bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct subsets of anti-pulmonary autoantibodies correlate with disease severity and survival in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Tóth Emese , Fagyas Miklós , Nagy Béla , Siket Ivetta Mányiné , Szőke Blanka , Mártha Lilla , Mahdi Mohamed , Erdősi Gábor , Pólik Zsófia , Kappelmayer János , Papp Zoltán , Borbély Attila , Szabó Tamás , Balla József , Balla György , Bácsi Attila , Szekanecz Zoltán , Bai Péter , Tóth Attila
Published: September 2023

Autoantibodies targeting the lung tissue were identified in severe COVID-19 patients in this retrospective study. Fifty-three percent of 104 patients developed anti-pulmonary antibodies, the majority of which were IgM class, suggesting that they developed upon infection with SARS-CoV-2. Anti-pulmonary antibodies correlated with worse pulmonary function and a higher risk of multiorgan failure that was further aggravated if 3 or more autoantibody clones were simultaneously present (multi-producers). Multi-producer patients were older than the patients with less or no autoantibodies. One of the identified autoantibodies (targeting a pulmonary protein of ~ 50 kDa) associated with worse clinical outcomes, including mortality. In summary, severe COVID-19 is associated with the development of lung-specific autoantibodies, which may worsen the clinical outcome. Tissue proteome-wide tests, such as the ones applied here, can be used to detect autoimmunity in the post-COVID state to identify the cause of symptoms and to reveal a new target for treatment.
Impact of submarine karst sulfur springs on benthic foraminiferal assemblage in sediment of northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Ćosović Vlasta , Šanjek Rahela , Hadžić Eric , Rakarić Mihovil , Ištuk Željko , Šušmelj Kaja , Čermelj Branko , Žvab Rožič Petra
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This work highlights the sedimentary characteristics and the role of submarine sulfur-rich karstic springs in the distribution of benthic foraminifera in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea (Bay of Koper). Little is known about how local conditions such as temperature and sulfur bursts may influence sediment properties, benthic habitat variability, and composition of foraminiferal assemblages. Here we compare the distribution of total and living benthic assemblages in surface sediment samples collected from a funnel-shaped depression created by submarine sulfur springs.

Materials and methods

Sampling was performed at water depths between 24.6 and 32.2 m in fine-grained sandy silt to silty sand (partially washed). Sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses of the sediment were carried out and the distribution of benthic foraminifera living around the springs was studied.

Results and discussion

In general, sediment characteristics (i.e., mineralogical, geochemical, and organic content) around the sulfur springs do not show prominent deviations from the marine surface sediment of the area; however, some differences exist among depressions of different depths. Deeper depressions in the lower parts probably extend to older continental sediments of Late Pleistocene age with alluvial features, while shallower depressions were formed entirely in Holocene marine sediments typical of a wider area. Only one of the five samples (M05) contained living foraminifera in sufficient abundance for biocenosis research. The benthic foraminiferal assemblages of moderate diversity are composed of opportunistic species. Elphidium translucens, Ammonia ex gr. tepida, Haynesina depressula, and Porosononion granosum dominate, while A. neobeccarii, Reussella spinulosa, and Textularia bocki are subordinate.

Conclusions

The distribution and diversity of foraminifera in the sediment near sulfur springs can be explained by several factors and their interactions. The intensity of the spring discharge affects the mixing/oxygenation of the sediment, the shape of spring depressions, and the granulometry of the coarser sediment around the springs. Sediment characteristics indicate different types of sediment origin. This is related to and can be explained by the depth of spring depressions.
Adjusting to college—Do ability beliefs and confidence in getting support matter for performance and mental health?
Authors: von Keyserlingk Luise , Moeller Julia , Heckhausen Jutta , Eccles Jacquelynne S. , Arum Richard
Published: September 2023

Entering college, students are required to adjust to a new academic and social environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social interactions with peers and faculty were limited to online settings and access to campus resources was restricted. Hence, students who entered college in fall 2020 began their freshman year under particularly challenging circumstances. We used data from two freshman cohorts, who started college either before or during the pandemic. We investigated to what extent mid-quarter academic and social adjustment (i.e., ability beliefs and confidence in getting support) predicted end-of-quarter performance, psychological distress, and satisfaction of freshman students. Results showed that students who started college during the pandemic were less confident they could get support by peers in the middle of their first quarter. Furthermore, students from the second cohort reported higher psychological distress and lower satisfaction with their adjustment at the end of their first quarter. Results showed that ability beliefs played an important role for end-of-quarter performance, whereas confidence in getting support was more relevant for psychological well-being outcomes in both cohorts.
Influence of Sintering Conditions on Anisotropy of Grain Boundary Networks and Microstructure Topology in Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Faryna Marek , Głowiński Krzysztof , Chulist Robert , Pędzich Zbigniew
Published: September 2023

The paper presents original data of 3D EBSD orientation maps collected for 13 Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSG) samples, sintered at different temperatures for different times. The largest map contains 18,833 grains and 64,506 grain boundaries. These data allowed for the analysis of grain boundary networks, based on all 5 macroscopic parameters and some topological studies of microstructures. Grain boundaries having the (001) and (111) boundary planes are favored and disfavored respectfully in all YSZ samples. The anisotropy appears to be stronger if grains are larger. However, large grains themselves do not imply strong anisotropy. Symmetric boundaries are slightly more frequent in YSZ compared to random boundaries, but despite some premises, the evidence for over-representation of 180 deg-tilt boundaries is still too weak. Distributions of the number of faces per grain and mean number of faces per grain are similar to those reported for metals, and there is a close-to-linear correlation between the number of faces and grain size.

Graphical Abstract
Disposal-based scarcity: How overstock reduction methods influence consumer brand perceptions and evaluations
Authors: Nguyen Oanh Dinh Yen , Bucic Tania , Ngo Liem Viet , Oppewal Harmen
Published: September 2023

Overstock reduction methods offer important marketing signals that may affect consumer brand perceptions. In particular, some overstock reduction methods create disposal-based scarcity, that is, product scarcity resulting from reductions of unsold stock. Three experimental studies reveal distinct effects of incineration, which completely destroys the product, compared with methods that are less destructive, such as recycling, donating, or discounting through factory outlets. Achieving disposal scarcity through destruction ultimately damages consumer brand evaluations. In contrast, recycling, donating, and discounting methods, along with indicating a lack of brand overstock, can enhance brand evaluations. Communicating sold-out stock does not translate into such beneficial effects. These varied effects of different overstock reduction methods are mediated by perceptions of exclusivity, popularity, and wastefulness. Furthermore, the mediating effect of perceived wastefulness in the link between overstock reduction methods and brand evaluations is moderated by self–brand connection but not by perceived brand luxuriousness. This article thus integrates literature on scarcity, branding, wastefulness, and disposal behavior to identify a distinct type of scarcity and the conditions in which it has more positive or negative effects on brand perceptions and evaluations.
Infliximab Ameliorates Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Experimental Rat Model: Impact on Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Apoptotic and Autophagic Machineries
Authors: Wasfey Eman F. , Shaaban Marah , Essam Manalia , Ayman Youssef , Kamar Salma , Mohasseb Tasneem , Rozik Rana , Khaled Huda , Eladly Mohamed , Elissawi Mohammed , Bassem Ahmed , Elshora Shimaa Z. , Radwan Sara M.
Published: September 2023

Accumulating data confirms that Methotrexate (MTX), a well-known immunosuppressive and anticancer drug, causes nephrotoxicity. Infliximab (INF), the inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), was proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it may have potential in preventing MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to inspect the prospective nephroprotective effect of INF on MTX-induced rat nephrotoxicity through investigating the possible molecular mechanisms, including its interference with different death routes, oxidative stress as well as mitochondrial biogenesis. Rats received an INF intraperitoneal single dose of 7 mg/kg 72 h prior to a single 20 mg/kg MTX injection. MTX nephrotoxicity was demonstrated by significantly increased serum levels of the renal indicators urea and creatinine as well as renal inflammatory markers TNF-α and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the renal oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), while renal antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly decreased compared to control. INF injection prior to MTX markedly reversed these MTX-induced effects. Besides, MTX impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, while INF attenuated this impairment, as indicated by increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). Finally, MTX triggered apoptotic and autophagic cascades in renal tissues as evidenced by reduced anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression as well as elevated expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and both key regulators of autophagy; beclin-1 and LC-3, whereas INF pretreatment counteracted these apoptotic and autophagic effects of MTX. Summarily, these results suggest that INF provides protection against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity which could be elucidated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic effects as well as upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis.
The NEDD8-activating enzyme E1 UBA3 orchestrates the immunosuppressive microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma via the NF-кB pathway
Authors: Lin Xiongzhi , Yang Shuhan , Zhou Caichuan , Ao Chengcheng , Sun Dongsheng
Published: September 2023

Immunosuppressive cells play important roles in generating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and facilitating tumor immune escape. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their immunosuppressive effects remain unclear. UBA3, the sole catalytic subunit of the neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 (NEDD8)-activating enzyme E1, is highly expressed in various human malignancies, along with an activated neddylation pathway. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the UBA3-dependent neddylation pathway and the infiltration of several immunosuppressive cell populations in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We explored the regulatory mechanisms of UBA3 in LUAD cells by using mRNA sequencing and functional enrichment analyses. Correlations between neddylation and immune infiltrates were assessed by Western blotting, real-time PCR, and analyses of public databases. We found elevated levels of UBA3 expression in LUAD tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Blocking UBA3 and the neddylation pathway promoted the accumulation of the phosphorylated nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor (p-IκBα), inhibiting the gene expression of tumor cell-derived cytokines such as C–C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)1, CXCL2, colony-stimulating factor (CSF) 1, CSF2 interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1B. Moreover, the overexpression of UBA3 in LUAD cells was associated with the secretion of these cytokines, and the recruitment and infiltration of immunosuppressive cells including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), Th2 cells and T-regulatory cells (Tregs). This could facilitate the tumor immune escape and malignant progression of LUAD. Our findings provide new insights into the role of UBA3 in establishing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by modulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB) signaling and the neddylation pathway.
The Shank/ProSAP N-Terminal (SPN) Domain of Shank3 Regulates Targeting to Postsynaptic Sites and Postsynaptic Signaling
Authors: Woike Daniel , Tibbe Debora , Hassani Nia Fatemeh , Martens Victoria , Wang Emily , Barsukov Igor , Kreienkamp Hans-Jürgen
Published: September 2023

Members of the Shank family of postsynaptic scaffold proteins (Shank1–3) link neurotransmitter receptors to the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines through establishing numerous interactions within the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses. Large Shank isoforms carry at their N-termini a highly conserved domain termed the Shank/ProSAP N-terminal (SPN) domain, followed by a set of Ankyrin repeats. Both domains are involved in an intramolecular interaction which is believed to regulate accessibility for additional interaction partners, such as Ras family G-proteins, αCaMKII, and cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we analyze the functional relevance of the SPN-Ank module; we show that binding of active Ras or Rap1a to the SPN domain can differentially regulate the localization of Shank3 in dendrites. In Shank1 and Shank3, the linker between the SPN and Ank domains binds to inactive αCaMKII. Due to this interaction, both Shank1 and Shank3 exert a negative effect on αCaMKII activity at postsynaptic sites in mice in vivo. The relevance of the SPN-Ank intramolecular interaction was further analyzed in primary cultured neurons; here, we observed that in the context of full-length Shank3, a closed conformation of the SPN-Ank tandem is necessary for proper clustering of Shank3 on the head of dendritic spines. Shank3 variants carrying Ank repeats which are not associated with the SPN domain lead to the atypical formation of postsynaptic clusters on dendritic shafts, at the expense of clusters in spine-like protrusions. Our data show that the SPN-Ank tandem motif contributes to the regulation of postsynaptic signaling and is also necessary for proper targeting of Shank3 to postsynaptic sites. Our data also suggest how missense variants found in autistic patients which alter SPN and Ank domains affect the synaptic function of Shank3.
Identifying Clusters as Local Innovation Systems
Authors: Christopoulos George , Wintjes René
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces an indicator for identifying innovation clusters that transcend traditional sectoral taxonomies and integrate the creation and use of knowledge in regional economic systems. Such clusters can be expected, based on the literature, to provide fertile ground for feedback mechanisms between knowledge supply and demand, hence contributing to circular cumulative growth dynamics through interactive learning. However, when it comes to operationalising the study of innovation, the creation and use of knowledge have been treated as distinct processes in related work. It is this gap that this paper seeks to address. Applying principal component analysis on location quotients of manufacturing employment data and patent microdata for 152 EU regions, we generate a mapping of co-located innovation-related activity that highlights the complex techno-economic structures of regional economies. Our analysis reveals clusters which include industries traditionally labelled as ‘high-tech’, as well as clusters that reflect centuries-old trajectories of geographically concentrated production specialisation. This research sheds new light on the co-location of innovation-related activity in regional economies and provides insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to foster innovation and economic development in the context of evolving knowledge and production eco-systems.
Role of data uncertainty when identifying important areas for biodiversity and carbon in boreal forests
Authors: Kujala Heini , Minunno Francesco , Junttila Virpi , Mikkonen Ninni , Mäkelä Annikki , Virkkala Raimo , Akujärvi Anu , Leikola Niko , Heikkinen Risto K.
Published: September 2023

Forest conservation plays a central role in meeting national and international biodiversity and climate targets. Biodiversity and carbon values within forests are often estimated with models, introducing uncertainty to decision making on which forest stands to protect. Here, we explore how uncertainties in forest variable estimates affect modelled biodiversity and carbon patterns, and how this in turn introduces variability in the selection of new protected areas. We find that both biodiversity and carbon patterns were sensitive to alterations in forest attributes. Uncertainty in features that were rare and/or had dissimilar distributions with other features introduced most variation to conservation plans. The most critical data uncertainty also depended on what fraction of the landscape was being protected. Forests of highest conservation value were more robust to data uncertainties than forests of lesser conservation value. Identifying critical sources of model uncertainty helps to effectively reduce errors in conservation decisions.
Efficacy of a novel patient-focused intervention aimed at increasing adherence to guideline-based preventive measures in asplenic patients: the PrePSS trial
Authors: Camp Johannes , Bayrhuber Marianne , Anka Natascha , Heine Valerie , Glattacker Manuela , Farin-Glattacker Erik , Rieg Siegbert
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To determine whether a novel intervention improves the adherence to guideline-based preventive measures in asplenic patients at risk of post-splenectomy sepsis (PSS).

Methods

We used a prospective controlled, two-armed historical control group design to compare a novel, health action process approach (HAPA)-based telephonic intervention involving both patients and their general practitioners to usual care. Eligible patients were identified in cooperation with the insurance provider AOK Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Patients with anatomic asplenia (n = 106) were prospectively enrolled and compared to a historical control group (n = 113). Comparisons were done using a propensity-score-based overlap-weighting model. Adherence to preventive measures was quantified by the study-specific ‘Preventing PSS score’ (PrePSS score) which includes pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccination status, the availability of a stand-by antibiotic and a medical alert card.

Results

At six months after the intervention, we estimated an effect of 3.96 (95% CI 3.68–4.24) points on the PrePSS score scale (range 0–10) with mean PrePSS scores of 3.73 and 7.70 in control and intervention group, respectively. Substantial improvement was seen in all subcategories of the PrePSS score with the highest absolute gains in the availability of stand-by antibiotics. We graded the degree of participation by the general practitioner (no contact, short contact, full intervention) and noted that the observed effect was only marginally influenced by the degree of physician participation.

Conclusions

Patients who had received the intervention exhibited a significantly higher adherence to guideline-based preventive measures compared to the control group. These data suggest that widespread adoption of this pragmatic intervention may improve management of asplenic patients. Health insurance provider-initiated identification of at-risk patients combined with a patient-focused intervention may serve as a blueprint for a wide range of other preventive efforts leading to patient empowerment and ultimately to better adherence to standards of care.
Development and mechanical characterization of cenosphere-reinforced CFRP and natural rubber core sandwich composite
Authors: Aithal Nithin U. , Mahesh Vishwas , Mahesh Vinyas , Ponnusami Sathiskumar Anusuya , Harursampath Dineshkumar
Published: September 2023

Driven by the growing concern for environmental sustainability, there is an increasing need to explore innovative approaches for repurposing industrial waste materials. This study focuses on investigating the potential uses and challenges associated with cenosphere, a waste product derived from coal combustion in thermal power plants. Typically regarded as waste, cenosphere offers an opportunity to contribute to sustainability efforts. The objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of cenosphere, a ceramic-rich industrial waste, on the mechanical properties of woven CFRP-Rubber-CFRP (Carbon fibre-reinforced polymers) sandwich composites. The composite specimens were fabricated using the conventional hand lay-up technique, incorporating different weight percentages (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) of cenosphere as a particulate filler. Tensile, flexural, and impact testing were conducted according to ASTM standards to assess the impact of the filler content on the mechanical properties. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of approximately 15% by weight of discarded cenosphere significantly enhances the tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and impact strength of the sandwich composites, yielding improvements of approximately 1.6, 1.56, 2.06, and 1.85 times, respectively, compared to unfilled composites. Microscopic analysis of the composites reveals a well-dispersed cenosphere distribution within the matrix, contributing to the notable enhancement in overall strength characteristics.
Intraobserver reliability and validity of a single ultrasonic measurement of the lateral condyle-capsule distance in the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Delgado-Delgado Raquel , Conde-Vázquez Orlando , Fall Fiona Mc , Fernández-Rodríguez Tomás
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the reliability and validity of a single lateral condyle-capsule distance (LCCD) measurement while saving on economic costs and clinical resources.

Methods

A longitudinal test–retest design was used to assess the reliability and validity of single-examiner measures over 72 TMJ sonographic analyses. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and a Bland–Altman plot were used to study reliability and validity, comparing the first measurement of the LCCD to the mean of 3 measurements taken one week later by the same examiner.

Results

ICC show intraobserver reliability of 0.981, 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 0.969 to 0.988. The mean difference between the ultrasound measurements is 0.019 mm (95% CI 0.0005–0.0383) with a standard deviation of 0.080 mm, demonstrating robust validity. The 95% Limits of Agreement (LoA) are − 0.138 for the lower limit and 0.177 for the upper. Mean relative error is 0.009 mm.

Conclusion

Intraobserver reliability of a trained examiner is very high in the single measurement of the LCCD and validity is significant compared to more complex methods. The risk of bias is low since the mean of three LCCD measurements is calculated as opposed to recording only one single measurement.
In maize, co-expression of GAT and GR79-EPSPS provides high glyphosate resistance, along with low glyphosate residues
Authors: Li Shengyan , Li Pengcheng , Li Xiangyin , Wen Ning , Wang Yinxiao , Lu Wei , Lin Min , Lang Zhihong
Published: September 2023

Herbicide tolerance has been the dominant trait introduced during the global commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops. Herbicide-tolerant crops, especially glyphosate-resistant crops, offer great advantages for weed management; however, despite these benefits, glyphosate-resistant maize (Zea mays L.) has not yet been commercially deployed in China. To develop a new bio-breeding resource for glyphosate-resistant maize, we introduced a codon-optimized glyphosate N-acetyltransferase gene, gat, and the enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase gene, gr79-epsps, into the maize variety B104. We selected a genetically stable high glyphosate resistance (GR) transgenic event, designated GG2, from the transgenic maize population through screening with high doses of glyphosate. A molecular analysis demonstrated that single copy of gat and gr79-epsps were integrated into the maize genome, and these two genes were stably transcribed and translated. Field trials showed that the transgenic event GG2 could tolerate 9000 g acid equivalent (a.e.) glyphosate per ha with no effect on phenotype or yield. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that, shortly after glyphosate application, the glyphosate (PMG) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) residues in GG2 leaves decreased by more than 90% compared to their levels in HGK60 transgenic plants, which only harbored the epsps gene. Additionally, PMG and its metabolic residues (AMPA and N-acetyl-PMG) were not detected in the silage or seeds of GG2, even when far more than the recommended agricultural dose of glyphosate was applied. The co-expression of gat and gr79-epsps, therefore, confers GG2 with high GR and a low risk of herbicide residue accumulation, making this germplasm a valuable GR event in herbicide-tolerant maize breeding.
Comparison of Four Protocols for In Vitro Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Trophoblast Lineages by BMP4 and Dual Inhibition of Activin/Nodal and FGF2 Signaling
Authors: Anvar Zahra , Chakchouk Imen , Sharif Momal , Mahadevan Sangeetha , Su Li , Anikar Swathi , Naini Fatemeh Alavi , Utama Alloysius Budi , Van den Veyver Ignatia B.
Published: September 2023

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) cultured in media containing bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4; B) differentiate into trophoblast-like cells. Supplementing media with inhibitors of activin/nodal signaling (A83–01) and of fibroblast growth factor 2 (PD173074) suppresses mesoderm and endoderm formation and improves specification of trophoblast-like lineages, but with variable effectiveness. We compared differentiation in four BMP4-containing media: mTeSR1-BMP4 only, mTeSR1-BAP, basal medium with BAP (basal-BAP), and a newly defined medium, E7-BAP. These media variably drive early differentiation towards trophoblast-like lineages with upregulation of early trophoblast markers CDX2 and KRT7 and downregulation of pluripotency markers (OCT4 and NANOG). As expected, based on differences between media in FGF2 and its inhibitors, downregulation of mesendoderm marker EOMES was variable between media. By day 7, only hESCs grown in E7-BAP or basal-BAP expressed HLA-G protein, indicating the presence of cells with extravillous trophoblast characteristics. Expression of HLA-G and other differentiation markers (hCG, KRT7, and GCM1) was highest in basal-BAP, suggesting a faster differentiation in this medium, but those cultures were more inhomogeneous and still expressed some endodermal and pluripotency markers. In E7-BAP, HLA-G expression increased later and was lower. There was also a low but maintained expression of some C19MC miRNAs, with more CpG hypomethylation of the ELF5 promoter, suggesting that E7-BAP cultures differentiate slower along the trophoblast lineage. We conclude that while all protocols drive differentiation into trophoblast lineages with varying efficiency, they have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when selecting a protocol for specific experiments.
„Das habe ich in der Praxis erlernt!“
Authors: Schuster Kerstin , Junge Helene , Caspar Melanie , Volz-Willems Sara , Jäger Johannes , Dupont Fabian
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Die geplante Reform des Medizinstudiums in Deutschland hat das Potenzial, die akademische Rolle der Allgemeinmedizin stark zu verändern. Der neue Nationale Kompetenzbasierte Lernzielkatalog für das Medizinstudium (NKLM 2.0) stellt die inhaltliche Grundlage des Reformvorschlags dar und richtet die Ausbildung an deutschen medizinischen Fakultäten auf kompetenzbasiertes Lernen aus. Welche allgemeinmedizinisch relevanten Kompetenzen Studierende aktuell während des Studiums konkret erleben und wann das passiert, ist jedoch weitgehend unbekannt.

Zielsetzung

Ziel dieser Studie ist es, das Kompetenzerleben in allgemeinmedizinisch relevanten Kompetenzen sowie die Wunschausprägung nach kompetenzfördernden Lernangeboten zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten des Medizinstudiums an der Universität des Saarlandes (UdS) zu beschreiben.

Material und Methoden

Bei der Studie handelt es sich um eine gleichzeitige explorative Mixed-Methods-Studie. 129 Medizinstudierende des 1. bis 10. Semesters der Universität des Saarlandes wurden anonym zu 29 allgemeinmedizinischen Lernzielen aus dem NKLM 2.0 mittels Fragebogen befragt. Anschließend wurden mit 9 Studierenden halbstrukturierte Interviews geführt. Diese wurden mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Das Kompetenzerleben in den allgemeinmedizinisch relevanten Kompetenzen veränderte sich zu unterschiedlichen Studienzeitpunkten nicht signifikant. Bei vielen der Lernziele fühlten sich die Studierenden zu jedem Zeitpunkt des Studiums inkompetent. Die Wunschausprägung nach Lernangeboten bleibt während des Medizinstudiums konstant. Die Studierenden sahen ihren Lernzuwachs am stärksten während der Praktika und in den Wahlfächern. Die allgemeinmedizinischen Lehrangebote der UdS wurden von den Teilnehmenden als hilfreich beim Kompetenzerwerb empfunden. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Bedeutung von allgemeinmedizinischen Praktika für den Erwerb praktischer Fähigkeiten und sind ein Plädoyer für mehr kompetenzfördernde Lernangebote in allgemeinmedizinischen Curricula.
How Do Risk Preferences Affect Golf Course Superintendents’ Adoption of Precision Irrigation Technologies? Implications from Prospect Theory
Authors: Wang Yang , Yue Chengyan , Watkins Eric , Straw Chase
Published: September 2023

Precision irrigation is a potential viable strategy for water use reductions on golf courses by making variable or site-specific irrigation applications. A group of US golf course superintendents were surveyed to examine whether and how superintendents’ risk preferences (attitudes) affect the adoption decisions of precision irrigation technologies on their golf courses. Under the prospect theory (PT) framework, a lottery experiment was used to elicit the measures of three risk attitudes, that is, risk curvature, probability distortion, and loss aversion. Using these three measures and other questions in the survey, we found that risk curvature has a significant positive effect on the precision irrigation technologies adoption on golf courses, while probability distortion affects the adoption negatively. Compared to the golf course in low precipitation areas, superintendents’ risk attitudes are more likely to affect the precision irrigation technologies adoption in the golf course in high precipitation areas. Additionally, risk curvature dominates the adoption decisions for newer technologies, while probability distortion dominates the older technologies adoption decisions. Our research enriches the literature on the decision-making behaviors of managers by considering how probability distortion, a factor typically ignored by other studies, affects technology adoption decisions and adds to the literature on examining the technology adoption behaviors under PT by focusing on golf course superintendents, a group that has not been studied.
Strong convergence of an epidemic model with mixing groups
Authors: Ball Frank , Neal Peter
Published: September 2023

We consider an SIR (susceptible
$\to$
infective
$\to$
recovered) epidemic in a closed population of size n, in which infection spreads via mixing events, comprising individuals chosen uniformly at random from the population, which occur at the points of a Poisson process. This contrasts sharply with most epidemic models, in which infection is spread purely by pairwise interaction. A sequence of epidemic processes, indexed by n, and an approximating branching process are constructed on a common probability space via embedded random walks. We show that under suitable conditions the process of infectives in the epidemic process converges almost surely to the branching process. This leads to a threshold theorem for the epidemic process, where a major outbreak is defined as one that infects at least
$\log n$
individuals. We show further that there exists
$\delta \gt 0$
, depending on the model parameters, such that the probability that a major outbreak has size at least
$\delta n$
tends to one as
$n \to \infty$
.
Diagnostic Assessment of Respiratory and Hemodynamic Changes Related to Prone Position in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: López-Viñas Laura , Roy-Vallejo Emilia , Rocío-Martín Esmeralda , de la Rosa Santiago Elena , Zamora García Enrique , Galván-Román Jose María , Wix-Ramos Rybel
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To study the respiratory patterns and the hemodynamic variations related to postural changes in inpatients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Methods:

This report is a prospective study in a cohort of inpatients admitted with COVID-19. We recruited 10 patients admitted to the hospital with moderate or severe COVID-19 who showed improvement in oxygen saturation with prone positioning. We performed cardiorespiratory polygraphy and hemodynamic evaluations by thoracic electrical bioimpedance.

Results:

We observed a median minimum oxygen saturation of 85.00% (IQR: 7.00) in the supine position versus 91.00% (IQR: 8.00) (P = 0.173) in the prone position. The airflow restriction in the supine position was 2.70% (IQR: 6.55) versus 1.55% (IQR: 2.80) (P = 0.383) in the prone position. A total of 36.4% of patients were classified as having a normo-hemodynamic state in the supine position, whereas 54.5% were classified in this group in the prone position (P = 0.668). A decrease in vascular resistance was observed in the prone position (18.2% of vasoconstriction) compared to the supine position (36.4% of vasoconstriction) (P = 0.871).

Conclusion:

This brief report describes the effects of prone positioning on respiratory and hemodynamic variables in 10 patients with moderate or severe COVID-19.
Challenges and Opportunities in Modernizing Clinical Trial Recruitment
Authors: Pasha Amirala S. , Silbert Richard
Published: September 2023

Clinical trial recruitment is ripe for innovation. The current model is costly, often results in poor recruitment and offers inequitable access. To improve this system, we envision a peer-to-peer blockchain platform where patients control the depth and breadth of how their medical information is shared.
SYSTEMATIC ANALYSES OF RADIOCARBON AGES OF COEXISTING PLANKTONIC FORAMINIFERA
Authors: Lippold Jörg , Gottschalk Julia , Lynch-Stieglitz Jean , Schmidt Matthew W , Szidat Sönke , Bahr Andre
Published: September 2023

We compare radiocarbon (14C) ages of coexisting planktonic foraminifera species from sediment cores VM12-107 and KNR166-2-26JPC from the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean for three time periods (Holocene, Heinrich Stadial 1, last glacial maximum). We find a maximum inter-species difference of 120014C yr. On average, the14C ages deviate by ∼300 yr betweenGlobigerinoides ruberand other species. In most cases, this exceeds the analytical uncertainty range of the measurements and thus renders the choice of species for generating age models as important as sample weight. While modern stratified water-column profiles imply an increase in14C ages with water depth, we observe an expected parallel increase of14C ages and δ18O only at VM12-107. The mismatch between14C ages and δ18O at KNR166-2-26JPC likely results from the effects of bioturbation and the hydrographic setting. The largest difference in14C ages between mixed-layer versus thermocline-calcifying planktonic foraminifera are observed during Heinrich Stadial 1 despite a decrease in upper-ocean stratification at that time. This difference is likely the result of inconsistent increases in14C reservoir ages during times of reduced overturning circulation masking the potential of14C ages of coexisting planktonic foraminifera to reflect the density stratification of the water column.
Who Shapes the Law? Gender and Racial Bias in Judicial Citations
Authors: SZMER JOHN , MOYER LAURA P. , HAIRE SUSAN B. , CHRISTENSEN ROBERT K.
Published: September 2023

In this letter, we assess whether the contributions of judges from underrepresented groups are undervalued or overlooked, thereby reducing these judges’ influence on legal policy. Drawing on an original dataset of discretionary citations to over 2,000 published federal appellate decisions, we find that the majority of opinions written by female judges receive less attention from other courts than those by similarly situated men and that this is largely attributable to disparities in citing Black women and Latinas. We also find that additional efforts by Black and Latinx judges to ground their opinions in precedent yield a much lower rate of return in subsequent citations by outside circuits than comparable work by white men and women judges. This suggests that, despite gains in diversification in the federal judiciary, stereotypes about social identities will play a powerful role in determining whose ideas receive recognition.
William Munro Tapp: Colonial Investor and Caius College Philanthropist, 1925–1937
Authors: Bell-Romero Nicolas
Published: September 2023

William Munro Tapp, the largest post-foundation benefactor to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, was a prominent lawyer who directed multiple businesses interested in water utilities, motor car manufacturing, and brewing. That much is acknowledged at Caius today. Yet Tapp was also a director of the sugar refiners Manbré & Garton Limited, and he helped establish a sugar plantation in Kenya. Alongside his involvement in an African estate, he held investments in other plantations and colonial enterprises. He was part of a class of gentlemanly capitalists who participated in imperial expansion and then donated their wealth to British cultural institutions, including colleges and universities. While much public attention has been paid to Cecil Rhodes, this article argues that both Tapp and Rhodes were members of a larger group of men and women who provided their wealth to educational institutions, thereby entrenching the financial legacies of colonialism in universities. By focusing on more minor figures in the British empire, like Tapp, historians can better address the continuities of universities’ financial connections to coerced labour and colonialism across time and understand that private connections and affective attachments between individuals and institutions were as significant as governmental policies in directing the spoils of empire.
PUTTING EGO ASIDE IN NEW OPERA: ON THE CO-CREATIVE DYNAMICS AROUND JE SUIS NARCISSISTE
Authors: Pascual Carles Vicent , Besada José L.
Published: September 2023

The world of opera is well known as a professional community in which egos often clash, yet the complexity of the operatic artwork is often heavily dependent on collaborative practice. This article discusses the co-creative dynamics that gave rise to the premiere production of the comic opera Je suis narcissiste, by composer Raquel García-Tomás, librettist Helena Tornero and stage director Marta Pazos. Through a series of interviews with this artistic team, and a scrutiny of the libretto, score and documentary video recording of its premiere, three significant features of this collaboration are flagged, particularly in Act VIII. These are: a quest for balance in the convergence of the disciplines involved; a mitigation of undesired redundancies in the representation of some elements in the action of the opera; a consideration of the capacity of the human and material resources available for the premiere. The article will also discuss how these anticipatory strategies helped to optimise time during rehearsals.
DIAHEMITONIC MODALITY: A QUARTER-TONAL COMPOSITION SYSTEM
Authors: Kaplan Simon
Published: September 2023

This article describes a design process for a composition system based upon the quarter-tone scale. As the semitone and quarter-tone scales share the same properties, a musical grammar based upon the former is used as a model to construct an analogous musical grammar based upon the latter. Within the scope of diatonic modal music, the organisation of pitches and durations is analysed from a scientific perspective. Several parameters are taken into consideration: scale, mode, chord, cadence, metre and rhythm. The one-to-one mapping of each facet of diatonic modality onto quarter-tonality results in diahemitonic modality.
Lapse risk modeling in insurance: a Bayesian mixture approach
Authors: Lobo Viviana G. R. , Fonseca Thaís C. O. , Alves Mariane B.
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on modeling surrender time for policyholders in the context of life insurance. In this setup, a large lapse rate at the first months of a contract is often observed, with a decrease in this rate after some months. The modeling of the time to cancelation must account for this specific behavior. Another stylized fact is that policies which are not canceled in the study period are considered censored. To account for both censoring and heterogeneous lapse rates, this work assumes a Bayesian survival model with a mixture of regressions. The inference is based on data augmentation allowing for fast computations even for datasets of over millions of clients. Moreover, frequentist point estimation based on Expectation–Maximization algorithm is also presented. An illustrative example emulates a typical behavior for life insurance contracts, and a simulated study investigates the properties of the proposed model. A case study is considered and illustrates the flexibility of our proposed model allowing different specifications of mixture components. In particular, the observed censoring in the insurance context might be up to$50\%$of the data, which is very unusual for survival models in other fields such as epidemiology. This aspect is exploited in our simulated study.
Außen hui und innen pfui?
Authors: Bossle Michael , Winter Claudia
Published: September 2023

Zusammenfassung: Von inneren und äußeren Waagschalen der Professionalisierung und des Marketings: Michael Bossle im Gespräch mit Claudia Winter, die sich seit Jahren entweder als Lehrerin, Schulleiterin oder jetzt als Lehrer_innenbildnerin intensiv mit der Situation der Ausbildung und den Pflegeschulen in Deutschland beschäftigt/e.
QEvaPfleGe
Authors: Muck Katharina , Winter Claudia
Published: September 2023

Zusammenfassung: Mit dem Qualitätstableau „QEvaPfleGe“ wird Lehrenden ein praxisnahes Instrument an die Hand gegeben – sowohl für die Gestaltung partizipativer und systematisch-analytischer Evaluationen als auch zur selbstkritischen Überprüfung schulinterner Curricula.
Erhebungsmethoden zur Erfassung der Erzählfähigkeit von Kindern im Vor- und Grundschulalter
Authors: Meier Birte , Neitzel Isabel
Published: September 2023

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Erzählfähigkeit ist von hoher schulischer Relevanz. Die kindlichen Leistungen variieren je nach Erhebungsmethode, bisher fehlen jedoch konkrete Vergleichsdaten über Vor- und Schulalter hinweg. Fragestellung: Welche Erzählleistung zeigen deutschsprachige Kinder mit typischer Sprachentwicklung in den Altersklassen von drei bis neun Jahren in Abhängigkeit von der Erzählform (Nacherzählung vs. freie Erzählung)? Methode: Erzählungen anhand eines non-verbalen Bilderbuchs von 89 Kindern im Alter von 3 – 9 Jahren wurden in zwei Subgruppen (Nacherzählung: 3, 5, 9 Jahre; freie Erzählung: 4 – 8 Jahre) verglichen. Die Daten der Gruppe freie Erzählung stammten aus einem CHILDES-Korpus. Die Transkripte wurden anhand eines Punktbewertungssystems (NSS) in sieben Erzählkategorien (z. B. Referenzierung, Schluss) bewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Erzählleistung steigt signifikant über die gesamte Altersspanne ohne auftretende Deckeneffekte, ist aber bei Schuleintritt noch deutlich reduziert. Die freie Erzählung liegt bei Neunjährigen, gemessen am mittleren NSS-Score, 3 – 4 Jahre hinter der Nacherzählung zurück. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Die fortschreitende Entwicklung der Erzählfähigkeit im Grundschulalter sowie das Schwierigkeitsniveau der Erzählformen sollten im Schulkontext beachtet werden.
How Do Rift‐Related Fault Network Distributions Evolve? Quantitative Comparisons Between Natural Fault Observations and 3D Numerical Models of Continental Extension
Authors: Pan Sophie , Naliboff John , Bell Rebecca , Jackson Chris
Published: September 2023

Continental extension is primarily accommodated by the evolution of normal fault networks. Rifts are shaped by complex tectonic processes and it has historically been difficult to determine the key rift controls using only observations from natural rifts. Here, we use 3D thermo‐mechanical, high‐resolution (<650 m) forward models of continental extension to investigate how fault network patterns vary as a function of key rift parameters, including extension rate, the magnitude of strain weakening, and the distribution and magnitude of initial crustal damage. We quantitatively compare modeled fault networks with observations of fault patterns in natural rifts, finding key similarities in their along‐strike variability and scaling distributions. We show that fault‐accommodated strain summed across the entire 180 × 180 km study area increases linearly with time. We find that large faults do not abide by power‐law scaling as they are limited by an upper finite characteristic, ω0. Fault weakening, and the spatial distribution of initial plastic strain blocks, exert a key control on fault characteristics. We show that off‐fault (i.e., non‐fault extracted) deformation accounts for 25%–45% of the total extensional strain, depending on the rift parameters. As fault population statistics produce distinct characteristics for our investigated rift parameters, further numerical and observational data may enable the future reconstruction of key rifting parameters through observational data alone.
The Impact of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation on the Formation of the Arabian Sea Monsoon Onset Vortex
Authors: Dhavale Shreyas , Aiyyer Anantha
Published: September 2023

During certain years, a synoptic scale vortex called the monsoon onset vortex (MOV) forms within the northward advancing zone of precipitating convection over the Arabian Sea. The MOV does not form each year and the reason is unclear. Since the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) is known to modulate convection and tropical cyclones in the tropics, we examined its role in the formation of the MOV. While the convective and transition phases of the MJO do not always lead to MOV formation, the suppressed phase of the MJO hinders the formation of the MOV more consistently. This asymmetric relationship between the MJO and MOV can be partially explained by the modulation of the large‐scale environment, measured by a tropical cyclone genesis index. It also suggests that the Arabian Sea is generally near a critical state that is favorable for MOV formation during the monsoon onset period.