bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic programming of stochastic olfactory receptor choice
Authors: Yusuf Nusrath , Monahan Kevin
Published: April 2024

The mammalian sense of smell relies upon a vast array of receptor proteins to detect odorant compounds present in the environment. The proper deployment of these receptor proteins in olfactory sensory neurons is orchestrated by a suite of epigenetic processes that remodel the olfactory genes in differentiating neuronal progenitors. The goal of this review is to elucidate the central role of gene regulatory processes acting in neuronal progenitors of olfactory sensory neurons that lead to a singular expression of an odorant receptor in mature olfactory sensory neurons. We begin by describing the principal features of odorant receptor gene expression in mature olfactory sensory neurons. Next, we delineate our current understanding of how these features emerge from multiple gene regulatory mechanisms acting in neuronal progenitors. Finally, we close by discussing the key gaps in our understanding of how these regulatory mechanisms work and how they interact with each other over the course of differentiation.
Enhancing the texture and nutritional value of pumpkin dessert/jam through vacuum impregnation pre‐treatment with calcium and vitamin D3
Authors: Taş Elif Buse , Gursoy Oguz , Yilmaz Yusuf
Published: April 2024

This study involved fortifying pumpkin slices with calcium and vitamin D3 using vacuum impregnation (VI) pre‐treatment and assessing the quality characteristics of the resulting desserts/jams. Slices were subjected to immersion or VI pre‐treatments for 30, 60, and 90 min in a solution containing calcium oxide and vitamin D3. Calcium ions contributed to the hardness of desserts, with VI reducing processing time. The highest impregnated calcium (58.17 mg/100 g fw) and vitamin D3 contents (6.02 mg/100 g dm) were determined in slices pre‐treated by VI for 90 min. VI was more effective than immersion in terms of calcium and vitamin D3 transition into pumpkin tissues. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that calcium oxide particles were noticeable in slices pre‐treated by VI. Immersing fruit slices for 90 min produced desserts with a textural hardness of 11.04 N, while VI pre‐treatment for the same duration increased their hardness value to 18.92 N. Desserts produced with VI‐pre‐treated slices exhibited superior texture and sensory attributes, with no adverse taste resulting from calcium oxide. In conclusion, VI pre‐treatment shows significant potential for the industrial production of desserts/jams with enhanced structural integrity for fruits.
COVID–19パンデミックが臓器提供に与えた影響の定量的評価：臓器提供に要した日数の比較(Quantitative assessment of the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on organ donation: comparison of the number of days required for organ donation)
Authors: 遥水 樋口 , 彩乃 野露 , 哲也 星野 , 健 三浦 , 泰明 小山 , 有希 榎本 , 貴昭 井上
Published: April 2024

【目的】COVID–19パンデミックが臓器提供に与えた影響を評価した報告は少ない。本研究は臓器提供に要した日数をパンデミック前後で比較し，パンデミックが臓器提供に与えた影響を定量的に評価することを目的とした。【対象】当院の脳死下・心停止後臓器提供症例（角膜提供のみ実施した症例を除く）をPre–pandemic群（2019年以前）とPandemic群（2020年以後）に分けた。脳死とされうる状態または終末期と判断した日（day A），臓器摘出同意書の署名日（day B），第2回法的脳死判定日または死亡診断日（day C），臓器摘出日（day D）を定義し，2群間でそれぞれの間の日数をStudent–t検定で比較した。【結果】症例数はPre–pandemic群7例，Pandemic群10例であった。A–DはPre–pandemic群で2.4±1.3日［2.0日（2.0–2.5）］，Pandemic群で2.3±2.1日［2.0日（1.0–3.0）］であり有意差を認めなかった（平均±標準偏差［中央値（四分位範囲）］；p＝0.89，95%CI：−2.0～1.8）。A–B，B–C，C–Dでも有意差を認めなかった。脳死下提供のみまたは心停止後提供のみの比較でもいずれも有意差はなかった。【結語】当院ではCOVID–19パンデミック前後で脳死下・心停止後臓器提供に要した日数の有意な変化はなかった。
Lemierre症候群に敗血症性肺塞栓症と脳膿瘍を合併した1例(A case study on Lemierre syndrome complicated by septic pulmonary emboli and brain abscess)
Authors: 久実 天神 , 夏美 冨沢 , 一樹 長友 , 隼三 中尾 , 有希 榎本 , 信威 下條 , 貴昭 井上
Published: April 2024

Lemierre症候群は，咽頭炎または扁桃炎罹患後に菌血症および転移感染を伴う内頸静脈の敗血症性血栓性静脈炎を発症する疾患である。遠隔転移巣としては肺や関節が多く，中枢神経系合併症は報告されているものの頻度は稀である。今回我々は，肺に加えて中枢神経系にも合併症を認めた症例を経験したので報告する。症例は生来健康で基礎疾患のない24歳の男性。第1病日に発熱，咽頭痛を認め，第7病日に右扁桃周囲膿瘍が疑われ前医に緊急入院となった。第10病日に右内頸静脈内に血栓を認めLemierre症候群と診断され，第12病日に敗血症性肺塞栓症を認め当院へ転院した。血液培養でFusobacterium necrophorumが検出され，右扁桃周囲膿瘍の切開排膿，抗菌薬投与，抗凝固療法により経日的に自覚症状は改善した。しかし第33病日に実施した全身造影CTで新規に右後頭葉に脳膿瘍を認めた。抗菌薬治療の継続で病巣は消失し，後遺症を残すことなく第48病日に自宅退院した。本症例では有効な抗菌薬投与の遅れが重症化した原因の可能性がある。Lemierre症候群で脳膿瘍が合併することは稀だが，死亡例や重篤な後遺障害を生じることがあり，注意深い病変検索が重要である。
Motion‐induced phase‐corrected homodyne reconstruction for partial Fourier single‐shot diffusion‐weighted echo planar imaging of the liver
Authors: Van Anh T. , McTavish Sean , Peeters Johannes M. , Weiss Kilian , Makowski Marcus R. , Braren Rickmer F. , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: April 2024

Partial Fourier encoding is popular in single‐shot (ss) diffusion‐weighted (DW) echo planar imaging (EPI) because it enables a shorter echo time (TE) and, hence, improves the signal‐to‐noise‐ratio. Motion during diffusion encoding causes k‐space shifting and dispersion, which compromises the quality of the homodyne reconstruction. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the artifacts in homodyne reconstruction of partial Fourier ss‐DW‐EPI data in the presence of motion‐induced phase and proposes the motion‐induced phase‐corrected homodyne (mpc‐hdyne) reconstruction method to ameliorate these artifacts. Simulations with different types of motion‐induced phase were performed to provide an understanding of the potential artifacts that occur in the homodyne reconstruction of partial Fourier ss‐DW‐EPI data. To correct for the artifacts, the mpc‐hdyne reconstruction is proposed. The algorithm recenters k‐space, updates the partial Fourier factor according to detected global k‐space shifts, and removes low‐resolution nonlinear phase before the conventional homodyne reconstruction. The mpc‐hdyne reconstruction is tested on both simulation and in vivo data. Motion‐induced phase can cause signal overestimation, worm artifacts, and signal loss in partial Fourier ss‐DW‐EPI data with the conventional homodyne reconstruction. Simulation and in vivo data showed that the proposed mpc‐hdyne reconstruction ameliorated artifacts, yielding higher quality DW images compared with conventional homodyne reconstruction. Based on the understanding of the artifacts in homodyne reconstruction of partial Fourier ss‐DW‐EPI data, the mpc‐hdyne reconstruction was proposed and showed superior performance compared with the conventional homodyne reconstruction on both simulation and in vivo data.
High precision laser welding for the electric vehicles of tomorrow
Authors: Nürnberg Ralf , Schlüter Holger
Published: April 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of e‐mobility, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing fast, bringing with it significant challenges, but with those also come valuable opportunities for the industry. A critical aspect underpinning this growth is the need for efficient manufacturing solutions.
Multiplex Detection of Foodborne Pathogens using 3D Nanostructure Swab and Deep Learning‐Based Classification of Raman Spectra
Authors: Kang Hyunju , Lee Junhyeong , Moon Jeong , Lee Taegu , Kim Jueun , Jeong Yeonwoo , Lim Eun‐Kyung , Jung Juyeon , Jung Yongwon , Lee Seok Jae , Lee Kyoung G. , Ryu Seunghwa , Kang Taejoon
Published: April 2024

Proactive management of foodborne illness requires routine surveillance of foodborne pathogens, which requires developing simple, rapid, and sensitive detection methods. Here, a strategy is presented that enables the detection of multiple foodborne bacteria using a 3D nanostructure swab and deep learning‐based Raman signal classification. The nanostructure swab efficiently captures foodborne pathogens, and the portable Raman instrument directly collects the Raman signals of captured bacteria. a deep learning algorithm has been demonstrated, 1D convolutional neural network with binary labeling, achieves superior performance in classifying individual bacterial species. This methodology has been extended to mixed bacterial populations, maintaining accuracy close to 100%. In addition, the gradient‐weighted class activation mapping method is used to provide an investigation of the Raman bands for foodborne pathogens. For practical application, blind tests are conducted on contaminated kitchen utensils and foods. The proposed technique is validated by the successful detection of bacterial species from the contaminated surfaces. The use of a 3D nanostructure swab, portable Raman device, and deep learning‐based classification provides a powerful tool for rapid identification (≈5 min) of foodborne bacterial species. The detection strategy shows significant potential for reliable food safety monitoring, making a meaningful contribution to public health and the food industry.
MOCHAs: An Emerging Class of Materials for Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Nagaraju Myakala Stephen , Rabl Hannah , Schubert Jasmin S. , Batool Samar , Ayala Pablo , Apaydin Dogukan H. , Cherevan Alexey , Eder Dominik
Published: April 2024

Production of green hydrogen (H2) is a sustainable process able to address the current energy crisis without contributing to long‐term greenhouse gas emissions. Many Ag‐based catalysts have shown promise for light‐driven H2 generation, however, pure Ag—in its bulk or nanostructured forms—suffers from slow electron transfer kinetics and unfavorable Ag─H bond strength. It is demonstrated that the complexation of Ag with various chalcogenides can be used as a tool to optimize these parameters and reach improved photocatalytic performance. In this work, metal‐organic‐chalcogenolate assemblies (MOCHAs) are introduced as effective catalysts for light‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and investigate their performance and structural stability by examining a series of AgXPh (X = S, Se, and Te) compounds. Two catalyst‐support sensitization strategies are explored: by designing MOCHA/TiO2 composites and by employing a common Ru‐based photosensitizer. It is demonstrated that the heterogeneous approach yields stable HER performance but involves a catalyst transformation at the initial stage of the photocatalytic process. In contrast to this, the visible‐light‐driven MOCHA‐dye dyad shows similar HER activity while also ensuring the structural integrity of the MOCHAs. The work shows the potential of MOCHAs in constructing photosystems for catalytic H2 production and provides a direct comparison between known AgXPh compounds.
Unemployment insurance and opioid prescriptions during the great recession
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Peng Lizhong
Published: April 2024

This is the first U.S. study on the causal relationship between unemployment insurance (UI) expansions during the Great Recession and the use of prescribed opioids. Using annual county‐level prescription data from 2006 to 2013 and plausibly exogenous variation in state and federal policies, we estimate that a one standard deviation increase in UI generosity ($10,800) reduces per‐capita prescription opioid use by 1.9%. We supplement our main analysis with a border discontinuity design and find a similar effect. We also find no evidence of pre‐trends in the outcome. Finally, additional analyses suggest that increased health care utilization after exposure to higher UI generosity could be a plausible explanation for the declines in opioid prescriptions.
Systematischer Umgang mit Ungewissheiten bei der Standortwahl für geologische Tiefenlager in der Schweiz
Authors: Rahn Meinert , Leuz Ann-Kathrin , Altorfer Felix
Published: April 2024

Die gesetzlichen Vorgaben und das Regelwerk der Aufsicht in der Schweiz sehen vor, dass ein geologisches Tiefenlager an einem Standort realisiert wird, dessen geologische Eignung durch Daten und Prozessverständnis gezeigt werden kann. Der systematische Umgang mit Ungewissheiten ist ein zentraler Teil des Sicherheitsnachweises. Das Aufzeigen der Robustheit eines Lagersystems und der Unempfindlichkeit gegen eine Vielzahl möglicher zukünftiger Entwicklungsszenarien stellen Schlüsselelemente in der Nachweisführung dar.

Für den Umgang mit Ungewissheiten wird in diesem Artikel ein schematisches Vorgehen aufgezeigt. Ein Rückblick über die Geschichte der Entsorgung in der Schweiz und insbesondere über das seit 2008 laufende Standortauswahlverfahren zeigt die Anwendung dieses Vorgehens, in dem Ungewissheiten zunächst auf ihre Sicherheitsrelevanz geprüft werden, anschließend zu klären ist, inwiefern Ungewissheiten durch Anpassungen ausgeschlossen werden können bzw. einzubeziehen sind. Bei einem Einbezug sind schlussendlich die Ungewissheiten genauer zu bestimmen oder in ihrer Wirkung einzugrenzen. An konkreten Beispielen wird das systematische Vorgehen erläutert.
Kommunikation und Wahrnehmung wissenschaftlicher Ungewissheiten
Authors: Seidl Roman , Becker Dirk-Alexander , Drögemüller Cord , Wolf Jens
Published: April 2024

Aus dem Alltag kennen wir den Umgang mit Ungewissheiten. Ständig handeln wir, ohne dass wir genaue Risikoabschätzungen vornehmen, obwohl selten vollständiges Wissen vorliegt. In der Wissenschaft wird ebenfalls versucht, mit Ungewissheiten, etwa aus der Modellierung und Simulation, umzugehen. Gerade wenn es um Abschätzungen über das Verhalten von risikobehafteter Infrastruktur über lange Zeiträume geht, liegen verschiedene Arten von Ungewissheiten vor. Diese der Öffentlichkeit zu kommunizieren, gehört heute zur guten Praxis. Doch wie soll man gerade beim sensitiv beobachteten Thema der Endlagerung hochradioaktiver Abfälle vorgehen? Wie sind Modellunsicherheiten aufzubereiten und darzustellen, sodass sie nicht zu weiterer Verunsicherung beitragen? In diesem Beitrag beschäftigen wir uns mit den Quellen und Formaten von Ungewissheiten sowie dem Wissen aus der Forschung zu Risikokommunikation und Ungewissheiten. Dabei wird klar, dass es nicht nur unterschiedliche Arten und Quellen von Ungewissheiten gibt, sondern auch interindividuelle Unterschiede bei den Adressaten. Entsprechend können sich die Wirkungen der Kommunikation unterscheiden. Wir zeigen an einem aktuellen Beispiel, wie zwei unterschiedliche Berechnungsarten und grafische Darstellungen von 177 Teilnehmern einer experimentellen Studie aufgenommen wurden.
Ungewissheit als Regulierungsaufgabe des Standortauswahlgesetzes
Authors: Smeddinck Ulrich
Published: April 2024

Der Umgang mit Ungewissheit ist mittlerweile ein „Klassiker“ unter den Themen des besonderen Verwaltungsrechts. Aktuell wird der Standort für ein Endlager für hoch radioaktiven Abfall mit der bestmöglichen Sicherheit für 1 Million Jahre gesucht. Das Gesetz, das die Suche anleitet, das Standortauswahlgesetz, geht neue Wege, um im Falle dieses einzelnen Projektes mit Ungewissheit umzugehen. Der Beitrag informiert kurz über die Ursprünge des Umgangs mit Ungewissheit im Recht, indem der Weg von der Gefahrenabwehr hin zu Vorsorge und Risikomanagement nachgezeichnet wird. Im Hauptteil werden dann die besonderen Elemente zum Umgang mit Ungewissheit im Standortauswahlgesetz vorgestellt und aus rechtswissenschaftlicher Perspektive gewürdigt. Dazu wird u. a. die Grundunterscheidung von Vorsorge im konkreten Einzelfall und genereller Standardsetzung vorab genutzt.
Non-invasive calibration of a Stewart platform by photogrammetry
Authors: Karmakar Sourabh , Turner Cameron J.
Published: April 2024

Accurate calibration of a Stewart platform is important for their precise and efficient operation. However, the calibration of these platforms using forward kinematics is a challenge for researchers because forward kinematics normally generates multiple feasible and unfeasible solutions for any pose of the moving platform. The complex kinematic relations among the six actuator paths connecting the fixed base to the moving platform further compound the difficulty in establishing a straightforward and efficient calibration method. The authors developed a new forward kinematics-based calibration method using Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) convention and used the Stewart platform “Tiger 66.1” developed in their lab for experimenting with the photogrammetry-based calibration strategies described in this paper. This system became operational upon completion of construction, marking its inaugural use. The authors used their calibration model for estimating the errors in the system and adopted three compensation options or strategies as per least-square method to improve the accuracy of the system. These strategies leveraged a high-resolution digital camera and off-the-shelf software to capture the poses of the moving platform’s center. This process is non-invasive and does not need any additional equipment to be attached to the hexapod or any alteration of the hexapod hardware. This photogrammetry-based calibration process involves multiple high-resolution images from different angles to measure the position and orientation of the platform center in the three-dimensional space. The target poses and actual poses are then compared, and the error compensations are estimated using the least-square methods to calculate the predicted poses. Results from each of the three compensation approaches demonstrated noticeable enhancements in platform pose accuracies, suggesting room for further improvements. Given that “Tiger 66.1” is based on the general Stewart platform structure, the proposed calibration method holds promise for extension to machines operating on similar principles where non-invasive calibration is desirable. This study contributes to advancing the field of Stewart platform calibration, paving the way for more precise and efficient applications in various domains.
Stability conditions and Teichmüller space
Authors: Allegretti Dylan G. L.
Published: April 2024

We consider a 3-Calabi–Yau triangulated category associated to an ideal triangulation of a marked bordered surface. Using the theory of harmonic maps between Riemann surfaces, we construct a natural map from a component of the space of Bridgeland stability conditions on this category to the enhanced Teichmüller space of the surface. We describe a relationship between the central charges of objects in the category and shear coordinates on the Teichmüller space.
Midterm follow-up after embolization of intracranial aneurysms proximal to the circle of Willis with the Silk Vista flow diverter: the I-MAMA registry
Authors: Da Ros Valerio , Sabuzi Federico , D’Argento Francesco , Pedicelli Alessandro , Gavrilovic Vladimir , Sponza Massimo , Di Giuliano Francesca , Biraschi Francesco , Iacobucci Marta , Grillea Giovanni , Bartolo Andrea , Patassini Mirko , Remida Paolo , Quilici Luca , Faragò Giuseppe , Varrassi Marco , Cavasin Nicola , Arpesani Roberto , Giordano Aldo Victor , Umana Giuseppe , Garaci Francesco , Floris Roberto
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this registry was to assess technical success, procedural safety and mid- to long-term follow-up results of the Silk Vista “Mama” (SVM) flow diverter (BALT, Montmorency, France) for the treatment of proximal intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Between August 2020 and March 2022, data from nine Italian neurovascular centres were collected. Data included patients’ clinical presentation, aneurysms’ size, location and status, technical details, overall complications and mid- to long-term angiographic follow-up.

Results

Forty-eight aneurysms in 48 patients were treated using the SVM. Most aneurysms were small (≤ 10 mm: no. 29, 60%) and unruptured (no. 31, 65%); 13 aneurysms were recurrent after coiling or clipping. 37/48 aneurysms involved the internal carotid artery (77%). Optimal opening and complete wall apposition of the device were achieved in 46 out of 48 cases (96%). Four intra- or periprocedural complications occurred (two thrombotic complications successfully resolved, one cerebellar ischemia, one perirenal hematoma), without new neurological deficit. No significant intra-stent stenosis or stent displacement was observed during follow-up. No FD-related morbidity nor mortality was reported. At midterm (6–12 months) to long-term (> 12 months) follow-up, complete aneurysm occlusion (OKM D) was achieved in 76% of cases. Eighty-eight percent of patients had complete aneurysm occlusion or entry remnant (OKM D + C).

Conclusions

Our experience suggests that the new generation of low-profile SVM flow diverter for the treatment of proximal intracranial aneurysms is safe and effective, with low rates of intraprocedural complications and acceptable mid- to long-term occlusion rate.
Longitudinal visibility of MRI findings in living victims of strangulation
Authors: Bauer Melanie , Hollenstein Christina , Lieb Johanna Maria , Grassegger Sabine , Haas Tanja , Egloff Laura , Berger Celine , Scheurer Eva , Lenz Claudia
Published: April 2024

Initial experiences with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of living strangulation victims demonstrated additional findings of internal injuries compared to the standard clinical forensic examination. However, existing studies on the use of MRI for this purpose mostly focused on the first 48 h after the incident. The aims of this study were (a) to evaluate the longitudinal visibility of MRI findings after violence against the neck by performing two MRI examinations within 12 days and a minimum of four days between both MRI scans and (b) to assess which MRI sequences were most helpful for the detection of injuries. Twenty strangulation victims participated in this study and underwent one (n = 8) or two (n = 12) MRI scans. The first MRI examination was conducted during the first five days, the second five to 12 days after the incident. Two blinded radiologists assessed the MRI data and looked for lesions in the structures of the neck. In total, 140 findings were reported in the 32 MRI examinations. Most of the findings were detected in the thyroid and the muscles of the neck. T2-weighted SPACE with fat suppression, T1-weighted TSE and T1-weighted MPRAGE were rated as the most helpful MRI sequences. Subjects who showed findings in the initial scan also demonstrated comparable results in the second scan, which was performed on average 8.4 days after the incident. Our results show that even up to 12 days after the incident, the criminal proceeding of strangulation cases may greatly profit from the information provided by an MRI examination of the neck in addition to the standard clinical forensic examination.
Racism-related stress and mental health among black women living in Los Angeles County, California: A comparison of postpartum mood and anxiety disorder screening scales
Authors: Floyd James Kortney , Chen Keren , Hindra Sasha S. , Gray Sydney , Robinson Milllicent N. , Tobin Courtney S. Thomas , Choi Kristen , Saint Arnault Denise
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To assess Black women’s exposure to and appraisal of racism-related stress during the postpartum period and to distinguish its impact on three indicators of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) symptoms.

Methods

Data from the Black Mothers’ Mental Wellness Study (N = 231) and linear regression models estimated the associations between racism-related stress and the PMAD indicators: 3-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS-3), 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), and PHQ-15.

Results

The majority of participants (80.5%, N = 186) experienced racism a few times a year or more, of which 37.1% (N = 69) were bothered somewhat and 19.3% (N = 36) a lot. Racism-related stress, income, level of education, and history of mental health diagnosis explained greater variance in PMAD symptoms as measured by the PHQ-8 score (R2 = 0.58, p =  < 0.001) compared to the EPDS-3 (R2 = 0.46, p =  < 0.001) or the PHQ-15 (R2 = 0.14, p = 0.035).

Conclusions

Racism is a stressor for Black women living in Los Angeles County, California. Racism-related stress and emotional expression of PMAD symptoms were salient to the postpartum mental health of the Black women in this study. Findings from this study suggest that the PHQ-8 should be used to assess how racism impacts Black women’s postpartum mental health.
Production methods and applications of bioactive polylactic acid: a review
Authors: Ferreira Patrícia S. , Ribeiro Sónia M. , Pontes Rita , Nunes João
Published: April 2024

Bioplastics appear as an alternative to fossil fuel-derived plastics because bioplastics are carbon neutral and often biodegradable, thus potentially solving the issues of plastic pollution and climate change. In particular, polylactic acid is a substitute for traditional petrochemical-based polymers. Here, we review polylactic acid production with focus on surface modification and integration of bioactive compounds. Surface can be modified by chemical treatment, photografting, surface entrapment, plasma treatment, and coating. Bioactive compounds can be incorporated by encapsulation, impregnation, melt blending, solvent casting, electrospinning, and in situ polymerization. Biomedical and packaging applications are discussed.
A three-way decision method on multi-scale single-valued neutrosophic decision systems
Authors: Yang Xuan , Zhou Xianzhong , Huang Bing , Li Huaxiong , Wang Tianxing
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose a three-way decision (TWD) method on multi-scale single-valued neutrosophic decision systems (MS-SVNDSs). First, to explore the application of single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) in multi-scale environment, we establish a rough set model of MS-SVNDSs. Then, aiming at the problem of knowledge acquisition in MS-SVNDSs, we present the corresponding optimal scale selection and reduction methods by using evidence theory, a more direct and simpler algorithm is also discussed. For obtaining decision results that are more in line with human cognition, we further provide a novel three-way decision method. Comparative experiments are subsequently conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. The experimental results show that our method not only improves the classification accuracy but also raises decision efficiency.
Country Differences in the Effects of Individual Traits on Depression in Women in Europe
Authors: Rodríguez-Donate M. Carolina , Nieto-González Imanol L. , Guirao-Pérez Ginés
Published: April 2024

Mental health and, in particular, depression are of great global concern today, especially in middle- and high-income countries. These health issues show an unequal gender prevalence as they are more common in women than in men. The aim of this work is to use micro-econometric models to analyze the prevalence of depression in women in 27 European countries, as well as to quantify the effects of certain individual characteristics on the probability of experiencing depression and the degree to which it occurs. In addition, measures are proposed to assess how each country differs from the total sample. The data used proceed from the European Health Interview Survey wave 2 (EHIS-2). The results show that higher educational levels and incomes are protective factors, while older age and being unemployed have a positive effect on the probability of having depression, particularly on the probability of severe depression. Furthermore, from the calculation of ratios, notable differences are detected in the effects of these characteristics in different countries. Although the direction of the effect of each characteristic is similar in all countries, the size of the effect in each country varies significantly from the sample average. The results highlight the importance of identifying which individual traits generate a higher propensity to experience depression in women. The proposed procedure leads to the conclusion that the detection of differences and similarities between countries could allow the extrapolation of successful practices in prevention and mental health care.
Outcomes in Cirrhosis-Related Refractory Ascites with Emphasis on Palliative Care: Single-Centre Experience and Literature Review
Authors: English Marcus Rex , Ellis Jordache , Verma Sumita , Haddadin Yazan
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

Despite refractory ascites (RA) due to cirrhosis having a median transplant-free survival of 6–12 months, palliative care (PC) input remains uncertain. We aimed to review the existing literature on clinical outcomes in cirrhosis-related RA and report the findings of a single-centre retrospective cohort study with a special focus on linkage to PC in this cohort of patients.

Recent Findings

Our study and subsequent literature review confirm the high mortality associated with cirrhosis-related RA (19–55% 1-year mortality) with only a minority of patients receiving curative options (3–23%). Despite this, in our study only a minority of patients (33%) were referred to PC. None of the studies identified in the scoping review makes any references to palliative care use.

Our own data and a literature review confirm that, despite high mortality, only a minority with RA due to cirrhosis are referred for specialist PC input and often too late in their disease trajectory. Future research should focus on patient-centred outcomes in this cohort of patients where optimising quality-of-life and facilitating advanced care planning should be a priority.
Mikrofluidische Partikelgrößenbestimmung
Authors: Bauernhofer Lena , Glueck David , Krainer Georg , Keller Sandro
Published: April 2024

Microfluidic diffusional sizing (MDS) is a powerful lab-on-a-chip method for determining the particle sizes, interactions, and association states of fluorescent analytes. MDS requires only microliter volumes and works even in heterogeneous, unpurified samples. Here we describe how MDS can be used to study (i) antibody binding and cellular copy numbers of oncoproteins, (ii) charge-dependent interactions of proteins with lipid membranes, and (iii) the size of native nanodiscs. We also show how single-molecule MDS (smMDS) achieves ultimate sensitivity and superior size resolution through digital counting.
Elektrische Charakterisierung von Eizellen mit mikrofluidischen Systemen
Authors: Schnakenberg Uwe , Cao Yuan
Published: April 2024

In in vitro fertilization, the status of the zona pellucida is of pivotal interest to determine the window of best fertilization. In this window, the zona pellucida becomes soft, so that a sperm can penetrate. Two lab-on-chip systems will be introduced which were developed to monitor the status of the zona pellucida of mouse oocytes with electrical impedance spectroscopy. The combination of microfluidic systems and impedance spectroscopy offer advantages of easy cell handling and observer-independent characterization.
Unerwartete räumlich-zeitliche Muster des bakteriellen Membranpotenzials
Authors: Hennes Marc , Maier Berenike
Published: April 2024

Bacteria maintain electrical polarization across their membrane, which is crucial for ATP synthesis, membrane transport, and other cellular functions. Recent studies showed astonishing polarization dynamics governed by electrical and mechanical stimuli, as well as antibiotic treatment. These dynamics affect bacterial survival in a complex way. While cell-to-cell heterogeneity is prominent, several studies report collective polarisation patterns in response to limitation of growth resources.
Kleb‘s zusammen & zerleg‘s: Detergensproteine in der zelleigenen Immunität
Authors: Kutsch Miriam
Published: April 2024

The spread of antibiotic resistances among bacteria led to an increase in multidrug resistant pathogens. New therapies are urgently needed to tackle the current global antibiotic crisis. One strategy is to boost the ancient antimicrobial defense conserved in all vertebrates: the innate immune system. To develop such therapies, a fundamental understanding of host-pathogen interactions is crucial. We study how detergent-like host factors combat bacterial pathogens in cell-autonomous immunity.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among Donor-Conceived Offspring in the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study from Adolescence to Adulthood
Authors: Carone Nicola , Rothblum Esther D. , Koh Audrey S. , Bos Henny M. W. , Gartrell Nanette K.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Concerns about parents with minoritized sexual identities often focus on the belief that their children will be confused about their gender and report a non-heterosexual orientation compared to children reared by heterosexual parents. Yet, few longitudinal studies exist.

Methods

Gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and sexual experiences were examined in 75 U.S. donor-conceived offspring (39 assigned females at birth (AFAB) and 36 assigned males at birth (AMAB)) of lesbian parents, when the offspring had reached adulthood (ages 30–33). Additionally, 72 of these offspring (38 AFAB and 34 AMAB) had also completed surveys in adolescence (age 17, data collected 2004–2009) and emerging adulthood (age 25, data collected 2012–2017), which enabled us to examine the developmental pathways of their sexuality.

Results

All AMAB offspring and 94.7% of AFAB offspring who identified as cisgender during adolescence continued to do so during emerging adulthood and adulthood. Over time, sexual orientation was more fluid than gender identity, and AFAB offspring were more fluid than AMAB offspring. Specifically, considering those who reported the same (heterosexual/straight; lesbian, gay/homosexual; or bisexual+) sexual orientation from adolescence through emerging adulthood to adulthood, 63.9% were AFAB and 82.4% were AMAB. More than half of AFAB offspring and 80.6% of AMAB offspring identified as heterosexual in adulthood, and the vast majority had had sex with a non-transgender man (86.5%) and a non-transgender woman (93.6%), respectively, in the last 5 years.

Conclusions

This is the only study that has followed the biological offspring of lesbian parents from birth to adulthood, prospectively and longitudinally. The results indicate that offspring of lesbian parents are less likely to identify as transgender than the general public, but more likely to identify as LGB or queer.

Policy Implications

As gender and sexual identity development significantly impacts well-being, creating supportive environments for offspring of lesbian parents and increasing public awareness of the connections among developmental milestones, health, and thriving are vital.
Emerging techniques for the processing of food to ensure higher food safety with enhanced food quality: a review
Authors: Jadhav Harsh B. , Choudhary Pintu
Published: April 2024

In recent years the consumer’s preference for highly convenient food possessing superior characteristics, high nutritional value with minimum processing, easy to eat, safe, should have a longer shelf life and mouth-watering taste has increased. All these demands of the consumer are impossible to be fulfilled by the existing thermal treatments, which provide food with reduced nutritional and sensory qualities with lesser shelf life. This diverted the attention of food professionals towards non-thermal technologies which are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and do not process food at a higher temperature for a longer time. As a result, non-thermal technology delivers food with higher nutritional and sensory values and with longer shelf life. Non-thermal treatments are cost-effective technologies that constitute a newer bunch of tools that are developing steadily and are being explored across the globe. This review discusses in brief non-thermal technologies like ultraviolet, pulse electric field, high-pressure processing, ultrasonication, cold plasma, and supercritical carbon dioxide.
Peakon, Periodic Peakons, Compactons and Bifurcations of nonlinear Schrödinger’s Equation with Kudryashov’s Law of Refractive Index
Authors: Zhang Qiuyan , Zhou Yuqian , Li Jibin , Yu Mengke
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation with Kudryashov’s law of refractive index. By using the method of dynamical systems, we obtain bifurcations of the phase portraits of the traveling wave system under different parameter conditions. Corresponding to some special level curves, we derive possible exact explicit parametric representations of solutions (including peakon, periodic peakon, solitary wave solutions and compactons) under different parameter conditions.
Restoring Dialogical Rule of Law in the European Union: Janus in the Mirror
Authors: Kochenov Dimitry V.
Published: April 2024

The primacy of EU law as framed by the Court of Justice pre-empts substantive arguments of principle that originate in other legal orders. This was accepted and acceptable to the extent that the values EU law contained were at least normatively equivalent to values originated from the other legal orders. In this contribution it is argued that this is no longer the case and that the misuse of the Rule of Law rhetoric justifying the primacy of EU law renders the EU less accountable and undermines the dialogical pluralist essence of EU constitutionalism.
Evaluation of Incoming Messages to WhatsApp Communication Network Created by Volunteers in Major Disasters: The Case of Turkey Earthquake
Authors: Çelebi İsmet , Tuna Arzu , Çalişkan Cüneyt
Published: April 2024

Objective:

This research was conducted in order to assess the 1-week aid needs determined by the health professional who voluntarily served in the WhatsApp communication network during the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.

Methods:

This descriptive retrospective epidemiological study focuses on the 1-week messaging activities of the WhatsApp group created by volunteers after the earthquake in Turkey. During the 7-day period included in the research, a total of 5813 messages were sent. 3472 of these messages were not included in the research for various reasons, and a total of 2341 messages were used for the research.

Results:

In all 7 days, it was seen that most of the messages were sent via text message and that voice messages were very few. When the distribution of the needs demanded by the earthquake victims for 7 days was examined, it was seen that there was a significant increase in the needs on the fourth day after the earthquake, and that the highest increase was the need for tents.

Conclusion:

While the demands for rescue services increased in the first 2 days, it was determined that the demands for water especially, dry food, and tents increased from the third day onwards. It is suggested that a professional online infrastructure system should be created to enable the transfer of instant scene and need information that can be activated in such disasters.
Evaluation of and period polynomial relations
Authors: Charlton Steven , Keilthy Adam
Published: April 2024

In studying the depth filtration on multiple zeta values, difficulties quickly arise due to a disparity between it and the coradical filtration [9]. In particular, there are additional relations in the depth graded algebra coming from period polynomials of cusp forms for

$\operatorname {\mathrm {SL}}_2({\mathbb {Z}})$

. In contrast, a simple combinatorial filtration, the block filtration [13, 28] is known to agree with the coradical filtration, and so there is no similar defect in the associated graded. However, via an explicit evaluation of

$\zeta (2,\ldots ,2,4,2,\ldots ,2)$

as a polynomial in double zeta values, we derive these period polynomial relations as a consequence of an intrinsic symmetry of block graded multiple zeta values in block degree 2. In deriving this evaluation, we find a Galois descent of certain alternating double zeta values to classical double zeta values, which we then apply to give an evaluation of the multiple t values [22]

$t(2\ell ,2k)$

in terms of classical double zeta values.
Extensions of the colorful Helly theorem for d-collapsible and d-Leray complexes
Authors: Kim Minki , Lew Alan
Published: April 2024

We present extensions of the colorful Helly theorem for d-collapsible and d-Leray complexes, providing a common generalization to the matroidal versions of the theorem due to Kalai and Meshulam, the ‘very colorful’ Helly theorem introduced by Arocha, Bárány, Bracho, Fabila and Montejano and the ‘semi-intersecting’ colorful Helly theorem proved by Montejano and Karasev.

As an application, we obtain the following extension of Tverberg’s theorem: Let A be a finite set of points in

${\mathbb R}^d$

with

$|A|>(r-1)(d+1)$

. Then, there exist a partition

$A_1,\ldots ,A_r$

of A and a subset

$B\subset A$

of size

$(r-1)(d+1)$

such that

$\cap _{i=1}^r \operatorname {\mathrm {\text {conv}}}( (B\cup \{p\})\cap A_i)\neq \emptyset $

for all

$p\in A\setminus B$

. That is, we obtain a partition of A into r parts that remains a Tverberg partition even after removing all but one arbitrary point from

$A\setminus B$

.
From the Editor
Authors: O'Barr William M.
Published: April 2024

At the 1995 Annual Meeting of the Law and Society Association, Boaventura de Sousa Santos delivered an invited plenary address in which he challenged sociolegal scholars to consider the current state of our field. Perhaps, he argued, the paradigms that stand behind the conventions of much current scholarship are inadequate for understanding critical aspects of the law-society relationship. He proposed three metaphors to describe paradigmatic crises and possibilities: the frontier, the baroque, and the South. Santos provoked considerable discussion in the corridors of the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, but a jam-packed meeting program did not offer an opportunity for any sort of public commentary from those who heard him.
An iridovirus from the Antarctic seaspider Pentanymphon antarcticum (Pycnogonida)
Authors: Bojko Jamie , Maxwell Jamie M. , Burgess Amy L. , Nicado Lance , Federici Brian , Griffiths Huw J. , Allcock Louise
Published: April 2024

The Antarctic seaspider Pentanymphon antarcticum is a benthic species in the Southern Ocean, but little is known about its pathogen profile. In this study, we provide a draft genome for a new iridovirus species that has been identified using metagenomic techniques. The draft genome totals 157 260 bp and encodes 188 protein-coding genes. The virus shows greatest protein similarity to a ‘carnivorous sponge-associated iridovirus’ from a deep-sea sponge host. This study represents the first discovery of a pycnogonid iridovirus and the first iridovirus from the Antarctic region.
Genetic diversity and morpho-physiological assessment of drought tolerance in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars
Authors: Motallebinia Sara , Sofalian Omid , Asghari Ali , Rasoulzadeh Ali , Fathi Achachlouei Bahram
Published: April 2024

Water deficit is one of the most important abiotic stresses constraining crop production in rapeseed. Understanding the mechanisms of adaptation to this stress is essential for the development and production of drought-tolerant genotypes. For this reason, this research study aims to investigate the importance of genetic diversity in identifying genotypes with a high degree of drought tolerance through assessing effectiveness of inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers on 14 genotypes of rapeseed in a factorial design. Morphological and physiological characteristics were studied after the early stages of growth; in order to evaluate the genetic diversity among genotypes, 18 different ISSR markers were used. A total of 106 clear and scalable loci were amplified, of which 60 bands (56.6%) were polymorphic. The highest polymorphism information content belonged to marker number 9 with the amount of 0.365 (85.7%). Gene variation ranged from 0.081 to 0.365 and the rapeseed genotypes were divided into three groups by cluster analysis (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean method). The analysis of molecular variance showed that 70% of the total variation was observed within populations and 30% of this variation occurred among populations. In addition, t-test was used for comparing oil content percentage among different genotypes in control and stress levels. Adriana had the highest amount of seed oil with 36.47%, whereas Karaj 2 had the lowest amount with 27.28 and Cooper had the highest decrease in oil content percentage under stress conditions. Overall, the genotypes Likord, Hyola 401 and Sarigol 32 were identified as the most drought-tolerant.
Challenges in Simulating Prevailing Fog Types Over Urban Region of Delhi
Authors: Parde Avinash N. , Ghude Sachin D. , Dhangar Narendra Gokul , Bhautmage Utkarsh Prakash , Wagh Sandeep , Lonkar Prasanna , Govardhan Gaurav , Kumar Rakesh , Biswas Mrinal , Chen Fei
Published: April 2024

Accurately predicting fog is challenging due to interplay of myriad processes in its formation and high spatiotemporal variability. This study compares the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting model with control (CNTL‐WRF) and assimilated fine‐grid (HRLDAS‐WRF) soil fields in the Ingo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) over a 2‐years winter period (2019–2020 and 2020–2021). Results show HRLDAS‐WRF enhances accuracy in representing surface fog's heterogeneity and lifecycle across the IGP, demonstrating a spatial skill improvement of approximately 18% with a Fraction Skill Score of 0.44, compared to CNTL‐WRF's (0.36). Employing fog classification algorithm identifies 25 dense fog episodes (Vis < 500 m) over Delhi's urban boundary layer, including 14 radiation (RAD), 5 cloud‐base lowering (CBL), 3 advection + radiation (ADV + RAD), and 3 evaporation (EVA) episodes. CNTL‐WRF predicts 20 episodes but misses five due to a dry bias in the initial moisture conditions. However, HRLDAS‐WRF demonstrates limited vertical fog growth in various occurrences, highlighting the crucial role of fine‐gridded soil states for enhanced land‐surface feedback. Detailed analysis shows a 40% reduction in mean onset error for RAD fog occurrences in HRLDAS‐WRF when compared to CNTL‐WRF. In CBL fog episodes, both models exhibit significant radiative cooling and inversion before fog onset, leading to inaccurate predictions as RAD fog. Similarly, forecasting the abrupt development of ADV + RAD fog episodes is challenging as models struggle to replicate moisture intrusion over radiatively cooled surfaces in windy conditions. Predicting EVA fog, forms within an hour after sunrise, remains difficult due to the current model parameterization that rapidly dissipates fog soon after sunrise.
Drilling into Antarctica’s Past
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: April 2024

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet melted rapidly around 8,000 years ago. Could that event foretell the future?
Pharmacological fingerprint of antipsychotic drugs at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor
Authors: Gaitonde Supriya A. , Avet Charlotte , de la Fuente Revenga Mario , Blondel-Tepaz Elodie , Shahraki Aida , Pastor Adrian Morales , Talagayev Valerij , Robledo Patricia , Kolb Peter , Selent Jana , González-Maeso Javier , Bouvier Michel
Published: April 2024

The intricate involvement of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) both in schizophrenia and in the activity of antipsychotic drugs is widely acknowledged. The currently marketed antipsychotic drugs, although effective in managing the symptoms of schizophrenia to a certain extent, are not without their repertoire of serious side effects. There is a need for better therapeutics to treat schizophrenia for which understanding the mechanism of action of the current antipsychotic drugs is imperative. With bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays, we trace the signaling signature of six antipsychotic drugs belonging to three generations at the 5-HT2AR for the entire spectrum of signaling pathways activated by serotonin (5-HT). The antipsychotic drugs display previously unidentified pathway preference at the level of the individual Gα subunits and β-arrestins. In particular, risperidone, clozapine, olanzapine and haloperidol showed G protein-selective inverse agonist activity. In addition, G protein-selective partial agonism was found for aripiprazole and cariprazine. Pathway-specific apparent dissociation constants determined from functional analyses revealed distinct coupling-modulating capacities of the tested antipsychotics at the different 5-HT-activated pathways. Computational analyses of the pharmacological and structural fingerprints support a mechanistically based clustering that recapitulate the clinical classification (typical/first generation, atypical/second generation, third generation) of the antipsychotic drugs. The study provides a new framework to functionally classify antipsychotics that should represent a useful tool for the identification of better and safer neuropsychiatric drugs and allows formulating hypotheses on the links between specific signaling cascades and in the clinical outcomes of the existing drugs.