hukou origin (urban or rural) and ethnicity (Han or ethnic minorities). In the 1986–95 birth cohort, women's educational percentile ranks for secondary and tertiary levels fell below men's for the first time in China, suggesting that the proportion of women in higher education overtook men's. From 1976–85 to 1986–95 birth cohorts, while educational rank-rank correlations remained stable in all parent–child dyads and were constantly higher for offspring with urban hukou origin, there is suggestive evidence on increased educational mobility for women with rural hukou origin. Ethnicity differences were not found. Our findings imply that China's Compulsory Education Law and higher education expansion may have contributed to greater educational mobility for women with rural hukou origin in the 1986–95 birth cohort and their diminished disadvantage in education.
Boson star superradiance
Authors: Gao He-Yu , Saffin Paul M. , Wang Yi-Jie , Xie Qi-Xin , Zhou Shuang-Yong
Published: May 2024

Recently, it has been realized that in some systems internal space rotation can induce energy amplification for scattered waves, similar to rotation in real space. In particularly, it has been shown that energy extraction is possible for a Q-ball, a stationary non-topological soliton that is coherently rotating in its field space. In this paper, we generalize the analysis to the case of boson stars, and show that the same energy extraction mechanism still works for boson stars.
Lessons Learned from Failures and Design Improvements for Large Diameter Seals
Authors: Kaushal Nihal , Patri Sudheer , Sharma Ramesh Kumar , Sreedhar B. K.
Published: May 2024

Large diameter seals are used in Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) to prevent the escape of radioactive argon cover gas through wide annular gaps. The design of these seals shall address different challenges than normal seals. The large tolerances needed on the width of annulus, achievable tolerances on rubber, clearances in the seal holder, etc., influence the seal performance. The paper discusses analytical and experimental work done to develop robust large diameter seals. The contours of the present study are based on the feedback from the testing and qualification of small size model seals. Various permutations of geometry for seal and its holder are numerically investigated. The study mainly highlighted the influence of seal holder on the seal performance. Various sensitivity studies done on selected seal and seal holder demonstrated robustness of the design solutions.

Graphical Abstract
Solving Partial Differential Problems with Tau Toolbox
Authors: Lima Nilson J. , Matos José M. A. , Vasconcelos Paulo B.
Published: May 2024

This paper briefly examines how literature addresses the numerical solution of partial differential equations by the spectral Tau method. It discusses the implementation of such a numerical solution for PDE’s presenting the construction of the problem’s algebraic representation and exploring solution mechanisms with different orthogonal polynomial bases. It highlights contexts of opportunity and the advantages of exploring low-rank approximations and well-conditioned linear systems, despite the fact that spectral methods usually give rise to dense and ill-conditioned matrices. It presents , a numerical library for the solution of integro-differential problems. It shows numerical experiments illustrating the implementations’ accuracy and computational costs. Finally, it shows how simple and easy it is to use the to obtain approximate solutions to partial differential problems.
Analysis of ionizing radiation doses received by patients during electrocardiological procedures
Authors: Biegała Michał , Ząbczyński Łukasz , Staniszewska Maria Anna
Published: May 2024

Medical procedures in the field of electrocardiology belong to a large group of cardiological procedures. Performing them involves exposure to ionizing radiation. In this study, five medical procedures in the field of electrocardiology performed in three medical facilities were analyzed in terms of patients’ exposure to ionizing radiation. A total of 178 patients were analyzed. Depending on the type of procedure, the recorded doses ranged from 7.4 to 614.62 mGy. The majority of electrocardiological procedures are pacemaker implantations 38% and RF ablation 33%. The results obtained show a significant dispersion of the recorded dose values in the same type of treatment. This is reflected, for example, in the high coefficient of variation for doses in RF ablation. The type of X-ray machine used during the procedure also influences the dose values. Although the exposure of patients undergoing electrocardiological procedures to ionizing radiation is much lower than in the case of cardiac vascular procedures, it may reach a similar level, especially in the case of implantation of devices regulating the correct functioning of the heart.
Students’ dynamic communication while transforming mathematical representations in a dynamic geometry environment
Authors: Bach Cecilie Carlsen , Bergqvist Ewa , Jankvist Uffe Thomas
Published: May 2024

In mathematics, students’ abilities to make transformations between mathematical representations are fundamental. The recent implementation of digital technologies, such as Dynamic Geometry Environments (DGEs), have changed students’ access to mathematical representations by providing a variety of different representations, available just by pressing a button. Students use of a DGE may change their mathematical communication to become more dynamic and active. However, it is not clear how the use of DGEs and the change in communication style relate to more epistemological aspects of students’ mathematical work. This study, therefore, investigates the interplay between students’ dynamic mathematical communication and their transformations of mathematical representations when using a DGE from a competency perspective. Based on analyses of instances of lower secondary school students’ dynamic mathematical communication, findings indicate that students’ mathematical communication reflect the new ways of engaging with mathematical representations when using a DGE. Hence, the communication becomes dynamic. Theoretically, the complexity of having “continuous” transformations of mathematical representations may reduce the readiness of the mathematical communication competency. The “continuous” transformation may in fact cause students to unintentionally ascribe dynamic properties to mathematical representation.
Wayfinding in an indigenous initial teacher education mathematics programme
Authors: Trinick Tony , Allen Piata
Published: May 2024

In this paper we discuss ongoing challenges for Māori-medium initial teacher education in addressing conceptual, linguistic and pedagogical tensions that impact on developing mathematics education programmes. These include the small pool of applicants with the necessary linguistic and cultural knowledge required to teach in Māori-medium settings. Māori-medium schooling has the dual goals of providing a learning environment where Māori ways of knowing and being are taken for granted and students have access to international notions of academic success. However, many Māori-medium initial teaching education applicants have learnt mathematics in English and have had varying levels of access to Māori practices that could be taught alongside mathematics. To address these challenges, we utilise the cultural symmetry model to guide the design and delivery of Māori-medium initial teacher education tasks using wayfinding. Thereby illuminating Māori practices and school mathematics curriculum simultaneously.
Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and the Effect of Atorvastatin on it in ARPE-19 cells
Authors: Mysore Yashavanthi , Hytti Maria , Deen Ashik Jawahar , Ranta-aho Sofia , Piippo Niina , Toppila Maija , Loukovaara Sirpa , Harju Niina , Kauppinen Anu
Published: May 2024

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) develops after an unsuccessful or complicated recovery from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery. Intraocular scar formation with the contribution of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RPE cells is prominent in the pathology of PVR. In the present study, the EMT process was experimentally induced in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE; ARPE-19) cells, and the effect of atorvastatin on the process was studied. The mRNA and protein levels of mesenchymal markers actin alpha 2 (ACTA2) / alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN), and epithelial markers occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot methods, respectively. In addition, α-SMA and FN were visualized using immunofluorescence staining. Cells were photographed under a phase contrast light microscope. Changes in the functionality of cells following the EMT process were studied using the IncuCyte scratch wound cell migration assay and the collagen cell invasion assay with confocal microscopy. The induction of EMT in ARPE-19 cells increased the expression of mesenchymal markers ACTA2/α-SMA and fibronectin and reduced the expression of epithelial marker OCLN both at mRNA and protein levels. The mRNA levels of ZO-1 were lower after EMT, as well. Increased levels of α-SMA and FN were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Atorvastatin further increased the mRNA levels of mesenchymal markers ACTA2 and FN as well as the protein levels of α-SMA and reduced the mRNA levels of epithelial markers OCLN and ZO-1 under the EMT process. EMT promoted wound closure and cell invasion into the 3D collagen matrix when compared to untreated control cells. These data present cellular changes upon the induction of the EMT process in ARPE-19 cells and the propensity of atorvastatin to complement the effect. More studies are needed to confirm the exact influence of the EMT process and atorvastatin treatment on the PVR development after RRD surgery.
Staatliche Anerkennung von Sozialarbeiter_innen und Sozialpädagog_innen
Authors: Dörr Margret , Klomann Verena
Published: May 2024

Die staatliche Anerkennung von Sozialarbeiter_innen und Sozialpädagog_innen blickt auf eine lange Tradition zurück und ist seit vielen Jahren Gegenstand zahlreicher und kontroverser Auseinandersetzungen. Der Beitrag widmet sich neben einer grundlegenden Einführung zur Thematik, der gegenwärtigen Relevanz sowie der aktuellen Vergabepraxis der staatlichen Anerkennung, identifiziert zentrale Diskussionsbedarfe und führt in den Schwerpunkt ein.
Plasma ctDNA enhances the tissue-based detection of oncodriver mutations in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Yisen , Kong Jianqiao , Lu Lin , Liao Qianxiu , Zhu Jingtao , Wang Tinghao , Yan Linghua , Dai Min , Chen Zhan , You Jun
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The advent of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) technology has provided a convenient and noninvasive means to continuously monitor cancer genomic data, facilitating personalized cancer treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the supplementary benefits of plasma ctDNA alongside traditional tissue-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) in identifying targetable mutations and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in colorectal cancers (CRC).

Methods

Our study involved 76 CRC patients, collecting both tissue and plasma samples for NGS. We assessed the concordance of gene mutational status between ctDNA and tissue, focusing on actionable genes such as KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA, BRAF, and ERBB2. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore variables associated with discordance and positive mutation rates.

Results

In total, 26 cancer-related genes were identified. The most common variants in tumor tissues and plasma samples were in APC (57.9% vs 19.7%), TP53 (55.3% vs 22.4%) and KRAS (47.4% vs 43.4%). Tissue and ctDNA showed an overall concordance of 73.53% in detecting actionable gene mutations. Notably, plasma ctDNA improved detection for certain genes and gene pools. Variables significantly associated with discordance included gender and peritoneal metastases. TMB analysis revealed a higher detection rate in tissues compared to plasma, but combining both increased detection.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of analyzing both tissue and plasma for detecting actionable mutations in CRC, with plasma ctDNA offering added value. Discordance is associated with gender and peritoneal metastases, and TMB analysis can benefit from a combination of tissue and plasma data. This approach provides valuable insights for personalized CRC treatment.
Chronic Pain: Utility of an Eye-Tracker Integrated Stand-alone Performance Validity Test
Authors: Braw Yoram C. , Elbaum Tomer , Lupu Tamar , Ratmansky Motti
Published: May 2024

Noncredible cognitive performance among chronic pain patients garners increased clinical attention. The Word Memory Test (WMT)—a well-established stand-alone validity indicator—was recently integrated with an eye tracker, and its utility was assessed using healthy simulators. The current study expands on this earlier work by assessing the utility of the eye-tracker integrated WMT to detect noncredible cognitive performance in the context of chronic pain. Chronic pain outpatients were randomly assigned to either a simulation (i.e., patients simulating cognitive impairment; n = 22) or honest control (i.e., patients performing to the best of their ability; n = 23) conditions. They then completed the WMT’s immediate recognition (IR) subtest while their eye movements were recorded. Simulators gazed less at relevant stimuli and gazed more at irrelevant stimuli than controls. Sensitivity levels tended to be low to moderate when maintaining specificities ≥ 90%, as customary in the field. While a previously developed scale that integrates eye movement measures using a logistic regression did not adequately differentiate the groups, conjunctive rules (i.e., the participant was required to fail both the WMT's classification scheme and the eye movement measure with the strongest discriminative capacity) were associated with higher specificities than those of the WMT’s conventional classification scheme. Overall, the eye-tracker integrated WMT shows initial clinical utility for detecting noncredible cognitive performance. Decreasing costs of eye trackers and enhanced usability will hopefully encourage further research of their utility for detecting noncredible cognitive performance and integration of this novel technology with other stand-alone validity indicators.
Effects of Modified Ramadan Fasting on Mental Well-Being and Biomarkers in Healthy Adult Muslims — A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Lauche Romy , Fathi Iman , Saddat Chalil , Klose Petra , Al-Abtah Jallal , Büssing Arndt , Rampp Thomas , Dobos Gustav , Cramer Holger
Published: May 2024

Background

Ramadan fasting has seen increased attention in research, often with inconsistent findings. This study aims to investigate whether dietary and lifestyle modifications during Ramadan can improve well-being and health in healthy adult Muslims.

Method

A randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted in an outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Essen, Germany, in 2016. Healthy adult Muslims (n = 114) aged 18–60 years were randomised to a modified fasting group; i.e., they received educational material prompting dietary and lifestyle modifications pre-Ramadan, and a control group who undertook Ramadan fasting as usual. Primary outcome was quality of life (WHO-5 Well-Being Index). Secondary outcomes included sleep quality, spirituality, and mindfulness (all self-report), body weight, body mass index, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure, and heart rate, as well as blood serum biomarkers. Safety was examined via adverse events.

Results

The modified fasting group reported significantly higher quality of life (WHO-5) compared to the control after Ramadan (MD 5.9; 95% CI, 0.02–11.8; p < 0.05). Group differences in favour of the modified fasting were also found for satisfaction with health (MD 5.9, 95% CI 0.19–11.67), ease of life (MD 4.1, 95% CI 0.38–7.80) and mindfulness (MD 7.6, 95% CI 2.68–12.52), reductions in weight (MD, − 0.9 kg; 95% CI − 1.39 to − 0.42), BMI (MD − 0.3 kg/m2, 95% CI − 0.50 to − 0.15), hip circumference (MD − 0.3 kg/m2, 95% CI − 0.50 to − 0.15), and diastolic blood pressure (MD − 2.8 mmHg, 95% CI − 5.15 to − 0.43). About 60% of participants reported adverse events, mostly headaches/migraines, dizziness/fatigue, common cold, and gastrointestinal symptoms, with no group differences. One serious non-related adverse event each occurred in both groups.

Conclusion

Pre-Ramadan dietary and lifestyle advice can lead to short-term improvements in mental and physical well-being of adult Muslims observing Ramadan. As such, this study demonstrates the potential benefits of culturally appropriate health interventions in a religious context.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT02775175).