bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Wirkung von elektromagnetischen Feldern auf Tendinopathien
Authors: Wilms Patrick , Schröder Jan , Scheit Lorenz , Reer Rüdiger
Published: August 2024

Zielsetzung

Tendinopathien sind Erkrankungen, die häufig eine langfristige Behandlung mit Analgetika, Physiotherapie, Orthesen und Schonung erfordern. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Wirkung einer einmaligen Anwendung von hochenergetischem PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) auf das Schmerzempfinden und unspezifische Entzündungsparameter zu untersuchen.

Methode

34 Patienten wurden nach dem Zufallsprinzip einer Verumgruppe (10 min PEMF; 0,78 T) oder einer Placebogruppe (10 min Scheinbehandlung) zugeteilt. Vor und bis zu einer Woche nach der patientenverblindeten Behandlung (t1–t5) wurde der lokale Schmerzzustand (Algometrie) als Druckschmerzschwelle (PPT, pain pressure threshold) ermittelt. Gleichzeitig wurden Hitzeschockprotein 70 (HSP70) Blutkonzentrationen analysiert. Das zweifaktorielle Datenmodell wurde varianzanalytisch ausgewertet (2-way ANOVA). Die Studie wurde als „clinical trial“ registriert (DRKS00031321).

Ergebnisse

Nach Randomisierung und Drop-out (Verum n = 17, Placebo n = 13) ergaben Baseline-Analysen keine signifikanten Gruppenunterschiede für PPT (p = 0,096) oder HSP70 (p = 0,524), oder in Stichprobenmerkmalen (p > 0,05). Für die PEMF Gruppe zeigte sich ein signifikant stärkerer Anstieg (p = 0,045, η2 = 0,013) der Druckschmerzschwelle (PPT: +83 bis + 139 %) als für die Placebo Gruppe (PPT: +10 bis + 36 %). Für HSP70 zeigten sich keine assoziierten Effekte.

Schlussfolgerungen

Eine einmalige Anwendung von hochenergetischem PEMF führte zu einer sofortigen Placebo-Effekt bereinigten Schmerzlinderung über eine Woche bei Tendinopathie-Patienten, aber der vermutete zugrunde liegende HSP70-assoziierte Entzündungsweg konnte nicht bestätigt werden.

Graphic abstract
Aphakiekorrektur bei unzureichender Kapselsackstabilität
Authors: Baur Isabella D. , Winkelmann Isabel , Albrecht Michael , Botros Youssef , Auffarth Gerd U. , Khoramnia Ramin
Published: August 2024

Eine Vielzahl an Situationen kann zur Notwendigkeit führen, eine Intraokularlinse(IOL) andernorts als im Kapselsack zu fixieren. Je nach Ausgangssituation stehen sulcusfixierte IOL, irisfixierte IOL (IFIOL) und sklerafixierte (SFIOL) zur Verfügung. Bei den SFIOL werden nahtfixierte von nahtlos fixierten Techniken unterschieden. Diese Arbeit soll einen Überblick über die Vor- und Nachteile der Methoden, einschließlich der neueren Methoden der nahtlosen SFIOL, geben. Welches Verfahren im jeweiligen Fall angewendet wird, hängt sowohl von den individuellen Gegebenheiten des Patienten als auch von der Erfahrung des Operateurs ab.
Computing marginal and conditional divergences between decomposable models with applications in quantum computing and earth observation
Authors: Lee Loong Kuan , Webb Geoffrey I. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Piatkowski Nico
Published: August 2024

The ability to compute the exact divergence between two high-dimensional distributions is useful in many applications, but doing so naively is intractable. Computing the $$\alpha \beta $$

α
β

-divergence—a family of divergences that includes the Kullback–Leibler divergence and Hellinger distance—between the joint distribution of two decomposable models, i.e., chordal Markov networks, can be done in time exponential in the treewidth of these models. Extending this result, we propose an approach to compute the exact $$\alpha \beta $$

α
β

-divergence between any marginal or conditional distribution of two decomposable models. In order to do so tractably, we provide a decomposition over the marginal and conditional distributions of decomposable models. We then show how our method can be used to analyze distributional changes by first applying it to the benchmark image dataset QMNIST and a dataset containing observations from various areas at the Roosevelt Nation Forest and their cover type. Finally, based on our framework, we propose a novel way to quantify the error in contemporary superconducting quantum computers.
Anthropomorphism – a double edged sword: influences on acceptance of livestock keeping
Authors: Knörr Andrea , Zhou Xiao , Bearth Angela , Siegrist Michael
Published: August 2024

Anthropomorphism, the attribution of human-like qualities to non-human entities, can influence comprehension of the surrounding world. Going beyond previous research on the general assessment of anthropomorphism, the current study aimed to explore how anthropomorphising a specific animal species influences public acceptance of livestock keeping practices. Specifically, we focused on welfare-infringing practices that limit animals’ freedom, describe disruptive procedures, social isolation, or other stressful situations. Lacking experience in livestock keeping, it is likely that people project their own preferences to animals when judging livestock keeping practices. Questionnaire data from a sample of the Swiss German public (N = 1232) were analysed regarding their acceptance of livestock keeping practices, as well as anthropomorphism for three animals: cattle, pigs, and poultry. We showed that judgement of livestock keeping was related to an anthropomorphic view of animals. This takes two opposite directions: (1) anthropomorphising was connected to a more critical view of livestock keeping practices and (2) the attribution of more cognitive capabilities to cattle and poultry was associated with a higher acceptance of welfare-infringing livestock keeping practices. The tendency to anthropomorphise was species-dependent, with the two mammals eliciting a higher tendency to anthropomorphise than poultry. The results suggest that the tendency to anthropomorphise plays a significant role in shaping the public’s opinion on livestock keeping. We argue that, when activating the tendency to anthropomorphise in the media, advertisements, or political publicity (e.g. by highlighting human-like features), a certain level of caution should be taken to avoid undesirable outcomes.
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention Programme to Improve Attention in Primary Schools
Authors: Aranberri Ruiz Ainara , Nevado Borja , Migueles Seco Malen , Aritzeta Galán Aitor
Published: August 2024

The importance of attentional capacity for academic performance is highlighted by the increasing demands placed on students during primary school. Between the ages of 7 and 12, there is an evolutionary improvement in attentional capacity and the school environment is considered an appropriate setting in which to develop programmes to improve attention. Heart rate variability is an appropriate indicator of attentional capacity. For all these reasons, a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention focused on breathing was developed and implemented to improve attention. The intervention consisted of two phases. In the first phase, the school teachers were trained to develop the intervention; in the second, students received five individual sessions from their teachers. In each individual session, they learned to breathe to increase their heart rate variability. A total of 272 girls and 314 boys (N = 586) aged 7–12 years participated in the programme. To study the impact of the intervention on three primary school age groups, the attention of Control and Experimental groups was assessed before and after the implementation of the programme. According to the data obtained, despite developmental improvements, the students who participated in the programme showed an increase in heart rate variability and an improvement in attentional capacity, with a greater impact on the first cycle of primary school. The usefulness of heart rate variability biofeedback interventions in improving attention in primary school is discussed and arguments for their use in children are presented.
SGLT2 inhibition improves PI3Kα inhibitor–induced hyperglycemia: findings from preclinical animal models and from patients in the BYLieve and SOLAR-1 trials
Authors: Borrego Manuel Ruiz , Lu Yen-Shen , Reyes-Cosmelli Felipe , Park Yeon Hee , Yamashita Toshinari , Chiu Joanne , Airoldi Mario , Turner Nicholas , Fein Luis , Ghaznawi Farhat , Singh Jyotika , Pantoja Kristyn , Schnell Christian , Akdere Murat , Chia Stephen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Alpelisib plus fulvestrant demonstrated a significant progression-free survival benefit versus fulvestrant in patients with PIK3CA-mutated HR+ /HER2− advanced breast cancer (ABC) (SOLAR-1). Hyperglycemia, an on-target adverse effect of PI3Kα inhibition, can lead to dose modifications, potentially impacting alpelisib efficacy. We report data from preclinical models and two clinical trials (SOLAR-1 and BYLieve) on Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use to improve PI3Kα inhibitor–associated hyperglycemia.

Methods

Healthy Brown Norway (BN), mild diabetic Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF), and Rat1-myr-p110α/HBRX3077 tumor–bearing nude rats treated with alpelisib were analyzed for glucose and insulin control with metformin and dapagliflozin (SGLT2i) and alpelisib efficacy. Hyperglycemia adverse events (AEs) were compared between patients receiving SGLT2i with alpelisib (n = 19) and a propensity score–matched cohort not receiving SGLT2i (n = 74) in both trials.

Results

Dapagliflozin and metformin in BN and ZDF rats treated with alpelisib normalized blood glucose and reduced insulin levels. No signs of ketosis or drug-drug interaction were observed when metformin and dapagliflozin was administered with alpelisib. Alpelisib antitumor efficacy was maintained when used with dapagliflozin in tumor-bearing rats. Compared with a matched set of patients without SGLT2i, patients receiving SGLT2i had 4.9 and 6.4 times lower rates of grade ≥ 3 hyperglycemia AEs and hyperglycemia AEs resulting in alpelisib dose adjustments, interruptions, or withdrawals, respectively, and a relative reduction in risk of experiencing these AEs (70.6% and 35.7%).

Conclusion

These data suggest adding an SGLT2i can effectively manage hyperglycemia, resulting in fewer alpelisib dose modifications and discontinuations in patients with PIK3CA-mutated HR+ /HER2− ABC (SOLAR-1: NCT02437318; BYLieve: NCT03056755).
Resting segmental speckle tracking strain and strain rate in stable coronary artery disease and revascularized myocardial infarction
Authors: Akay Caglayan Hatice , Kjønås Didrik , Kornev Mikhail , Iqbal Amjid , Jazbani Mehran , Rösner Assami
Published: August 2024

Patients with acute coronary artery disease (CAD) exhibit reduced global and regional strain and strain rate (S/SR). However, knowledge about segmental S/SR in stable CAD patients is still limited. This study aimed to investigate whether resting segmental S/SR measurements differ in patients with chronic chest pain who have normal coronary arteries or stenotic coronary arteries, and to compare these measurements to those in patients with revascularized myocardial infarction (MI). We prospectively enrolled 510 patients with chronic chest pain referred for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and 102 patients revascularized after MI. All participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography featuring S/SR analysis. In addition to the patients with MI, patients with suspected CAD based on CCTA findings subsequently underwent invasive coronary angiography (CAG). We assessed global longitudinal strain (GLS) and averaged segmental peak longitudinal strain during systole (PLS), peak systolic strain rate (SRs), peak early diastolic strain rate (SRe), and post systolic shortening (PSS). We also determined functionally reduced segment percentages using differing S/SR cut-off values. There were significant disparities in all average segmental S/SR metrics between the No-CAD and MI groups. SRe was the only S/SR metric that differed significantly between the No-CAD and PCI groups. Differences in SRe, PLS and GLS measurements were observed between the No-CAD and CABG groups. The proportion of diminished segmental S/SR mirrored these findings. For the percentage of pathological segments with varying cut-off values, segmental SRe below 1.5 s− 1 displayed the most marked difference among the four groups (p < 0.001). Revascularized MI patients or those referred to CABG present with diminished segmental S/SR values. However, among patients with chronic chest pain, only segmental SRe discerns subtle disparities between the No-CAD and the PCI group. The diagnostic accuracy of SRe warrants further exploration in subsequent studies.
Early Childhood Temperament Factors and Callous-Unemotional Traits in Preschool and School Aged- Children: A Systematic Narrative Review
Authors: Chau Vivian , Eapen Valsamma , Hawkins Erinn , Kohlhoff Jane
Published: August 2024

Background

There is growing interest in research understanding the individual-specific predictors of child callous-unemotional (CU) traits, particularly in early childhood.

Objective

This study reviewed evidence from studies that investigated the relationship between early child temperament factors (between 0 and 3 years) and CU traits in children aged 3 to 13 years.

Methods

A systematic search conducted according to PRISMA guidelines yielded 8 peer-reviewed articles.

Results

Analysis of the included articles suggested that there was emerging evidence to support links between early temperament factors (particularly, fearlessness and social affiliation) and child CU traits.

Conclusions

The results of this review demonstrate the ongoing need for further research to clarify the temperamental profiles of children with CU traits, particularly across fearlessness, social affiliation, and general temperament dimensions.
Model systems for clarifying the effects of surface modification on fibre–fibre joint strength and paper mechanical properties
Authors: Asta Nadia , Loist Maximilian , Reid Michael S. , Wågberg Lars
Published: August 2024

The growing demand for sustainable products has spurred research into renewable materials, with cellulose-based materials emerging as prominent candidates due to their exceptional properties, abundance, and wide-ranging applications. In this context, there is a need to develop a better fundamental understanding of cellulose interactions such that we can continue to design and improve sustainable materials. Individual interactions can be difficult to assess in bulk fibre-based materials and therefore cellulose model materials have become indispensable tools for researchers as they can facilitate the study of cellulose interactions at a molecular level enabling the design of sustainable materials with enhanced properties.

This study presents a new methodology for studying the effects of surface treatments on the individual fibre–fibre joint strength using wet-spun cellulose nanofiber (CNF) filaments as model materials. The Layer-by-Layer assembly technique is used to modify the surface chemistry of the model materials as well as bleached and unbleached hardwood Kraft fibres, demonstrating its potential to enhance adhesive properties and overall mechanical performance of papers made from these fibres. The study further explores the impact of increasing network density through wet-pressing during paper preparation, showcasing a comprehensive approach to molecularly tailor fibre-based materials to achieve superior mechanical properties. The proposed methodology provides a time-efficient evaluation of chemical additives in paper preparation.
Combined location online weather data: easy-to-use targeted weather analysis for agriculture
Authors: Yates Darren , Blanchard Christopher , Clarke Allister , Rehman Sabih-Ur , Islam Md Zahidul , Ford Russell , Walsh Rob
Published: August 2024

The continuing effects of climate change require farmers and growers to have greater understanding of how these changes affect crop production. However, while climatic data is generally available to help provide much of that understanding, it can often be in a form not easy to digest. The proposed Combined Location Online Weather Data (CLOWD) framework is an easy-to-use online platform for analysing recent and historical weather data of any location within Australia at the click of a map. CLOWD requires no programming skills and operates in any HTML5 web browser on PC and mobile devices. It enables comparison between current and previous growing seasons over a range of environmental parameters, and can create a plain-English PDF report for offline use, using natural language generation (NLG). This paper details the platform, the design decisions taken and outlines how farmers and growers can use CLOWD to better understand current growing conditions. Prototypes of CLOWD are now online for PCs and smartphones.
Interpersonal Emotion Regulation in Young Adults With Low and High Psychosis Proneness: A Diary Study
Authors: Riehle Marcel , Brauer Saskia , Lincoln Tania M. , Pruessner Luise
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Emotion regulation is a complex process that often involves the presence of others, also known as interpersonal emotion regulation (IER). However, little is known about how psychotic symptoms relate to IER. We investigated whether young adults with elevated psychosis proneness engage in IER less frequently and find it less helpful than those with low psychosis proneness.

Methods

Psychosis-prone young adults with attenuated negative (PP-NES, n = 37) and positive symptoms (PP-POS, n = 20) and a low psychosis-prone control group (CG, n = 52) were recruited based on a priori defined cut-offs for the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences. Participants provided daily diaries over one week, reporting negative symptoms, paranoia, positive and negative affect, and the frequency and efficacy of IER strategies to upregulate positive and downregulate negative emotions.

Results

Multilevel models showed that PP-NES reported using IER less frequently and found it less effective compared to CG. PP-POS reported turning to others for advice in distressing situations more than the CG. These group differences were related to aberrant affect levels in PP-NES. Across groups, participants used IER less on days on which they reported more negative symptoms and used it more on days on which they reported more paranoia.

Conclusions

These findings suggest symptom-specific aberrations in everyday IER in psychosis-prone young adults. Moreover, from day to day, young adults (psychosis-prone or not) appear to adjust their use of IER depending on current social motivation and distress levels. Future research should investigate whether these aberrations are dysfunctional regarding social inclusion and symptom trajectories.
Effects of blue-light irradiation on abscisic acid signaling and sugar translocation in Vitis labruscana L.H. Bailey grapevines
Authors: Kondo Satoru , Ishioka Miho , Hoshi Chihiro , Tomiyama Hiroyuki , Masuda Yukino , Murata Souma , Saito Takanori , Ohkawa Katsuya , Ohara Hitoshi , Iwasaki Naoto , Setha Sutthiwal , Heng Wei , Takeuchi Jun , Todoroki Yasushi
Published: August 2024

The effects of blue-light irradiation on abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, sugar metabolism and translocation, and photoreceptors and gene expressions were investigated to clarify the mechanism by which blue-LED irradiation increases sugar concentrations in grape berries (Vitis labruscana L.). Blue light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation increased the portion of 13C-photosynthates in the grapevine clusters that were fed 13CO2; compared to the portion in the cluster in the untreated control. Fructose and glucose concentrations and the expressions of VvSWEET10, VvSUC11, and VvSUS4 in blue LED-irradiated berries were increased. The blue LED-irradiated berries’ sucrose concentrations were significantly lower than the untreated control at 14 days after treatment. We speculated that the blue LED-treated berries’ decreased sucrose was associated with the increased Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (VvSWEET10), sucrose transporter (VvSUC11), and sucrose synthase (VvSUS4) expressions and promoted the translocation of 13C-photosynthates from the leaves that were fed 13CO2. Blue-LED irradiation increased the expressions of SNF1-related protein kinases (VvSnRK2.6) and ABA responding element binding transcription factor (VvABF1), while decreasing the expression of protein phosphateses 2C9 (VvPP2C9) genes, which are related to ABA signaling. Blue-LED irradiation increased the expressions of cryptochrome (VvCRYa) and phototropin (VvPHOT2), which are photoreceptor genes. The application of the pyrabactin resistance-like (PYL)-PP2C ABA receptor interaction antagonist AS6 did not affect endogenous ABA concentrations in the grape berries, but it decreased sucrose concentrations at harvest. The application of ABA did not affect sucrose, glucose, or fructose concentrations or the expressions of VvSnRK2.6 and VvPP2C9. The application of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, an inhibitor of 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase activity in ABA biosynthesis) did not affect sugar concentrations at harvest. These results suggest that upregulation of photoreceptor gene expressions and ABA signaling are associated with sugar concentrations in grape berries.
Quantifying attrition in science: a cohort-based, longitudinal study of scientists in 38 OECD countries
Authors: Kwiek Marek , Szymula Lukasz
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we explore how members of the scientific community leave academic science and how attrition (defined as ceasing to publish) differs across genders, academic disciplines, and over time. Our approach is cohort-based and longitudinal: We track individual male and female scientists over time and quantify the phenomenon traditionally referred to as “leaving science.” Using publication metadata from Scopus—a global bibliometric database of publications and citations—we follow the details of the publishing careers of scientists from 38 OECD countries who started publishing in 2000 (N = 142,776) and 2010 (N = 232,843). Our study is restricted to 16 STEMM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine), and we track the individual scholarly output of the two cohorts until 2022. We use survival analysis to compare attrition of men and women scientists. With more women in science and more women within cohorts, attrition is becoming ever less gendered. In addition to the combined aggregated changes at the level of all STEMM disciplines, widely nuanced changes were found to occur at the discipline level and over time. Attrition in science means different things for men versus women depending on the discipline; moreover, it means different things for scientists from different cohorts entering the scientific workforce. Finally, global bibliometric datasets were tested in the current study, opening new opportunities to explore gender and disciplinary differences in attrition.
Raymond Aron’s Sociology of Collaborators, 1940–1944
Authors: Forneris Elias
Published: August 2024

Raymond Aron (1904–1983) was one of the most renowned French intellectuals of the twentieth century. Eighty years after the Second World War, the scholarship is incomplete on his management of La France libre in wartime Britain (1940–1944). While his contributions to sociology in the 1930s and post-war have been established, this study examines his contributions to sociology during the war in the first volume of his articles 'From the Armistice to the National Insurrection'. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach in intellectual history and sociology, this study closely reads Aron’s articles, placing them in the context of his Interwar research on German sociology and the context of Free France in wartime London. It identifies the sociological methods Aron employed to typologize the backgrounds and motives of prominent French collaborators of Nazi Germany and deduces where his writings situated him politically. Aron’s sociology of collaborators yielded a classification of two categories—integral and opportunistic collaborators. His methods evoked Simmel’s systematic sociology and Weber’s historical causality. His articles had nuanced political implications: he was firmly against collaboration, but he hoped opportunistic collaborators would still rally the resistance in the early stages of the war. Aron’s classification stands the test of time, but more importantly, his sociological method was unique to him. Furthermore, his theoretical interpretations—formulated with limited knowledge, resources, and next to no hindsight—prefigured well-known theories by Jean-Paul Sartre and Simon Epstein. His political position demarcated him from other “Gaullists” without excluding him from broader Gaullism.
When Your Thing Won’t Behave: Security Governance in the Internet of Things
Authors: Brennecke Martin , Fridgen Gilbert , Jöhnk Jan , Radszuwill Sven , Sedlmeir Johannes
Published: August 2024

In the Internet of Things (IoT), interconnected smart things enable new products and services in cyber-physical systems. Yet, smart things not only inherit information technology (IT) security risks from their digital components, but they may also aggravate them through the use of technology platforms (TPs). In the context of the IoT, TPs describe a tangible (e.g., hardware) or intangible (e.g., software and standards) general-purpose technology that is shared between different models of smart things. While TPs are evolving rapidly owing to their functional and economic benefits, this is partly to the detriment of security, as several recent IoT security incidents demonstrate. We address this problem by formalizing the situation’s dynamics with an established risk quantification approach from platforms in the automotive industry, namely a Bernoulli mixture model. We outline and discuss the implications of relevant parameters for security risks of TP use in the IoT, i.e., correlation and heterogeneity, vulnerability probability and conformity costs, exploit probability and non-conformity costs, as well as TP connectivity. We argue that these parameters should be considered in IoT governance decisions and delineate prescriptive governance implications, identifying potential counter-measures at the individual, organizational, and regulatory levels.
Gas sensing capabilities of sol–gel dip-coated pure SnO2 thin films for CO and C3H8 detection
Authors: Selvam Goban Kumar Panneer , de la Luz Olvera Amador María , Álvarez Arturo Maldonado
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation to increase the gas sensing capability of pure tin oxide (SnO2) film coatings while ensuring non-contamination. The SnO2 thin-film coatings deposited on glass substrates were processed by homogeneous precipitation and sol–gel dip coating methods. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the structural, optical, and morphological properties of the coatings. The prepared SnO2 coatings were tested using separately two different gases, carbon monoxide (CO) and propane (C3H8), to assess their gas sensing capabilities. The results show a significant influence of the multilayer coating of SnO2 on the sensing performance. Remarkably, the SnO2 sample with three layers exhibited a high sensitivity. By enhancing the gas sensing capabilities of tin oxide films through the dip coating technique, this study contributes to the advancement of gas sensing technologies.
A transdisciplinary study of a novice mathematics teacher’s instructional decision-making
Authors: Marschall Gosia , Watson Steven , Kimber Elizabeth , Major Louis
Published: August 2024

In this study, we examine the real-time decision-making processes of a teacher in a UK post-16 mathematics classroom focusing on the integration of student-centred teaching methods. The contribution of this study is a transdisciplinary theoretical discussion which links teachers’ actual classroom practices (often traditional and teacher centred) with their professed student-centred perspectives. Utilising Abductive Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, this research incorporates cognitive, social psychological, sociocultural theory and perspectives on affect in the context of in-the-moment decisions. Through co-construction, we identify distinct but overlapping agentic and ecological dimensions of decisions. Recognising that teachers’ spontaneous decisions in the classroom are shaped by both their agency and the social and physical ecology of the classroom, this study provides a structured approach to understanding how diverse disciplinary concepts are related, and paints a dynamic picture of the process of teacher decision-making. This is crucial for identifying both limitations and possibilities in teacher education and professional development.
Efficient estimation of the modified Gromov–Hausdorff distance between unweighted graphs
Authors: Oles Vladyslav , Lemons Nathan , Panchenko Alexander
Published: August 2024

Gromov–Hausdorff distances measure shape difference between the objects representable as compact metric spaces, e.g. point clouds, manifolds, or graphs. Computing any Gromov–Hausdorff distance is equivalent to solving an NP-hard optimization problem, deeming the notion impractical for applications. In this paper we propose a polynomial algorithm for estimating the so-called modified Gromov–Hausdorff (mGH) distance, a relaxation of the standard Gromov–Hausdorff (GH) distance with similar topological properties. We implement the algorithm for the case of compact metric spaces induced by unweighted graphs as part of Python library , and demonstrate its performance on real-world and synthetic networks. The algorithm finds the mGH distances exactly on most graphs with the scale-free property. We use the computed mGH distances to successfully detect outliers in real-world social and computer networks.
Current Landscape of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers: Roles and Structural Models
Authors: Moore Michelle B. , Gilrain Kelly , Brosig Cheryl , Leffler Jarrod M. , Gupta Shikha , Fizur Philip
Published: August 2024

With mental health needs consistently increasing in our communities and medical centers, we want to ensure that institutions are aware of the benefit and value that psychologists bring to their system and provide several pathways for consideration and structure to understand how to support the salaries and careers of psychologists working within AHCs. Leadership and administration within Academic Health Centers (AHC) often do not understand the value and measurement of productivity for psychologists being added to the medical teams. The current article aims to present varied structural models and demonstrate how productivity is reviewed for psychologists across different institutions and departments. The authors will outline the many roles that psychologists serve within academic health centers as well as the value those roles bring to the system. The overarching goal is to provide an educational article that serves as a tool for recruitment of psychologists that leaders and faculty can refer to when approaching administration in AHCs to understand the systems and roles of psychologists within medical settings. This information can be utilized to help create new positions for psychologists, aid in recruitment efforts and provide transparency for faculty currently working within AHCs who may not be aware of the varied opportunities.
Subjective Well-Being of Chief Executive Officers and Its Impact on Stock Market Volatility During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland: Agent-Based Model Perspective
Authors: Rzeszutek Marcin , Andersen Jorgen Vitting , Szyszka Adam , Talaga Szymon
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to connect the behavioral corporate finance perspective (micro level) with complexity theory via agent-based modeling to analyze the impact of selected psychological factors of chief executive officers (CEOs) on stock market volatility (macro level). Specifically, we wanted to explore whether Polish CEOs’ subjective well-being (SWB) influenced their managerial decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it might be related to the volatility of stock prices during this critical period in Poland. Our study was based on a survey of Polish CEOs who managed companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. In particular, 255 CEOs completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and a business survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on company management. Using the results of this survey, we built an agent-based model to investigate how CEOs’ decision-making, stemming from their SWB levels, influences the perception of prices by individual traders and, in turn, how it is translated into aggregate stock market volatility. The results indicate the pathways through which the microscopic-level SWB of CEOs influences market price formation at a macroscopic level. The findings obtained from our model may shed new light on the rational expectations theory applied to stock market volatility during the financial crisis.
Immune Cell Contribution to Mammary Gland Development
Authors: Vickers Ramiah , Porter Weston
Published: August 2024

Postpartum breast cancer (PPBC) is a unique subset of breast cancer, accounting for nearly half of the women diagnosed during their postpartum years. Mammary gland involution is widely regarded as being a key orchestrator in the initiation and progression of PPBC due to its unique wound-healing inflammatory signature. Here, we provide dialogue suggestive that lactation may also facilitate neoplastic development as a result of sterile inflammation. Immune cells are involved in all stages of postnatal mammary development. It has been proposed that the functions of these immune cells are partially directed by mammary epithelial cells (MECs) and the cytokines they produce. This suggests that a more niche area of exploration aimed at assessing activation of innate immune pathways within MECs could provide insight into immune cell contributions to the developing mammary gland. Immune cell contribution to pubertal development and mammary gland involution has been extensively studied; however, investigations into pregnancy and lactation remain limited. During pregnancy, the mammary gland undergoes dramatic expansion to prepare for lactation. As a result, MECs are susceptible to replicative stress. During lactation, mitochondria are pushed to capacity to fulfill the high energetic demands of producing milk. This replicative and metabolic stress, if unresolved, can elicit activation of innate immune pathways within differentiating MECs. In this review, we broadly discuss postnatal mammary development and current knowledge of immune cell contribution to each developmental stage, while also emphasizing a more unique area of study that will be beneficial in the discovery of novel therapeutic biomarkers of PPBC.
Investigating the Effects of Temperature, Azodicarbonamide, Boron Nitride, and Multilayer Film/Foam Coextrusion on the Properties of a Poly(Hydroxyalkanoate)/Poly(Lactic acid) Blend
Authors: Yousefi Amy M. , Wnek Gary E. , Gomez Jimenez Hector , Ghassemi Hossein , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2024

Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) are emerging as sustainable materials in packaging and medical device industries. Nevertheless, the high cost and the need to improve the mechanical properties have limited their widespread use. Blending with other bio-based polymers, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), has been proposed in previous studies. This study investigates the effects of temperature, azodicarbonamide (AZ, foaming agent), boron nitride (BN, filler), and multilayer film/foam coextrusion on the properties of a blend containing an amorphous PHA and PLA. The effect of twin-screw micro-compounder temperature (185 °C & 205 °C) and BN concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 wt% (185 °C) on the properties of the PHA/PLA blend were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing. Design of experiments (DoE) was used to find the optimal concentrations of AZ and BN (205 °C) using JMP® software. The response surface analysis predicted an optimal design based on the target response levels (modulus, tensile strength, strain at break, and toughness). This formulation was prepared and characterized using DSC, TGA, tensile, and melt flow index (MFI) measurements. Finally, this formulation was processed via film/foam coextrusion and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and density measurements. This study demonstrated that AZ and BN can be used to manipulate the mechanical properties and crystallinity of PHA/PLA blends, while reducing the overall material cost via density reduction (20–21% for the optimal formulation). Furthermore, reducing the concentration of AZ using the I-optimal design in this study could alleviate the toxicity concerns for food packaging.
Evaluation of Spiritual Care and Well-Being Levels of Individuals Diagnosed with Lung Cancer in Turkey
Authors: Çakmak Seher , Demir Doğan Melike , Selim Nisanur , Kalleci Gülse Nur
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to assess the spiritual care needs and spiritual well-being levels of lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (CT). This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 110 patients in the outpatient CT unit of a university hospital. Data were collected using a personal information form, the “Three-Factor Spiritual Well-Being Scale” and the “Spiritual Care Needs Scale.” The average age of participants was 62.6 ± 8.0 years. Patients with a university or above education level, civil servants, self-employed individuals, those receiving only CT, and those with less than 5 CT cycles had significantly higher spiritual well-being scores (p < 0.05). Spiritual care needs scale scores were significantly higher for married individuals and those receiving only CT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both spiritual well-being levels and spiritual care needs were observed to be high among lung cancer patients.
A distributed analysis of only
Authors: Crnič Luka
Published: August 2024

The positive, non-exclusive inference of only has been famously elusive with respect to its projective status and its content: in some cases the positive inference behaves like a presupposition, while in others it does not; in some cases the inference is non-modal, corresponding to the prejacent of only or an existential counterpart of it, while in others it is modalized. This behavior, we argue, surfaces the exceptive nature of only (cf. von Fintel and Iatridou in Linguist Inq 38(3):445–483, 2007). More specifically, if the import of only is distributed between a minimality and a subtraction component, as has been argued for exceptives (esp. Gajewski in Nat Lang Semant 16(1):69–110, 2008), the apparently irreconcilable properties of only can be captured.
Gerontological difference: Tracing the ontological generativity of aging after Heidegger
Authors: Dyring Rasmus
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to raise the question of aging as an ontological question. In critical dialogue with Heidegger’s exploration of the question of being, the first half of the paper argues that fundamental ontology, due to the way it relies on a methodological operationalization of the ontological difference, will remain blind to the ontological generativity of the differences that aging makes. I introduce the term gerontological difference as a name for this kind of difference. The second half of the paper explores the quasi-transcendental play of gerontological difference. Drawing on Foucault, Guenther and Agamben, I suggest that this play might be described in archaeological terms by tracing the historical a priori in which age distinctions are operationalized biopolitically. Drawing on Derrida and Nancy, I argue that this archaeological view of the quasi-transcendental play of gerontological difference must be supplemented with a view of aging as material différance. According to this understanding of the quasi-transcendental play of gerontological difference, aging is an ontologically generative event that organizes intercorporeal tangles of coexistence and opens emergent fields of possible experience.
What is a cure through gene therapy? An analysis and evaluation of the use of “cure”
Authors: Baas Lieke , Meijer Karina , Bredenoord Annelien L. , van der Graaf Rieke
Published: August 2024

The development of gene therapy has always come with the expectation that it will offer a cure for various disorders, of which hemophilia is a paradigm example. However, although the term is used regularly, it is unclear what exactly is meant with “cure”. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyse how the concept of cure is used in practice and evaluate which of the interpretations is most suitable in discussions surrounding gene therapy. We analysed how cure is used in four different medical fields where the concept raises discussion. We show that cure can be used in three different ways: cure as normalization of the body, cure as obtaining a normal life, or cure as a change in identity. We argue that since cure is a practical term, its interpretation should be context-specific and the various uses can exist simultaneously, as long as their use is suitable to the function the notion of cure plays in each of the settings. We end by highlighting three different settings in the domain of hemophilia gene therapy in which the term cure is used and explore the function(s) it serves in each setting. We conclude that in the clinical application of gene therapy, it could be better to abandon the term cure, whereas more modest and specified definitions of cure are required in the context of health resource allocation decisions and decisions on research funding.
Impact of historical and future warming on heavy rainfall over eastern Japan induced by Typhoon Hagibis (2019) in dynamical downscaling simulations
Authors: Fujiwara Keita , Takemi Tetsuya , Mori Nobuhito
Published: August 2024

To investigate the impact of historical and future warming on heavy rainfall induced by Typhoon Hagibis (2019), we conducted control (CTL), pseudo-non-global-warming (PNGW), pseudo-moderate-global-warming (PGW2), and pseudo-extreme-global-warming (PGW4) runs using an identical regional atmospheric model. Total rainfall in the Kanto/Tohoku regions changed by − 7%/− 6%, + 3%/+ 12%, and + 9%/+ 23% in the PNGW, PGW2, and PGW4 runs, respectively, with respect to that in the CTL run. The regional differences in total rainfall changes originated from Hagibis' precipitation systems under warming climates. Global warming led to a well-developed convectively unstable layer and a humid state in the middle troposphere north of Hagibis through an increase in northward moisture transport around Hagibis. More moist and unstable conditions in the middle troposphere contributed to increased precipitation in the western-to-northern sectors of Hagibis, where the outer-rainband was unclear in the CTL run, leading to the formation of a strong convective outer-rainband of Hagibis under a future warmed climate. The widespread and intense outer-rainband expanded the heavy rainfall area over the Kanto/Tohoku regions by − 6%/− 10%, + 5%/+ 24%, and + 13%/+ 54% in the PNGW, PGW2, and PGW4 runs, respectively, with respect to that in the CTL run, suggesting that the increase in Hagibis-related flooding risks in response to a warming climate is greater in Tohoku than in Kanto.
Understanding multimodal mobility patterns of micromobility users in urban environments: insights from Barcelona
Authors: Roig-Costa Oriol , Marquet Oriol , Arranz-López Aldo , Miralles-Guasch Carme , Van Acker Veronique
Published: August 2024

Micromobility, which includes bicycle-sharing systems, e-scooters, and shared moped-style scooters, has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional transport modes in urban environments, thus expanding the number of transportation options available to urban travellers. Previous research has primarily relied on trip-based data to explore the multimodal character of micromobility. However, existing evidence has failed to understand the ways in which urban travellers have reshaped their mobility patterns as a consequence of the introduction of micromobility. Using a travel survey (N = 902) set in Barcelona, Spain, cluster techniques are used to group micromobility users according to their frequency of use of three different micromobility modes (bicycle-sharing systems, private e-scooter, and moped-style scooter-sharing services). Then, a multinomial logistic regression was used, in order to explore each cluster’s usage of traditional modes of transport, along with all potential weekly combinations between modes. Results show that most micromobility users rely on a single type of micromobility mode on a weekly basis. The model further indicates that private e-scooter, shared bicycle, and shared moped-style scooter users develop different weekly mobility combination patterns. While personal micromobility options (private e-scooter) are associated with monomodal tendencies, sharing services (bicycle sharing and moped-style scooter sharing) encourage multimodal behaviours. These findings contribute to the limited knowledge concerning the role of some micromobility alternatives in creating more rational and less habit-dependent travel behaviour choices.
Effect of present state bias on minimal important change estimates: a simulation study
Authors: Terluin Berend , Fromy Piper , Trigg Andrew , Terwee Caroline B. , Bjorner Jakob B.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The minimal important change (MIC) in a patient-reported outcome measure is often estimated using patient-reported transition ratings as anchor. However, transition ratings are often more heavily weighted by the follow-up state than by the baseline state, a phenomenon known as “present state bias” (PSB). It is unknown if and how PSB affects the estimation of MICs using various methods.

Methods

We simulated 3240 samples in which the true MIC was simulated as the mean of individual MICs, and PSB was created by basing transition ratings on a “weighted change”, differentially weighting baseline and follow-up states. In each sample we estimated MICs based on the following methods: mean change (MC), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, predictive modeling (PM), adjusted predictive modeling (APM), longitudinal item response theory (LIRT), and longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis (LCFA). The latter two MICs were estimated with and without constraints on the transition item slope parameters (LIRT) or factor loadings (LCFA).

Results

PSB did not affect MIC estimates based on MC, ROC, and PM but these methods were biased by other factors. PSB caused imprecision in the MIC estimates based on APM, LIRT and LCFA with constraints, if the degree of PSB was substantial. However, the unconstrained LIRT- and LCFA-based MICs recovered the true MIC without bias and with high precision, independent of the degree of PSB.

Conclusion

We recommend the unconstrained LIRT- and LCFA-based MIC methods to estimate anchor-based MICs, irrespective of the degree of PSB. The APM-method is a feasible alternative if PSB is limited.
Effects of glucocorticoid replacement therapy in patients with pituitary disease: A new perspective for personalized replacement therapy
Authors: Chiloiro Sabrina , Vicari Alessandra , Mongelli Ginevra , Costanza Flavia , Giampietro Antonella , Mattogno Pier Paolo , Lauretti Liverana , Olivi Alessandro , De Marinis Laura , Doglietto Francesco , Bianchi Antonio , Pontecorvi Alfredo
Published: August 2024

Secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) is an endocrine disorder due to impaired secretion of ACTH resulting from any disease affecting the pituitary gland. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy is mandatory to ensure patient survival, haemodynamic stability, and quality of life. In fact, a correct dose adjustement is mandatory due to the fact that inappropriately low doses expose patients to hypoadrenal crisis, while inappropriately high doses contribute to glucose metabolic and cardiovascular deterioration. This review analyses the current evidence from available publications on the epidemiology and aetiology of SAI and examines the association between glucocorticoid replacement therapy and glucometabolic and cardiovascular effects.