bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Evolutionary Analysis of Proteins Endowed with a Nucleotidyltransferase, or Non-canonical Palm, Catalytic Domain
Authors: Jácome Rodrigo
Published: September 2024

Many polymerases and other proteins are endowed with a catalytic domain belonging to the nucleotidyltransferase fold, which has also been deemed the non-canonical palm domain, in which three conserved acidic residues coordinate two divalent metal ions. Tertiary structure-based evolutionary analyses provide valuable information when the phylogenetic signal contained in the primary structure is blurry or has been lost, as is the case with these proteins. Pairwise structural comparisons of proteins with a nucleotidyltransferase fold were performed in the PDBefold web server: the RMSD, the number of superimposed residues, and the Qscore were obtained. The structural alignment score (RMSD × 100/number of superimposed residues) and the 1-Qscore were calculated, and distance matrices were constructed, from which a dendogram and a phylogenetic network were drawn for each score. The dendograms and the phylogenetic networks display well-defined clades, reflecting high levels of structural conservation within each clade, not mirrored by primary sequence. The conserved structural core between all these proteins consists of the catalytic nucleotidyltransferase fold, which is surrounded by different functional domains. Hence, many of the clades include proteins that bind different substrates or partake in non-related functions. Enzymes endowed with a nucleotidyltransferase fold are present in all domains of life, and participate in essential cellular and viral functions, which suggests that this domain is very ancient. Despite the loss of evolutionary traces in their primary structure, tertiary structure-based analyses allow us to delve into the evolution and functional diversification of the NT fold.
Dioxins, PFOS, and 20 other Persistent Organic Pollutants in Eggs of Nine Wild Bird Species from the Vaal River, South Africa
Authors: Lesch Velesia , Pieters Rialet , Bouwman Hindrik
Published: September 2024

The Vaal River catchment drains the largest and most populated industrial and mining region in Southern Africa. Heron, ibis, cormorant, egrets, and darter eggs, representing three habitats and four feeding guilds, were collected at four locations in 2009/10 to identify hotspots and hazards associated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The POPs included 21 organochlorine pesticides, five polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) classes, 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs including six non-dioxin-like PCBs; NDL-PCB), and 12 dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs), 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-p-furans (PCDD/Fs), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Aquatic predators had higher PFOS and PCDD/F concentrations, while PCBs dominated in terrestrial eggs. Organochlorine pesticides, PBDEs, and PCBs were strongly associated with eggs from the industrial regions, while PCDD/F concentrations were evenly distributed. PCDD/F and PCB toxic equivalency quotient concentrations were low with no adverse effects expected. PFOS peaked at Bloemhof Dam with a maximum of 2300 ng/g wm in an African Darter egg, indicating an unexpected PFOS hotspot, the source of which is unknown. Despite order of differences in compound class concentrations, there was no association with egg size. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only study that analysed all 2010 POPs in bird eggs on a large geographic scale. This study highlighted the importance of multi-species studies sampling from multiple locations to assess the risk that POPs pose to avian populations as hotspots and species at risk may be missed by studies looking at one or few species.
Automated abdominal organ segmentation algorithms for non-enhanced CT for volumetry and 3D radiomics analysis
Authors: Park Junghoan , Joo Ijin , Jeon Sun Kyung , Kim Jong-Min , Park Sang Joon , Yoon Soon Ho
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To develop fully-automated abdominal organ segmentation algorithms from non-enhanced abdominal CT and low-dose chest CT and assess their feasibility for automated CT volumetry and 3D radiomics analysis of abdominal solid organs.

Methods

Fully-automated nnU-Net-based models were developed to segment the liver, spleen, and both kidneys in non-enhanced abdominal CT, and the liver and spleen in low-dose chest CT. 105 abdominal CTs and 60 low-dose chest CTs were used for model development, and 55 abdominal CTs and 10 low-dose chest CTs for external testing. The segmentation performance for each organ was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficients, with manual segmentation results serving as the ground truth. Agreements between ground-truth measurements and model estimates of organ volume and 3D radiomics features were assessed using the Bland–Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

The models accurately segmented the liver, spleen, right kidney, and left kidney in abdominal CT and the liver and spleen in low-dose chest CT, showing mean Dice similarity coefficients in the external dataset of 0.968, 0.960, 0.952, and 0.958, respectively, in abdominal CT, and 0.969 and 0.960, respectively, in low-dose chest CT. The model-estimated and ground truth volumes of these organs exhibited mean differences between − 0.7% and 2.2%, with excellent agreements. The automatically extracted mean and median Hounsfield units (ICCs, 0.970–0.999 and 0.994–0.999, respectively), uniformity (ICCs, 0.985–0.998), entropy (ICCs, 0.931–0.993), elongation (ICCs, 0.978–0.992), and flatness (ICCs, 0.973–0.997) showed excellent agreement with ground truth measurements for each organ; however, skewness (ICCs, 0.210–0.831), kurtosis (ICCs, 0.053–0.933), and sphericity (ICCs, 0.368–0.819) displayed relatively low and inconsistent agreement.

Conclusion

Our nnU-Net-based models accurately segmented abdominal solid organs in non-enhanced abdominal and low-dose chest CT, enabling reliable automated measurements of organ volume and specific 3D radiomics features.
Added value of histogram analysis of intravoxel incoherent motion and diffusion kurtosis imaging for the evaluation of complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Lan , Jin Ziwei , Yang Fan , Guo Yiwan , Liu Yuan , Chen Manman , Xu Si , Lin Zhenyu , Sun Peng , Yang Ming , Zhang Peng , Tao Kaixiong , Zhang Tao , Li Xin , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate how intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) histogram analysis contribute to assessing complete response (CR) to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Material and methods

In this prospective study, participants with LARC, who underwent NAT and subsequent surgery, with adequate MR image quality, were enrolled from November 2021 to March 2023. Conventional MRI (T2WI and DWI), IVIM, and DKI were performed before NAT (pre-NAT) and within two weeks before surgery (post-NAT). Image evaluation was independently performed by two experienced radiologists. Pathological complete response (pCR) was used as the reference standard. An IVIM–DKI-added model (a combination of IVIM and DKI histogram parameters with T2WI and DWI) was constructed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic performance of conventional MRI and the IVIM–DKI-added model.

Results

A total of 59 participants (median age: 58.00 years [IQR: 52.00, 62.00]; 38 [64%] men) were evaluated, including 21 pCR and 38 non-pCR cases. The histogram parameters of DKI, including skewness of kurtosis post-NAT (post-K
Skewness) and root mean squared of change ratio of diffusivity (Δ%D
DKI-root mean squared), were entered into the IVIM–DKI-added model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the IVIM–DKI-added model for assessing CR to NAT was significantly higher than that of conventional MRI (0.855 [95% CI: 0.749–0.960] vs 0.685 [95% CI: 0.565–0.806], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

IVIM and DKI provide added value in the evaluation of CR to NAT in LARC.

Key Points

Question

The current conventional imaging evaluation system lacks adequacy for assessing CR to NAT in LARC.

Findings

Significantly improved diagnostic performance was observed with the histogram analysis of IVIM and DKI in conjunction with conventional MRI.

Clinical relevance

IVIM and DKI provide significant value in evaluating CR to NAT in LARC, which bears significant implications for reducing surgical complications and facilitating organ preservation.
Reproductive ecology of fire corals in the northern Red Sea
Authors: Roth Lachan , Shlesinger Tom , Loya Yossi
Published: September 2024

Scleractinian corals, the principal architects of coral reefs, face substantial threats from ongoing and anticipated climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances. This underscores the significance of investigating alternative reef-building organisms and their contribution to reefs’ resilience. Among these alternatives, colonial hydrozoans of the genus Millepora, commonly called ‘fire corals’, play substantial roles in contributing to coral reef structure and functionality by depositing calcareous exoskeletons. Despite the ecological importance of fire corals, fundamental knowledge gaps remain regarding their biology and reproductive ecology. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the population dynamics, reproductive ecology, phenology, and sex ratio of the three Red Sea fire corals—Millepora dichotoma, M. exaesa, and M. platyphylla—in the Gulf of Aqaba and Eilat. The abundance of M. dichotoma and M. exaesa seems to have remained consistent over the last 50 years across two of the three depth zones surveyed, indicating their potential resistance or resilience. However, at the third depth surveyed, their abundance appears to have decreased. Our extensive in-situ monitoring of breeding events over six consecutive years has revealed a previously undetected relationship between Millepora species breeding events and the lunar cycle. Histological analyses indicated remarkably short reproductive cycles of only 2–3 weeks, recurring multiple times within a single season, in both M. dichotoma and M. exaesa, which is a unique reproductive aspect compared to other reef-building corals. These results highlight the high reproductive and resilience potential of Millepora species. Consequently, fire corals could assume a more substantial role as keystone species in changing environments and future reefs, emphasizing their importance in reef conservation and management.
Follow-up strategies after trimodal treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Kaufmann Ernest , Aeppli Stefanie , Arnold Winfried , Balermpas Panagiotis , Beyer Jörg , Bieri Uwe , Cathomas Richard , de Bari Berardino , Dressler Marco , Engeler Daniel S. , Erdmann Andreas , Gallina Andrea , Gomez Silvia , Guckenberger Matthias , Herrmann Thomas R. W. , Hermanns Thomas , Ilaria Lucca , John Hubert , Kessler Thomas M. , Klein Jan , Laouiti Mohamed , Lauffer David , Mattei Agostino , Müntener Michael , Nguyen Daniel , Niederberger Philipp , Papachristofilou Alexandros , Prause Lukas , Reinhardt Karsten , Salati Emanuela , Sèbe Philippe , Shelan Mohamed , Strebel Räto , Templeton Arnoud J. , Vogl Ursula , Wettstein Marian S. , Zihler Deborah , Zilli Thomas , Zwahlen Daniel , Roth Beat , Fankhauser Christian
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Optimal follow-up strategies following trimodal treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer play a crucial role in detecting and managing relapse and side-effects. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the patterns and risk factors of relapse, functional outcomes, and follow-up protocols.

Methods

A systematic literature search on PubMed and review of current guidelines and institutional follow-up protocols after trimodal therapy were conducted.

Results

Out of 200 identified publications, 43 studies (28 retrospective, 15 prospective) were selected, encompassing 7447 patients (study sizes from 24 to 728 patients). Recurrence rates in the urinary bladder varied between 14–52%; 3–16% were muscle-invasive while 11–36% were non-muscle invasive. Nodal recurrence occurred at 13–16% and distant metastases at 15–35%. After 5 and 10 years of follow-up, around 60–85% and 45–75% of patients could preserve their bladder, respectively. Various prognostic risk factors associated with relapse and inferior survival were proposed, including higher disease stage (> c/pT2), presence of extensive/multifocal carcinoma in situ (CIS), hydronephrosis, multifocality, histological subtypes, incomplete transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and incomplete response to radio-chemotherapy. The analyzed follow-up guidelines varied slightly in terms of the number, timing, and types of investigations, but overall, the recommendations were similar.

Conclusion

Randomized prospective studies should focus on evaluating the impact of specific follow-up protocols on oncological and functional outcomes following trimodal treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It is crucial to evaluate personalized adaption of follow-up protocols based on established risk factors, as there is potential for improved patient outcomes and resource allocation.
The distribution of power-related random variables (and their use in clinical trials)
Authors: Mariani Francesco , De Santis Fulvio , Gubbiotti Stefania
Published: September 2024

In the hybrid Bayesian-frequentist approach to hypotheses tests, the power function, i.e. the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis, is a random variable and a pre-experimental evaluation of the study is commonly carried out through the so-called probability of success (PoS). PoS is usually defined as the expected value of the random power that is not necessarily a well-representative summary of the entire distribution. Here, we consider the main definitions of PoS and investigate the power related random variables that induce them. We provide general expressions for their cumulative distribution and probability density functions, as well as closed-form expressions when the test statistic is, at least asymptotically, normal. The analysis of such distributions highlights discrepancies in the main definitions of PoS, leading us to prefer the one based on the utility function of the test. We illustrate our idea through an example and an application to clinical trials, which is a framework where PoS is commonly employed.
Ferritin, inflammation, and iron deficiency in acute heart failure: evidence from the EDIFICA cohort
Authors: Vasques-Nóvoa Francisco , Pimentel Maria João , Marques Pedro , Vale Catarina , Gomes Filipa , Neves João Sérgio , Barroso Isaac , Guimarães João Tiago , Bettencourt Paulo , Leite-Moreira Adelino F. , Roncon-Albuquerque Roberto , Almeida Jorge , Ferreira João Pedro , Friões Fernando
Published: September 2024

Background

Ferritin is commonly used to evaluate iron stores and guide therapeutic decisions regarding intravenous iron supplementation. However, in the context of AHF, inflammation-driven upregulation of ferritin might disrupt its correlation with iron stores, restricting iron bioavailability and potentially amplifying the inflammatory response.

Aim

This study aims to assess the clinical and prognostic associations of ferritin levels in an AHF cohort and to determine whether the prognostic value of ferritin is influenced by the presence of infection, inflammatory activation, and other markers of iron deficiency.

Methods

The association between ferritin and clinical outcomes (180 days) in AHF was evaluated in a cohort of 526 patients from the EDIFICA registry.

Results

The median ferritin plasma concentration at admission was 180 pg/mL. Patients with higher ferritin levels at admission were predominantly men, exhibiting a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease and alcohol consumption, and presenting with lower blood pressure and a higher incidence of clinical infection. Higher ferritin levels were associated with increased risk of the composite of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death (Tertile 2: HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.10–2.79; p = 0.017; Tertile 3: HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.08–2.97; p = 0.025), independently of classical HF prognostic factors, inflammatory and iron-related markers. No significant associations were found between admission serum iron or transferrin saturation tertiles, iron status categories, or guideline-defined iron deficiency (ID) criteria and the primary composite outcome. However, at discharge, patients who met the criteria for defective iron utilization, low iron storage, or guideline-defined ID had a lower risk of the composite endpoint compared to those with normal iron utilization or who did not meet the guideline-defined ID criteria, respectively.

Conclusions

Elevated ferritin levels are independently associated with poor prognosis in AHF. Low ferritin levels are associated with a favorable outcome and do not carry significant value in identifying ID in this population.
Advances in omics data for eosinophilic esophagitis: moving towards multi-omics analyses
Authors: Matsuyama Kazuhiro , Yamada Shingo , Sato Hironori , Zhan Justin , Shoda Tetsuo
Published: September 2024

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by eosinophil accumulation and has a growing global prevalence. EoE significantly impairs quality of life and poses a substantial burden on healthcare resources. Currently, only two FDA-approved medications exist for EoE, highlighting the need for broader research into its management and prevention. Recent advancements in omics technologies, such as genomics, epigenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and others, offer new insights into the genetic and immunologic mechanisms underlying EoE. Genomic studies have identified genetic loci and mutations associated with EoE, revealing predispositions that vary by ancestry and indicating EoE’s complex genetic basis. Epigenetic studies have uncovered changes in DNA methylation and chromatin structure that affect gene expression, influencing EoE pathology. Transcriptomic analyses have revealed a distinct gene expression profile in EoE, dominated by genes involved in activated type 2 immunity and epithelial barrier function. Proteomic approaches have furthered the understanding of EoE mechanisms, identifying potential new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, challenges in integrating diverse omics data persist, largely due to their complexity and the need for advanced computational methods. Machine learning is emerging as a valuable tool for analyzing extensive and intricate datasets, potentially revealing new aspects of EoE pathogenesis. The integration of multi-omics data through sophisticated computational approaches promises significant advancements in our understanding of EoE, improving diagnostics, and enhancing treatment effectiveness. This review synthesizes current omics research and explores future directions for comprehensively understanding the disease mechanisms in EoE.
Original article: adolescent dietary patterns derived using principal component analysis and neuropsychological functions: a cross-sectional analysis of Walnuts Smart Snack cohort
Authors: Ayala-Aldana Nicolas , Pinar-Martí Ariadna , Ruiz-Rivera Marina , Fernández-Barrés Sílvia , Romaguera Dora , Casanova-Mollà Jordi , Solà-Valls Nuria , Julvez Jordi
Published: September 2024

A balanced diet is relevant for neuropsychological functioning. We aimed to analyze the association between dietary patterns and neuropsychological outcomes in a sample of healthy adolescents of the Walnuts Smart Snack (WSS) cohort from Barcelona city. We performed principal components analysis (PCA) to determine dietary patterns in the adolescent sample using a food frequency questionnaire (60 items). Multiple linear regression models were performed to analyze the association between PCA dietary patterns with neuropsychological outcomes: Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ) externalizing and internalizing scores, Attention Network Test (ANT) Impulsivity Index and Emotional Recognition Task (ERT) scores. We additionally adjusted the models for child sex, age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity and maternal education. Six dietary patterns were identified in PCA analyses. “low consumption of calorie-dense foods” dietary pattern had a negative association (protective) with the both SDQ outcomes (p value < 0.001) and “Nuts” dietary pattern showed a negative (protective) association with impulsivity index $$\:{(\beta\:}_{1}$$

(
β

1

= −24.60, 95% CI = −36.80, −12.41, p value < 0.001). Overall, our main results suggest that healthy dietary patterns, including higher intakes of “nuts” and a preference of “low consumption of calorie-dense foods” dietary patterns, could provide a beneficial association with neuropsychological functions during the adolescence period. The associations may include improvements of externalizing and internalizing problem symptoms, and impulsivity.
Molecular profiling and therapeutic tailoring to address disease heterogeneity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Karmakar Abhibroto , Kumar Uma , Prabhu Smitha , Ravindran Vinod , Nagaraju Shankar Prasad , Suryakanth Varashree Bolar , Prabhu Mukhyaprana M. , Karmakar Subhradip
Published: September 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, heterogeneous, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production, complement activation, and immune complex deposition. SLE predominantly affects young, middle-aged, and child-bearing women with episodes of flare-up and remission, although it affects males at a much lower frequency (female: male; 7:1 to 15:1). Technological and molecular advancements have helped in patient stratification and improved patient prognosis, morbidity, and treatment regimens overall, impacting quality of life. Despite several attempts to comprehend the pathogenesis of SLE, knowledge about the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this disease is still lacking. The current treatment options for SLE are pragmatic and aim to develop composite biomarkers for daily practice, which necessitates the robust development of novel treatment strategies and drugs targeting specific responsive pathways. In this communication, we review and aim to explore emerging therapeutic modalities, including multiomics-based approaches, rational drug design, and CAR-T-cell-based immunotherapy, for the management of SLE.
SeqSeg: Learning Local Segments for Automatic Vascular Model Construction
Authors: Sveinsson Cepero Numi , Shadden Shawn C.
Published: September 2024

Computational modeling of cardiovascular function has become a critical part of diagnosing, treating and understanding cardiovascular disease. Most strategies involve constructing anatomically accurate computer models of cardiovascular structures, which is a multistep, time-consuming process. To improve the model generation process, we herein present SeqSeg (sequential segmentation): a novel deep learning-based automatic tracing and segmentation algorithm for constructing image-based vascular models. SeqSeg leverages local U-Net-based inference to sequentially segment vascular structures from medical image volumes. We tested SeqSeg on CT and MR images of aortic and aortofemoral models and compared the predictions to those of benchmark 2D and 3D global nnU-Net models, which have previously shown excellent accuracy for medical image segmentation. We demonstrate that SeqSeg is able to segment more complete vasculature and is able to generalize to vascular structures not annotated in the training data.
Designing resilient supply chain networks: a systematic literature review of mitigation strategies
Authors: Roshani Abdolreza , Walker-Davies Philip , Parry Glenn
Published: September 2024

With increased globalisation supply chain (SC) disruption significantly affects people, organisations and society. Supply chain network design (SCND) reduces the effects of disruption, employing mitigation strategies such as extra capacity and flexibility to make SCs resilient. Currently, no systematic literature review classifies mitigation strategies for SCND. This paper systematically reviews the literature on SCND, analysing proposed mitigation strategies and the methods used for their integration into quantitative models. First to understand the key failure drivers SCND literature is categorised using geography, with local, regional or global disruptions linked to vulnerable sections of a SC. Second, the strategies used in mathematical models to increase SC resilience are categorized as proactive, reactive, or SC design quality capabilities. Third, the relative performance of mitigation strategies is analysed to provide a comparison, identifying the most effective strategies in given contexts. Forth, mathematical modelling techniques used in resilient SCND are reviewed, identifying how strategies are integrated into quantitative models. Finally, gaps in knowledge, key research questions and future directions for researchers are described.
Pressure-robust approximation of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in a rotating frame of reference
Authors: Demir Medine , John Volker
Published: September 2024

A pressure-robust space discretization of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in a rotating frame of reference is considered. The discretization employs divergence-free, $$H^1$$

H
1

-conforming mixed finite element methods like Scott–Vogelius pairs. An error estimate for the velocity is derived that tracks the dependency of the error bound on the coefficients of the problem, in particular on the angular velocity. Numerical examples support the theoretical results.
What Helps Children and Young People to Disclose their Experience of Sexual Abuse and What Gets in the Way? A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: McPherson Lynne , Gatwiri Kathomi , Graham Anne , Rotumah Darlene , Hand Kelly , Modderman Corina , Chubb Jaime , James Samara
Published: September 2024

Background

Global research has found that prevalence rates of child sexual abuse suggest that this is a significant ongoing public health concern. A recent Australian study, for example, revealed that more than three girls and almost one in five boys reported experiencing sexual abuse before the age of 18. Self-reported rates of abuse, however, far exceed official figures, suggesting that large numbers of children who experience sexual abuse do not come to the attention of relevant authorities. Whether and how those children have tried to tell their stories remains unclear.

Objective

The goal of the review was to explore scholarly literature to determine what was known about what enables or constrains children to disclose their experience of sexual abuse.

Method

A systematic scoping review was undertaken to better understand the current state of knowledge in the scholarly literature on child sexual abuse disclosure. Thirty-two scholarly publications were included for analysis following a rigorous process of sourcing articles from five databases and systematically screening them based on transparent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ecological systems and trauma-informed theoretical paradigms underpinned an inductive thematic analysis of the included manuscripts.

Results

Three multi-dimensional themes were identified from the thirty-two publications. These themes were: factors enabling disclosure are multifaceted; barriers to disclosure include a complex interplay of individual, familial, contextual and cultural issues; and Indigenous victims and survivors, male survivors, and survivors with a minoritised cultural background may face additional barriers to disclosing their experiences of abuse.

Conclusions

The literature suggests that a greater understanding of the barriers to disclosures exists. Further research that supports a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of enablers and the barriers to disclosure across diverse populations is needed. In particular, future research should privilege the voices of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, mobilising their lived experiences to co-create improved practice and policy.
The “chanification” of white supremacist extremism
Authors: Yoder Michael Miller , Brown David West , Carley Kathleen M.
Published: September 2024

Much research has focused on the role of the alt-right in pushing far-right narratives into mainstream discourse. In this work, we focus on the alt-right’s effects on extremist narratives themselves. From 2012 to 2017, we find a rise in alt-right, 4chan-like discourse styles across multiple communication platforms known for white supremacist extremism, such as Stormfront. This discourse style incorporates inflammatory insults, irreverent comments, and talk about memes and online “chan” culture itself. A network analysis of one far-right extremist platform suggests that central users adopt and spread this alt-right style. This analysis has implications for understanding influence and change in online white supremacist extremism, as well as the role of style in white supremacist communications. Warning: This paper contains examples of hateful and offensive language.
Corporate involvement in atrocity crimes—trends and patterns in regulation
Authors: van Baar Annika
Published: September 2024

Corporate involvement in atrocity crimes refers to instances in which businesses are linked to the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, or other gross human rights violations. This article traces four trends in the regulation of this phenomenon, from the 1600 s to the present. I argue that the persuasive trend of no regulation of this type of corporate wrongdoing has seen three countertrends: international criminal justice, civil society labelling corporate involvement in atrocity crimes as something worth engaging with, and institutionalization of norms. This article describes and analyses these trends, uncovering some recurring patterns that emerge in efforts towards preventing, ending, or limiting corporate involvement in atrocity crimes.
Tax revenue from Pillar One Amount A: country-by-country estimates
Authors: Barake Mona , Le Pouhaër Elvin
Published: September 2024

This paper presents first-round simulations of the tax revenues arising from the Pillar One Amount A proposal of the G20/OECD inclusive framework on base erosion and profit shifting for 2016–2025. Amount A aims at revising taxing rights on multinational enterprises with at least €20 billion in revenue and profitability above 10%. We consider the latest available Pillar One Amount A rules as detailed in the “Multilateral Convention to Implement Amount A of Pillar One” (OECD 2023b). In a first step, we identify the multinationals that would be “covered” under Pillar One Amount A. Then, by combining micro and macro data sources, we create a database that approximates these Covered Groups’ worldwide distribution of destination-based revenues, profits, employees, and tangible assets. Destination-based revenues serve to reallocate Amount A profits across jurisdictions. Finally, we account for double taxation relief to obtain country-level net revenue estimates from Pillar One Amount A. The aggregate additional tax revenue arising from Pillar One Amount A varies from €5.7 billion in 2020 to €10.9 billion in 2022. We provide country-specific estimate ranges and a comparison to digital taxes. The trade-off between Amount A and digital taxes is unclear and may vary from one country to another. Testing for the implications of various provisions of Amount A rules, we observe that the extent of taxing rights redistribution is seriously affected by the Marketing and Distribution Safe Harbour (MDSH), while the profit reallocated to low and lower-middle-income jurisdictions crucially depends on the tail-end revenues provision.
Peer Relationships and Social Media Use in Adolescents with Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Authors: Lavell Cassie H. , Oar Ella L. , Rapee Ronald M.
Published: September 2024

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a common and debilitating disorder in adolescents, yet there is little research on the disorder in young people. The current study aimed to investigate peer relationship factors in 26 adolescents (aged 12 to 17 years) with BDD, compared to 27 adolescents with anxiety disorders and 25 adolescents without mental disorders. Participants completed self-report measures on peer appearance and general victimisation, peer support, appearance co-rumination and social media use. Adolescents with BDD and anxiety disorders perceived significantly less peer support than adolescents in the non-clinical control group. Although the frequency of perceived appearance and general victimisation did not differ significantly between groups, adolescents with BDD reported significantly more distress due to appearance victimisation than the non-clinical control group. Adolescents with BDD and anxiety disorders reported spending more time on social media than the non-clinical control group, and the BDD group engaged in significantly more online appearance comparisons than both the anxiety and control group. The relationships between BDD, victimisation, social media use, and other peer factors require further empirical investigation.
Developing Student Agency Towards Academic Integrity Through an Educative Approach: Exploring Students’ Experiences and Perspectives
Authors: Brickhill Michael , Andrews Grant , Nieuwoudt Johanna
Published: September 2024

This research investigates whether academic integrity can be strengthened through a holistic educative approach that combines compulsory modules on academic integrity, pedagogy that challenges punitive approaches, and an embedded curriculum. We present quantitative and qualitative data from surveys and interview responses from students to investigate their experiences and perceptions of our approach. Qualitative data suggest students appreciate the educative approach and that it fosters agency in students. Most participants – even those who indicated they had been part of an academic integrity breach process and students who knew someone who had been involved in the process – expressed that the process itself led to a greater understanding of academic integrity generally and students felt they could address the issue for themselves and benefit into the future. Responses indicated students wanted to have a voice in the academic integrity process. This research indicates that a holistic educative approach promotes students’ agency in relation to their academic work and frames academic integrity as a positive and desirable aspect of students’ developing academic identities.
The easternmost occurrence of the Late Miocene schizotheriine chalicothere Ancylotherium pentelicum at the classical locality of Maragheh (Iran)
Authors: Kampouridis Panagiotis , Mirzaie Ataabadi Majid , Hartung Josephina , Augustin Felix J.
Published: September 2024

The renowned Late Miocene locality of Maragheh (northwest Iran) has yielded ample material of chalicotheres, most of which has never been described in detail. The present study concerns the taxonomic evaluation of this material and its attribution to the large schizotheriine Ancylotherium pentelicum. This allows a detailed comparison to schizotheriine material from other localities, and based on this, we provide an overview of the diagnostic features of Ancylotherium that separate it from all other chalicotheres. This improves our understanding of the type species A. pentelicum. Additionally, we discuss the palaeobiogeography of the species, which is best known from the Balkan Peninsula. Maragheh marks the easternmost occurrence of A. pentelicum, but its presence has even been suggested in Africa. Lastly, we discuss the existence of sexual size dimorphism in the species, based on the herein described material along with previously described specimens of A. pentelicum from other fossil sites, such as the famous Late Miocene localities Pikermi and Samos (Greece). Specifically, it is shown that many postcranial elements exhibit great size variability that is most probably associated with significant sexual dimorphism.
Influence of Water Vapor and Local Gas Velocity on the Oxidation Kinetics of In625 at 900 °C: Experimental Study and CFD Gas Phase Simulation
Authors: Duthoit Guillaume , Vande Put Aurélie , Caussat Brigitte , Vergnes Hugues , Monceau Daniel
Published: September 2024

The effect of water vapor content on the oxidation behavior of In625 at 900 °C in synthetic air was reported. The higher the water vapor content, the greater the oxidation and volatilization rates were. Increasing the water vapor content led to an increase in the proportion of spinel and rutile-type oxides in the oxide scale compared to chromia, and the proportion of Al-rich oxides within the alloy. A kp-kv mass variation model was used to quantify the experimental results, and Fluent Ansys® CFD simulations of the gas phase were used to predict volatilization rates. CFD simulations were used to calculate local gas velocity, temperature and composition along with local volatilization rates at each point on the sample surface. It was possible to explain not only the variations in volatilization between upstream and downstream samples, but also the increased volatilization at sample corners. For longer durations, it was shown experimentally that the rate of volatilization decreases. This was explained by the enrichment of the oxide scale with spinel and rutile-type oxides.
Why We Eat Calories: A Plurality Metaphor of Energy in Scientific Disciplines
Authors: Atkins Leslie
Published: September 2024

In the Next Generation Science Standards, energy is considered a “crosscutting concept” that bridges disciplinary boundaries and unites scientific disciplines. I examine how energy is represented in physics, biology, and chemistry contexts, using the reaction of molecular oxygen with sugar as an exemplar, and argue that disciplines disagree in how they represent the origin of energy that drives this process. In particular, while biology tends to locate energy as initially in the sugar molecule, chemistry locates the energy in molecular oxygen, and physics models energy as in the field between the molecules. That is to say, biology describes us as eating calories, chemistry as inhaling calories, and physics invents an abstract object (the field) as the container for energy. I then show how the conceptualizations made in each discipline stem from core disciplinary commitments, models, and concepts that structure what “counts” as an explanation. This conceptual plurality, then, is essential to disciplinary meaning. While such a pluralistic conceptualization appears to be contrary to scientific epistemology that prioritizes coherence and cognitive models that rely on unitary structures for transfer, I draw on recent research to argue that neither concern is fully founded. Finally, I suggest that building bridges between these contrasting conceptualizations may come later, in response to interdisciplinary questions and frameworks.
What we mean as what we said or would have said
Authors: Jönsson Martin L. , Hågemark Hubert
Published: September 2024

We usually mean what we say, but sometimes we do not. When I ironically utter ‘What lovely weather’ on a rainy day, or mistakenly utter ‘Jim is a barn door’ instead of ‘Jim is a darn bore’, I say one thing and mean another. However, although utterances like these are not uncommon, they are greatly overshadowed by the volume of humdrum utterances of ‘There is wine in the fridge’ or ‘I really like nachos’ where we mean what we say. And since we usually mean what we say, the following simple thesis will usually be correct. 

(N) S meant that p by uttering e iff S said that p by uttering e.

The simplicity of (N) raises the question of whether it can be refined in order to also cover situations where we do not mean what we say. In this paper we defend a modal version of (N): an analysis where speaker meaning in most situations is identified with what is actually said, and in other situations with what the speaker would have said in certain counterfactual situations. The analysis constitutes a radical, but welcome, break with Gricean orthodoxy, where linguistic meaning, rather than speaker meaning, is ultimately used to explain other semantic notions.
Resistance training suppresses accumulation of senescent fibro-adipogenic progenitors and senescence-associated secretory phenotype in aging rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Hung Yung-Li , Sato Ayami , Takino Yuka , Ishigami Akihito , Machida Shuichi
Published: September 2024

Accumulation of senescent cells in tissues contributes to multiple aging-related pathologies. Senescent fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) contribute to aging-related muscle atrophy. Resistance training can help to maintain skeletal muscle mass, improve mobility, and reduce certain health risks commonly associated with aging. We investigated, using rat model, the impact of resistance training on FAPs in aging skeletal muscle, which remains unclear. Twenty-two-month-old female rats were divided into sedentary and training groups. The training group rodents were trained to climb a ladder while bearing a load for 20 training sessions over 2 months, after which, the flexor hallucis longus muscles were collected and analyzed. Senescent cells were identified using a senescence-associated β-galactosidase stain and p21 immunohistochemistry (IHC), and FAPs were identified using platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha IHC. The results indicate that resistance training in rats prevented aging-associated skeletal muscle atrophy and suppressed M2 polarization of macrophages. The number of senescent cells was significantly reduced in the 24-month-old training group, with most of them being FAPs. Conversely, the number of senescent FAPs increased significantly in the 24-month-old sedentary group compared with that in the 18-month-old sedentary group. The number of senescent FAPs in the 24-month-old training group decreased significantly. Resistance training also suppressed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The killer T cell-specific marker, CD8α, was elevated in the skeletal muscles of the aging rats following resistance training, indicating upregulation of recognition and elimination of senescent cells. Overall, resistance training suppressed the accumulation of senescent FAPs and acquisition of SASP in aging skeletal muscles.
Laboratory-scale thermo-activated piles under long continuous operation and different mobilised shaft resistance
Authors: Villegas Luis , Rafiei Amin , Narsilio Guillermo A. , Arya Chanakya , Fuentes Raul
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the shaft resistance mobilisation ratio as a predictor of cumulative displacement of small-scale floating and end-bearing energy pile foundations subjected to vertical compressive loads embedded in dry sandy soils. A reduced friction model pile was subjected to different mechanical loads and two long-duration, cyclic heating/recovery temperature changes. The pile, soil and container temperatures, pile strains, and vertical displacements are monitored, analysed, and discussed. The results further validate numerical analyses that propose the shaft resistance mobilisation ratio as a variable to identify thresholds above which permanent cyclic thermo-induced deformations may occur. Overall, the experimentally observed responses indicate incremental deformations as the shaft resistance mobilisation ratio increased. The results also suggest that a mobilisation ratio of 66% could be a potential conservative lower-bound limit that could control the increment of thermal-induced vertical displacements in the long term under free pile head conditions. This suggests that a performance-based design would be a reasonable approach for energy piles, and monitoring programs should be set in the field before loading and thermo-activation.
Nutzung von (digitalen) Gesundheitsinformationen zu Präventionsleistungen
Authors: Hasenpusch C. , Kannengießer L. , Thierbach A. , Hrudey I. , Walter S. , Stallmann C. , Swart E. , March S.
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Um informierte gesundheitliche Entscheidungen in Bezug auf die Teilnahme an präventiven Leistungen der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV) zu treffen, können gezielte Informationen das Inanspruchnahmeverhalten der Bevölkerung beeinflussen. Ältere Menschen sehen sich jedoch im Umgang mit (digitalen) Gesundheitsinformationen vor größere Herausforderungen gestellt. Ziel des Beitrags ist es, das Nutzungsverhalten und den Informationsstand zu präventionsbezogenen Informationen von älteren Menschen in Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, zu untersuchen.

Studiendesign und Untersuchungsmethoden

Zur Untersuchung der Fragestellung wurde eine Setting-bezogene Querschnittbefragung mittels eines selbstadministrativen Fragebogens (n = 98 Items) in fünf Alten- und Servicezentren der Landeshauptstadt Sachsen-Anhalts, Magdeburg, durchgeführt. Die erfassten Daten wurden deskriptiv und anhand von bivariaten Analysen (χ2-Test) ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die Studienpopulation umfasst 254 Personen (84 % weiblich, mittleres Alter: 75 Jahre). 39 % der Befragten verfügen über eine hohe und 61 % über eine niedrige digitale Gesundheitskompetenz. Die Mehrheit (94 %) fühlt sich ausreichend über präventive Leistungen der GKV informiert. Die Befragten nutzen vorwiegend interpersonale Informationsquellen (Gesundheitsprofessionen, Angehörige im sozialen Umfeld). Gleichzeitig vertrauen sie diesen am häufigsten im Vergleich zu internetbasierten Quellen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse tragen dazu bei, Einblicke in das Nutzungsverhalten von analogen und digitalen präventionsbezogenen Gesundheitsinformationen der älteren Bevölkerung Sachsen-Anhalts zu gewinnen. Insbesondere Ärzt:innen als Informationsquelle nehmen aus der Sicht der Befragten eine zentrale Rolle ein. Es lässt sich ableiten, dass eine geringe Vertrauenseinstellung der Befragten gegenüber internetbasierten Quellen ihr Nutzungsverhalten beeinflusst. Zukünftige Vorhaben zur Förderung der (digitalen) Gesundheitskompetenz sollten stärker zielgruppenspezifische Interventionen sowie partizipatorische Entwicklungen präventionsbezogener Informationsangebote fokussieren, um perspektivisch sowohl die (digitale) Gesundheitskompetenz als auch die informierte Entscheidungsfindung zu fördern.
A correspondence between racks and g-digroups
Authors: Restrepo-Sánchez Gabriel Gustavo , Rodríguez-Nieto José Gregorio , Salazar-Díaz Olga Patricia , Velásquez Raúl
Published: September 2024

The aim of this paper is to establish a correspondence between the categories given by the structures of racks and g-digroups, by defining three functors, denoted similarly to those in the case of rack-groups, $$Conj: \mathbf {g-dig}\rightarrow {\textbf {Rack}}$$

C
o
n
j
:

g
-
dig

→
Rack

, $$As: {\textbf {Rack}}\rightarrow \mathbf {g-dig}$$

A
s
:
Rack
→

g
-
dig

, and $$Inn: {\textbf {Rack}}\rightarrow \mathbf {g-dig}$$

I
n
n
:
Rack
→

g
-
dig

. Additionally, we establish certain properties of these functors and prove, as in the case of rack-groups, that the functor As is left adjoint to the functor Conj.