bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Spray Dried Dispersion Particle Size Via Machine Learning Regression Methods
Authors: Schmitt John M. , Baumann John M. , Morgen Michael M.
Published: August 2022

Spray dried dispersion particle size is a critical quality attribute that impacts bioavailability and manufacturability of the spray drying process and final dosage form. Substantial experimentation has been required to relate formulation and process parameters to particle size with the results limited to a single active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This is the first study that demonstrates prediction of particle size independent of API for a wide range of formulation and process parameters at pilot and commercial scale. Additionally we developed a strategy with formulation and target particle size as inputs to define a set of “first to try” process parameters. An ensemble machine learning model was created to predict dried particle size across pilot and production scale spray dryers, with prediction errors between −7.7% and 18.6% (25th/75th percentiles) for a hold-out evaluation set. Shapley additive explanations identified how changes in formulation and process parameters drove variations in model predictions of dried particle size and were found to be consistent with mechanistic understanding of the particle formation process. Additionally, an optimization strategy used the predictive model to determine initial estimates for process parameter values that best achieve a target particle size for a provided formulation. The optimization strategy was employed to estimate process parameters in the hold-out evaluation set and to illustrate selection of process parameters during scale-up. The results of this study illustrate how trained regression models can reduce the experimental effort required to create an in-silico design space for new molecules during early-stage process development and subsequent scale-up.
Forecasting National and Regional Youth Unemployment in Spain Using Google Trends
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela , Cifuentes-Faura Javier
Published: August 2022

In Spain, the youth unemployment rate is one of the highest in the European Union. With the pandemic caused by Covid-19, young people face high unemployment rates and are more vulnerable to a decrease in labour demand. This paper analyses and predicts youth unemployment using Google Trends indices in Spain for the period between the first quarter of 2004 and the second quarter of 2021, being the first work to carry out this study for Spain and the first to use the regional approach for the country. Vector autoregressive Bayesian models and vector error correction models have been used for national data, and Bayesian panel data models and fixed effects model for regional data. The results confirm that forecasts based on Google Trends data are more accurate in predicting the youth unemployment rate.
Motivation, counterfactual predictions and constraints: normativity of predictive mechanisms
Authors: Piekarski Michał
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is to present the ontic approach to the normativity of cognitive functions and mechanisms, which is directly related to the understanding of biological normativity in terms of normative mechanisms. This approach assumes the hypothesis that cognitive processes contain a certain normative component independent of external attributions and researchers’ beliefs. This component consists of specific cognitive mechanisms, which I call normative. I argue that a mechanism is normative when it constitutes given actions or behaviors of a system. More precisely, it means that, on the one hand, it is their constitutive cause, and on the other hand, it determines a certain field of possibilities from which the system, guided by its own goals, preferences, environmental constraints, etc., chooses the appropriate action or behavior according to a given situation. The background for the analyses presented here is the predictive processing framework, in which it can be shown that at least some of the predictive mechanisms are in fact normative mechanisms. I refer here to the existence of a motivational relation which determines the normative dependence of the agent’s actions due to specific predictions and environmental constraints.
The case for eliminativism about words
Authors: Tasker Nick
Published: August 2022

Words are ubiquitous and familiar, and the concept of a word features both in common-sense ways of understanding the world, and in more theoretical discourse. Nonetheless, it has been repeatedly argued that there is no such thing as words. In this paper, I will set out a range of arguments for eliminativism about words, and indicate the most promising responses. I begin by considering an eliminativist argument based on the alleged mind-dependency of words, before turning to two challenges arising from linguistic theory in the Chomskian tradition. The first of these is issued by Rey in a number of places, including in his recent book (Rey, 2020). The second is Collins’s ( 2010, 2021a) argument based on the alleged explanatory redundancy of words. I will also consider an eliminativist challenge based on the difficulty of providing existence and persistence conditions for words. One general lesson which emerges is that these eliminativist arguments, if they work at all, could be turned against a whole swathe of non-linguistic objects; in other words, the case for eliminativism about words is no stronger than the case for eliminativism about ordinary objects in general.
Stochastic programming with primal–dual dynamics: a mean-field game approach
Authors: Röling Casper T. , Ramirez Stefanny , Bauso Dario , Tembine Hamidou
Published: August 2022

This study addresses primal–dual dynamics for a stochastic programming problem for capacity network design. It is proven that consensus can be achieved on the here and now variables which represent the capacity of the network. The main contribution is a heuristic approach which involves the formulation of the problem as a mean-field game. Every agent in the mean-field game has control over its own primal–dual dynamics and seeks consensus with neighboring agents according to a communication topology. We obtain theoretical results concerning the existence of a mean-field equilibrium. Moreover, we prove that the consensus dynamics converge such that the agents agree on the capacity of the network. Lastly, we emphasize the ways in which penalties on control and state influence the dynamics of agents in the mean-field game.
Exploring complementarity among interdependent pastoral institutions in Mongolia
Authors: Kasymov Ulan , Ring Irene , Gonchigsumlaa Ganzorig , Dejid Nandintsetseg , Drees Lukas
Published: August 2022

This article combines Aoki’s institutional complementarity concept with actor-centered institutional analysis of action situations to study herder behavior and institutional change in a complex pastoral social–ecological system. Transformation of the Mongolian Steppe Ecosystem in the face of climate and social change has led to a decline in pastoral mobility, which in turn is making the ecosystem less sustainable. Responding to this concern, Mongolian policymakers have designed pasture use and conservation policies. We evaluate whether the enacted policies are complementary to herders’ strategic choices. First, we reconstruct institutional choices herders make in the commons domain, where herders interact to use common pastures. Second, we track this process in the political economy domain, where pasture users support or resist government policies. Finally, we evaluate the complementarity of the strategic choices and resulting institutions in the interdependent action situations of both domains. In combination with game-theoretic model building, we have employed the process tracing method during field research in Mongolia. We have not identified any evident, stable institutional complementarity between high pastoral mobility and support for a policy of leasing and certification of land for winter and spring camps. Conversely, our findings do suggest that policies for establishing pasture user groups and pasture use planning can be effective. A critical mass of herders choosing to comply with these policies and engage in pastoral mobility will be crucial for sustaining the ecosystem. This will strengthen conditions for institutional complementarity and create a new institutional arrangement overall.
Impact of surgical factors on delayed hyponatremia in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma after endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal procedure
Authors: Tanaka Haku , Nishimura Fumihiko , Nakase Kenta , Kakutani Miho , Yokoyama Shohei , Morimoto Takayuki , Kim Taekyun , Park Young-Soo , Nakagawa Ichiro , Yamada Shuichi , Tamura Kentaro , Matsuda Ryosuke , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Kotsugi Masashi , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Delayed hyponatremia can occur after pituitary surgery, resulting in prolonged hospitalization. However, the influence of surgical factors after such a procedure has not been well established. The impact of surgery and related factors on delayed hyponatremia was investigated.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 137 consecutive patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma between 2008 and 2019. Preoperative (demographics, comorbidities), intraoperative (resection extent, operation time, blood loss volume, cerebrospinal fluid leak, tumor consistency), and postoperative [hematoma, meningitis, diabetes insipidus (DI), hormonal assessment] data were collected, with statistical analysis of each factor performed.

Results

Among the 137 patients, delayed hyponatremia occurred in 31 (22.6%). Multivariate analysis revealed that those with hypertension had a significantly higher likelihood of avoiding delayed hyponatremia (p = 0.004). Although no correlations of direct surgical factors with delayed hyponatremia were found, multivariate analysis of indirect surgical factors showed that presence of a firm tumor, transient DI, and meningitis were significantly associated with delayed hyponatremia (p = 0.014, 0.001, and 0.047, respectively). There was also a significant association of severe hyponatremia with appearance of symptoms (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

There was a tendency for hypertension to be associated with delayed hyponatremia avoidance, with indirect surgical factors including tumor consistency, transient DI, and meningitis found to have an influence on delayed hyponatremia. It was concluded that attention should be given to non-hypertensive patients with a firm tumor, transient DI, or meningitis after pituitary surgery, as delayed hyponatremia may occur.
Renal secondary hyperparathyroidism should be considered a differential diagnosis in forensic cases where animal abuse is suspected
Authors: van Bruggen Leonie W. L. , Marrero Javier P. Deniz , Grinwis Guy C. M. , Endenburg Nienke , Gerretsen Reza R. R. , Nijs Hubert G. T.
Published: August 2022

This case description reports an adult dog with multiple rib fractures that was initially suspected to be the victim of non-accidental trauma, but eventually was diagnosed with severe chronic interstitial nephritis and renal secondary hyperparathyroidism leading to fibrous osteodystrophy and multiple pathological fractures. The importance of the specific expertise of a dedicated expert panel on animal abuse is discussed. This case illustrates the significance of the identification of normal, pathological, and breed-related variations within an animal in addition to forensic expertise, emphasizing that the presence of multidisciplinary teams in an expert panel on animal abuse is crucial.
Dendritic Morphology Affects the Velocity and Amplitude of Back-propagating Action Potentials
Authors: Tian Wu , Peng Luxin , Zhao Mengdi , Tao Louis , Zou Peng , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2022

The back-propagating action potential (bpAP) is crucial for neuronal signal integration and synaptic plasticity in dendritic trees. Its properties (velocity and amplitude) can be affected by dendritic morphology. Due to limited spatial resolution, it has been difficult to explore the specific propagation process of bpAPs along dendrites and examine the influence of dendritic morphology, such as the dendrite diameter and branching pattern, using patch-clamp recording. By taking advantage of Optopatch, an all-optical electrophysiological method, we made detailed recordings of the real-time propagation of bpAPs in dendritic trees. We found that the velocity of bpAPs was not uniform in a single dendrite, and the bpAP velocity differed among distinct dendrites of the same neuron. The velocity of a bpAP was positively correlated with the diameter of the dendrite on which it propagated. In addition, when bpAPs passed through a dendritic branch point, their velocity decreased significantly. Similar to velocity, the amplitude of bpAPs was also positively correlated with dendritic diameter, and the attenuation patterns of bpAPs differed among different dendrites. Simulation results from neuron models with different dendritic morphology corresponded well with the experimental results. These findings indicate that the dendritic diameter and branching pattern significantly influence the properties of bpAPs. The diversity among the bpAPs recorded in different neurons was mainly due to differences in dendritic morphology. These results may inspire the construction of neuronal models to predict the propagation of bpAPs in dendrites with enormous variation in morphology, to further illuminate the role of bpAPs in neuronal communication.
A Review on the Clinical Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Stankovic Iva , Fanciulli Alessandra , Sidoroff Victoria , Wenning Gregor K.
Published: August 2022

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, adult-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disorder with major diagnostic challenges. Aiming for a better diagnostic accuracy particularly at early disease stages, novel Movement Disorder Society criteria for the diagnosis of MSA (MDS MSA criteria) have been recently developed. They introduce a neuropathologically established MSA category and three levels of clinical diagnostic certainty including clinically established MSA, clinically probable MSA, and the research category of possible prodromal MSA. The diagnosis of clinically established and clinically probable MSA is based on the presence of cardiovascular or urological autonomic failure, parkinsonism (poorly L-Dopa-responsive for the diagnosis of clinically established MSA), and cerebellar syndrome. These core clinical features need to be associated with supportive motor and non-motor features (MSA red flags) and absence of any exclusion criteria. Characteristic brain MRI markers are required for a diagnosis of clinically established MSA. A research category of possible prodromal MSA is devised to capture patients manifesting with autonomic failure or REM sleep behavior disorder and only mild motor signs at the earliest disease stage. There is a number of promising laboratory markers for MSA that may help increase the overall clinical diagnostic accuracy. In this review, we will discuss the core and supportive clinical features for a diagnosis of MSA in light of the new MDS MSA criteria, which laboratory tools may assist in the clinical diagnosis and which major differential diagnostic challenges should be borne in mind.
On Unbounded Motions in a Real Analytic Bouncing ball Problem
Authors: Marò Stefano
Published: August 2022

We consider the model of a ball elastically bouncing on a racket moving in the vertical direction according to a given periodic function f(t). The gravity force is acting on the ball. We prove that if the function f(t) belongs to a class of trigonometric polynomials of degree 2 then there exists a one dimensional continuum of initial conditions for which the velocity of the ball tends to infinity. Our result improves a previous one by Pustyl’nikov and gives a new upper bound to the applicability of KAM theory to this model.
Mindful Lawyering: a Pilot Study on Mindfulness Training for Law Students
Authors: Rosky Clifford J. , Roberts R. Lynae , Hanley Adam W. , Garland Eric L.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Many US law schools are now offering elective courses in mindfulness training to alleviate disproportionately high levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and disordered alcohol use among law students. To date, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these courses has been lacking. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and impact of a 13‐week mindfulness course, “Mindful Lawyering,” specifically tailored to law students. The primary hypothesis was that mindfulness training would be significantly correlated with improvements in well-being and mindfulness.

Methods

The design was a non-randomized, quasi-experimental study involving 64 law students. The mindfulness group was 31 students taking Mindful Lawyering; the comparison group was 33 students taking other law school courses. Outcome measures were the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; the Positive and Negative Affect Scale; the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire.

Results

Results provide promising evidence to support the hypothesis. The mindfulness group showed significantly greater improvement on measures of stress (p < .001, d = 1.15), anxiety (p < .001, d = . 90), depression (p = .012, d = .66), negative affect (p = .002, d = .81), disordered alcohol use (p = .011, d = .67), and mindfulness (p < .001, d = 1.32) from pre to post relative to the comparison group. The course was well accepted and feasible for law students.

Conclusions

Findings from the current study suggest that mindfulness training may occasion improvements in the well-being of law students. More research is needed to replicate these findings in larger, randomized samples of law students.
Artificial Intelligence Increases the Agreement among Physicians Classifying Focal Skeleton/Bone Marrow Uptake in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients Staged with [18F]FDG PET/CT—a Retrospective Study
Authors: Sadik May , López-Urdaneta Jesús , Ulén Johannes , Enqvist Olof , Andersson Per-Ola , Kumar Rajender , Trägårdh Elin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Classification of focal skeleton/bone marrow uptake (BMU) can be challenging. The aim is to investigate whether an artificial intelligence–based method (AI), which highlights suspicious focal BMU, increases interobserver agreement among a group of physicians from different hospitals classifying Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) patients staged with [18F]FDG PET/CT.

Methods

Forty-eight patients staged with [18F]FDG PET/CT at Sahlgenska University Hospital between 2017 and 2018 were reviewed twice, 6 months apart, regarding focal BMU. During the second time review, the 10 physicians also had access to AI-based advice regarding focal BMU.

Results

Each physician’s classifications were pairwise compared with the classifications made by all the other physicians, resulting in 45 unique pairs of comparisons both without and with AI advice. The agreement between the physicians increased significantly when AI advice was available, which was measured as an increase in mean Kappa values from 0.51 (range 0.25–0.80) without AI advice to 0.61 (range 0.19–0.94) with AI advice (p = 0.005). The majority of the physicians agreed with the AI-based method in 40 (83%) of the 48 cases.

Conclusion

An AI-based method significantly increases interobserver agreement among physicians working at different hospitals by highlighting suspicious focal BMU in HL patients staged with [18F]FDG PET/CT.
Infrared Spectroscopy and Excess Conductivity Analysis for (Y3Fe5O12)x/Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ Composites
Authors: Rekaby M. , Awad R. , Mohammed N. H. , Ahmed M. , Abou-Aly A. I.
Published: August 2022

In this study, the influence of adding Yttrium iron garnet (Y3Fe5O12) nanoparticles (NPs) on the microstructure and fluctuation-induced conductivity (FIC) of Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ (CuTl-1223) superconductor was studied. Y3Fe5O12 NPs were produced by the co-precipitation technique. By solid state route, (Y3Fe5O12)x/Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ composites, with x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 wt. % were prepared. The tetragonal unit cell parameters of (Y3Fe5O12)x/Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ composites were found to be invariable with Y3Fe5O12 content. The volume fraction of the host phase was increased with Y3Fe5O12 addition till x = 0.04 wt. %. The different vibrational modes of the samples were identified through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The transition from normal to the superconducting state, for the prepared composites, was done through d.c resistivity measurements from room temperature down to zero critical temperature (T0). The Aslamazov–Larkin (AL) model was used to examine fluctuation regions in resistivity-temperature curves. At high temperatures, short wave fluctuation was observed. A cross-over between short wave fluctuation and the mean-field region was spotted at lower temperatures. The mean field region for the examined composites was composed of two-dimensional fluctuations along with one-dimensional fluctuation. The coherence length along the c-axis ζc(0), interlayer coupling (J), and anisotropy parameter (γ) were estimated from the Lawrence–Doniach (LD) model as a function of Y3Fe5O12 content.
Microstructure evolution and growth mechanism of core-shell silicon-based nanowires by thermal evaporation of SiO
Authors: Liu Bing , Sun Jia , Zhou Lei , Zhang Pei , Yan Chenxin , Fu Qiangang
Published: August 2022

Core-shell structured SiC@SiO2 nanowires and Si@SiO2 nanowires were prepared on the surface of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites by a thermal evaporation method using SiO powders as the silicon source and Ni(NO3)2 as the catalyst. The average diameters of SiC@SiO2 nanowires and Si@SiO2 nanowires are about 145 nm, and the core-shell diameter ratios are about 0.41 and 0.53, respectively. The SiO2 shells of such two nanowires resulted from the reaction between SiO and CO and the reaction of SiO itself, respectively, based on the model analysis. The growth of these two nanowires conformed to the vapor—liquid—solid (VLS) mode. In this mode, CO played an important role in the growth of nanowires. There existed a critical partial pressure of CO (pC) determining the microstructure evolution of nanowires into whether SiC@SiO2 or Si@SiO2. The value of pC was calculated to be 4.01×10−15 Pa from the thermodynamic computation. Once the CO partial pressure in the system was greater than the pC, SiO tended to react with CO, causing the formation of SiC@SiO2 nanowires. However, the decomposition of SiO played a predominant role and the products mainly consisted of Si@SiO2 nanowires. This work may be helpful for the regulation of the growth process and the understanding of the growth mechanism of silicon-based nanowires.
Timing and characteristics of nuclear events during conjugation and genomic exclusion in Paramecium multimicronucleatum
Authors: Zhang Xue , Lu Xiaoteng , Chi Yong , Jiang Yaohan , Wang Chundi , Al-Farraj Saleh A. , Vallesi Adriana , Gao Feng
Published: August 2022

Ciliated protists are ideal material for studying the origin and evolution of sex, because of their nuclear dimorphism (containing both germline micronucleus and somatic macronucleus in the same cytoplasm), special sexual processes (conjugation and autogamy), and high diversity of mating-type systems. However, the study of sexual process is limited to only a few species, due to the difficulties in inducing or observing conjugation. In the present study, we investigate the conjugation process in Paramecium multimicronucleatum: (1) of the three prezygotic divisions, all micronuclei undergo the first two divisions (meiosis I, II), while a variable number of nuclei undergo the third division (mitosis); (2) the synkaryon divides three times after fertilization, giving rise to eight products that differentiate into four macronuclear anlagen and four micronuclei; (3) cells restore the vegetative stage after two successive cell fissions during which the macronuclear anlagen are distributed into daughter cells without division, while micronuclei divide mitotically; (4) the parental macronucleus begins to fragment following the first meiotic division and finally degenerates completely; (5) the entire process takes about 110 h, of which about 85 h are required for macronuclear development. In addition, we describe for the first time the process of genomic exclusion occurring between amicronucleate and micronucleate cells of P. multimicronucleatum, during which the micronucleate cell contributes a pronucleus to the amicronucleate cell, resulting in both exconjugants being homozygotes. These results provide new insights into the diversity of sexual processes and lay an important cytological basis for future in-depth studies of mating systems in ciliates.
‘It is a bloody big and responsible job’: perspectives on climate change communication from Australia-focused practitioners
Authors: Badullovich Nicholas
Published: August 2022

Climate change is a complex social-political issue in Australia with a history of dysfunctional conflict over climate policy. This presents challenges for the practitioners communicating about climate change to different publics. To date, academic research has focused on exploring how effective communication can be achieved but rarely has this been understood from a practitioner’s perspective. I present the findings of nineteen (n = 19) semi-structured interviews with climate change communication (CCC) practitioners in Australia. The interviews explored occupational experiences as a means to understand the state of practice, challenges, and ways forward for CCC. I explore four key themes in this analysis: the practitioners, their goals, the barriers, and their perspectives on framing. Participants spoke of the complexity in doing CCC work, including many barriers, but their focus on effective communication and engagement remains strong in the face of challenging circumstances.

Graphical abstract
Antimicrobial properties of Theruptor 3D-hydrocellular wound dressing: An in vitro study
Authors: Gupta Richie , Murthy KVNN Santosh , Bhagavan K. R. , Moharana Ashok Kumar , Rodrigues Michael , TS Deepak
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Colonized wound infections become a major public health concern. Infections may lead to delayed healing process or severe complications. Thus, the incorporation of antimicrobial agents such as silver, iodine, etc., into the dressing material provides protection against microbes. However, these agents have limited functional usage. Recently, Dimethyl tetradecyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] ammonium chloride (DTAC) based 3D-hydrocellular wound dressings have emerged. Therefore, we evaluated the short- and long-term antibacterial efficacy of Theruptor 3D-hydrocellular wound dressing.

Methods:

The antimicrobial activity of the dressing was evaluated using modified method of AATCC100. Inoculums of 27 differential microbes including gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungus were obtained. The fabric samples were inoculated with a different microbial sample in a sterile petri plate. The samples were incubated for short (1 min, 30 min, 1h, and 4h) and long (7, 14, and 28 days) term durations.

Results:

Initially, the growth of test microorganisms ranged between 7.9 × 106 to 2.38 × 107 CFU/ml at 0 min. After respective time intervals, the growth of all the tested microbes was significantly reduced in a time-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The dressing material achieved zero CFU/ml at 4 h. Moreover, it showed a significant reduction of >5 log at 1 h till 28 days.

Conclusion:

Based on the “physical kill mechanism”, Theruptor 3D-hydrocellular wound dressing not only provides protection against a broad spectrum of pathogens but for a wide-ranging time period i.e., 1 min to 28 days that ensures effective and significant wound healing. Thus, it may consider as a promising advancement in the wound care settings.

Highlights
Computational Thinking for Life Scientists
Authors: Chor Benny , Rubinstein Amir
Published: August 2022

Computational thinking is increasingly gaining importance in modern biology, due to the unprecedented scale at which data is nowadays produced. Bridging the cultural gap between the biological and computational sciences, this book serves as an accessible introduction to computational concepts for students in the life sciences. It focuses on teaching algorithmic and logical thinking, rather than just the use of existing bioinformatics tools or programming. Topics are presented from a biological point of view, to demonstrate how computational approaches can be used to solve problems in biology such as biological image processing, regulatory networks, and sequence analysis. The book contains a range of pedagogical features to aid understanding, including real-world examples, in-text exercises, end-of-chapter problems, colour-coded Python code, and 'code explained' boxes. User-friendly throughout, Computational Thinking for Life Scientists promotes the thinking skills and self-efficacy required for any modern biologist to adopt computational approaches in their research with confidence.
Efficacy and safety of various oral regimens (three oral doses) and schedules (daily v. monthly) of cholecalciferol in North Indian adults with low vitamin D status: evidence from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ganie Mohd Ashraf , Sidana Shivani , Baba Mohammad Salem , Sahar Tajali , Rashid Aafia , Asrar Mir Mahmood , Marwaha R K , Wani Ishfaq Ahmad , Misgar Riyaz A , Wani Imtiyaz Ahmad
Published: August 2022

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency (serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of < 20 ng/ml), in endemic proportions, demands a supplementation strategy with optimal dosing regimens. A randomised parallel-group, active-controlled trial was conducted among apparently healthy, VD-deficient subjects, aged 18–60 years who received 600 μg/d (Group A), 1000 μg/d (Group B), 2000 μg/d (Group C) and 60 000 μg/month (Group D) of oral cholecalciferol. The intervention was carried in two phases (I and II) of 12 weeks each, with same dose, separated by a washout phase of 12 weeks. Serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormones (iPTH), Ca, phosphorous (PO4), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and spot urine Ca/Cr were measured at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 weeks following the intervention, and adverse events were recorded at each occurrence and at 12, 24 and 36 weeks. A statistically significant time–group interaction was found in serum 25(OH)D concentration (P < 0·05). Serum 25(OH)D concentration increased significantly from baseline to 12 weeks (P < 0·05) in all the groups with no change at 24 weeks but further increase at 36 weeks (P < 0·05). At the end of the study, Group C had maximum increment in serum 25(OH)D concentration, while as Groups C and D (95 %, and 90 %) had higher proportion of subjects VD sufficient than Groups A and B (65 % and 78 %) (P < 0·05). No significant time–dose interactions were observed in serum iPTH, Ca, PO4 and ALP or urine Ca/Cr ratio. Three subjects (two in Group C and one in Group D) developed transient hypercalciuria. Supplementation with daily 2000 μg or monthly 60 000 μg of oral cholecalciferol among adults seems optimal and safe.
Negative temperature dependence of statolith Sr/Ca and its intraspecific variability in experimentally maintained spear squid Heterololigo bleekeri
Authors: Hosono Shota , Irie Takahiro , Yamamoto Jun , Nakaya Mitsuhiro , Sakurai Yasunori , Kawamura Tomohiko , Iwata Yoko
Published: August 2022

The strontium-to-calcium ratio (Sr/Ca) in aragonitic shells and statoliths often depends on temperature, and has been investigated for its potential availability as a sclerochronological record of the temperatures experienced during the life of the animal. Only a few cephalopod species have been subjected to rearing experiments to validate the temperature dependence of statolith Sr/Ca despite the strong demand for estimating their historical ecology, particularly of migratory squid populations. In this context, we examined the relationship between temperature and statolith Sr/Ca in the spear squid, Heterololigo bleekeri, by maintaining wild-caught immature individuals at one of three constant temperatures: 12, 14 or 16°C. A portion of statolith precipitated during the experiment was optically identified by daily increment analysis, and then subjected to Sr/Ca measurement using an electron probe micro-analyser. Regression analysis (N = 29) demonstrated the dependence of statolith Sr/Ca on temperature and the relationship was estimated as an equation Y = 9.93 (±0.29) − 0.11 (±0.02) X. However, ~90% of the total residual variance was accounted for by the among-individual variation of statolith Sr/Ca within each temperature group. Consequently, the 95% confidence interval ranged over ± 7.85°C when the temperature was estimated by inserting a Sr/Ca value into this equation. The statolith Sr/Ca values are unlikely to provide reliable estimates for absolute temperatures, but it may allow reconstruction of a time-series of relative temperatures experienced by a particular individual.
Sharing in nature or encountering a person: A tale of two different supralapsarian strategies
Authors: van Driel Edwin Chr.
Published: August 2022

Supralapsarian christologies all hold that the incarnation is not contingent upon sin but may differ on the nature of the gift given to us in the incarnation. In this essay I conceptualize and evaluate a crucial difference between two supralapsarian strategies. One strategy, exemplified by Kathryn Tanner, focuses on the natures of the incarnate One: it argues that in the incarnation the Word takes on a human nature which, being transformed in the act of assumption, becomes the conduit of grace for those who share in the same humanity. The other, represented by Samuel Wells, thinks of the incarnation as a gift of a transforming presence of the incarnate person. In taking on human form, the person of the divine Word comes as close to us as God can – the invisible God now can be seen, touched, heard – and draws us into a community of friendship and love.
God's definite command? Some theological thoughts on a puzzling theme in Barth's ethics
Authors: Bartholomaeus Michael
Published: August 2022

One of the most puzzling features of Barth's ethics is the insistence that God's divine command encounters us so definitely and concretely that it simply requires immediate and unquestioning obedience. This article offers an interpretation of these comments by reading them through the framework of Barth's description of the secularity, one-sidedness and spirituality of God's Word in Church Dogmatics I/1. Such a reading suggests that Barth's comments are not promoting a foolproof and immediate way of adjudicating ethical quandaries but orient us to the commanding Lord who goes before us.
Articulating the atonement: Methodology and metaphor in atonement theology
Authors: Hartley William J. O.
Published: August 2022

Doctrines of the atonement have tended either to elevate the status of one biblical metaphor or to gather together various metaphors into a unified concept or chorus of equal metaphors. The purpose of this article is to shed light on how the biblical metaphors function, using by way of reference the contrasting interpretations of Charles Hodge and Joel Green, who tend towards opposing theories of language based on naïve realism and idealism respectively. Drawing on the work of Colin Gunton, I recommend a mediating approach based on a critical realist theory of language which aims to steer a middle course between rationalism and relativism. Such an approach, which values the epistemic and revelatory potential of metaphors, is facilitated by a more integrative theological method with respect to scripture, reason, tradition and experience.
Psalms for restless memory: The logic of grace and rest in Augustine's Confessions
Authors: Shin Euntaek D.
Published: August 2022

The notion of rest frames Augustine's Confessions: the expression of the desire for rest and the prayer for God's bestowal of rest. Between these bookends is an extended account of Augustine's past expressed in the form of a confession, one that is saturated with the Psalms. How are these major motifs – rest, memory, confession and the Psalms – related? And how do they relate to the seemingly paradoxical depiction of Augustine's own striving towards rest and God's bestowal of rest? This essay answers these questions by delineating the logic of grace and rest embedded in the Confessions.
Differential exposure to gun or knife violence over two decades is associated with sibling differences in depression
Authors: Jaffee Sara R. , Hasford Stephanie , Fein Joel A.
Published: August 2022

We tested whether exposure to gun or knife violence over two decades is a cause of depression in young adulthood using data from a nationally representative sample in the United States. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health is a sample of 20,745 adolescents, assessed in 1994–95 with follow-ups in 1995–1996 (n = 14,738), 2001–2002 (n = 15,197) and 2007–2008 (n = 15,701; 24 to 32 years old). At each wave, respondents reported exposure to gun or knife violence and symptoms of depression. Regression and sibling fixed effects analyses were conducted to test whether cumulative exposure to gun or knife violence was associated with depression. In fully adjusted models, greater cumulative exposure to gun or knife violence was associated with more symptoms of depression (b = 0.12, 95% C. I. = 0.05; 0.19, p < 0.01) and higher risk for clinically significant depression in young adulthood (OR = 1.07, 95% C. I. = 1.02; 1.13, p < 0.01). Results replicated in sibling fixed effects models (b = 0.21, 95% C. I. = 0.01; 0.42, p < 0.05). These quasi-experimental data suggest that exposure to gun or knife violence is a cause of depression in young adulthood.
Developmental genetic effects on externalizing behavior and alcohol use: Examination across two longitudinal samples
Authors: Elam Kit K. , Bountress Kaitlin E. , Ha Thao , Shaw Daniel S. , Wilson Melvin N. , Aliev Fazil , Dick Danielle M. , Lemery-Chalfant Kathryn
Published: August 2022

Externalizing behavior in early adolescence is associated with alcohol use in adolescence and early adulthood and these behaviors often emerge as part of a developmental sequence. This pattern can be the result of heterotypic continuity, in which different behaviors emerge over time based on an underlying shared etiology. In particular, there is largely a shared genetic etiology underlying externalizing and substance use behaviors. We examined whether polygenic risk for alcohol use disorder predicted (1) externalizing behavior in early adolescence and alcohol use in adolescence in the Early Steps Multisite sample and (2) externalizing behavior in adolescence and alcohol use in early adulthood in the Project Alliance 1 (PAL1) sample. We examined associations separately for African Americans and European Americans. When examining European Americans in the Early Steps sample, greater polygenic risk was associated with externalizing behavior in early adolescence. In European Americans in PAL1, we found greater polygenic risk was associated with alcohol use in early adulthood. Effects were largely absent in African Americans in both samples. Results imply that genetic predisposition for alcohol use disorder may increase risk for externalizing and alcohol use as these behaviors emerge developmentally.
Behandlung des Plattfusses
Authors: Espinosa Norman
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung. Der sogenannte «Plattfuss» kann in der deutschen Sprache treffender als «Knick-Senkfuss» beschrieben werden. Dabei bezieht sich der «Knick» auf die Rückfussachse als solche, die durch die Intersektion der longitudinalen Achsen der Achillessehne und des Tuber calcanei identifiziert werden kann. Die Bezeichnung «Senkfuss» markiert das Erscheinungsbild der longitudinalen Achse, das heisst des medialen Längsgewölbes, welches klinisch einfach zu bestimmen ist. Die Formen eines Knick-Senkfusses sind mannigfaltig, genauso wie die dafür infrage kommenden Ursachen. Aus diesem Grund sind auch die anzuwendenden Therapieformen häufig nicht sehr einfach und müssen gut überlegt und appliziert werden. Nicht immer sind Knick-Senkfüsse behandlungsbedürftig. Das heisst es gibt Menschen, die schon immer solche Fehlstellungen aufgewiesen haben, aber nie Symptome entwickeln. Aus diesem Grund bedürfen nur symptomatische Patienten mit Knick-Senkfussdeformität einer Behandlung. Die Ausprägung der Behandlung und deren Erfolg knüpft an die sorgfältige Untersuchung und Interpretation der Befunde durch den behandelnden Spezialisten. Der vorliegende Artikel befasst sich mit der Behandlung des Knick-Senkfusses und versucht, einen logischen Überblick zu liefern.
Malleolarfrakturen
Authors: Krause Fabian , Seidel Angela
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung. Für das Verständnis des Unfallmechanismus und des zu erwartenden Verletzungsmusters teilt man Malleolarfrakturen bevorzugt nach der Lauge-Hansen-Klassifikation ein [1]. Für die isolierten lateralen Malleolarfrakturen wird zudem häufig die Klassifikation nach Weber verwendet [2]. Eine konservative Therapie ist für die meisten Weber-A-Frakturen und ca. 80% der Weber-B-Frakturen indiziert. Handelt es sich um eine isolierte Weber-B-Fraktur, sollte nach Lauge-Hansen zunächst zwischen einer Supinations-Aussenrotations-Verletzung (SER) und einer Pronations-Abduktions-Verletzung (PA) unterschieden werden. Bei den SER-Frakturen ist die Stabilität mit einer «Gravity Stress»-Aufnahme und einer stehenden Röntgenaufnahme zu testen. Ist die Fraktur stabil, kann diese problemlos konservativ behandelt werden. Die operative Therapie empfehlen wir bei instabilen Weber-B-SER-Verletzungen, Weber-B-PA-Verletzungen und Weber-C-Frakturen.
Diagnose und Therapie der akuten Achillessehnenruptur
Authors: Plaass Christian , Ettinger Sarah , Claassen Leif , Richter Alena , Altemeier Anna , Stukenborg-Colsman Christina , Manegold Sebastian
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung. Die akute Achillessehnenruptur (ASR) ist eine der häufigsten Sehnenläsionen am Fuss. Spontanrupturen beim Sport sind häufig. Die Diagnostik ist in der Regel klinisch und sonographisch. Konservative und operative Behandlungsverfahren bestehen. Das funktionelle Ergebnis der Behandlung der Achillessehnenruptur wird von dem Ausmass der bei der Ausheilung auftretenden Elongation bestimmt. Operative Techniken zeigen hierbei eine etwas geringere Verlängerung, bergen aber ein Komplikationsrisiko. Die Nachbehandlung sollte frühfunktionell erfolgen, da hierdurch das Komplikationsrisiko, gesenkt und die Rehabilitation beschleunigt wird. Das Ergebnis der suffizienten konservativen wie operativen Therapie ist in der Regel gut, eine gewisse Kraftminderung des betroffenen Beines ist jedoch meist nachzuweisen.
Manifesto of a Space Scientist
Authors: Gombosi Tamas I.
Published: August 2022

In my five decades as a space scientist I experienced many successes, failures, struggles and joys of solving important (and not so important) problems. I documented my story in my book “Phoenix” (Gombosi, 2013, https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix‐Tamas‐I‐Gombosi‐2013‐12‐03/dp/B01FKUSX5I) and up‐to‐date information about my work can be found at my personal website (Gombosi, 2022, http://www-personal.umich.edu/∼tamas/). In this article I am summarizing some of the lessons I learned. I hope you will find my “manifesto” useful and entertaining. Each point has real life experience to support it. Together, they pretty much summarize my philosophy of scientific research, project management and leadership.
Notebooks Now! Elevating Computational Notebooks
Authors: Erdmann Christopher , Stall Shelley , Hanson Brooks , Lyon Laura
Published: August 2022

AGU is launching a community-driven effort, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, to support computational notebooks as primary research objects in scholarly publications.
A Micro Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Chang’e‐5 Sample
Authors: Yang Yazhou , Jiang Te , Liu Yang , Xu Yuchen , Zhang Hao , Tian Heng‐Ci , Yang Wei , Zou Yongliao
Published: August 2022

The Chang’e‐5 (CE‐5) mission has successfully returned samples from a site that is much younger than the sites of all previous lunar sampling missions. Sample analysis results reported so far have revealed a more complex sampling area than previously thought, casting uncertainties over the interpretation of remote sensing spectral data and the U and Th abundance derived from the orbital data. Laboratory spectral measurement of the returned samples can serve as validation of remote sensing observations and thus help refine our understanding of the geological evolution of the landing region. In this study we report detailed micro mid‐infrared (MIR) spectral characteristics of individual soil grains of CE‐5 samples. The spectral analysis results show that the CE‐5 olivine grains have low Fo (molar Mg/[Mg + Fe] × 100) consistent with previous studies, indicating a Fe‐rich source region of the mantle or a highly evolved magma. These olivine grains show high level of crystallinity, implying low degree of space weathering. Most of the CE‐5 glasses analyzed are spectrally consistent with mare impact glasses, despite that a few of them may have a volcanic origin. These laboratory spectral analysis of CE‐5 samples in the MIR wavelengths at a micro scale, together with the derived MIR optical constants of the olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase, and glass grains, provide important input for the modeling and interpretation of thermal remote sensing data of the Moon.
Molecular diagnose of a large hearing loss population from China by targeted genome sequencing
Authors: Wu Jie , Cao Zongfu , Su Yu , Wang Yang , Cai Ruikun , Chen Jiyue , Gao Bo , Han Mingyu , Li Xiaohong , Zhang DeJun , Gao Xue , Huang Shasha , Huang Quanfei , Yuan Yongyi , Ma Xu , Dai Pu
Published: August 2022

Hereditary hearing loss is genetically heterogeneous, with diverse clinical manifestations. Here we performed targeted genome sequencing of 227 hearing loss related genes in 1027 patients with bilateral hearing loss and 520 healthy volunteers with normal hearing to comprehensively identify the molecular etiology of hereditary hearing loss in a large cohort from China. We obtained a diagnostic rate of 57.25% (588/1027) for the patients, while 4.67% (48/1027) of the patients were identified with uncertain diagnoses. Of the implicated 35 hearing loss genes, three common genes, including SLC26A4(278/588), GJB2(207/588), MT-RNR1(19/588), accounted for 85.54% (503/588) of the diagnosed cases, while 32 uncommon hearing loss genes, including MYO15A, MITF, OTOF, POU3F4, PTPN11, etc. accounted for the remaining diagnostic rate of 14.46% (85/588). Apart from Pendred syndrome, other eight types of syndromic hearing loss were also identified. Of the 64 uncertain significant variants and 244 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants identified in the patients, 129 novel variants were also detected. Thus, the molecular etiology presented with high heterogeneity with the leading causes to be SLC26A4 and GJB2 genes in the Chinese hearing loss population. It’s urgent to develop a database of the ethnicity-matched healthy population as well as to perform functional studies for further classification of uncertain significant variants.