bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Livestreaming and the Collaborative Potential of Public Music Theory
Authors: Grasso Julianne
Published: December 2024

This essay considers the livestreaming medium as a site of largely untapped potential for music theory. Using the “Ludomusicology Thursday” Twitch stream series as a basis, I argue that the live, processual, collaborative, and publicly accessible aspects of streaming attune us to the possibilities for music theory’s public presence to be truly reciprocal. I consider three key aspects of this potential in turn: open collaboration, playfulness, and camaraderie.
Varied Ostinato and the Functions of Repetition in Harrison Birtwistle’s “Frieze 2” and “Frieze 3”
Authors: Boyle Antares
Published: December 2024

Harrison Birtwistle has stated that the “Frieze” movements of his Nine Movements for String Quartet are “about repetition.” I show how Birtwistle uses what he terms “varied ostinati” in two movements, “Frieze 2” and “Frieze 3,” to explore a set of contradictions and paradoxes surrounding our perception of repetition. In addition to fundamental ontological mysteries, such as the way in which a repeated element is simultaneously the same and different and the difficulty of defining what “counts” as a repetition, these include paradoxes of textural and temporal perception. Texturally, repeating musical material can either draw attention to a musical object or cause it to recede into the background, whereas temporally, repetition can either draw a listener more intensely into the present moment or seem to remove material from its temporal context for abstract contemplation. Building upon David Lidov’s (1979) typology of repetition types to explore the relationship between the structure of repeated material and its perceived textural and temporal function, I argue that Birtwistle’s varied ostinati, due to features such as rhythmic play, variation and development, and lack of clear unit boundaries, often invite the participatory rhythmic experience of a more typical ostinato while occupying a liminal textural role that hovers between perceptual background and foreground. The layering of such varied ostinati creates a dynamic and multifaceted musical surface. Finally, I demonstrate how hidden global repetition processes in each movement explore these themes at a deeper structural level, creating a linear thread below the ever-changing surface material.
The RodentGPOmics Atlas: a comprehensive database of rodent biology for genomes and pathogens
Authors: Jiang Zhiwen , Yan Ziqing , Hou Yali , Tang Jia , Zheng Mengdi , Lu Meng , Ji Xiang , Gangavarapu Karthik , Li Xinxin , Su Shuo
Published: December 2024

Rodents represent the most abundant order of mammals, exhibiting remarkable diversity in morphology, habitats, behaviors, and hosted pathogens. Significant attention is currently focused on rodents as experimental animals for biomedical research. However, numerous aspects of rodents remain unexplored, such as their potential in unconventional biomedical models, molecular underpinnings of intriguing complex phenotypes, adaptations to environment or climate change, and host-pathogen interactions and arms race evolution. These challenges require a systematic framework to integrate the genomic variations among rodents with information on rodent-borne pathogens. To address this gap, we have established a comprehensive, freely accessible, and user-friendly atlas named Rodent Genome and Pathogen multi-Omics (RodentGPOmics), which provides comparative analysis of rodent genomes and information on zoonotic pathogen sequences in rodents. The RodentGPOmics Atlas provides: (i) basic information on 2706 rodent species; (ii) chromosome-level visualization of genomes, functional annotations, and genomic comparisons across 121 rodent species; (iii) epidemiological profiles based on 21 852 pathogen sequences reported in rodents and (iv) a few genomic tools for in-depth exploration of rodent multi-omics. This resource aims to advance the development of biomedical models for humans for promoting public health, as well as innovate the genetics, genomics, and molecular evolution in rodents, and offer valuable knowledge on rodent-borne emerging/re-emerging zoonotic infectious diseases. The resources are freely available and easy-to-use at http://RodentGPOmics.njau.edu.cn:8888/Rodent/index/homePage.
Single-molecule studies reveal the off-pathway early paused state intermediates as a target of streptolydigin inhibition of RNA polymerase and its dramatic enhancement by Gre factors
Authors: Arseniev Anatolii , Panfilov Mikhail , Pobegalov Georgii , Potyseva Alina , Pavlinova Polina , Yakunina Maria , Lee Jookyung , Borukhov Sergei , Severinov Konstantin , Khodorkovskii Mikhail
Published: December 2024

Antibiotic streptolydigin (Stl) inhibits bacterial transcription by blocking the trigger loop folding in the active center of RNA polymerase (RNAP), which is essential for catalysis. We use acoustic force spectroscopy to characterize the dynamics of transcription elongation in ternary elongation complexes (ECs) of RNAP in the presence of Stl at a single-molecule level. We found that Stl induces long-lived stochastic pauses while the instantaneous velocity of transcription between the pauses is unaffected. Stl enhances the short-lived pauses associated with an off-pathway early paused state intermediates of the RNAP nucleotide addition cycle. Unexpectedly, we found that transcript cleavage factors GreA and GreB, which were thought to be Stl competitors, do not alleviate the Stl-induced pausing; instead, they synergistically increase transcription inhibition by Stl. This is the first known instance of a transcriptional factor enhancing antibiotic activity. We propose a structural model of the EC-Gre-Stl complex that explains the observed Stl activities and provides insight into possible cooperative action of secondary channel factors and other antibiotics binding at the Stl pocket. These results offer a new strategy for high-throughput screening for prospective antibacterial agents.
Comprehensive genome annotation of the model ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila by in-depth epigenetic and transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Ye Fei , Chen Xiao , Li Yuan , Ju Aili , Sheng Yalan , Duan Lili , Zhang Jiachen , Zhang Zhe , Al-Rasheid Khaled A S , Stover Naomi A , Gao Shan
Published: December 2024

The ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila is a well-established unicellular model eukaryote, contributing significantly to foundational biological discoveries. Despite its acknowledged importance, current studies on Tetrahymena biology face challenges due to gene annotation inaccuracy, particularly the notable absence of untranslated regions (UTRs). To comprehensively annotate the Tetrahymena macronuclear genome, we collected extensive transcriptomic data spanning various cell stages. To ascertain transcript orientation and transcription start/end sites, we incorporated data on epigenetic marks displaying enrichment towards the 5′ end of gene bodies, including H3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3), histone variant H2A.Z, nucleosome positioning and N6-methyldeoxyadenine (6mA). Cap-seq data was subsequently applied to validate the accuracy of identified transcription start sites. Additionally, we integrated Nanopore direct RNA sequencing (DRS), strand-specific RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) data. Using a newly developed bioinformatic pipeline, coupled with manual curation and experimental validation, our work yielded substantial improvements to the current gene models, including the addition of 2,481 new genes, updates to 23,936 existing genes, and the incorporation of 8,339 alternatively spliced isoforms. Furthermore, novel UTR information was annotated for 26,687 high-confidence genes. Intriguingly, 20% of protein-coding genes were identified to have natural antisense transcripts characterized by high diversity in alternative splicing, thus offering insights into understanding transcriptional regulation. Our work will enhance the utility of Tetrahymena as a robust genetic toolkit for advancing biological research, and provides a promising framework for genome annotation in other eukaryotes.
Intracranial administration of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 immune checkpoint-blocking monoclonal antibodies in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma
Authors: Duerinck Johnny , Lescrauwaet Louise , Dirven Iris , Del’haye Jacomi , Stevens Latoya , Geeraerts Xenia , Vaeyens Freya , Geens Wietse , Brock Stefanie , Vanbinst Anne-Marie , Everaert Hendrik , Caljon Ben , Bruneau Michaël , Lebrun Laetitia , Salmon Isabelle , Kockx Marc , Tuyaerts Sandra , Neyns Bart
Published: December 2024

Background

Recurrent high-grade glioma (rHGG) lacks effective life-prolonging treatments and the efficacy of systemic PD-1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitors is limited. The multi-cohort Glitipni phase I trial investigates the safety and feasibility of intraoperative intracerebral (iCer) and postoperative intracavitary (iCav) nivolumab (NIVO) ± ipilimumab (IPI) treatment following maximal safe resection (MSR) in rHGG.

Materials and methods

Patients received 10 mg IV NIVO within 24 h before surgery, followed by MSR, iCer 5 mg IPI and 10 mg NIVO, and Ommaya catheter placement in the resection cavity. Biweekly postoperative iCav administrations of 1–5–10 mg NIVO (cohort 4) or 10 mg NIVO plus 1–5–10 mg IPI (cohort 7) were combined with 10 mg IV NIVO for 11 cycles.

Results

42 rHGG patients underwent MSR with iCer NIVO + IPI. 16 pts were treated in cohort 4 (postoperative iCav NIVO at escalating doses) while 28 patients were treated in cohort 7 (intra and postoperative iCav NIVO and escalating doses of IPI). The most common TRAE was fatigue; no grade 5 AE occurred. Dose-limiting toxicity was grade 3 neutrophilic pleocytosis (4 pts) receiving iCav NIVO plus 5 or 10 mg IPI. PFS and OS did not significantly differ between cohorts (median OS: 42 [95% CI 26–57] vs. 35 [29–40] weeks; 1-year OS rate: 37% vs. 29%). Baseline B7–H3 expression significantly correlated with worse survival. OS compared favorably to a historical pooled cohort (n = 469) of Belgian rHGG pts treated with anti-VEGF therapies (log-rank P = .015).

Conclusion

Intraoperative iCer IPI + NIVO with postoperative iCav NIVO ± IPI up to biweekly doses of 1 mg IPI + 10 mg NIVO is feasible and safe, showing encouraging OS in rHGG patients. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03233152
Effect of Saffron (Crocus sativus) Supplementation on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Indices, and Renal and Liver Function Parameters in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Mafi Alireza , Mokhtari Zeinab , Hosseini Elham , Alimohammadi Mina , Aarabi Mohammad Hosein , Askari Gholamreza
Published: December 2024

Context

Clinical investigation has shown that the addition of saffron or crocin to standard antidiabetic medications improves a patient's metabolic profile, oxidative stress (OS), and inflammatory response. Despite a large number of studies examining the impact of saffron supplementation on OS, inflammation, and renal and liver function parameters, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted to compile the outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective

The current systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effect of saffron or crocin intake on OS, inflammation, and renal and liver function parameters in patients with T2DM.

Data Sources

Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched up to December 2023.

Data Extraction

The mean differences and their respective SDs were extracted. Using a random-effects model, the pooled data were calculated as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI.

Data Analysis

17 eligible randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled findings showed that saffron supplementation remarkably decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD: −0.37; 95% CI: −0.69 to −0.05; I2 = 40.77%, P = .15), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD: −0.38; 95% CI: −0.65 to −0.10; I2 = 0%, P = .68), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD: −0.36; 95% CI: −0.65 to -0.07; I2= 20.51%, P = .02) compared with the control. In addition, based on subgroup analyses, taking ≥100 mg of saffron daily in individuals with T2DM reduced the serum levels of IL-6 (SMD: −0.50; 95% CI: −0.90 to −0.10; I2 = 0%, P = .50) and MDA (SMD: −0.36; 95% CI: −0.68 to -0.03; I2 = 0, P = .97). Furthermore, the level of alanine transaminase was decreased (SMD: -0.43; 95% CI: −0.73 to −0.12; I2 = 0, P = .66) with a treatment period of <60 days of saffron or crocin supplementation.

Conclusion

Larger studies with more follow-up and higher doses of both saffron and crocin are needed in order to understand the efficacy and safety of these herbs for long-term use as routine therapies.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023458119.
Roman Law on the Just Price in Nicolaus Bernoulli’s Mathematics
Authors: Kennefick Ciara
Published: December 2024

It must be rare that discoveries which transform mathematics also undermine legal rules. Yet this is precisely what happened when probability was first developed in the second half of the 17th century and the first decades of the following one. The focus of this article is a doctoral thesis in law written in 1709 by Nicolaus Bernoulli, an important mathematician of the age. He highlighted the dramatic implications of the new mathematics of probability for a rule which was fundamental to contemporary contract law in continental Europe. This article reconstructs a remarkable story about the place of mathematics in the history of contractual justice and the place of contractual justice in the history of mathematics.
Squamous cell carcinoma arising in chronically damaged skin (Marjolin’s Ulcer): still an unmet need in the era of immunotherapy
Authors: Miodovnik Mor , Dolev Yardenna , Buchen Roni , Brezis Miriam Rivka , Nikolaevski-Berlin Alla , Finkel Inbar , Wolf Ido , Ospovat Inna , Gutfeld Orit , Leshem Yasmin
Published: December 2024

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is characterized by a high tumor mutational burden due to solar damage and a favorable response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Yet, we encounter tumors arising in areas with minimal sun exposure, such as cSCC that develops in chronically inflamed skin, also known as Marjolin’s Ulcer (MU). The response of MU-SCC to immunotherapy remains unknown.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with cSCC and treated with cemiplimab or pembrolizumab in a single tertiary medical center. Patients lost to follow up were excluded.

Results

Of the 84 eligible patients, 9 (11%) had MU-SCC. Of these, 2 (22%) reached partial response (PR), and none reached complete response (CR). In contrast, of the 75 patients with solar damage-related cSCC, 40 had PR (53%), and 20 had CR (26%). The difference between the two subtypes was significant (P < .001). Interestingly, 3 patients with MU-SCC received a second-line chemo-immunotherapy and experienced a partial response that continued for 5 to 21 months. Patients with MU-SCC had a significantly shorter median time to progression (TTP) (1.6 vs 51.6 months, P < .001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (1.6 vs 15.4 months, P < .001). Overall survival (OS) was not significantly shorter (17.4 vs 36.7 months, P = .096). Multivariate analysis confirmed that MU-SCC is an independent risk factor for shorter TTP (HR 5.5, 95% CI 2.2-14.0, P < .001) and PFS (HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.5-8.1, P = .003).

Conclusions

This study suggests that immunotherapy is less beneficial in SCC-MU. More work is needed to verify our findings and explore other treatment options.
Empowering the people: The evolution and impact of Portugal’s citizens’ legislative initiatives in a comparative perspective
Authors: Serra-Silva Sofia , Gaio e Silva João
Published: December 2024

Citizens’ legislative initiatives (CLIs) are vital instruments of direct democracy that allow citizens to participate in decision-making and influence the legislative agenda. Despite the growing interest globally, there has been limited scholarly attention on Portugal, which implemented this tool in 2003. This study conducts an in-depth case analysis of CLIs in Portugal, examining their legal evolution, institutional design within the European context, and their usage and success. An original dataset characterizes the initiatives, proponents, and subscribers to provide comprehensive insights. While efforts have been made to make CLIs more accessible in Portugal, the existing requirements and procedures remain moderately accessible, with high signature-to-population ratios and lengthy processing times. The study also finds that most CLIs face rejection, expiration, or withdrawal. Successful CLIs, which result in legislation, often lead to laws that are significantly different from the original proposals. This discrepancy arises because parties substantially modify the original texts during the parliamentary discussion and citizens have little influence over the final version of the law. This research highlights the challenges and limitations faced by CLIs emphasizing the need for reforms to enhance citizen influence in the legislative process and the importance of balancing parliamentary control with genuine and meaningful citizen participation.
Modeling with uncertainty quantification reveals the essentials of a non-canonical algal carbon-concentrating mechanism
Authors: Steensma Anne K , Kaste Joshua A M , Heo Junoh , Orr Douglas J , Sung Chih-Li , Shachar-Hill Yair , Walker Berkley J
Published: December 2024

The thermoacidophilic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae survives its challenging environment likely in part by operating a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM). Here, we demonstrated that C. merolae's cellular affinity for CO2 is stronger than the affinity of its rubisco for CO2. This finding provided additional evidence that C. merolae operates a CCM while lacking the structures and functions characteristic of CCMs in other organisms. To test how such a CCM could function, we created a mathematical compartmental model of a simple CCM, distinct from those we have seen previously described in detail. The results of our modeling supported the feasibility of this proposed minimal and non-canonical CCM in C. merolae. To facilitate the robust modeling of this process, we measured and incorporated physiological and enzymatic parameters into the model. Additionally, we trained a surrogate machine-learning model to emulate the mechanistic model and characterized the effects of model parameters on key outputs. This parameter exploration enabled us to identify model features that influenced whether the model met the experimentally derived criteria for functional carbon concentration and efficient energy usage. Such parameters included cytosolic pH, bicarbonate pumping cost and kinetics, cell radius, carboxylation velocity, number of thylakoid membranes, and CO2 membrane permeability. Our exploration thus suggested that a non-canonical CCM could exist in C. merolae and illuminated the essential features generally necessary for CCMs to function.
Backwards counterfactuals
Authors: Rennick Stephanie , McDonnell Neil
Published: December 2024

This paper offers two novel conceptual tools: one concerning the semantics of counterfactuals and what should be held fixed when assessing them (the modal moat), and the other concerning the pragmatics of counterfactual assertions and how to avoid the potential pitfalls of meaning more than we say (antecedent gluttony). These allow us to address existing issues with the assessment of backwards counterfactuals within a framework that applies equally to forwards cases. In addition to solving a thorny problem from the time travel literature, what we learn teaches us something quite general about our evaluation of counterfactuals.
Spectral data of special orthogonal Higgs bundles and Hecke modification
Authors: KLINGNER T
Published: December 2024

We give a complete, self-contained computation of the spectral data parametrizing Higgs bundles in the generic fibres of $\mathrm{SO}_{2n+1}$-Hitchin fibration where the Higgs fields are L-twisted endomorphisms. Although the spectral data are known in the literature, we develop a new approach, which takes advantage of Hecke modification. Furthermore, we present the computation for $\mathrm{Sp}_{2n}$ and $\mathrm{SO}_{2n}$ cases while clarifying some aspects of the correspondence, which are not well explained in the pre-existing literature. We also compute the number of connected components of the generic fibres and demonstrate Langlands duality in the fibres via the canonical duality in the fibres.
Results of the proficiency test for the Ka CMC of the SSDL-ININ Mexico, for diagnostic radiology IEC 61267:2005 and radiation protection ISO 4037:2019 X-ray beam qualities
Authors: Romero José Trinidad Álvarez , Salas Gonzalo Walwyn , de los Angeles Montes Rodríguez María , Vertti Mario Raymundo Cabrera , Acosta Andy Luis Romero
Published: December 2024

The present work describes the results for the bilateral comparison between the Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratories of the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares (SSDL-ININ), Mexico, and the pilot laboratory, the Centro de Protección e Higiene de las Radiaciones (SSDL-CPHR), Cuba, for the realization of the air kerma (${\boldsymbol{K}}_{\boldsymbol{a}}$) quantity to: (i) diagnostic X-ray (DXR) IEC 61267:2005 beam qualities: RQR 5 RQR 9, RQT 8, and RQT 9 and (ii) radiation protection (RP) ISO 4037:2019 X-ray beam qualities: N60, N100, and W60, as well S-Cs for gamma radiation. The matched and characterized reference fields are realized at SSDL-ININ with a Toshiba E7252FX X-ray tube. In all cases, the ${\boldsymbol{K}}_{\boldsymbol{a}}$ measurements are traceable to PTB, except for S-Cs, traceable to ININ. The SSDL-CPHR realizes its reference radiation beam qualities also as matched reference fields with a Pantak HF160C X-ray tube. For the S-Cs beam quality, the CPHR uses a Buchler OB6 irradiator; the ININ, a Siemens Cesagammatron. The transfer ionization chambers calibrated in the RQR and RQT qualities are an Exradin A650/DO70312; for the RQT qualities for CT, a PTW 30009/0655 and RC3CT/9217 were calibrated; and for the RP X-ray qualities, the Exradin A650/DO70312 and a PTW 32002/073 were calibrated. The ratio ${\boldsymbol{R}}_{\boldsymbol{k}}$ of the resulting calibration coefficients ${\boldsymbol{N}}_{{\boldsymbol{K}}_{\boldsymbol{a}}}$ of each SSDL of the RQR qualities are consistent within the $\boldsymbol{U}\left(\boldsymbol{k}=\mathbf{2}\right)\%$ ≤ 2.3%; for the RQT qualities, the differences are less than the $\boldsymbol{U}\left(\boldsymbol{k}=\mathbf{2}\right)\%$ ≤ 3.6%; and for the RP X-ray qualities, within the order of $\boldsymbol{U}\left(\boldsymbol{k}=\mathbf{2}\right)\%$ ≤ 3.5%. For the S-Cs quality, the ${\boldsymbol{R}}_{\boldsymbol{k}}$ is in the order of $\boldsymbol{U}\left(\boldsymbol{k}=\mathbf{2}\right)$ ≤ 3.0%. It should be noted that the ININ U's are generally larger due to the failure of the ${\boldsymbol{k}}_{\boldsymbol{TP}}$ correction factor, a brief discussion is given here. The ${\boldsymbol{E}}_{\boldsymbol{n}}$ score from ISO 17043 provides statistical support to this comparison.
Monte Carlo implementation of a Gaussian plume model for submersion dose calculation at short downwind distances
Authors: Lorenzon Tommaso , Bonforte Francesco , Codispoti Luca , Agosteo Stefano , Ferrarini Michele
Published: December 2024

In this article, the submersion dose due to a radioactive cloud of pollutants was evaluated at short downwind distances from an emission stack. The atmospheric transport of contaminants was modelled using the Gaussian plume model (GPM). The algorithm for dose computation and its hypotheses were analysed. Two relevant issues were discussed: the semi-infinite cloud approximation used for pre-calculated dose conversion factors and the lack of a radiation transport model for dose computation outside the radioactive cloud. The GPM-based software HotSpot and GENII V2.10 and a FLUKA Monte Carlo GPM implementation were compared in a scenario characterized by a low release height and two different simplified atmospheric conditions. Compared to FLUKA, HotSpot and GENII V2.10 results showed a significant dose overestimation inside the plume. Moreover, in extremely stable meteorological conditions, only the Monte Carlo code could detect the ground-level dose contribution from an overhead plume.
Comparison of calibration results for α, β surface contamination monitors
Authors: Mihailescu Liviu-Cristian , Glavič-Cindro Denis , Huikari Jussi , Javorník Andrej , Stanev Stanislav V
Published: December 2024

Surface contamination monitors are used intensively in many facilities, like in the nuclear medicine departments for clearance measurements and decontamination and in decommissioning of nuclear installations. For a reliable use, all surface contamination monitors should have a valid calibration with traceability to the international standards. A comparison exercise for calibrations in terms of efficiency in 2π steradian for surface contamination monitors was organized between five dosimetry calibration laboratories, members of EURAMET (The European Association of National Metrology Institutes). Four β-beta radionuclide sources, Sr-90, Cl-36, Cs-137, Co-60, and one α-alpha source, Am-241, were used for calibrations during this exercise. Two transfer surface contamination monitors, one Canberra SABG 100 and one Berthold LB 124 with 100 cm2 and 343 cm2 effective area, respectively, were used. The monitors were circulated between the partners and were periodically returned to the pilot laboratory for stability checks. The efficiencies in 2π steradian measured by the participants do not fully agree for all sources and both detectors despite the fact that all laboratories used similar types of surface contamination sources and had proper traceability to primary standards for surface emission rate measurements. As no evident difference in measurements of surface emission rates is expected between the primary standard laboratories that calibrated the sources, it is very probable that the observed differences are mainly due to the calibration procedures used by each laboratory and that the measurement uncertainties of efficiency in 2π steradian are underestimated. This report presents the results of this pilot comparison for calibration of surface contamination monitors and stresses the need to organize similar generalized exercises. This report also identifies some gaps in procedures for calibration of surface contamination monitors.
The impact of institutional autonomy on higher education institutions in Europe
Authors: Painsi Patrick Wilhelm , Leitner Karl-Heinz , Rybnicek Robert
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of institutional autonomy on higher education institutions (HEIs). The research question is whether increasing institutional autonomy leads to HEIs fulfilling three major missions with greater success. This study utilizes multiple sets of regression models, including multilevel hierarchical models, combining data from four sources for European HEIs, which includes variables on a state and institutional level. The three sets of regression models each estimate the effect of HEIs’ autonomy on their success in one of their missions. Although results indicate a good model fit, the effects of increasing HEI autonomy on the mission objectives appear mostly minor and even, in some cases, negative and therefore contradictory to the autonomy literature. A possible theoretical explanation question whether recent developments actually create additional autonomy or only shift autonomy among HEI actors without quantitative impact. A methodological explanation aims to stimulate further improvements and standardization of measurements.
Strong ties, strong homophily? Variation in homophily on sociodemographic characteristics by relationship strength
Authors: Kretschmer David , Leszczensky Lars , McMillan Cassie
Published: December 2024

Social networks are segregated by sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status. A key reason for this segregation is homophily, or people's preferences to associate with similar others. Homophily is documented for relationships of different strengths, ranging from marriage and close friendship to weaker acquaintanceships. But does sociodemographic homophily vary by relationship strength? While most researchers assume more pronounced sociodemographic homophily for strong than for weak relationships, theoretical expectations and empirical evidence are inconclusive. For instance, shared sociodemographic characteristics can come with joint experiences and identities that could facilitate the development of strong relationships. At the same time, however, matching personalities and attitudes may be necessary for forming strong relationships, so the superficial similarity that accompanies shared sociodemographic traits may only suffice for weak relationships. Based on these considerations, we test whether and how gender, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic status homophily vary by relationship strength in over 600 school-based networks of more than 20,000 adolescents from Israel, England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Using valued exponential random graph models, we find consistent evidence that strong tie homophily exceeds weak tie homophily. While adolescents are more likely to report strong ties with those who share their gender, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status, homophily is less pronounced for weaker ties. Our finding suggests that it is crucial to consider the link between homophily and tie strength to understand the flow of information, resources, social support, and opportunities in social networks.
The causal effect of liberalizing legal requirements on naturalization intentions
Authors: Kosyakova Yuliya , Damelang Andreas
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the multifaceted factors influencing immigrants’ naturalization intentions, with a primary focus on legal requirements and the implementation of naturalization laws. It distinguishes between different groups of non-citizens, such as refugees, European Union (EU) citizens, and non-EU citizens. Employing a vignette experiment among non-citizens in a large-scale representative data in Germany—the German Socioeconomic Panel (in 2022), the IAB-SOEP Migration Sample (in 2022), and the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees in Germany (in 2021) (Total N = 6431)—the research empirically analyzes the effects of liberalizing legal requirements and the effects of more inclusive naturalization procedure on intentions to acquire German citizenship. This comparison, both for current versus liberalized requirements and less versus more inclusive naturalization procedures, offers a realistic scenario of how liberalization and inclusiveness impact naturalization intentions. The results reveal that liberalizing legal requirements, specifically dual citizenship availability and reduced waiting period, has a positive effect on naturalization intentions. Simultaneously, these effects differ between the three groups of non-citizens, particularly due to differences in the perceived benefits of naturalization. In contrast, a more inclusive naturalization procedure does not affect non-citizens’ naturalization intentions. These results underline the importance of citizenship policy for the naturalization intentions of non-citizens. However, the results also show nuanced reactions to liberalized requirements stressing the importance of group-specific cost–benefit considerations.
O009 Does exercise preserve fat free mass during rapid weight loss in overweight or obese men with obstructive sleep apnoea? A pilot study
Authors: Lowrie F , Machan E , Phillips C , Gordon C , Yee B
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Very low energy diets (VLEDs) are effective for reducing weight but are associated with greater fat free mass (FFM) reduction than other energy-restricted diets. Exercise may protect against this, having been shown to reduce OSA severity independently of weight loss. We aimed to assess the feasibility and tolerability of VLED-induced rapid weight loss with or without functional exercise in overweight or obese men with OSA.

Methods

This open-label pilot randomised controlled trial recruited men aged 18-55 years with a BMI of ≥27kg/m2 and untreated moderate-to-severe OSA to VLED-only (VO) or VLED-plus-exercise (VEX) for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a VLED providing <800kcal/day. The VEX group also participated in supervised functional exercise training at a commercial gym.

Results

Twenty men were recruited and completed the study, with one drop out from VEX. Significant AHI reductions were observed in both VO (n=9, -20.9 events/hr [95%CI -28.3 to -13.6]) and VEX (n=11, -15.4 events/hr [-26.0 to -4.7]). A total weight loss of -14.5kg [-17.5 to -11.5] and -9.3kg fat mass [-11.0 to -7.6] was achieved. FFM reduction occurred (-3.9kg [-5.5 to -2.3]), with a trend towards preservation in the VEX group.

Discussion

VLED, with or without exercise, proved feasible and well-tolerated and demonstrated positive outcomes in AHI and body composition variables. No between-group differences were observed in any outcomes, however the small reduction in FFM loss seen in the VEX group may suggest a potential mechanism for exercise to preserve FFM.
O044 Behaviour Sleep Interventions for the management of non-respiratory sleep issues in Children with Neurodisability
Authors: Fullwood K , Cooke E , Hunt-Toby B , Vanderleur M , Pride N , Waters K , Thorpe K , Chawla J
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Non-respiratory sleep issues affect 80% of children with neurodisability (ND) compared to 40% of typically developing children, resulting in reduced sleep and daytime dysfunction. Despite various behavioural interventions evaluated with varying success, there’s still a lack of clear evidence on the most effective approach to managing sleep in this population. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of existing sleep interventions for children with ND and their effectiveness to inform future development.

Method

This review adhered to Cochrane Library guidelines, encompassing studies of children and young people aged 2-18 years diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ND) and experiencing non-respiratory sleep issues as per DSM-5-TR or ICD criteria. A search across five databases and two trial registries was conducted, followed by screening for duplicates and eligibility, with data extraction and critical appraisal of included papers.

Results

55 papers were included. The majority of studies (69%) focused on children with ASD and/or ADHD, indicating a significant under-representation of other neurodisabilities. Some studies made adaptations to their interventions, primarily involving changes in language, visual examples, and increased repetition. The comparison of delivery format (online vs. in-person, group vs. individual) showed no significant difference. Higher intensity interventions demonstrated lower effectiveness. Sustained effects were observed for the first 3-6 months before diminishing.

Discussion

Most interventions led to some improvement in sleep issues, with a similar structure observed across programs. While this review identifies various sleep strategies and programs to address sleep problems, it highlights the necessity for higher quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the most effective strategies.

Conclusion

This review offers one of the most extensive summaries of evidence regarding behavioural interventions for improving sleep in children with neurodisabilities.
P035 Good quality sleep is associated with initial encoding and long-term consolidation of memory in older adults
Authors: Akhtar N , Garfield V , Singh A , Soni R , Chakrawarty A , Tripathi M , Shankar Kaloiya G
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Ageing is one of the strongest and consistent factors which affect sleep. Poor quality sleep may be one of the initial presentations of poor cognitive decline in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we assess the association of changes in sleep quality with cognitive function in older adults.

Methods

54 participants between 50-80 years were recruited from geriatric clinic and community. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI) and Indian Council of Medical research-Neuro Cognitive Toolbox (ICMR-NCTB) were used for assessing sleep quality and different cognitive domains.

Results

Mean age of the participants was 63 years (Male=49, Female=05). 25 were good sleepers (PSQI score ≤5) and 29 were poor sleepers (PSQI score >5). PSQI global score was found to have a negative correlation with episodic memory (immediate recall score) (r=-0.38, p=0.004) and delayed recall score (r= -0.31, p=0.024) and significant positive correlation with attention and executive function measured with trail making test-B (TMT-B) (r=0.35, p=0.01). There was a significant difference between good and poor sleepers in immediate recall score (p=0.042) and trail making test-B (TMT-B) (p=0.002) but not for delayed recall score (p=0.115).

Conclusion

As sleep quality decreases, episodic memory performance also declines. The impact of poor sleep might be more pronounced on the ability to recall information immediately after it is presented than on the ability to recall information after a delay. This suggests addressing sleep quality could mitigate cognitive decline risks in older adults.
Citizenship and Level-Change Threat Effects on Sentencing
Authors: Holmes Bryan , Mears Daniel
Published: December 2024

Historically, tests of the minority threat theory in criminal punishment have focused on racial/ethnic minority groups, and less on other marginalized groups such as non-citizens. This relative oversight of non-citizens is important because (1) recent decades have been witness to record increases in immigration, and (2) a prominent feature of contemporary American political discourse is the linking of immigrants to crime—in particular, to illegal drugs. In addition, the focus on immigration provides a compelling opportunity to extend minority threat theory by assessing an oft-neglected dimension of the theory—the joint salience of threat level and change. Using a merged dataset of federal drug sentences (2014 to 2019) and publicly available population information, we run a series of multi-level logistic and Poisson regression models to assess whether punishment differs for non-citizen and citizen drug defendants across areas of different foreign-born levels, changes, and level-change combinations. Some statistical, but never substantive, support for minority threat theory exists at incarceration. At sentence length, the preponderance of the evidence suggests that district sensitivity to foreign-born population growth is moderated by the baseline level of the foreign-born populace. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
Faith and Volunteering at Midlife: Variation by Religious Continuity, Discontinuity, or Initiation Since Childhood?
Authors: Upenieks Laura , Schafer Markus H
Published: December 2024

Volunteer service is an integral part of civic life in America. Prior research consistently finds that highly religious people spend the most time volunteering, but few studies assess the role of religious stability and change through the life course. This study focuses on exposure to religiosity in childhood and the (dis)continuity of religiosity into adulthood, as well as cases where people become more or less religious as adults. Drawing on nationally representative longitudinal data from the MIDUS study (N = 3,025), our results suggest that childhood religiosity, in isolation, does not provide a sufficient account of adulthood volunteering. Rather, people raised in highly religious childhood homes volunteered several more hours per year than those from less religious homes only if they carried religious importance forward into midlife. Moreover, people sustaining high religiosity from childhood to adulthood reported slightly more total volunteering hours than those who decreased and increased their religious importance over time after adjusting for baseline hours of volunteering. Counterfactual mediation analyses suggest that religious attendance partially mediates each of these associations, highlighting the importance of religious communities in encouraging volunteerism.
Assessing multidimensional fidelity in a pilot optimization trial: A process evaluation of four intervention components supporting medication adherence in women with breast cancer
Authors: Green Sophie M C , Graham Christopher D , Collinson Michelle , Ow Pei Loo , Hall Louise H , French David P , Rousseau Nikki , Wilkes Hollie , Taylor Christopher , Raine Erin , Ellison Rachel , Howdon Daniel , Foy Robbie , Walwyn Rebecca E A , Clark Jane , Parbutt Catherine , Waller Jo , Buxton Jacqueline , Moore Sally J L , Velikova Galina , Farrin Amanda J , Smith Samuel G
Published: December 2024

Adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy in women with breast cancer is low. We conducted a 24-1 fractional factorial pilot optimization trial to test four intervention components supporting medication adherence [text messages, information leaflet, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), self-management website], in the preparation phase of the multiphase optimization strategy. Guided by the National Institute of Health Behavior Change Consortium fidelity framework, we investigated fidelity of design, training, delivery, receipt, and enactment of four intervention components. Women prescribed adjuvant endocrine therapy (n = 52) were randomized to one of eight experimental conditions comprised of combinations of the four intervention components (ISRCTN: 10487576). We assessed fidelity using self-report data (4 months post-randomization), trial data, ACT session observations, behavior change technique (BCT) coding, and interviews with participants (n = 20) and therapists (n = 6). Design: Each intervention component targeted unique behavior change techniques with some overlap. Training: All 10 therapists passed the competency assessment. Delivery: All leaflets (27/27) and website (26/26) details were sent, and ACT procedural fidelity was high (85.1%–94.3%). A median of 32.5/41 (range 11–41) text messages were delivered, but a system error prevented some messages being sent to 22 of 28 participants. Receipt: Most participants [63.0% (ACT, leaflet) to 71.4% (text messages)] read all or at least some of the intervention components they were randomized to receive. Enactment was reported most positively for ACT. All intervention components demonstrated adequate fidelity. We have provided an exemplar for assessing fidelity using the National Institute of Health Behavior Change Consortium framework in the preparation phase of multiphase optimization strategy.
Increasing the utility of epidemiologic studies as key evidence in chemical risk assessment
Authors: Schaefer Heather R , Vincent Melissa J , Burns Carol J , Lange Sabine S
Published: December 2024

The Society of Toxicology 2024 meeting assembled risk assessors, epidemiologists, and toxicologists to discuss the utility of integrating epidemiologic data into the derivation of reference values. Advantages of the use of epidemiologic evidence include (i) human relevance; (ii) increased likelihood that exposure levels are relevant to risk assessment; and (iii) incorporation of uncertainties attributed to co-exposures or other population-based considerations. The workshop panelists discussed the challenges of incorporating epidemiologic evidence due to uncertain exposure measurements, confounding, heterogeneity, and inherent study design limitations. Capturing uncertainty is a critical step. In summary, epidemiologic evidence can be a valuable tool for risk analysis. This workshop brief captures constructive considerations from practitioners in the field that can increase the utility of epidemiologic studies in chemical risk assessment and harmonize the approach for use in dose-response assessment that will ultimately reduce uncertainty related to chemical exposures.
Impact of artificial sunlight aging on the respiratory effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics through degradation-mediated terephthalic acid release in male mice
Authors: Ishihara Yasuhiro , Kajino Mizuo , Iwamoto Yoko , Nakane Tatsuto , Nabetani Yu , Okuda Tomoaki , Kono Maori , Okochi Hiroshi
Published: December 2024

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, leading to human exposure through inhalation. Airborne microplastics undergo degradation due to sunlight irradiation, yet the respiratory risks associated with degraded microplastics remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the respiratory effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degraded by artificial sunlight and created a transport and degradation model of PET for risk assessment. PET fibers were cut and subjected to artificial sunlight irradiation. Mice exposed to aged PET showed increased airway resistance induced by methacholine (MCh) inhalation, along with lung inflammation and neutrophil infiltration. Terephthalic acid (TPA) was continuously released from PET aged by artificial sunlight. Exposure to TPA also caused lung inflammation and enhanced airway resistance induced by MCh in mice. These findings indicate that aged PET can cause respiratory impairment via TPA release. A simple transport and degradation model was developed to quantitatively relate the abundance of aged PET produced in this study (i.e. 4,000 × 96 W m−2 h) and aged fractions of PET that can be generated in the atmosphere. Our results suggested 10% to 60% of PET was degraded as that produced in this study over sunny regions in summer, whereas only lower than 1% in high-latitude cities in Europe in winter. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the abundance of aged PET and further development of a transport and degradation model of PET to assess the risk of degraded PET in the atmosphere.
Human T-lymphotropic Virus infection among Quilombo communities in Central Brazil
Authors: Amianti Carolina , Bandeira Larissa M , Lima Lívia A , do Lago Bárbara V , Vallinoto Antonio C R , Motta-Castro Ana Rita C
Published: December 2024

Background

This study estimated the sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of Human T-lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) infection among Afro-Brazilians in the two largest remnant Quilombo communities in Mato Grosso do Sul State.

Methods

Participants were interviewed from October 2015 to October 2016. Blood samples were collected and screened for anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit.

Results

No positive results for HTLV-1/2 infection were detected among the 316 screened samples.

Conclusions

These findings provide additional information on the sociodemographic characteristics and HTLV status of Quilombos in Mato Grosso do Sul State.