bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence‐based PRO score assessment in actinic keratoses from LC‐OCT imaging using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Thamm Janis R. , Daxenberger Fabia , Viel Théo , Gust Charlotte , Eijkenboom Quirine , French Lars E. , Welzel Julia , Sattler Elke C. , Schuh Sandra 
Published: September 2023

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesThe histological PRO score (I–III) helps to assess the malignant potential of actinic keratoses (AK) by grading the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ) undulation. Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) provides non‐invasive real‐time PRO score quantification. From LC‐OCT imaging data, training of an artificial intelligence (AI), using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for automated PRO score quantification of AK in vivo may be achieved.Patients and MethodsCNNs were trained to segment LC‐OCT images of healthy skin and AK. PRO score models were developed in accordance with the histopathological gold standard and trained on a subset of 237 LC‐OCT AK images and tested on 76 images, comparing AI‐computed PRO score to the imaging experts’ visual consensus.ResultsSignificant agreement was found in 57/76 (75%) cases. AI‐automated grading correlated best with the visual score for PRO II (84.8%) vs. PRO III (69.2%) vs. PRO I (66.6%). Misinterpretation occurred in 25% of the cases mostly due to shadowing of the DEJ and disruptive features such as hair follicles.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that CNNs are helpful for automated PRO score quantification in LC‐OCT images. This may provide the clinician with a feasible tool for PRO score assessment in the follow‐up of AK.
Oviposition fluids from adult wasps mediate interspecific competition between parasitoid larvae
Authors: Paul Ryan L. , Vyas Dhaval K. , Ode Paul J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Parasitoid wasp larvae engage in intense interspecific competition when sharing a host insect, with lethal consequences for the losers. Larval parasitoid competition is generally thought to be resolved by physical traits, such as enlarged mandibles. Although solitary parasitoid larvae are typically superior competitors against gregarious larvae, such physical traits are unlikely to be effective against large numbers of competitors. Larval competition may instead be mediated by maternal factors that increase the survival of offspring facing interspecific competition, thus increasing parental fitness.
When laying eggs inside a host, many female parasitoids also inject oviposition fluids that are known to suppress host immune responses, permitting successful offspring development. We explored whether the oviposition fluids of two wasp species in the genus Cotesia (Cotesia rubecula, a strong competitor that almost always wins interspecific competition against a weaker competitor, Cotesia glomerata) might also represent maternal factors that improve the interspecific competitive ability of their offspring.
We demonstrate that injections of both venom and calyx fluid from C. rubecula can inhibit egg hatching and larval development of C. glomerata. Venom from C. rubecula decreased C. glomerata egg development by 2.7 times, and calyx fluid injections caused deformities in 23% of developing C. glomerata. In contrast, reciprocal injections of the oviposition fluids from C. glomerata did not inhibit the development of C. rubecula.
Our results show that maternal factors can improve the interspecific competitive ability of parasitoid larvae, challenging the previous assumptions that larval competition was resolved primarily through physical combat or larval secretions.
Chlorhexidine gluconate‐coated gel pad dressings for prevention of central venous catheter‐related bloodstream infections in patients with hematologic diseases or autologous stem cell transplantation: A registry‐based matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Teschner Daniel , Berisha Mirjeta , Panse Jens , Schmitt Timo , Fiegle Eva , Naendrup Jan‐Hendrik , Neitz Julia , Schmidt‐Hieber Martin , Hentrich Marcus , Böll Boris , Schalk Enrico 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesChlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)‐coated gel pad dressings for central venous catheter (CVC) may prevent CVC‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). However, real‐world data showing beneficial effects in patients with hematologic malignancies are scarce.MethodsIn a matched‐pair analysis with data from a multicenter CVC registry, non‐tunneled jugular and subclavian vein CVC in adults with hematologic malignancies or germ cell tumors (including patients receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [ASCT]) with CHG were compared with non‐CHG dressings. The primary endpoint was definite CRBSI rate within 14 days (dCRBSI14) of CVC insertion; secondary endpoints were combined rate of definite or probable CRBSI within 14 days (dpCRBSI14), overall (dpCRBSI), and CRBSI incidences of all estimates.ResultsIn total, 2070 CVCs were assessed. There was no statistically significant difference in dCRBSI14 (2.3% vs. 3.5%) between patients with and without CHG gel dressings. Likewise, with regards to dpCRBSI14 (6.2% vs. 6.3%) and the overall dpCRBSI rate (9.2% vs. 10.5%), no significant difference was detected. Furthermore, dCRBSI14 incidence (2.0 vs. 3.2/1000 CVC days), dpCRBSI14 incidence (5.4 vs. 5.6/1000 CVC days), and overall CRBSI incidence (5.5 vs. 6.0/1000 CVC days) showed no significant differences.ConclusionsCRBSI rates were not reduced by the use of CHG gel dressings in patients with hematologic malignancies and/or ASCT.
The Joint Working Group, the Roman Catholic Church, and the World Council of Churches
Authors: Mayer Annemarie C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUnder the title Walking, Praying, and Working Together: An Ecumenical Pilgrimage, the Joint Working Group (JWG) of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) offered its tenth report to the most recent WCC assembly in Karlsruhe in 2022. This report recounts many instances of cooperation between the RCC and the WCC. This fact raises the question of whether the relations between the RCC and the WCC have changed and, if so, in what way. This article goes back to the roots of the JWG and tries to imagine the ecumenical atmosphere of those days to adequately understand the present situation. It critically assesses selected instances of cooperation mentioned in the tenth report and draws conclusions from the assessment. What does this mean for the work of the JWG? And what does this mean for the relationship between the JWG's parent bodies: the RCC and the WCC?
A mild impairment in reversal learning in a bowl‐digging substrate deterministic task but not other cognitive tests in the Dlg2+/− rat model of genetic risk for psychiatric disorder
Authors: Griesius Simonas , Waldron Sophie , Kamenish Katie A. , Cherbanich Nick , Wilkinson Lawrence S. , Thomas Kerrie L. , Hall Jeremy , Mellor Jack R. , Dwyer Dominic M. , Robinson Emma S. J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVariations in the Dlg2 gene have been linked to increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and pubertal disorders. Recent studies have reported disrupted brain circuit function and behaviour in models of Dlg2 knockout and haploinsufficiency. Specifically, deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity were found in heterozygous Dlg2+/− rats suggesting impacts on hippocampal dependent learning and cognitive flexibility. Here, we tested these predicted effects with a behavioural characterisation of the heterozygous Dlg2+/− rat model. Dlg2+/− rats exhibited a specific, mild impairment in reversal learning in a substrate deterministic bowl‐digging reversal learning task. The performance of Dlg2+/− rats in other bowl digging task, visual discrimination and reversal, novel object preference, novel location preference, spontaneous alternation, modified progressive ratio, and novelty‐suppressed feeding test were not impaired. These findings suggest that despite altered brain circuit function, behaviour across different domains is relatively intact in Dlg2+/− rats, with the deficits being specific to only one test of cognitive flexibility. The specific behavioural phenotype seen in this Dlg2+/− model may capture features of the clinical presentation associated with variation in the Dlg2 gene.
Characterization of a recombinant factor IX molecule fused to coagulation factor XIII‐B subunit
Authors: Desage Stephanie , Leuci Alexandre , Enjolras Nathalie , Holle Lori A. , Singh Sneha , Delavenne Xavier , Wolberg Alisa S. , Biswas Arijit , Dargaud Yesim 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroduction and aimSevere haemophilia B (HB) is characterized by spontaneous bleeding episodes, mostly into joints. Recurrent bleeds lead to progressive joint destruction called haemophilic arthropathy. The current concept of prophylaxis aims at maintaining the FIX level >3–5 IU/dL, which is effective at reducing the incidence of haemophilic arthropathy. Extended half‐life FIX molecules make it easier to achieve these target trough levels compared to standard FIX concentrates. We previously reported that the fusion of a recombinant FIX (rFIX) to factor XIII‐B (FXIIIB) subunit prolonged the half‐life of the rFIX‐LXa‐FXIIIB fusion molecule in mice and rats 3.9‐ and 2.2‐fold, respectively, compared with rFIX‐WT. However, the mechanism behind the extended half‐life was not known.Materials and methodsMass spectrometry and ITC were used to study interactions of rFIX‐LXa‐FXIIIB with albumin. Pharmacokinetic analyses in fibrinogen‐KO and FcRn‐KO mice were performed to evaluate the effect of albumin and fibrinogen on in‐vivo half‐life of rFIX‐LXa‐FXIIIB. Finally saphenous vein bleeding model was used to assess in‐vivo haemostatic activity of rFIX‐LXa‐FXIIIB.Results and conclusionWe report here the key interactions that rFIX‐LXa‐FXIIIB may have in plasma are with fibrinogen and albumin which may mediate its prolonged half‐life. In addition, using the saphenous vein bleeding model, we demonstrate that rFIX‐FXIIIB elicits functional clot formation that is indistinguishable from that of rFIX‐WT.
‘A good decision is the one that feels right for me’: Codesign with patients to inform theoretical underpinning of a decision aid website
Authors: Kohut Kelly , Morton Kate , Hurley Karen , Turner Lesley ,   The CanGene‐CanVar Patient Reference Panel, Dale Caroline , Eastbrook Susan , Gold Rochelle , Henwood Kate , Patton Sonia , Punjabi Reshma , White Helen , Young Charlene , Young Julie , Bancroft Elizabeth , Barnett Lily , Cable Sarah , Connolly Gaya , Coad Beth , Forman Andrea , Hanson Helen , Kavanaugh Grace , Sahan Katherine , Snape Katie , Torr Bethany , Way Rosalind , Winchester Elizabeth , Youngs Alice ,   The International Lynch Decision Aid Stakeholder Panel, Eccles Diana , Foster Claire 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionPatient decision aids (PtDA) complement shared decision‐making with healthcare professionals and improve decision quality. However, PtDA often lack theoretical underpinning. We are codesigning a PtDA to help people with increased genetic cancer risks manage choices. The aim of an innovative workshop described here was to engage with the people who will use the PtDA regarding the theoretical underpinning and logic model outlining our hypothesis of how the PtDA would lead to more informed decision‐making.MethodsShort presentations about psychological and behavioural theories by an expert were interspersed with facilitated, small‐group discussions led by patients. Patients were asked what is important to them when they make health decisions, what theoretical constructs are most meaningful and how this should be applied to codesign of a PtDA. An artist created a visual summary. Notes from patient discussions and the artwork were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe overarching theme was: It's personal. Contextual factors important for decision‐making were varied and changed over time. There was no one ‘best fit’ theory to target support needs in a PtDA, suggesting an inductive, flexible framework approach to programme theory would be most effective. The PtDA logic model was revised based on patient feedback.ConclusionMeaningful codesign of PtDA including discussions about the theoretical mechanisms through which they support decision‐making has the potential to lead to improved patient care through understanding the intricately personal nature of health decisions, and tailoring content and format for holistic care.Patient ContributionPatients with lived experience were involved in codesign and coproduction of this workshop and analysis as partners and coauthors. Patient discussions were the primary data source. Facilitators provided a semi‐structured guide, but they did not influence the patient discussions or provide clinical advice. The premise of this workshop was to prioritise the importance of patient lived experience: to listen, learn, then reflect together to understand and propose ideas to improve patient care through codesign of a PtDA.
Ballistic prediction of ceramic armor backed by thin metal plate against threats of small and medium‐calibers
Authors: Dou Linlong , He Liling , Yin Yihui 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBased on the principle of energy balance, a new analytical model is established to estimate the ballistic performance of ceramic‐faced armor against small and medium‐caliber projectiles. The energy consumption of ceramic is described as the product of compressive strength and erosion volume of ceramic. Despite its simple form, it represents the main response characteristic of ceramic erosion. Moreover, considering the dependence of the fracture cone half‐angle on the ceramic/metal thickness ratio and projectile velocity, one has innovatively incorporated them in the present model to predict reasonably the half‐angle evolution. To further simplify the analytical calculation and facilitate its application, an explicit prediction formula of the central deflection on thin metal plate is adopted. Then, the accuracy of analytical prediction has been carefully checked with the ballistic test data of small and medium‐caliber projectiles to penetrate light ceramic‐faced armor. The satisfactory consistency between the experimental and analytical results has confirmed the validity of the present model. It is therefore expected to be a powerful tool for the optimal design of new ceramic‐faced armor.
Unveiling deception: Characterizing false amber necklace messages on Facebook
Authors: Jorge Olívia Santana , Remiro Mariana dos Santos , Lotto Matheus , Zakir Hussain Irfhana , Moreira Maria Aparecida Andrade , Morita Plinio Pelegrini , Cruvinel Thiago 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundMessages promoting the benefits of amber necklaces for children are common on social media, despite their health risks.AimThis study characterized Facebook posts with false content about the efficacy of amber necklaces in teething.DesignA sample of 500 English‐language Facebook posts was analyzed by two investigators to determine the motivations, author's profile, and sentiments of posts. Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling was used to identify salient terms and topics. An intertopic distance map was created to calculate the topic similarity. These data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, the Mann–Whitney U test, Cramer's V test, and multiple logistic regression models, regarding the time since initial posting and interaction metrics.ResultsMost posts were made by business profiles and expressed positive sentiments, with social, psychological, and financial motivations. The posts were categorized into the topics “giveaway,” “healing features,” and “sales.” Overperforming scores and total interaction increased with time since the initial posting. Posts with links had higher overperforming scores.ConclusionThe findings suggest that Facebook posts about the efficacy of amber necklaces in teething are motivated by financial interests, using psychological and social mechanisms to achieve greater interaction with their target audience.
Do Staggered Boards Matter for Firm Value?
Authors: Amihud Yakov , Schmid Markus , Solomon Steven Davidoff 
Published: September 2023

The authors address, and attempt to settle, the heated debate over the effect of staggered boards on corporate performance. Critics of staggered boards claim they enable the entrenchment of inefficient managements and boards; and by working in tandem with poison pills to discourage hostile takeovers of underperforming companies, such boards end up generally reducing corporate values. Consistent with this theory, some institutional investors and shareholder rights advocates have urged companies to eliminate their staggered boards, while the most extreme critics have gone so far as to call for a regulatory ban. By contrast, supporters of staggered boards argue that they help increase corporate values by allowing managements and boards to focus on long‐term goals, and by providing board members a degree of independence from corporate executives who might want them replaced. The most extreme proponents of staggered boards have proposed that such boards be not only permitted, but indeed mandated.Both sides of the debate claim to be backed by empirical studies whose findings provide sharply conflicting pictures of the consequences of staggered boards. Whereas the earlier studies found that companies with staggered boards have significantly lower values, more recent studies have concluded that staggered boards lead to higher corporate values.The authors show that neither side of the debate has convincing empirical support. The earlier studies failed to account or control for important variables and corporate characteristics that explain corporate decisions to stagger their boards, or for changes in the companies' characteristics over time. For example, to the extent that a company's poor performance drives its decision to adopt or retain a staggered board provision—presumably to give it more freedom to restructure and improve its operations—the association of staggered boards with poor performance ends up confusing cause and effect.When the authors control for variables that affect both corporate values and the choice of staggered boards in a sample of close to 3,000 U.S. companies from 1990 to 2013, they find that the effect of a staggered board on firm value becomes generally insignificant. As the authors put it, “The effect of a staggered board is idiosyncratic; for some firms it increases value, while for other firms it is value destroying.” On the basis of such findings, the authors caution against legal solutions advocating either wholesale adoption or repeal of staggered boards, urging managements and boards to determine the value‐maximizing approach that reflects their own companies' opportunities and circumstances.
The Market Price of Managerial Indiscretions
Authors: Cline Brandon N. , Walkling Ralph A. , Yore Adam S. 
Published: September 2023

To what extent should investors be concerned about the personal behavior of the top managers of the companies they invest in? In a study published recently in the Journal of Financial Economics, the authors shed light on this question by examining the market responses to revelations of over 300 cases of personal misconduct by senior executives and directors, including episodes of domestic violence, DUIs, extramarital affairs, and public dishonesty. In so doing, they provide suggestive evidence of how “tone at the top” can affect corporate policy by way of its culture and how a manager's reputation spills over to that of the firm.The authors' findings show that the companies employing these executives experienced meaningful financial and product market penalties following the disclosure of their unethical behavior. Following the revelation of an indiscretion, investors suffered immediate losses in shareholder wealth—on the order of 4% in cases involving CEOs—and the company's stock continued to underperform during the ensuing year, with total losses amounting to 12 %–14% of firm value. Such companies also tended to lose joint venture partnerships and major customers following these scandals, thereby forcing them into lower‐margin lines of business. The authors also find that such companies were more likely later to commit fraud and be targeted in shareholder class‐action lawsuits.The offending managers themselves were disciplined by the labor market for their missteps in that they faced a higher likelihood of dismissal, and those who were retained earned around $400,000 less pay following the indiscretion. Nevertheless, it is notable that a majority of these executives were not fired, implying that their supervising boards felt they contributed more value to the firm than the damage they caused through their off‐the‐job behavior. Interestingly, the board members supervising these executives were also held accountable for managerial indiscretions in that they received less shareholder support in director elections following the scandals.
How Have Green Companies Fared in Transactions with Banks? A Stakeholder‐Management Perspective
Authors: Jin Dawei , Liu Liuling , Ma Jun , Wang Haizhi , Yin Desheng 
Published: September 2023

In a recent study, the authors investigated whether and to what extent a company's environmental practices and record affect the terms of its bank loans. The study reports evidence of a clear association between environment‐friendly corporate practices and both lower borrowing costs and less use of restrictive financial covenants. And consistent with the above findings, the authors also report that companies with better environmental practices have more stable income streams, lower leverage ratios, and higher future valuations. The authors also find that relationship (as opposed to first‐time) lenders respond to improvements in companies' environmental records by offering more favorable borrowing terms over time.Moreover, the authors find that the association between more effective environmental management and lower loan costs is more pronounced for corporate borrowers that operate in industries facing greater industry competition and stricter environmental regulation. In addition, borrowers with better records for green management are less likely to violate covenants, default on loans, or file for bankruptcy—a conclusion that should shed light on the current green finance policy debate among central banks and regulators as to whether they should reduce capital requirements or offer other policy inducements for bank financing of green assets.
Identification of fruit fly (Tephritidae) pupae parasitized by hymenoptera parasitoids
Authors: de Almeida Tiago Tognolli , Roel Antonia Railda , de Oliveira Carina Elisei , Rocha Bruno Fines , Dias Angélica Maria Penteado Martins 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOne of the major problems in orchards is the presence of Tephritidae fly maggots, especially in Mirtaceae species. Various biological control tools include the use of Hymenoptera parasitoids, which naturally control fly populations. However, identification of the host species of parasitoids is challenging, because only the puparium remains after the parasitoid hatches. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the host species of Hymenoptera parasitoids, through the puparium. Host species were identified by amplification and sequencing of cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) of mitochondrial DNA. The results of the present study show that COI DNA sequencing was able to reliably identify host pupae to the genus level, allowing the identification of the Anastrepha genus in this study. This suggests that this method can be used to identify agriculturally relevant hosts through its puparium remains, since this genus has already been described as a pest of Campomanesia adamantium. Knowledge of the species that cause damage to crop is extremely important to study the biological and ecological aspects of these pests and their control. In this way, our results suggest that this method can be used to identify economically relevant host pupal species since the genus identified in this study has already been described as a pest of C. adamantium.