bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the possible causal effects of cardiac blood biomarkers in dementia and cognitive performance: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zonneveld Michelle H. , Trompet Stella , Jukema J. Wouter , Noordam Raymond 
Published: May 2023

AbstractProspective cohort studies have implied associations between blood levels of troponin T, troponin I, NT-proBNP, GDF15, dementia, and cognitive function, without providing evidence favoring possible causality. We aimed to assess the causal associations of these cardiac blood biomarkers with dementia and cognition using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Independent genetic instruments (p < 5e−7) for troponin T and I, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and growth-differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) were obtained from previously-performed genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry. Summary statistics for gene-outcome associations in European-ancestry participants, for the two-sample MR analyses, were obtained for general cognitive performance (n = 257,842) and dementia (n = 111,326 clinically diagnosed and “proxy” AD cases, and 677,663 controls). Two-sample MR analyses were performed using inverse variance-weighted (IWV) analyses. Sensitivity analyses to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy included weighted median estimator, MR-Egger, and MR using cis-SNPs only. Using IVW, we did not find evidence for possible causal associations between genetically influenced cardiac biomarkers with cognition and dementia. For example, per standard deviation (SD) higher cardiac blood biomarker, the odds ratio for risk of dementia was 1.06 (95%CI 0.90; 1.21) for troponin T, 0.98 (95%CI 0.72; 1.23) for troponin I, 0.97 (95%CI 0.90; 1.06) for NT-proBNP and 1.07 (95%CI 0.93; 1.21) for GDF15. Sensitivity analyses showed higher GDF15 was significantly associated with higher dementia risk and worse cognitive function. We did not find strong evidence that cardiac biomarkers causally influence dementia risk. Future research should aim at elucidating the biological pathways through which cardiac blood biomarkers associate with dementia.
Is it Good to Conceive of One’s Life Narratively?
Authors: Latham Sally , Pinder Mark 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGrace Hibshman has developed a new explanation for why narrative self-conceptions might contribute to one’s flourishing: conceiving of one’s life narratively, she argues, can facilitate an improved self-understanding. In this short paper, we argue that, pace Hibshman, life narratives tend to misrepresent and mislead. So while they may give the impression of an improved self-understanding, that impression is typically mistaken. In this respect, conceiving of one’s life narratively hinders flourishing.
Learning how to robustly estimate camera pose in endoscopic videos
Authors: Hayoz Michel , Hahne Christopher , Gallardo Mathias , Candinas Daniel , Kurmann Thomas , Allan Maximilian , Sznitman Raphael 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Surgical scene understanding plays a critical role in the technology stack of tomorrow’s intervention-assisting systems in endoscopic surgeries. For this, tracking the endoscope pose is a key component, but remains challenging due to illumination conditions, deforming tissues and the breathing motion of organs.

Method
We propose a solution for stereo endoscopes that estimates depth and optical flow to minimize two geometric losses for camera pose estimation. Most importantly, we introduce two learned adaptive per-pixel weight mappings that balance contributions according to the input image content. To do so, we train a Deep Declarative Network to take advantage of the expressiveness of deep learning and the robustness of a novel geometric-based optimization approach. We validate our approach on the publicly available SCARED dataset and introduce a new in vivo dataset, StereoMIS, which includes a wider spectrum of typically observed surgical settings.

Results
Our method outperforms state-of-the-art methods on average and more importantly, in difficult scenarios where tissue deformations and breathing motion are visible. We observed that our proposed weight mappings attenuate the contribution of pixels on ambiguous regions of the images, such as deforming tissues.

Conclusion
We demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution to robustly estimate the camera pose in challenging endoscopic surgical scenes. Our contributions can be used to improve related tasks like simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) or 3D reconstruction, therefore advancing surgical scene understanding in minimally invasive surgery.
Integration of a surgical robotic arm to the connected operating room via ISO IEEE 11073 SDC
Authors: Wickel Noah , Vossel Manuel , Yilmaz Okan , Radermacher Klaus , Janß Armin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Since 2019, intraoperative networking with ISO IEEE 11073 SDC has, for the first time, enabled standardized multi-vendor data exchange between medical devices. For seamless plug-and-play integration of devices without previous configuration, further specifications for device profiles (“device specializations”) on top of the existing core standards must be developed. These generic interfaces are then incorporated into the standardization process.

Methods
An existing classification scheme of robotic assistance functions is being adopted and used as a baseline to derive functional requirements for a universal interface for modular robot arms. Additionally, the robot system requires machine-machine interfaces (MMI) to a surgical navigation system and a surgical planning software in order to carry out its function. Further technical requirements are derived from these MMI. The functional and technical requirements motivate the design of an SDC-compatible device profile. The device profile is then assessed for feasibility.

Results
We present a new modeling of a device profile for surgical robotic arms intended for neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. The modeling in SDC succeeds for the most part. However, some details of the proposed model cannot yet be realized within the framework of the existing SDC standards. Some aspects can already be realized, but could be better supported in the future by the nomenclature system. These improvements are being presented as well.

Conclusion
The proposed device profile presents a first step toward a uniform technical description model for modular surgical robot systems. The current SDC core standards lack some functionality to fully support the proposed device profile. These could be defined in future work and then included in standardization efforts.
Craving and Control
Authors: Tadros Victor 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPre-reflectively, many addicts seem either not responsible, or less responsible, for their addictive conduct, at least if they lack responsibility for their addiction. Moore believes roughly the following. Addicts lack responsibility, when they do, because addicts are unable to control their conduct. They are unable when certain modal conditions are satisfied. Moore offers different modal conditions in different places. This view can be contrasted with another – that addicts lack responsibility when they do because they act on desires that are not well integrated into their motivations. Moore doubts the significance of integration for responsibility. I argue that addicts lack responsibility when, and because, first, addictive craving is not integrated into personhood in a way that directly grounds responsibility; and second, addicts lack the ability to control their addictive conduct to the extent needed for (full) responsibility. I explain how and why modal accounts of self-control need to be refined beyond ways Moore suggests to appropriately test the ability to control oneself, whether or not they are fundamental in explaining responsibility.
Effect of preparation method for radioactive iodine therapy on serum electrolytes
Authors: Takata Noriko , Miyagawa Masao , Okada Tomohisa , Kawaguchi Naoto , Fujimoto Yutaka , Kouchi Yoshihiro , Tsuruoka Shintaro , Uwatsu Kotaro , Kido Teruhito 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) in preparation for radioactive iodine therapy (RIT) may lead to hyponatremia and hyperkalemia because hypothyroidism reduces the glomerular filtration rate. Using recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) may avoid these changes; however, these two preparation methods have not been compared in the literature. The purpose of this study was to reveal whether THW and rhTSH as preparation methods for RIT affect serum electrolytes differently. We also evaluated clinical factors influencing the onset of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia during RIT.

Materials and methods
From April 2005 to December 2020, we analyzed 278 patients with thyroid cancer who received RIT. The patients were classified into two groups based on the preparation method, and renal function and serum electrolytes were compared between the groups. We also evaluated clinical factors that may affect overt hyponatremia (serum sodium level < 134 mmol/L) and hyperkalemia (serum potassium level ≥ 5.0 mmol/L).

Results
Serum sodium and chloride levels in the THW group were significantly lower than those in the rhTSH group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). In contrast, the serum potassium level in the THW group was significantly higher than that in the rhTSH group (p = 0.008). As for clinical factors that may influence hyponatremia, age and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly associated with serum sodium level in the univariate analysis (p = 0.033 and p = 0.006, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, only age was significantly associated with serum sodium level (p = 0.030). Regarding hyperkalemia, distant metastases, the preparation method and eGFR were significantly associated with the serum potassium level in the univariate analysis (p = 0.005, p = 0.005 and p = 0.001, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, only eGFR was significantly associated with hyperkalemia (p = 0.019).

Conclusion
THW and rhTSH affect serum sodium and potassium levels differently. Renal function may be risk factors for hyperkalemia, whereas older age may be a risk factor for hyponatremia.
Der Wohlfahrtsstaat als politische Quelle sozialer Solidarität. Eine institutionentheoretische Perspektive
Authors: Börner Stefanie 
Published: May 2023

ZusammenfassungDer Artikel untersucht den Wohlfahrtsstaat als politische Quelle von Solidarität und fragt nach den Solidarisierungspotentialen von Sozialpolitik. Können derart abstrakte, staatlich organisierte und über Beitrags- und Steuerzahlungen formalisierte Unterstützungsbeziehungen in einer Gesellschaft überhaupt Solidarität hervorbringen und wenn ja, welche Mechanismen sind dafür verantwortlich? Die Analyse beruht auf der Annahme, dass soziale Solidarität in hochgradig differenzierten Gesellschaften auf politische Steuerungsleistungen angewiesen ist, und betrachtet Sozialpolitik als eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für die Entstehung von Solidarität unter Fremden. In der Tradition der klassischen Soziologie wird Solidarität hier als dynamisches und elastisches Konzept gedacht (Abschn. 2). Daran anknüpfend untersucht der Beitrag die Solidarisierungspotentiale moderner Wohlfahrtspolitik aus institutionalistischer Perspektive. Abschn. 3 stellt die zentralen institutionentheoretischen Annahmen vor und arbeitet drei solidaritätsrelevante Wirkmechanismen heraus: die Kompassfunktion (normative Ebene), die Stabilisierungsfunktion (interpersonelle Ebene) und die Scharnierfunktion (organisationale Ebene). Aus institutionentheoretischer Sicht strukturieren sozialpolitische Institutionen in ihrem dynamischen Zusammenspiel aus Leitideen, Institutionen und Organisationen das Bewusstsein und Verhalten und prägen mittel- und langfristig deren individuelle Präferenzen und Einstellungen (bspw. in Bezug auf Umverteilungspräferenzen oder Gerechtigkeitsvorstellungen). Entsprechend stellt der Wohlfahrtsstaat einen wesentlichen Produktions- und Reproduktionsfaktor von Werten, Handlungspraktiken und horizontalen wie vertikalen gesellschaftlichen Beziehungen dar. Das Theoriemodell wird anschließend anhand der Sozialgeschichte und Funktionsweise des deutschen Sozialstaates beispielhaft angewendet, obgleich nicht in einem hypothesentestenden, sondern empirisch plausibilisierenden Sinn unter Zuhilfenahme der soziologischen und sozialhistorischen Wohlfahrtsstaatsforschung. Die Analyse erlaubt es, ambivalente bis krisenhafte Sozialstaatsdeutungen und widersprüchliche gesamtgesellschaftliche Zeitdiagnosen wie Polarisierung vs. neue Solidaritäten besser einordnen und aufeinander beziehen zu können.
Horseradish peroxidase delignification of fermented rooibos modifies biomass structural and chemical properties and improves holocellulolytic enzyme cocktail efficacy
Authors: Mohotloane Mamosela Marriam , Alexander Orbett , Pletschke Brett Ivan , Mafa Mpho Stephen 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to pretreat fermented rooibos biomass with partially purified horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for lignin removal and to convert delignified biomass to soluble sugars through saccharification with a formulated holocellulolytic enzyme cocktail (HEC). HRP enzyme was extracted from the horseradish root tissue and was partially purified by membrane filters and characterised biochemically. HRP enzyme was used to pretreat the fermented rooibos biomass to remove lignin before hydrolysing it with the HEC. Our findings indicated that HRP is versatile because it displayed activity on guaiacol, 8-aminoquinoline, and decolourised methylene blue dye. HRP had a pH optimum of 4.5 and displayed a mesophilic temperature range. The kinetics studies indicated that HRP displayed a higher affinity towards guaiacol (Km= 0.082 mg/mL) followed by 8-aminoquinoline (Km= 0.221 mg/mL). However, the catalytic efficiency revealed that the enzyme hydrolysed guaiacol (63436.48 s− 1. mg/mL) and 8-aminoquinoline (59189.81 s− 1. mg/mL) efficiently. HRP pretreatment of rooibos biomass significantly removed lignin content and increased pores on the surface as visualised with SEM. FTIR validated the SEM results by showing reductions at 3324.81, 1615.16 and 1018.75 cm− 1, corresponding to crystalline cellulose, lignin and holocellulose regions, respectively. HRP pretreated biomass had the lowest crystallinity index of 11.2% compared to 20% of the control. HRP delignified rooibos biomass was hydrolysed effectively by the HEC, which released about 10% yield of soluble sugars compared to 6% of control. We conclude that HRP pretreatment significantly modified the structural and chemical properties of the biomass, making it more accessible to hydrolytic enzymes.
Implications for management of wireworms: insect pest suppressiveness of soils with plant functional diversity
Authors: Hokkanen Heikki M. T. , Menzler-Hokkanen Ingeborg 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPlant species diversity in agricultural systems has been shown to provide multiple ecological and agronomic benefits. How it affects the soil microbial communities, especially the guild of entomopathogens capable of controlling insect pests, has not been studied. We used the set-up of the “Experimentation in Ecosystem Research”, at Jena, Germany, to study the role of plant species diversity in facilitating insect pest suppressiveness in soils via entomopathogens such as insect-killing fungi (EPF) and nematodes (EPN). The aim was to gain insights for improving the natural control of wireworms and other pests by supporting the levels of pest antagonistic organisms in the soil. Soils were sampled from plots with a fixed number (from zero to 16) of plant species from different functional groups. Samples were baited with mealworm Tenebrio molitor larvae and the mortality (k-factor) was determined. A supplementary study was conducted to relate the findings to a soil pest, wireworm (Agriotes sp.), using potting soil and a high and low dose of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes. Field-collected wireworms were subjected additionally to a maximum challenge test, using a Metarhizium strain naturally occurring in the soil from which the wireworm larvae were collected. Our results showed that the increase in the number of plant species at the growing site can significantly increase the killing power (k-factor) of the soil. Plots with legumes had significantly higher k-values than plots without. EPF occurred significantly more often in plots with legumes than in plots without. Wireworms survived entomopathogen treatments where all mealworms died, but developed mycosis in the maximum challenge test. These findings need to be incorporated into cropping system design as a component in maximizing ecosystem services via ecostacking.
Winthropping as an Investigative Tool in Clandestine Grave Discovery and Psychological Profiling
Authors: Keatley David , O’Donnell Chris 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMissing persons cases are some of the hardest investigations to solve. The lack of forensic evidence impedes an investigation and critical time can be lost attempting to find the person or body. Recently, researchers have attempted to develop new approaches to help police in these types of investigations. The current paper continues research into Winthropping as a means of assisting police investigations when searching for clandestine, hidden graves and missing persons. A novel approach, using geocachers, to help inform Winthropping processes is outlined, and support gained through a survey of geocachers. The findings are then applied to a series of real-world homicides, including several serial killers. Analyses of gravesite locations in serial killer cases matched many of the features and properties outlined by geocachers. The results also indicate the potential of using Keatley and colleagues’ Winthropping as a psychological profiling as well as geographical profiling technique. Support was provided through the case of a murdered child who was later dumped. Recommendations for further research and application are provided.
Comparative Study of Different Types of Pancreatic Head Resection for Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Kelemen D. , Deák R. , Ferencz S. , Farkas N. , Vereczkei A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
For the surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis with inflammatory head enlargement, several types of resections are available, like the Beger, Frey, Berne, and Whipple procedures. The present work gives a comparison of these techniques and new recommendations about the pancreatojejunal and the biliary anastomosis. Two hundred thirty pancreatic head resections were performed during the last 30 years. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were analyzed, respectively. A questionnaire was used to investigate the late results. The statistical analysis proved that the Berne and the Frey procedure were the most advantageous regarding the length of the operation, the need for transfusion, the postoperative intensive care unit, and total hospital stay. The early morbidity rate was significantly better after the Frey, than after the Whipple procedure. There were no differences between the operations, concerning the reoperation and mortality rates. Patients’ quality of life was acceptable, despite the continuous alcohol and nicotine abuse in most of them. Due to the better early outcomes, both the Frey and the Berne operations are preferable; however, the latter one is technically the simplest and the shortest intervention. During both procedures, a modification of the pancreatojejunal anastomosis and, in case of a cholestasis, an extrapancreatic biliodigestive anastomosis are recommended, due to the advantageous experiences.
Combustion characteristics of a supersonic combustor model for a JAXA flight experiment
Authors: Takahashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Kan , Tomioka Sadatake 
Published: May 2023

AbstractJAXA is conducting a flight-ground test comparison program to clarify the “facility effect” on hypersonic aerodynamics and combustion phenomena and to develop a CFD tool for predicting flight data from ground test data. The aim is a flight experiment to obtain data on aerodynamic heating and supersonic combustion under actual flight conditions and to validate the CFD tool using flight data and the corresponding ground test data. This study aimed at determining a flow-path geometry and a fuel injector configuration for a supersonic combustor suitable for clarifying the influence of the different test flow compositions between flight and ground test conditions on combustion. The candidate configurations proposed by the CFD study were evaluated by direct-connect combustion tests using ethylene fuel. The results showed that a combustor flow was symmetric when the fuel equivalence ratio was low and asymmetric when the equivalence ratio and the pressure in the combustor were high. Because an asymmetric flow is unsuitable for validating CFD based on steady RANS, the total equivalence ratio was limited to 0.44. The combustor model uses two-stage fuel injectors and cavity flame holders to combust ethylene fuel. The depth of the cavity flame holder had little influence on combustion. However, the number of injection holes for the injector located downstream of the cavity affected the combustor pressure. The combustor flow-path design was finalized based on the combustion test results. In addition, an ethylene fuel ignition method using pilot hydrogen injection, adopted for the flight experiment, was also demonstrated successfully.
Should physical symmetries guide metaphysics? Two reasons why they should maybe not
Authors: López Cristian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Symmetry-based inferences have permeated many discussions in philosophy of physics and metaphysics of science. It is claimed that symmetries in our physical theories would allow us to draw metaphysical conclusions about the world, a view that I call ‘symmetry inferentialism’. This paper is critical to this view. I claim that (a) it assumes a philosophically questionable characterization of the relevant validity domain of physical symmetries, and (b) it overlooks a distinction between two opposing ways through which relevant physical symmetries become established. My conclusion is that symmetry inferentialism loses persuasive force when these two points are taken into consideration.