"(Weitergeleitet von Journalistin)": The Gendered Presentation of Professions on Wikipedia

Previous research has shown the existence of gender biases in the depiction of professions and occupations in search engine results. Such an unbalanced presentation might just as likely occur on Wikipedia, one of the most popular knowledge resources on the Web, since the encyclopedia has already been found to exhibit such tendencies in past studies. Under this premise, our work assesses gender bias with respect to the content of German Wikipedia articles about professions and occupations along three dimensions: used male vs. female titles (and redirects), included images of persons, and names of professionals mentioned in the articles. We further use German labor market data to assess the potential misrepresentation of a gender for each specific profession. Our findings in fact provide evidence for systematic over-representation of men on all three dimensions. For instance, for professional fields dominated by females, the respective articles on average still feature almost two times more images of men; and in the mean, 83% of the mentioned names of professionals were male and only 17% female.Comment: In the 9th International ACM Web Science Conference 2017 (WebSci'17), June 25-28, 2017, Troy, NY, USA. Based on the results of the thesis: arXiv:1702.0082

Knowledge mapping concerning applications of nanocomposite hydrogels for drug delivery: A bibliometric and visualized study (2003–2022)

Background: Nanocomposite Hydrogels (NHs) are 3D molecular networks formed by physically or covalently crosslinking polymer with nanoparticles or nanostructures, which are particularly suitable for serving as carriers for drug delivery systems. Many articles pertaining to the applications of Nanocomposite Hydrogels for drug delivery have been published, however, the use of bibliometric and visualized analysis in this area remains unstudied. The purpose of this bibliometric study intended to comprehensively analyze the knowledge domain, research hotspots and frontiers associated with the applications of Nanocomposite Hydrogels for drug delivery.Methods: We identified and retrieved the publications concerning the applications of NHs for drug delivery between 2003 and 2022 from Web of Science Core Collection Bibliometric and visualized analysis was utilized in this investigative study.Results: 631 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and retrieved from WoSCC. Among those, 2,233 authors worldwide contributed in the studies, accompanied by an average annual article increase of 24.67%. The articles were co-authored by 764 institutions from 52 countries/regions, and China published the most, followed by Iran and the United States. Five institutions published more than 40 papers, namely Univ Tabriz (n = 79), Tabriz Univ Med Sci (n = 70), Islamic Azad Univ (n = 49), Payame Noor Univ (n = 42) and Texas A&M Univ (n = 41). The articles were published in 198 journals, among which the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (n = 53) published the most articles, followed by Carbohydrate Polymers (n = 24) and ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces (n = 22). The top three journals most locally cited were Carbohydrate Polymers, Biomaterials and Advanced materials. The most productive author was Namazi H (29 articles), followed by Bardajee G (15 articles) and Zhang J (11 articles) and the researchers who worked closely with other ones usually published more papers. “Doxorubicin,” “antibacterial” and “responsive hydrogels” represent the current research hotspots in this field and “cancer therapy” was a rising research topic in recent years. “(cancer) therapeutics” and “bioadhesive” represent the current research frontiers.Conclusion: This bibliometric and visualized analysis offered an investigative study and comprehensive understanding of publications regarding the applications of Nanocomposite Hydrogels for drug delivery from 2003 to 2022. The outcome of this study would provide insights for researchers in the field of Nanocomposite Hydrogels applications for drug delivery

Bufalin Induces Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptosis in Pancreatic and Oral Cancer Cells by Downregulating hTERT Expression via Activation of the JNK/p38 Pathway

Bufalin, a digoxin-like active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Chan Su, exhibits potent antitumor activities in many human cancers. Bufalin induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells, but the detailed molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. hTERT, the catalytic subunit of telomerase, protects against mitochondrial damage by binding to mitochondrial DNA and reducing mitochondrial ROS production. In the present study, we investigated the effects of bufalin on the cell viability, ROS production, DNA damage, and apoptosis of CAPAN-2 human pancreatic and CAL-27 human oral cancer cells. Bufalin reduced CAPAN-2 and CAL-27 cell viability with IC50 values of 159.2 nM and 122.6 nM, respectively. The reduced cell viability was accompanied by increased ROS production, DNA damage, and apoptosis and decreased expression of hTERT. hTERT silencing in CAPAN-2 and CAL-27 cells by siRNA resulted in increased caspase-9/-3 cleavage and DNA damage and decreased cell viability. Collectively, these data suggest that bufalin downregulates hTERT to induce mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in CAPAN-2 and CAL-27 cells. Moreover, bufalin increased the phosphorylation of JNK and p38-MAPK in CAPAN-2 and CAL-27 cells, and blocking the JNK/p38-MAPK pathway using the JNK inhibitor SP600125 or the p38-MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reversed bufalin-induced hTERT downregulation. Thus, the JNK/p38 pathway is involved in bufalin-induced hTERT downregulation and subsequent induction of apoptosis by the mitochondrial pathway

Basic science232. Certolizumab pegol prevents pro-inflammatory alterations in endothelial cell function

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a leading cause of death. Chronic systemic inflammation involving tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) could contribute to endothelial activation and atherogenesis. A number of anti-TNF therapies are in current use for the treatment of RA, including certolizumab pegol (CZP), (Cimzia ®; UCB, Belgium). Anti-TNF therapy has been associated with reduced clinical cardiovascular disease risk and ameliorated vascular function in RA patients. However, the specific effects of TNF inhibitors on endothelial cell function are largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate the mechanisms underpinning CZP effects on TNF-activated human endothelial cells. Methods: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs) were cultured in vitro and exposed to a) TNF alone, b) TNF plus CZP, or c) neither agent. Microarray analysis was used to examine the transcriptional profile of cells treated for 6 hrs and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysed gene expression at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hrs. NF-κB localization and IκB degradation were investigated using immunocytochemistry, high content analysis and western blotting. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect microparticle release from HAoECs. Results: Transcriptional profiling revealed that while TNF alone had strong effects on endothelial gene expression, TNF and CZP in combination produced a global gene expression pattern similar to untreated control. The two most highly up-regulated genes in response to TNF treatment were adhesion molecules E-selectin and VCAM-1 (q 0.2 compared to control; p > 0.05 compared to TNF alone). The NF-κB pathway was confirmed as a downstream target of TNF-induced HAoEC activation, via nuclear translocation of NF-κB and degradation of IκB, effects which were abolished by treatment with CZP. In addition, flow cytometry detected an increased production of endothelial microparticles in TNF-activated HAoECs, which was prevented by treatment with CZP. Conclusions: We have found at a cellular level that a clinically available TNF inhibitor, CZP reduces the expression of adhesion molecule expression, and prevents TNF-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, CZP prevents the production of microparticles by activated endothelial cells. This could be central to the prevention of inflammatory environments underlying these conditions and measurement of microparticles has potential as a novel prognostic marker for future cardiovascular events in this patient group. Disclosure statement: Y.A. received a research grant from UCB. I.B. received a research grant from UCB. S.H. received a research grant from UCB. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interes

Intentions and Perceptions in Technology-Mediated Communication

134 pagesTechnological developments have greatly enhanced our communication experience. We are now presented with unprecedented opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds in a wide range of settings. However, these new communication opportunities also present new challenges for the interlocutors. This dissertation aims to analyze these challenges and explore opportunities to develop systems to help interlocutors navigate the increasingly diverse communication circumstances more easily. We start by highlighting two sources of diversity in technology-mediated communication and the challenges they bring. First, the use of technology to mediate communication has introduced an additional layer of variability. Since different mediating channels can offer different affordances and apply different transformations to messages, we might not always have the right expectations for the particular channel we are using. Using machine-translated communication as an example, we demonstrate how Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques can be used to assess the input-output behaviors of the communication channels systematically. Second, technology-mediated communication has allowed us to connect with a more diverse pool of interlocutors. As we are more likely to communicate with people whose assumptions and perspectives differ from ours, we might not always perceive our interlocutors' intentions accurately or have our intentions correctly perceived. To prevent or reduce such misalignment of intentions and perceptions, we explore possible sources of misunderstandings and the types of information needed to help address them. We then demonstrate how we could move towards more circumstance-sensitive communication assistance by incorporating relevant circumstantial information. In particular, we introduce an example system that aims to facilitate the accurate communication of politeness by suggesting paraphrases, taking both the properties of the communication channel and characteristics of the interlocutors into account. We further discuss other potential forms of communication assistance systems and end with considerations for the responsible design of such systems

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization under Biologically Relevant Conditions

This thesis describes recent progress in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) under biologically relevant conditions. In plain words, the major topics can be summarized as ATRP “with Bio”, “on Bio”, “for Bio”, and “from Bio”.The introductory chapter (Chapter I) reviews the recent development of oxygen tolerant controlled radical polymerization and the corresponding applications. The major categories include chemical approach, photo-mediated approach as well as biological approach.Chapters II to V cover the topic of enzyme-assisted oxygen tolerant ATRP and some derivative projects. In Chapter II, the discovery of in situ deoxygenation by glucose oxidase (GOx) in ATRP reactions is discussed. With incorporating GOx and its major substrate glucose, also with sodium pyruvate – a scavenger of byproduct H2O2, ATRP can be carried out under open-to-air conditions and maintain excellent control over the polymer molecular weight (MW) and dispersity (Ɖ). In Chapter III, a follow-up project was elaborated by replacing sodium pyruvate and a second enzyme, horseradish peroxidase, to further utilize the byproduct H2O2 as radical source in order to initiate ATRP process. With such setup, the polymerization would not happen until oxygen was added, essentially became an “oxygen-fueled” polymerization. In Chapter IV, the transformation of the enzyme-assisted oxygen scavenging system from aqueous media to dispersed media is discussed. This allowed the synthesis of hydrophobic polymers under oxygen tolerant conditions and potentially applicable for an industrial production. Chapter V discussed a derivative project on synthesizing protein-polymer conjugates using photoinduced ATRP, with and without enzyme assisted deoxygenation. As a more benign light source, blue light was successfully applied to carry out photoATRP as the most harmless choice for proteins and other biomolecules.Chapter VI to VIII cover the topic of surface modification of implant materials (i.e. titanium, polyether ether ketone (PEEK)) by surface-grafting polymers. In Chapter VI, the modification of titanium surface towards enhanced osseointegration is discussed. Titanium plates were first etched with “piranha” solution and followed by anchoring ATRP initiator using 12-(2-bromoisobutyramido)dodecanoic acid (BiBADA); then a ketone-containing copolymer was grafted from the titanium surface via surface-initiated ATRP with post-polymerization conjugation of P15 peptide – a stimulator for bone cells to grow faster. As a result, titanium plates with such surface treatment exhibited higher affinity for cells to proliferate and mineralized than native titanium plates. Chapter VII talks about the fabrication of PEEK microparticles (PMP) with further stabilization by coating polymers. The PMP was made by micro-precipitation: by adding dissolved PEEK pellets into poly(vinyl alcohol) solution. Furthermore, ATRP initiator was immobilized on the surface of PMP to enable polymers to be grafted from PMP. With coated polymer, the PMP maintained stable particle size and increased solubility in solvents, which reduced the difficult handling and manufacturing. Another published work on tacticity control in ATRP using Lewis acid is discussed in Chapter VIII. Tacticity of vinyl polymers is an important characteristic that affects the thermomechanical and surface properties. It is not easy to obtain tacticity control in ATRP due to the sp2 hybridized chain-end radicals. However, in the presence of Lewis acid like yttrium triflate (Y(OTf)3), up to 80% of total meso content (m%) can be achieved in the polyacrylamides.The last topic discussed in this thesis is related to bio-mimicking ATRP catalysts, as described in Chapter IX and X. In Chapter IX, two novel iron-porphyrin based catalysts that mimic the structure of enzyme’s active center were discussed. Based on previous study by Dr. Antonina Simakova, naturally occurring iron-porphyrin or hemin-based catalysts catalyzed ATRP after several modifications. Herein, the iron-porphyrin catalysts were modified with amino acid mimicking moieties: an imidazole to mimic histidine and a thioether for methionine. With such adjustments, the new catalysts demonstrated improved catalytic activity in ATRP and permitted lower loading of catalyst. This discovery created the possibility for replacing the traditional copper-based catalyst by non-toxic, natural-occurring catalysts. In addition, owing to the high stability of iron-porphyrin structure, it was applied as a unique catalyst for direct polymerization of acidic monomers such as methacrylic acid via ATRP, as elaborated in Chapter X. Unlike most copper-based catalytic complexes, iron-porphyrin is very stable under acidic pH without ligand protonation and decomposition. Thus such catalysts were used for ATRP of methacrylic acid under low pH conditions, with good control over the MW and dispersity of poly(methacrylic acid).Three ongoing projects focusing on immobilization of enzymes onto solid support (Appendix I), surface modification of macroscopic PEEK plates(Appendix II) and conjugation of hydrophobic polymers from proteins (Appendix III) are included in appendices.</div

Confidence Boost in Dyadic Online Teamwork: An Individual-Focused Perspective

Individuals are often more confident in their solutions when working in teams than when working on their own. This confidence boost is observed even when it is not accompanied by a corresponding gain in performance, raising the question of what other factors might be responsible. We address this question by developing a large-scale experimental setting in the form of a two-player online game that allows us to track the confidence of individuals in naturally-occurring online collaborative tasks. This setting enables us to disentangle and compare the effects of different components of the collaborative process on the confidence of each team member. We show that confidence evaluations are subject to social influence: a low-confidence individual receives a confidence boost as a direct consequence of interacting with their teammate, and the extent of the increase depends more on the confidence, rather than on the competence, of the teammate. The resulting framework can enhance our understanding of confidence boost as an often overlooked byproduct of online teamwork and has implications for designing better online collaboration platforms to meet diverse collaborative objectives