bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a measurement type-independent metric to compare patterns of determinants between patient-reported versus performance-based physical function in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Liegl Gregor , Fischer Felix H. , Canaud Bernard , Woodward Mark , Barth Claudia , Davenport Andrew , Török Marietta , Strippoli Giovanni F. M. , Hegbrant Jörgen , Cromm Krister , Bots Michiel L. , Blankestijn Peter J. , Fischer Kathrin I. , Rose Matthias ,   the CONVINCE Scientific Committee
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We applied a previously established common T-score metric for patient-reported and performance-based physical function (PF), offering the unique opportunity to directly compare measurement type-specific patterns of associations with potential laboratory-based, psychosocial, sociodemographic, and health-related determinants in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We analyzed baseline data from the CONVINCE trial (N = 1,360), a multinational randomized controlled trial comparing high-flux hemodialysis with high-dose hemodiafiltration. To explore the associations of potential determinants with performance-based versus patient-reported PF, we conducted multiple linear regression (backward elimination with cross-validation and Lasso regression). We used standardized T-scores as estimated from the PROMIS PF short-form 4a (patient-reported PF) and the Physical Performance Test (performance-based PF) as dependent variables.

Results

Performance-based and patient-reported PF were both significantly associated with a laboratory marker-based indicator of muscle mass (simplified creatinine index), although the effects were relatively small (partial f2 = 0.04). Age was negatively associated with PF; the effect size was larger for performance-based (partial f2 = 0.12) than for patient-reported PF (partial f2 = 0.08). Compared to performance-based PF, patient-reported PF showed a stronger association with self-reported health domains, particularly pain interference and fatigue. When using the individual difference between patient-reported and performance-based T-scores as outcome, we found that younger age and more fatigue were associated with lower patient-reported PF compared to performance-based PF (small effect size).

Conclusion

Patient-reported and performance-based assessments were similarly associated with an objective marker of physical impairment in hemodialysis patients. Age and fatigue may result in discrepancies when comparing performance-based and patient-reported scores on the common PF scale.

Trial Registration CONVINCE is registered in the Dutch Trial Register (Register ID: NL64750.041.18). The registration can be accessed at: https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/52958.
Smellscapes and diachronic olfaction
Authors: Skrzypulec Błażej
Published: August 2024

According to a common view, olfactory experiences lack well-developed spatial content. Nevertheless, there is also an important opposition to such a restricted perspective on olfactory spatiality, which claims that a view ascribing only rudimentary spatial content to olfaction arises from a narrow focus on short and passive olfactory experiences. In particular, it is claimed that due to the active and diachronic aspects of olfaction, olfactory experiences represent ‘smellscapes,’ i.e., spatially organized arrangements of odor plumes. This paper considers the thesis that olfaction represents smellscapes by distinguishing weaker and stronger understandings of smellscapes. Weak smellscapes are odors standing in allocentric spatial relations, while strong smellscapes, in addition, are odors located at places having specific sizes and shapes. It is argued that only weak smellscapes are plausibly represented by human olfaction.
Eight-year follow-up of patient-reported outcomes in patients with breast cancer participating in exercise studies during chemotherapy
Authors: Binyam David , Naaktgeboren Willeke R. , Groen Wim G. , Aaronson Neil K. , Hiensch Anouk E. , van Harten Wim H. , Stuiver Martijn M. , May Anne M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown beneficial exercise effects on fatigue, anxiety and depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer (BC) patients during and shortly after treatment. Here, we investigated the long-term effects of exercise during chemotherapy for BC on these outcomes.

Methods

We invited participants of two highly comparable RCTs that investigated the effects of exercise (EX) (versus usual care (UC)) during chemotherapy in patients with non-metastatic BC (N = 357) to participate in an 8-year follow-up. In both trials, fatigue, anxiety and depression and HRQoL were assessed using the same questionnaires, at multiple timepoints. Linear mixed-effect models were used to compare study arms over time.

Results

In total, 156 participants (EX = 82; UC = 74) completed the follow-up questionnaires. EX reported comparable general (between-group difference 0.73, 95% confidence interval (− 0.35; 1.80), ES = 0.18) and physical fatigue (0.55 (− 0.55; 1.65), ES = 0.13), small but statistically significantly higher levels of anxiety (1.24 (0.47 to 2.00), ES = 0.39) and depression (1.10 (0.34; 1.85), ES = 0.38), significantly lower global HRQoL (− 5.99 (− 10.65; − 1.32), ES = 0.34) and comparable summary HRQoL (− 1.90 (− 4.70; 0.89), ES = 0.16) compared to UC.

Conclusion

No long-term beneficial effects of exercise during chemotherapy on BC patients’ fatigue, anxiety, depression or HRQoL were observed. The less favourable outcomes for mood and HRQoL that were observed 8 years after participation in an exercise intervention may be explained by selective loss-to-follow-up.

Implications for cancer survivors

The results highlight the need to incorporate strategies that promote physical activity maintenance after participation in an exercise programme to also counteract long-term detrimental side effects of cancer treatment.
Lesbian and bisexual breast cancer survivors’ post-treatment resource needs
Authors: Rhoten Bethany , Tree Jennifer M. Jabson , David Kurt , Boehmer Uli , Scout NFN
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to identify and describe determinants of lesbian and bisexual breast cancer survivors’ post-treatment resources.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional descriptive study design. The data reported here were gathered as part of OUT: The National Cancer Survey, administered electronically from September 2020 to March 2021 via social media and community partners. We used descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact tests, and thematic analysis to analyze survivor perceptions of information availability, treatment environment, care plans, social support, and health.

Results

Of those who participated in the survey, (N =430) 366 identified as lesbian, and 64 identified as bisexual. Mean age was 58.6 years (range 21 – 91 years). Fewer than 11% of our sample indicated they could find helpful information about being a queer person with cancer during their treatment. Over 75% of our sample that received a cancer survivorship care plan indicated that their plan did not include resources for queer individuals.

Conclusions

Affirming cancer treatment environments and resources tailored to the needs of lesbian and bisexual breast cancer survivors are critical for reducing disparities.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Survivorship care plans should include resources for queer individuals as a part of holistic cancer care.
Physical activity maintenance in colorectal cancer survivors after an exercise intervention applying behaviour change techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Agirre-Elordui Saioa , Fernández-Landa Julen , Olasagasti-Ibargoien Jurgi , Castañeda-Babarro Arkaitz
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the long-term effect of combined physical activity (PA) and behaviour change techniques (BCT) interventions in PA maintenance of colorectal cancer survivors (CRCS) and identify the most frequent BCT implemented in them.

Methods

PRISMA recommendations were followed. Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials up to October 2023. Studies in which CRCS completed a PA intervention based on any Theoretical Model of Behaviour Change (TMBC) and a subsequent follow-up period were included. Between-group differences at baseline and after follow-up were pooled for meta-analysis. BCT codification was performed using the BCT taxonomy v1. Methodological quality and evidence certainty were also assessed.

Results

Five studies involving 906 CRCS met the inclusion criteria. PA interventions applying BCT showed a significant change with a small positive effect (pooled SMD = 0.22 (0.09, 0.35)) on the PA after a follow-up period between 3 and 12 months. Twenty-two different BCTs were identified (mean 17.2, range 15–19) of which 12 were common across all interventions.

Conclusions

PA and BCT interventions have been found to be effective in improving the long-term maintenance of PA in CRCS. Further studies with higher methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Aerobic exercise, pedometers, PA diaries and educational materials seem to be important aspects to achieve sustainable adherence to an active lifestyle over time. Supervision, access to fitness areas and applying some BCT appear to be differentiating features to obtain more successful PA maintenance.
ETV6 Molecular Heterogeneity in Salivary Secretory Carcinoma: A Case Series Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mahomed Farzana , de Bruin Jana , Ngwenya Sizakele , Masango Zinhle , Hodkinson Katherine
Published: August 2024

Background

ETV6 gene rearrangement is the molecular hallmark of secretory carcinoma (SC), however; the nature, frequency, and clinical implications of atypical ETV6 signal patterns by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has not yet been systematically evaluated in salivary gland neoplasms.

Methods

The clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features of seven salivary SCs, including four cases with atypical ETV6 FISH patterns, were retrospectively analyzed along with a critical appraisal of the literature on unbalanced ETV6 break-apart in SCs.

Results

The patients were four males and three females (31–70 years-old). Five presented with a painless neck mass and two patients with recurrent disease had a history of a previously diagnosed acinic cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa. Histologically, there were varied combinations of microcystic, papillary, tubular, and solid patterns. All tumors were diffusely positive for S100 and/or SOX10, while 2 cases also showed luminal DOG1 staining. Rearrangement of the ETV6 locus was confirmed in 5/7 cases, of which 3 cases showed classic break-apart signals, 1 case further demonstrated duplication of the ETV6 5`end and the other loss of one copy of ETV6. Two cases harbored ETV6 deletion without rearrangement. Two of the 4 cases with atypical ETV6 FISH patterns represented recurrent tumors, one with widespread skeletal muscle involvement, bone and lymphovascular invasion. Surgical treatment resulted in gross-total resection in all 7 cases, with a median follow up of 9.5 months post-surgery for primary (n = 3) and recurrent disease (n = 1).

Conclusion

Duplication of the distal/telomeric ETV6 probe represented the most common (26/40; 65%) variant ETV6 break-apart FISH pattern in salivary SC reported in the literature and appears indicative of an aggressive clinical course.
Lectin from edible seaweed Meristotheca papulosa exhibits a high digestion-resistant property
Authors: Buendia Kathleen Kay , Kameda-Migita Nana , Teruya Hideyuki , Hori Kanji , Hirayama Makoto
Published: August 2024

The physiological impacts of polysaccharides and lipids in seaweed on human health are becoming clearer, but the behavior of the protein components, especially lectins, after ingestion remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the resistance of edible red algae-derived lectins to digestive enzymes. We found that a lectin extracted from Meristotheca papulosa (MPL-1), belonging to the Jacalin-related lectin family, was relatively stable when subjected to both peptic and tryptic digestion and retained its hemagglutination activity after 24 h of digestion. The activity of MPL-1 was also maintained without a large change for 24 h following exposure to enzymes such as papain, Actinase E, and proteinase K, suggesting that MPL-1 possesses a strong resistant property against proteolytic digestion. We examined the anti-proliferation activity of the MPL fraction from the algal body against HT-29, a human colon cancer-derived cell line, and found that it showed a strong inhibitory activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 4.5 μg/mL. This activity was nullified in the presence of yeast mannan, an inhibitory sugar compound of lectin, demonstrating that MPL expressed its activity through binding to the glycan moieties on HT-29. This study indicates that this proteinase-resistant lectin could play a vital role after ingestion and is expected to have an inhibitory effect against colorectal cancer.
Evaluation of genetic diversity using simple sequence repeat markers and analysis of cross compatibility in hydrangeas
Authors: Bak SeongHwa , Han Tae-Ho
Published: August 2024

Hydrangeas with large inflorescences are widely used as cut flowers and in floral arrangements. However, the genetic diversity of commercially grown hydrangeas has been limited owing to the breeding focus on popular species. Therefore, this study was conducted to suggest interspecific breeding strategies for expanding the genetic diversity in Hydrangea L. by evaluating genetic diversity in the seven main species collected in Korea and analyzing cross compatibility via intra- and interspecific hybridization. Interspecific diversity evaluation using simple sequence repeat markers resulted in the segregation of 35 varieties accounting for seven species into five groups as follows: (1) Hydrangea paniculate group, (2) Hydrangea arborescnes group, (3) Hydrangea anomala and Hydrangea aspera group, (4) Hydrangea quercifolia group, and (5) Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata group. Cross compatibility was confirmed via intra- and interspecific crossing, and hybrids were obtained in 18 crossing combinations. Intraspecific hybrids tend to be easy to obtain, but interspecific hybrids are difficult to obtain due to a variety of factors. While most of the interspecific hybrids were obtained using ovule culture, the crossing between H. macrophylla and H. serrata created hybrids from seed sowing, indicating that H. serrata is a subspecies of H. macrophylla. Bilateral and unilateral incompatibilities were observed across the obtained hybrids. Particularly, weak bilateral compatibility was observed between H. serrata and H.paniculata. Accordingly, it was proposed that hybrids between H. macrophylla and H. serrata can be successfully used as parental materials in crossing with H. paniculata to improve cold tolerance. In addition, cross compatibility was improved in interspecific crossing using H. macrophylla and H. arborescens as maternal plants. It is anticipated that these finding will help improve the genetic diversity in commercial hydrangeas.
Accelerating Visual Anticipation in Sport Through Temporal Occlusion Training: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Müller Sean , Morris-Binelli Khaya , Hambrick David Z. , Macnamara Brooke N.
Published: August 2024

Background

The video-based temporal occlusion paradigm has been consistently used in visual anticipation sport research.

Objective

This meta-analysis investigated the magnitude to which video-based temporal occlusion training could improve anticipation skill with transfer to representative laboratory and field tasks.

Methods

As there are considerably fewer anticipation training than performance studies, the meta-analysis included 12 intervention studies with 25 effect sizes where video simulation and/or field-based tests were used. The Downs and Black checklist adapted for sports science research was used to assess methodological quality of the included studies. Decision time and accuracy of anticipation were the outcome measures because both are relevant to sports skills. The changes in these measures between experimental and control groups from baseline to the transfer test context were used to calculate the magnitude of the training effect.

Results

Findings revealed a significant training effect, including a large meta-analytic effect size, and no difference in training benefit across video and field-based transfer tests. Publication bias analyses were inconclusive, likely due to the small number of available studies.

Conclusions

These findings are evidence that the temporal occlusion paradigm is an effective method to improve visual anticipation skill across representative perceptual and perceptual-motor transfer tests. The theoretical implication based upon the two-stage model of visual anticipation is that temporal occlusion training can improve use of early information for body positioning by the performer, which could in turn lead to improved execution of the skill goal.
Testing for Measurement Invariance (MI): Do the Structures of Microaggression, Discrimination, and Resilience Among Black Women Living with HIV Remain the Same Across Time?
Authors: Liu Jingxin , Feaster Daniel J. , Shahid Naysha , Lazarus Kimberly , Boga Devina J. , Willie Peyton , Juste Reyanna St. , Silva Maria Fernanda , Adeojo Layomi , Wright Mya , Reid Rachelle , Gonzalez Stephanie , Madhu Aarti , Warman Chelsie , Bolden Roxana , Pan Yue , Nelson C. Mindy , Hlaing WayWay , Rodriguez Allan , Alcaide Maria L. , Ironson Gail , Safren Steven , Wright Ian , Dale Sannisha K.
Published: August 2024

Assessing measurement invariance and the interplay of discrimination, microaggressions, and resilience among Black women living with HIV (BWLWH) across time utilizing latent class and repeated measure analysis may provide novel insights. A total of 151 BWLWH in a southeastern U.S. city completed surveys focused on multiple forms of microaggressions and discrimination (race, gender, sexual orientation, or HIV-related) and resilience factors (social support, self-efficacy, post-traumatic growth) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. To capture the psychosocial domains of discrimination, microaggressions, and resilience, three latent factors were developed and measured across three time points. Latent class analysis was also conducted to identify and compare meaningful subgroups based on varying levels of discrimination, microaggressions, and resilience reported. Three latent classes were created. MI testing suggested that measurement invariance was partially met (established metric invariance and scalar invariance), and it is possible to compare factor means of discrimination, microaggressions, and resilience across time. Latent factor mean scores of microaggressions and discrimination decreased after 3 and 6 months and increased for resilience after 6 months and varied over time across the three latent classes identified. The subgroup with the lowest level of discrimination and microaggressions and the highest level of resilience reported at baseline, experienced increases in resilience after months 3 and 6. Clinical interventions, research, and policies aimed at promoting resilience and reducing structural and social barriers linked to racism, sexism, HIV stigma, and classism are needed to improve the health and well-being of BWLWH.
Optimization of malted cowpea compositions and extrusion parameters for best quality Ethiopian emmer wheat-based snack food
Authors: Teferi Desye Alemu , Satheesh Neela , Kassa Messenbet Geremew , Belachew Mikru Tesfa
Published: August 2024

Childhood malnutrition is a major concern in developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia. This study aims to address this problem by assessing the nutritional properties of snacks made from locally available raw materials. The study used a twin-screw extruder machine to study the effects of different processing conditions (barrel temperatures, feed moisture content, and cowpea/emmer wheat blending ratio) on the nutritional properties of extruded products. The results showed a highly significant effect of these processing variables on the nutritional properties of snacks. Increasing cowpea in the blend boosted the protein and fiber content of the snack products. Increasing the barrel temperature from 80 to 120 °C notably decreased the protein and fat levels in the snack. The optimization of the combined interactive effects on an extruded snack made from 19.83% cowpea and 80.17% emmer wheat, cooked at 120 °C barrel temperature with 22.04% feed moisture content, produced acceptable extruded snack items. The products developed with optimized parameters contained 16.68%, 1.55%, 2.50%, 70.95%, and 364.43 kcal/g for protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, and gross energy, respectively. The study concludes that blending Emmer wheat and cowpea in extruded snacks can provide high protein and gross energy. This suggests a locally viable solution for addressing protein-energy malnutrition in developing regions, particularly Ethiopia.
Super-Resolution Virtual Scene Rendering Technology Based on Generalized Huber-MRF Image Modeling
Authors: Mao Dong , Rao Hanyu , Chen Zuge , Wang Jiaqi , Zhao Shuai , Wang Yidan
Published: August 2024

The traditional rendering technology creates virtual scenes with insufficient fidelity, which are quite different from real scenes. To address this issue, a super-resolution virtual scene rendering technology based on generalized Huber-MRF image modeling has been studied. This study preprocesses the original image through three steps: graying, filtering, and enhancement. The generalized Huber-MRF is employed for super-resolution image restoration to enhance image clarity. Corner features are extracted from the super-resolution image, and the Delaunay triangular grid method is used to construct the image's 3D model. Texture and lighting conditions of the virtual scene are then set through texture mapping, shadow rendering, and other technologies to achieve realistic scene effects. The results indicate that, when applied, the research technology yields a relatively small chamfer distance in virtual scene modeling, suggesting that the design method preserves the details and shape information of the original image, reducing the difference between the virtual scene and the real scene and increasing the fidelity of the virtual scene. Furthermore, this method achieves maximum PSNR and SSIM values of 17.54 and 0.978, respectively, with an image preprocessing time of only 1.21 s and a CPU utilization rate of only 35.5%. This method demonstrates excellent performance across multiple aspects.
The middle technology trap: China in a comparative perspective
Authors: Zheng Yongnian
Published: August 2024

This article examines the concept of the "middle technology trap" as a critical challenge for China in transitioning from a middle-income to a high-income economy. It argues that overcoming this trap is essential for China to achieve high-quality economic development and sustain its growth momentum. The study compares China's technological landscape with that of both developed economies and those stuck in the middle-income trap, identifying the necessity of transitioning from applied to original technology for economic leapfrogging. Through comprehensive analysis, it is highlighted that China's current technological capabilities, although leading in certain areas, predominantly remain at an intermediate level, characterized by a significant reliance on foreign core technologies and a lack of original technological innovation. The paper further explores historical contexts, policy implications, and strategic reforms required to navigate this trap, emphasizing the importance of an open policy, the cultivation of a robust innovation ecosystem, and the strategic role of government in facilitating technological progress and industrial upgrading. It draws on the experiences of developed economies and successful latecomers, advocating for a "new whole nation system" that embraces openness and global integration, rather than isolation. By analyzing the complex interplay between technology diffusion, talent migration, industrial policies, and the global geopolitical landscape, this study provides insights into the systemic reforms and strategic initiatives China must undertake. It stresses the need for a balanced approach between leveraging external technologies and fostering domestic innovation capabilities to escape the middle technology trap and secure a position as a global technology leader. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on technology-led development strategies and offer policy recommendations for economies facing similar technological and developmental challenges.
Liberals and Conservatives Rely on Very Similar Sets of Foundations When Comparing Moral Violations
Authors: BLUMENAU JACK , LAUDERDALE BENJAMIN E.
Published: August 2024

Applications of moral foundations theory in political science have revealed differences in the degree to which liberals and conservatives explicitly endorse five core moral foundations of care, fairness, authority, loyalty, and sanctity. We argue that differences between liberals and conservatives in their explicit ratings of abstract and generalized moral principles do not imply that citizens with different political orientations have fundamentally different moral intuitions. We introduce a new approach for measuring the importance of the five moral foundations by asking U.K. and U.S. survey respondents to compare pairs of vignettes describing violations relevant to each foundation. We analyze responses to these comparisons using a hierarchical Bradley–Terry model which allows us to evaluate the relative importance of each foundation to individuals with different political perspectives. Our results suggest that, despite prominent claims to the contrary, voters on the left and the right of politics share broadly similar moral intuitions.
Tradition and Disruption in Latinx and Latin American Political Thought
Authors: VALDEZ INÉS , ROCCO RAYMOND , CHANG ARTURO
Published: August 2024

This article presents Latinx political thought as a distinctive tradition in political theory that reworks central concepts in response to historical experiences of conquest, colonialism, migration, and transnational politics. In reconstructing this tradition, we argue that its problem space converges with US-based Latin American political thought. The article first traces a genealogy of Latinx political theory and then explores three realms of theorizing around which Latinx and Latin American political thought cluster: sovereignty and state violence, peoplehood, and transnationalism. We explain how the surveyed works disrupt and enrich political theory accounts of these problems. In arguing for the recognition of this field as a tradition, the article also aims to make it intelligible as an area of concentration for PhD students in political science.
Sedentary Merchant Triumphant: The Transformation of Venetian Trading Patterns in the Long Twelfth Century
Authors: Shadrina Elena
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the transformation of Venetian commerce across the twelfth century, arguing that the strategies of Venetian merchants are best described using two distinct models. One was locally integrated and geographically decentralized, typical of merchants who settled abroad and became part of local societies, sometimes retaining few clear links to Venice. The other was far more centralized, characterized by short-term, profit-focused ventures originating in Venice that precluded deep entanglements in foreign economies. Both models were facilitated by the unstructured nature of Venetian overseas administration, which accommodated a degree of autonomy for expatriates while providing the infrastructure necessary for transient commerce. The decline of the integrated model began with the imperial sanctions of 1171 and culminated with the Fourth Crusade (1202–1204), after which the centralized model came to dominate. The subsequent importance of the “sedentary merchant” in Venetian trade was shaped as much by political as by economic factors.
Entwicklung und Validierung der WERT-Skalen: Ein Messinstrument zur Erfassung der wahrgenommenen beruflichen und gesellschaftlichen Relevanz des Studiums
Authors: Breetzke Jonas , Özbagci Derya , Bohndick Carla
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung: Die berufliche und gesellschaftliche Relevanz des Studiums entwickelten sich in den letzten Jahren zu zentralen Leitmotiven deutscher Hochschulen. Sie sind zusätzlich von großer Bedeutung für die Studienmotivation, denn viele Studenten wünschen sich einen Studiengang, der mit guten Chancen auf dem Arbeitsmarkt und einem positiven Einfluss auf die Gesellschaft verbunden ist. Obwohl beide Aspekte sowohl auf bildungspolitischer als auch auf individueller Ebene von großer Bedeutung sind, fehlt es an validen Messinstrumenten. In Anbetracht dessen beschreibt diese Studie die Entwicklung und Validierung der WERT-Skalen. Diese erfassen, wie Studenten die berufliche und gesellschaftlichen Relevanz ihres Studiums wahrnehmen. In drei unabhängigen Studien (Alter von M = 24.04 in Studie 1, M = 22.85 in Studie 2 und M = 23.94 in Studie 3) mit insgesamt N = 1683 Teilnehmern wurden a) Modellstruktur, b) Reliabilität (interne Konsistenz und Retest-Reliabilität), c) Messinvarianz (Studienfachgruppen, Geschlecht und Abschluss), d) Gruppenunterschiede (Studienfachgruppen; Bachelor und Masterstudenten) und e) Zusammenhänge mit Drittvariablen untersucht. Ergebnisse der konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalyse bestätigen die postulierte Modellstruktur der Skalen. Des Weiteren zeigen die WERT-Skalen ausgezeichnete Reliabilität und strikte Messinvarianz. Unterschiede zwischen Gruppen sowie Zusammenhänge mit Drittvariablen stehen im Einklang mit früheren Studien und sprechen für eine valide Interpretierbarkeit der Skalen. Insgesamt deuten die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass es sich bei den WERT-Skalen um ein valides Messinstrument zur Erfassung der wahrgenommenen beruflichen und gesellschaftlichen Relevanz des Studiums handelt. Damit können Hochschulen beispielsweise untersuchen, ob Studiengänge den bildungspolitischen Erwartungen an berufliche und gesellschaftliche Relevanz gerecht werden.
Observations of Flocs in an Estuary and Implications for Computation of Settling Velocity
Authors: Allen R. M. , Livsey D. N. , McGill S. C.
Published: August 2024

The settling velocity (ws) in estuarine environments can impact whether a region is eroding or accreting sediment on the bed, yet determining this rate can be an indirect process requiring a number of assumptions. Accurate determination of ws is especially needed for numerical models to reproduce observed sediment concentrations at the appropriate timescale. We collected information on suspended sediment flocculation at a channel site (13 m deep) and a shallows site (4 m deep) within South San Francisco Estuary, alongside timeseries of flow, wave statistics, turbulent shear, and bottle samples analyzed for both ws and particle size. Using the measurements of floc size and settling velocity, we performed a sensitivity analysis on the unknown parameters in the general explicit formula for settling velocity. The collected particle size distribution data show that multiple classes of flocs are present; these are characterized as flocculi, microflocs, and macroflocs. We show that ws of flocculi is closest to ws for the full distribution. The determined parameter values lead to near‐bed mass‐weighted settling velocities (standard deviation) of 1.18 (0.55) and 0.22 (0.15) mm/s at the channel and shallows sites, respectively. Modeling efforts can use this work to help select an appropriate sediment model and parameter values.
Investigation on Chasing and Interaction of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Based on Multi‐Instrument
Authors: Luo Ji , Xu Jiyao , Wu Kun , Sheng Zheng
Published: August 2024

In this study, we use multi‐instrument observations (all‐sky imager (ASI), global navigation satellite system (GPS) receivers, digisonde) to study the interaction of nighttime medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) on 13 November 2018. The most attractive aspect of this event is that the interaction appeared between two dark bands both propagated southwestward. The airglow observations show that the latter band moved faster and caught up with the former, and these two bands merged into a new one. The propagating characteristics and morphology of the MSTIDs changed during the interaction process. The simulations from the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) suggested that the ionospheric background zonal winds and electron density distributions could play essential roles in the interaction of the MSTIDs. Moreover, the merging process might be associated with the electrostatic reconnection.
Differences in Ionospheric O+ and H+ Outflow During Storms With and Without Sawtooth Oscillations
Authors: Nowrouzi N. , Kistler L. M. , Zhao K. , Lund E. J. , Mouikis C. , Payne G. , Klecker B.
Published: August 2024

Previous simulations have suggested that O+ outflow plays a role in driving the sawtooth oscillations. This study investigates the role of O+ by identifying the differences in ionospheric outflow between sawtooth and non‐sawtooth storms using 11 years of FAST/Time of flight Energy Angle Mass Spectrograph (TEAMS) ion composition data from 1996 through 2007 during storms driven by coronal mass ejections. We find that the storm's initial phase shows larger O+ outflow during non‐sawtooth storms, and the main and recovery phases revealed differences in the location of ionospheric outflow. On the pre‐midnight sector, a larger O+ outflow was observed during the main phase of sawtooth storms, while non‐sawtooth storms exhibited stronger O+ outflow during the recovery phase. On the dayside, the peak outflow shifts significantly toward dawn during sawtooth storms. This strong dawnside sector outflow during sawtooth storms warrants consideration.
A Robust Quantitative Method to Distinguish Runoff‐Generated Debris Flows From Floods
Authors: Cavagnaro David B. , McCoy Scott W. , Kean Jason W. , Thomas Matthew A. , Lindsay Donald N. , McArdell Brian W. , Hirschberg Jacob
Published: August 2024

Debris flows and floods generated by rainfall runoff occur in rocky mountainous landscapes and burned steeplands. Flow type is commonly identified post‐event through interpretation of depositional structures, but these may be poorly preserved or misinterpreted. Prior research indicates that discharge magnitude is commonly amplified in debris flows relative to floods due to volumetric bulking and increased frictional resistance. Here, we use this flow amplification to develop a metric (Q*) to separate debris flows from floods based on the ratio of observed peak discharge to the theoretical maximum water discharge from rainfall runoff. We compile 642 observations of floods and debris flows and demonstrate that Q* distinguishes flow type to ∼92% accuracy. Q* allows for accurate identification of debris flows through simple channel cross‐section surveys rather than through qualitative interpretation of deposits, and therefore should increase the performance of models and engineered structures that require accurate flow‐type observations.
Translation of monosynaptic circuits underlying amygdala fMRI neurofeedback training
Authors: Trambaiolli Lucas , Maffei Chiara , Dann Evan , Biazoli Jr Claudinei , Bezgin Gleb , Yendiki Anastasia , Haber Suzanne
Published: August 2024

fMRI neurofeedback using autobiographical memory recall to upregulate the amygdala is associated with resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) changes between the amygdala and the salience and default mode networks (SN and DMN, respectively). We hypothesize the existence of anatomical circuits underlying these rsFC changes. Using a cross-species brain parcellation, we identified in non-human primates locations homologous to the regions of interest (ROIs) from studies showing pre-to-post-neurofeedback changes in rsFC with the left amygdala. We injected bidirectional tracers in the basolateral, lateral, and central amygdala nuclei of adult macaques and used bright- and dark-field microscopy to identify cells and axon terminals in each ROI (SN: anterior cingulate, ventrolateral, and insular cortices; DMN: temporal pole, middle frontal gyrus, angular gyrus, precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, and thalamus). We also performed additional injections in specific ROIs to validate the results following amygdala injections and delineate potential disynaptic pathways. Finally, we used high-resolution diffusion MRI data from four post-mortem macaque brains and one in vivo human brain to translate our findings to the neuroimaging domain. Different amygdala nuclei had significant monosynaptic connections with all the SN and DMN ipsilateral ROIs. Amygdala connections with the DMN contralateral ROIs are disynaptic through the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus. Diffusion MRI in both species benefitted from using the ground-truth tracer data to validate its findings, as we identified false-negative ipsilateral and false-positive contralateral connectivity results. This study provides the foundation for future causal investigations of amygdala neurofeedback modulation of the SN and DMN through these anatomic connections.
Glycosylation: mechanisms, biological functions and clinical implications
Authors: He Mengyuan , Zhou Xiangxiang , Wang Xin
Published: August 2024

Protein post-translational modification (PTM) is a covalent process that occurs in proteins during or after translation through the addition or removal of one or more functional groups, and has a profound effect on protein function. Glycosylation is one of the most common PTMs, in which polysaccharides are transferred to specific amino acid residues in proteins by glycosyltransferases. A growing body of evidence suggests that glycosylation is essential for the unfolding of various functional activities in organisms, such as playing a key role in the regulation of protein function, cell adhesion and immune escape. Aberrant glycosylation is also closely associated with the development of various diseases. Abnormal glycosylation patterns are closely linked to the emergence of various health conditions, including cancer, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and several other diseases. However, the underlying composition and structure of the glycosylated residues have not been determined. It is imperative to fully understand the internal structure and differential expression of glycosylation, and to incorporate advanced detection technologies to keep the knowledge advancing. Investigations on the clinical applications of glycosylation focused on sensitive and promising biomarkers, development of more effective small molecule targeted drugs and emerging vaccines. These studies provide a new area for novel therapeutic strategies based on glycosylation.
Fatty acid metabolism-related enzymes in colorectal cancer metastasis: from biological function to molecular mechanism
Authors: Li Biao , Mi Jing , Yuan Qi
Published: August 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly aggressive and life-threatening malignancy that metastasizes in ~50% of patients, posing significant challenges to patient survival and treatment. Fatty acid (FA) metabolism regulates proliferation, immune escape, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance in CRC. FA metabolism consists of three pathways: de novo synthesis, uptake, and FA oxidation (FAO). FA metabolism-related enzymes promote CRC metastasis by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Mechanistically, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, wnt/β-catenin pathway, and non-coding RNA signaling pathway are regulated by crosstalk of enzymes related to FA metabolism. Given the important role of FA metabolism in CRC metastasis, targeting FA metabolism-related enzymes and their signaling pathways is a potential strategy to treat CRC metastasis.
Integrating fire safety into bridge design is essential for resilient infrastructure
Authors: Franchini Andrea , Barake Bosibori , Galasso Carmine , Moreyra Garlock Maria E. , Mulligan Joseph , Quiel Spencer , Torero Jose L.
Published: August 2024

The frequent occurrences of bridge fires and the substantial disruptions and direct/indirect economic losses resulting from these events highlight the immediate need for effective fire-safety-oriented design of new bridges and retrofit approaches for vulnerable existing bridges. In this Perspective, we discuss why a holistic engineering approach integrating innovative fire analysis methods and structural design/retrofit strategies into multi-hazard and future-oriented risk modeling frameworks represents the way forward to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure in an uncertain and rapidly changing built environment.
Deciphering the genetics and mechanisms of predisposition to multiple myeloma
Authors: Went Molly , Duran-Lozano Laura , Halldorsson Gisli H. , Gunnell Andrea , Ugidos-Damboriena Nerea , Law Philip , Ekdahl Ludvig , Sud Amit , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Thodberg Malte , Olafsdottir Thorunn , Lamarca-Arrizabalaga Antton , Cafaro Caterina , Niroula Abhishek , Ajore Ram , Lopez de Lapuente Portilla Aitzkoa , Ali Zain , Pertesi Maroulio , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Stefansdottir Lilja , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. , Stacey Simon N. , Love Thorvardur J. , Rognvaldsson Saemundur , Hajek Roman , Vodicka Pavel , Pettersson-Kymmer Ulrika , Späth Florentin , Schinke Carolina , Van Rhee Frits , Sulem Patrick , Ferkingstad Egil , Hjorleifsson Eldjarn Grimur , Mellqvist Ulf-Henrik , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Morgan Gareth , Sonneveld Pieter , Waage Anders , Weinhold Niels , Thomsen Hauke , Försti Asta , Hansson Markus , Juul-Vangsted Annette , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Hemminki Kari , Kaiser Martin , Rafnar Thorunn , Stefansson Kari , Houlston Richard , Nilsson Björn
Published: August 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy of plasma cells. Epidemiological studies indicate a substantial heritable component, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, in a genome-wide association study totaling 10,906 cases and 366,221 controls, we identify 35 MM risk loci, 12 of which are novel. Through functional fine-mapping and Mendelian randomization, we uncover two causal mechanisms for inherited MM risk: longer telomeres; and elevated levels of B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and interleukin-5 receptor alpha (IL5RA) in plasma. The largest increase in BCMA and IL5RA levels is mediated by the risk variant rs34562254-A at TNFRSF13B. While individuals with loss-of-function variants in TNFRSF13B develop B-cell immunodeficiency, rs34562254-A exerts a gain-of-function effect, increasing MM risk through amplified B-cell responses. Our results represent an analysis of genetic MM predisposition, highlighting causal mechanisms contributing to MM development.
Imprints of massive black-hole binaries on neighbouring decihertz gravitational-wave sources
Authors: Stegmann Jakob , Zwick Lorenz , Vermeulen Sander M. , Antonini Fabio , Mayer Lucio
Published: August 2024

The most massive black holes in our Universe form binaries at the centre of merging galaxies. The recent evidence for a gravitational-wave (GW) background from pulsar timing may constitute the first observation that these supermassive black-hole binaries (SMBHBs) merge. Yet, the most massive SMBHBs are out of reach of interferometric GW detectors and are exceedingly difficult to resolve individually with pulsar timing. These limitations call for unexplored strategies to detect individual SMBHBs in the uncharted frequency band ≲10−5 Hz to establish their abundance and decipher the coevolution with their host galaxies. Here we show that SMBHBs imprint detectable long-term modulations on GWs from stellar-mass binaries residing in the same galaxy at a distance d ≲ 1 kpc. We determine that proposed decihertz GW interferometers sensitive to numerous stellar-mass binaries could uncover modulations from ~O(10−1–104) SMBHBs with masses ~O(107–108) M⊙out to redshift z ≈ 3.5. This offers a unique opportunity to map the population of SMBHBs through cosmic time, which might remain inaccessible otherwise.
Quantum confinement-induced anti-electrooxidation of metallic nickel electrocatalysts for hydrogen oxidation
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Yuan Wei , Li Mengting , Xie Zhenyang , Song Xiaoyun , Yang Yang , Wang Jian , Li Li , Ding Wei , Lin Wen-Feng , Wei Zidong
Published: August 2024

The anion-exchange-membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) is an attractive and cost-effective energy-conversion technology because it can use Earth-abundant and low-cost non-precious metal catalysts. However, non-precious metals used in AEMFCs to catalyse the hydrogen oxidation reaction are prone to self-oxidation, resulting in irreversible failure. Here we show a quantum well-like catalytic structure (QWCS), constructed by atomically confining Ni nanoparticles within a carbon-doped-MoOx/MoOx heterojunction (C-MoOx/MoOx) that can selectively transfer external electrons from the hydrogen oxidation reaction while remaining itself metallic. Electrons of Ni nanoparticles gain a barrier of 1.11 eV provided by the QWCS leading to Ni stability up to 1.2 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (VRHE) whereas electrons released from the hydrogen oxidation reaction easily cross the barrier by a gating operation of QWCS upon hydrogen adsorption. The QWCS-catalysed AEMFC achieved a high-power density of 486 mW mgNi−1 and withstood hydrogen starvation operations during shutdown–start cycles, whereas a counterpart AEMFC without QWCS failed in a single cycle.
Single-cell sensor analyses reveal signaling programs enabling Ras-G12C drug resistance
Authors: Zhang Jason Z. , Ong Shao-En , Baker David , Maly Dustin J.
Published: August 2024

Clinical resistance to rat sarcoma virus (Ras)-G12C inhibitors is a challenge. A subpopulation of cancer cells has been shown to undergo genomic and transcriptional alterations to facilitate drug resistance but the immediate adaptive effects on Ras signaling in response to these drugs at the single-cell level is not well understood. Here, we used Ras biosensors to profile the activity and signaling environment of endogenous Ras at the single-cell level. We found that a subpopulation of KRas-G12C cells treated with Ras-G12C-guanosine-diphosphate inhibitors underwent adaptive signaling and metabolic changes driven by wild-type Ras at the Golgi and mutant KRas at the mitochondria, respectively. Our Ras biosensors identified major vault protein as a mediator of Ras activation through its scaffolding of Ras signaling pathway components and metabolite channels. Overall, methods including ours that facilitate direct analysis on the single-cell level can report the adaptations that subpopulations of cells adopt in response to cancer therapies, thus providing insight into drug resistance.
Geometric deep learning of protein–DNA binding specificity
Authors: Mitra Raktim , Li Jinsen , Sagendorf Jared M. , Jiang Yibei , Cohen Ari S. , Chiu Tsu-Pei , Glasscock Cameron J. , Rohs Remo
Published: August 2024

Predicting protein–DNA binding specificity is a challenging yet essential task for understanding gene regulation. Protein–DNA complexes usually exhibit binding to a selected DNA target site, whereas a protein binds, with varying degrees of binding specificity, to a wide range of DNA sequences. This information is not directly accessible in a single structure. Here, to access this information, we present Deep Predictor of Binding Specificity (DeepPBS), a geometric deep-learning model designed to predict binding specificity from protein–DNA structure. DeepPBS can be applied to experimental or predicted structures. Interpretable protein heavy atom importance scores for interface residues can be extracted. When aggregated at the protein residue level, these scores are validated through mutagenesis experiments. Applied to designed proteins targeting specific DNA sequences, DeepPBS was demonstrated to predict experimentally measured binding specificity. DeepPBS offers a foundation for machine-aided studies that advance our understanding of molecular interactions and guide experimental designs and synthetic biology.