bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Activation: A Novel Approach to Enhance Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Co0.85Se@CNTs Heterostructured Catalyst
Authors: Xue Hongyao , Wang Jiacheng , Li Xiyue , Liu Ziqi , Zhang Haiqin , Zhang Yaowen , Zhang Yixue , Pan Jiajing , Han Mei , He Yan
Published: August 2024

The heterostructure strategy is currently an effective method for enhancing the catalytic activity of materials. However, the challenge that is how to further improve their catalytic performance, based on the principles of material modification is must addressed. Herein, a strategy is introduced for magnetically regulating the catalytic activity to further enhance the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity for Co0.85Se@CNTs heterostructured catalyst. Building on heterostructure modulation, an external alternating magnetic field (AMF) is introduced to enhance the electronic localization at the active sites, which significantly boosts catalytic performance (71 to 43 mV at 10 mA cm−2). To elucidate the catalytic mechanism, especially under the influence of the AMF, in situ Raman spectroscopy is innovatively applied to monitor the HER process of Co0.85Se@CNTs, comparing conditions with and without the AMF. This study demonstrates that introducing the AMF does not induce a change in the true active site. Importantly, it shows that the Lorentz force generated by the AMF enhances HER activity by promoting water molecule adsorption and O─H bond cleavage, with the Stark tuning rate indicating increased water interaction and bond cleavage efficiency. Theoretical calculations further support that the AMF optimizes energy barriers for key reaction intermediates (steps of *H2O‐TS and *H+*1/2H2).
Triboelectric Nanogenerator with the Double‐Mass Pendulum Integrated Spacer for Galloping Energy Harvesting of Transmission Lines
Authors: Zhai Shijie , Zhang Xiaosong , Li Hengyu , Yu Yang , Wang Jianlong , Zhang Yaxun , Wang Zhong Lin , Cheng Xiaojun , Cheng Tinghai
Published: August 2024

The transmission lines galloping severely threatens the safety operation of the power grid. A reliable operation and maintenance alternative is to monitor the transmission lines by wireless sensing and warning devices. In this work, a triboelectric nanogenerator with the double‐mass pendulum integrated spacer (DMPS‐TENG) is proposed for harvesting the galloping energy of transmission lines and powering the wireless monitoring devices. Specifically, by introducing a double‐mass pendulum system, the response frequency of the DMPS‐TENG is reduced, allowing it to harvest energy at lower frequencies in the range of transmission lines galloping (0–3 Hz). Hereby, enhancing the energy harvesting bandwidth and the efficiency. The experiments show that with the introduction of the double‐mass pendulum, the optimum frequency of the harvester is reduced from 2.4 to 1.9 Hz, enhances the harvesting bandwidth by 18%, and enables an average power output of up to 0.32 mW. Additionally, to demonstrate the practical value, a prototype is designed and fabricated to perform three different application experiments in the multi‐split transmission lines simulation system. This work presents an innovative approach for galloping energy harvesting of transmission lines, which can be used to inform further development of sensor networks and visualization of the power grid.
Evolution Pathway of Competitive Precipitation of Inclusions in Al–Ti‐Deoxidized Steel
Authors: Xiao Yuanyou , Cao Lei , Wang Guocheng , Zhang Daxian , He Jianzhong
Published: August 2024

Seven types of inclusions are observed in the Al‐deoxidized steel followed by Ti‐deoxidized steel, while ten types of inclusions are found in Al–Ti simultaneous deoxidized steel. Three special inclusions are only found in Al‐deoxidized steel followed by Ti‐deoxidized steel as Al2TiO5–TixOy, Al2TiO5–Al2O3–TiS, and Al2TiO5–Al2O3–TixOy–TiS. The precipitation order of inclusions in Al–Ti‐deoxidized steel is very dependent on the value of [%Ti]/[%Al] or [%S]/[%O]. The critical value of [%Ti]/[%Al] for the precipitation of inclusions from large to small is TixOy > Al2TiO5 > Al2O3, and the critical value of [%S]/[%O] for the precipitation of inclusions from large to small is TiS > TixOy. The critical value of [%Ti]/[%Al] for the precipitation of TixOy prior to Al2TiO5, and the precipitation of Al2TiO5 prior to Al2O3 has a close relationship with the content of [%Al]. In addition, the critical value of [%S]/[%O] for the precipitation of TiS prior to TixOy inclusions increases with an increasing content of [%O] and increased with the decreasing of temperature. The precipitation order of inclusions in the two types of steel is Al2TiO5 or Al2O3 → Ti3O5 → TiO2 → Ti2O3 → TiS.
Digitization in Genetics and Diagnostics Laboratories in Armenia
Authors: Babikyan Davit , Sarkisian Tamara
Published: August 2024

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Armenia. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a significant rise in cancer morbidity and mortality. Additionally, Familial Mediterranean Fever is the most common genetic disorder in Armenia. The current chapter presents an overview of the digitisation progress made within Armenia in the last decades, and how this is impacting healthcare provision. As a low-and middle-income country (LMIC), Armenia can set a useful example for other LMICs with regards to the digitisation implementation in clinical genetics and diagnostics laboratories.
Digitization in Dentistry and Dental Implantology in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Mikayelyan Hrach
Published: August 2024

The use of digital technology in healthcare impacts dentistry and dental implantology as well. In high-income countries, digitization is already transforming the way dental treatments are planned and executed. However, the application in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) remains sporadic and limited to specific techniques and/or institutions. This chapter explores the current state of digitization in dentistry and dental implantology in LMICs, as well as the potential areas of opportunity for development in the field. While there are many potential opportunities to still be taken advantage of, digitization in dentistry and dental implantology in LMICs, require consistent support of infrastructure and incentivization of those opportunities for research and innovation, so that digitization can become a catalyst for transforming dental care.
Digitalization of Healthcare in LMICs: Digital Health and the Digital Divide Based on Technological Availability and Development
Authors: Biga Ruzica , Nottebaum Sven , Kozlakidis Zisis , Psomiadis Symeon
Published: August 2024

Digitization in healthcare has been an ongoing trend for several decades, strengthened by the acute needs presented by current health areas such as the COVID-19 pandemic, non-communicable diseases, and the mental health crisis. While in many cases technological development has been a conduit for reducing healthcare inequalities, in others it has had the opposite effect. One of the reasons for the suboptimal impact of technology has been the digital divide, in other words the lack of technological availability and development. This chapter is a scoping review that identifies the key factors in recent scientific literature that relate to the root causes of the digital divide. Key aspects such as connectivity, digital literacy and accessibility have been firmly mentioned through most of the identified publications. Also, through the scoping review recommendations were identified. This chapter has highlighted the diverse factors affecting the digitization of healthcare in relation to the digital divide, as well as the potential actions that can mitigate this divide based on digital technology availability and development.
Proliferation, Ingestion, and Interpretation of Health Data in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICS)
Authors: Nanyonga Sandra , Medina Plebeian B. , Kozlakidis Zisis , Garcia Debra Leiolani , Ivanova Desislava , Katsaounis Panagiotis
Published: August 2024

Technology will continue to impact the delivery of healthcare across the world. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) digitization has the potential to improve current healthcare provision. To date many digital initiatives have been designed addressing healthcare challenges in LMICs, with the eventual aims of improving both access to and quality of healthcare. For those digital initiatives that have managed to move beyond the initial phase of piloting and experimentation, the next steps involve effective scaling, diffusion and integration within healthcare systems. Examples of such digital initiatives include mobile phone applications, feeding into national-level health information systems for infectious diseases surveillance. Other examples include centralized healthcare data information capacities, including the preparation towards supporting national genome projects. Inevitably, the focus regarding these initiatives has been shifting towards scalability and de-escalation, integration within healthcare ecosystems, and long-term sustainability. This chapter considers the aspects of proliferation, ingestion and interpretation of digital health data in LMICs with many specific examples, showcasing the plurality of the approaches that have been implemented in the field so far.
The Digital Divide Based on Development and Availability: The Polish Perspective
Authors: Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz , Błażej Marciniak , Mikołaj Błaziak , Szymon Urban , Ligia Kornowska , Robert Zymliński , Agnieszka Siennicka
Published: August 2024

Contemporary Poland has achieved great strides in the process of digitization of healthcare with some impressive implementations in recent years. However, despite the marked process, the situation regarding broadly understood digitization, innovation in medicine, development of approaches and solutions based on Artificial Intelligence remains imperfect. Having said that, there are dynamic institutions that have registered both clinical and scientific achievements based on digitisation and whose mission, in part, is to influence decision-makers so that the development of modern technologies encounters as few obstacles as possible. Current challenges are the result of the Polish healthcare system structure, which was problematic even without the context of innovation and digitalization. Consequently, this is reflected in the approach to medical education as well as in the attitude of healthcare professionals towards solutions which are considered new and unknown. This chapter summarises the challenges specific to Poland and healthcare digitisation, and highlights the progress that has been achieved thus far.
Integral Representations and Zeros of the Lommel Function and the Hypergeometric $$_1F_2$$ Function
Authors: Zullo Federico
Published: August 2024

We give different integral representations of the Lommel function $$s_{\mu ,\nu }(z)$$

s

μ
,
ν

(
z
)

involving trigonometric and hypergeometric $$_2F_1$$

2

F
1

functions. By using classical results of Pólya, we give the distribution of the zeros of $$s_{\mu ,\nu }(z)$$

s

μ
,
ν

(
z
)

for certain regions in the plane $$(\mu ,\nu )$$

(
μ
,
ν
)

. Further, thanks to a well known relation between the functions $$s_{\mu ,\nu }(z)$$

s

μ
,
ν

(
z
)

and the hypergeometric $$ _1F_2$$

1

F
2

function, we describe the distribution of the zeros of $$_1F_2$$

1

F
2

for specific values of its parameters.
Josephy’s Theorem, Revisited
Authors: Bugajewska Daria , Kasprzak Piotr
Published: August 2024

The main goal of this note is to characterize the necessary and sufficient conditions for a composition operator to act between spaces of mappings of bounded Wiener variation in a normed-valued setting. The necessary and sufficient conditions for local boundedness of such operators are also discussed.
Hölder continuity and Harnack estimate for non-homogeneous parabolic equations
Authors: Arya Vedansh , Julin Vesa
Published: August 2024

In this paper we continue the study on intrinsic Harnack inequality for non-homogeneous parabolic equations in non-divergence form initiated by the first author in Arya (Calc Var Partial Differ Equ 61:30–31, 2022). We establish a forward-in-time intrinsic Harnack inequality, which in particular implies the Hölder continuity of the solutions. We also provide a Harnack type estimate on global scale which quantifies the strong minimum principle. In the time-independent setting, this together with Arya (2022) provides an alternative proof of the generalized Harnack inequality proven by the second author in Julin (Arch Ration Mech Anal 216:673–702, 2015).
Die Rolle des Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes im Gesundheitswesen nach der Pandemie
Authors: Kießling Andrea
Published: August 2024

Der Beitrag stellt zunächst die Entwicklung des Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (ÖGD) in Deutschland dar und erläutert seine aktuelle Rolle bzw. Aufgaben. Die ÖGD-Gesetze der 16 Bundesländer stammen zum großen Teil noch aus den 1990er Jahren und wurden während der Pandemie nur punktuell geändert. In den letzten Jahrzehnten haben sich die Schwerpunkte des ÖGD in der Praxis weiterentwickelt, ohne dass dies in den Gesetzen in ausreichender Weise nachvollzogen wurde. Dies wird anhand der Beteiligung des ÖGD an der regulären Gesundheitsversorgung sowie am kommunalen Hitzeschutz erläutert. In diesen Bereichen bedarf es der gesetzlichen Steuerung: Die ÖGD-Gesetze müssen sowohl weiterentwickelt als mit anderen gesundheitsrechtlichen sowie klimarechtlichen Gesetzen verzahnt werden.
Healthcare Compliance – Korruption und Kooperation
Authors: Lindemann Michael
Published: August 2024

Mit der Implementierung der §§299a, 299b StGB ist der schmale Grat zwischen Kooperation und Korruption im Gesundheitswesen auch in den Fokus der Strafverfolgungsbehörden und -gerichte gerückt. Obschon einschlägige Verfahren nach wie vor eher selten sind, erzeugt die Abgrenzungsfrage doch erheblichen Beratungs- und Abstimmungsbedarf. Aus der Perspektive der Healthcare Compliance gilt es, bei der Gestaltung von Kooperationsbeziehungen das medizinisch und wirtschaftlich Sinnvolle zu ermöglichen, aber durch vorausschauendes Indizienmanagement auch allfälligen Vorwürfen einer korruptiven Einflussnahme vorzubeugen. Der Beitrag vermisst das aufgezeigte Spannungsfeld und wendet sich dabei insbesondere auch dem Problem der Messbarkeit von Compliance-Erfolgen zu.
Natural interviewing equilibria in matching settings
Authors: Borodin Allan , Drummond Joanna , Larson Kate , Lev Omer
Published: August 2024

A common assumption in matching markets is that both sides fully know their preferences. However, when there are many participants this may be neither realistic nor feasible. Instead, agents may have some partial (perhaps stochastic) information about alternatives and will invest time and resources to better understand the inherent benefits and tradeoffs of different choices. Using the framework of matching medical residents with hospital programs, we study strategic behaviour by residents in a setting where hospitals maintain a publicly known master list of residents (i.e., all hospitals have an identical ranking of all the residents, for example, based on grades) and residents have to decide with which hospitals to interview, before submitting their preferences to the matching mechanism. We first show the existence of pure strategy equilibrium under very general conditions. We then study the setting when residents’ preferences are drawn from a known Mallows distribution. We prove that assortative equilibrium (k top residents interview with k top hospitals, etc.) arises only when residents interview with a small number of programs. Surprisingly, such equilibria (or even weaker notions of assortative interviewing) do not exist when residents can interview with many hospital programs, even when residents’ preferences are very similar. Simulations on possible outcome equilibrium indicate that some residents will pursue a reach/safety strategy.
A novel software for method comparison: MCS (method comparison software)—assessing agreement between estimated fetal weights calculated by Hadlock I–V formulas and birth weight
Authors: Yaşar Şeyma , Arslan Ahmet Kadir , Polat Büşra Berfin , Melekoğlu Rauf , Çolak Cemil , Yoloğlu Saim
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The evaluation of the performance of new methods, expected to provide cheaper and faster results than existing (reference) methods in the health field, is based on comparing the results obtained with this new method to those obtained with the existing method. The primary aim of this study is to examine the correlational and absolute agreement between measurement methods in clinical studies using Bland–Altman analysis and methodological (Ordinary Least Squares, Weighted Ordinary Least Squares, Deming, Weighted Deming, Passing–Bablok, Theil-Sen, and Passing–Bablok for Large Data Sets.) methods, and the secondary aim is to compare the accuracy and precision of Hadlock (I–V) formulas used for fetal weight estimation.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted on singleton pregnancies examined in the Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment Unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Inonu University Faculty of Medicine and who gave birth in the Obstetrics Unit between 01.01.2020 and 01.09.2023, whose gestational ages were confirmed by first-trimester ultrasonography. Estimated fetal weights were calculated using Hadlock (I–V) formulas, and the agreement of these weights with birth weight was evaluated with Bland–Altman method.

Results

The comparison of estimated fetal weights calculated using Hadlock formulas with birth weight was analyzed using Bland–Altman analysis, ICC, and CCC values along with regression analyses. According to the mean difference values obtained by Bland–Altman analysis, the estimated fetal birth weights obtained by the Hadlock IV formula were most consistent with the actual birth weights.

Conclusions

The estimated fetal weights obtained using the Hadlock IV formula resulted in the closest measurements to the birth weight. This study showcases the efficacy of a new web-based software, Method Comparison Software (MCS), which can be utilized for evaluating the agreement between different methods in clinical measurements.
Vascular density normative data of radial peripapillary capillary plexus in healthy Caucasian subjects
Authors: Serra Rita , Pinna Antonio , Angius Andrea , Rallo Vincenzo , Marongiu Michele , Launer Lenore , Gorospe Myriam , Schlessinger David , Coscas Florence , Fiorillo Edoardo , Cucca Francesco
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To establish a normative database for vascular density (VD) of radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPC) in healthy Caucasian subjects.

Methods

633 healthy Caucasian subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, best corrected visual acuity measurement with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts, intraocular pressure measurement, fundus examination, and macular and optic nerve head (ONH) structural optical coherence tomography (OCT). En-face 4.5 × 4.5 mm OCT angiography scans of the RPC plexus were recorded and VD values, automatically provided by the AngioAnalytics™ software, noted. We statistically estimated the impact of age and gender on RPC VD values using a linear mixed model.

Results

560 subjects fully met inclusion criteria and, according to age, were stratified into 5 groups: 18–50 years (77), 51–60 years (160), 61–70 years (110), 71–80 years (132), and ≥ 81 years (81). Overall, mean RPC VD of the whole en-face image was 53.03 ± 4.27%. Age was significantly related to RPC VD values of whole en-face image (r = -0.454; p < 0.0001), which decreased with aging. The linear mixed model disclosed that age has a statistically significant effect on RPC VD values in whole en-face image (p = 0.0006). As age increases, RPC VD values decrease by 0.12 per year. Conversely, no significant gender-related differences were found in terms of RPC VD values of whole en-face image and each parapapillary quadrant analyzing all age group.

Conclusions

Results show that RPC VD values in healthy Caucasian subjects decrease with aging. These data may be used to create a reference normative database useful for clinical use.

Key messages

What is known

Radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) plexus, consisting of long parallel capillaries with rare bifurcations and anastomosis and extending straight along the course of the retinal nerve fiber layer to the posterior pole, may be affected early in some optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal diseases.

What is new

This study reports RPC vascular density (VD) values, automatically measured on optical coherence tomography angiography, in healthy Caucasian subjects, demonstrating that age is negatively related to RPC VD values.

Results show that RPC VD values in healthy Caucasian subjects decrease with aging. These data may be used to create a reference normative database useful for clinical use.
The Structure of Metrizable Graphs
Authors: Chudnovsky Maria , Cizma Daniel , Linial Nati
Published: August 2024

A consistent path system in a graph G is an intersection-closed collection of paths, with exactly one path between any two vertices in G. We call Gmetrizable if every consistent path system in it is the system of geodesic paths defined by assigning some positive lengths to its edges. We show that metrizable graphs are, in essence, subdivisions of a small family of basic graphs with additional compliant edges. In particular, we show that every metrizable graph with 11 vertices or more is outerplanar plus one vertex.
Extreme ATM skew in a local volatility model with discontinuity: joint density approach
Authors: Gairat Alexander , Shcherbakov Vadim
Published: August 2024

This paper concerns a local volatility model in which the volatility takes two possible values, and the specific value depends on whether the underlying price is above or below a given threshold. The model is known, and a number of results have been obtained for it. In particular, option pricing formulas and a power-law behaviour of the implied volatility skew have been established in the case when the threshold is taken at the money. In this paper, we derive an alternative representation of option pricing formulas. In addition, we obtain an approximation of option prices by the corresponding Black–Scholes prices. Using this approximation streamlines obtaining the aforementioned behaviour of the skew. Our approach is based on the natural relationship of the model with skew Brownian motion and consists of the systematic use of the joint distribution of this stochastic process and some of its functionals.
Active implementation of low disease activity state as a treatment endpoint in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in routine practice is both feasible and associated with better outcomes
Authors: Gotch Ruby , Ahmed Yumna , Wilson Robert , Hawkins Ellie , Ciurtin Coziana
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Treat-to-target (T2T) strategies aim to facilitate tight disease control to improve outcomes. No previous studies evaluated prospectively the feasibility and impact of the T2T strategy in routine practice in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE).

Methods

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cSLE were recruited for T2T implementation from a large tertiary centre over a period of 6 months and followed up at least twice over a prospective period of 12 months.

Results

During Oct 2022–April 2023, 135/162 (83.3%) AYA with cSLE had disease scores evaluated at their routine appointment to enable inclusion in the study, and 122/135 (91.2%) had their disease assessed, and a suitable treatment target agreed and documented at each routine clinical appointment over the 12 months prospective follow-up. T2T strategy led to improved disease control at 12 months: more AYA with cSLE achieved clinical remission off steroids (4.1% vs. 10.7%, P = 0.048), or minimum childhood-lupus low disease activity (cLLDAS) (81.9% vs. 91.8%, P = 0.022). Achieving minimum cLLDAS for longer than 3 months was associated with reduced damage accrual (HR = 1.7; 95%CI = 1.1–2.5; P < 0.0001) at 12 months.

Conclusion

T2T strategy implementation was achievable and associated with improved cSLE control. Spending at least 3/12 months in cLLDAS led to less damage accumulation.

Key Points

• This is the first large prospective study in AYA with cSLE to evaluate the impact of active T2T implementation in routine practice.• T2T strategies were feasible to implement in 122/135 (91.2%) AYA with cSLE in routine practice.• The T2T approach was associated with improved disease control and decreased damage accrual at 12 months.
Balance of power in a conflict model
Authors: Tsuchiya Ryota
Published: August 2024

This study provides a microeconomic foundation for the bipolar stability hypothesis in international politics. It extends the well-designed conflict model of Esteban and Ray (Am Econ Rev 101(4):1345–1374, 2011) to include monetary compensation arrangements between the winning and losing groups, presenting a new conflict-related indicator called the balance of power index. The main finding of this study is that societal polarization serves to alleviate rather than exacerbate conflict intensity, which is elucidated by the balance of power index. This new characteristic of polarization is associated with the founding of the bipolar stability hypothesis by Waltz (J Int Affairs 21(2):215–231, 1967), Waltz (Theory of international politics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Reading, 1979) under the economic behavioral model.
Towards discovering erratic behavior in robotic process automation with statistical process control
Authors: Průcha Petr
Published: August 2024

Companies that frequently use robotic process automation often encounter difficulties in maintaining their RPA portfolio. To address these problems and reduce time spent investigating erratic behavior of RPA bots, developers can benefit from exploring methods from process sciences and applying them to RPA. After a selection process, we examine how variability and deviations impact robotic process automation. Indicators of statistical dispersion are chosen to assess variability and analyze RPA bot behavior. We evaluate the performance of RPA bots on 12 processes, using statistical dispersion as a measure. The results provide evidence that variability is an undesirable form of erratic behavior in RPA, as it strongly correlates with the success rate of the bots. Importantly, the results also show that outliers do not affect the success rate of RPA bots. This research suggests that variable analysis can help describe the behavior of RPA bots and assist developers in addressing erratic behavior. Additionally, by detecting variability, we can more effectively handle exceptions in RPA.
Detection of reproductive interference between closely related Salvia species with small-scale separated distributions by multifaceted pollination and molecular analyses
Authors: Nishida Sachiko , Takano Atsuko , Suyama Yoshihisa , Kakishima Satoshi
Published: August 2024

Reproductive interference, an interspecific interaction in reproductive process that exerts an adverse effect, has gained attention as a contributing factor in promoting exclusive distributions between closely related species. However, detailed studies on the possibility of reproductive interference between native plants are still lacking, presumably because strong reproductive interference can rapidly realize exclusive distributions, leaving the two species apparently independent. Salvia japonica and S. lutescens are found in separate localities at a small scale, although their distributions overlap at a large scale. We investigated the possibility of reproductive interference between them through field surveys, hand-pollination experiments, evaluation of hybrid fertility, cpDNA and nrDNA genotyping, and genome-wide DNA analysis. The field survey results did not reveal apparent negative interaction in competition for pollinator services. Mixed pollination with conspecific pollen and counterpart pollen reduced seed set in S. japonica, and hybrid progeny produced by mixed pollination were less than 20% as fertile compared to the pure species. The DNA genotyping results suggested the possibility of hybridization where their distributions overlap, and the genome-wide DNA analysis results showed clear genetic differentiation between the two species as well as the existence of hybrids. These results suggest that bi-directional reproductive interference between S. japonica and S. lutescens may have led to their present separated distributions at a small scale.
Food for thought: the enhanced recall of metaphorical food sentences independent of hunger
Authors: Audrin Catherine , Coppin Géraldine
Published: August 2024

Metaphorical sentences are assumed to be related to more costly processes than their literal counterparts. However, given their frequent use in our daily lives, metaphorical sentences “must come with a benefit” (Noveck et al. Metaphor Symb 16:109–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926488.2001.9678889, 2001). In this paper, we investigated whether metaphorical sentences were better remembered than their literal counterparts. In addition, we were interested in assessing whether the relevance of the metaphors impacted this recall. Anchoring this hypothesis in the appraisal theory, we hypothesized that food-related metaphorical sentences may be particularly relevant when one is hungry, and consequently, be better remembered in that particular physiological state. Participants were presented with randomized metaphorical sentences and their literal counterparts and were later asked to remember the missing word in both metaphorical and literal sentences. General mixed model analyses revealed that metaphorical sentences were better remembered. However, there was no significant effect of hunger. We discuss these results in relation to (1) the metaphor literature and (2) the appraisal theory of emotion.
Association between antibiotics use and osteoporotic fracture risk: a nationally representative retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Ji Won , Park Sun Jae , Park Young Jun , Jeong Seogsong , Song Jihun , Kim Hye Jun , Chang Jooyoung , Kim Kyae Hyung , Kim Ji Soo , Oh Yun Hwan , Cho Yoosun , Park Sang Min
Published: August 2024

Summary

This population-based retrospective cohort study aimed to estimate the association between antibiotic exposure and osteoporotic fracture risk. Long-term antibiotic use was associated with the risk of osteoporotic fracture. An increase in the number of antibiotic classes prescribed may also be associated with an increased osteoporotic fracture risk.

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between antibiotic usage and osteoporotic fractures in a large cohort of Korean adults, with a specific focus on the duration of antibiotic exposure and the number of antibiotic classes used.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study from the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) database from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2019, included 167,370 Korean adults aged 50 years or older (mean [SD] age, 59.3 [7.82] years; 65,425 [39.09%] women). The cumulative antibiotic prescription days and the classes of antibiotics prescribed between 2004 and 2008 were exposure variables, respectively. The main outcome was a newly diagnosed osteoporotic fracture during follow-up. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the incident osteoporotic fractures associated with antibiotic exposure.

Results

The antibiotic user group with 91 days had a higher risk of osteoporotic fracture in comparison to the antibiotic non-user group (aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03–1.21). Additionally, those who used more than four different antibiotic classes had an elevated risk of osteoporotic fracture compared to the non-user group (aHR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02–1.18).

Conclusion

This extensive population-based cohort study conducted on a large population has identified an association between the utilization of antibiotics and an elevated risk of osteoporotic fractures. The cumulative days exposed to antibiotics and osteoporotic fractures may be positively associated.
Rediscovery of Chimarra marginata (Linnaeus, 1767) (Philopotamidae, Trichoptera, Insecta) in the Czech Republic after 80 years
Authors: Zapriháčová Andrea , Chvojka Pavel , Janeček Emil , Komzák Petr , Navara Tomáš
Published: August 2024

The ecology and distribution of caddisflies is an important topic with regard to the general biodiversity of insects and also the ecological quality of freshwaters. Our recent rediscovery of Chimarra marginata (Linnaeus) in the Czech Republic took place after more than 80 years and is important from a biomonitoring point of view. We present new data from the Ohře River in western Bohemia and give a review of the historical occurrence of this species in the territory of former Czechoslovakia. Ecological preferences are discussed as well as the potential value of the species for bioindication. This report also emphasizes the importance of regular routine sampling to monitor changes in species diversity.
Endocarditis in Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients: Prevention, Recognition, and Management
Authors: Carvajal Victoria , Reyes Fernando Baraona , Gonzalez David , Schwartz Matthew , Whiltlow Angela , Alegria Jorge R.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

Present an updated overview of the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infective endocarditis in adult patients with congenital heart disease.

Recent Findings

Care for patients with infective endocarditis is changing in the areas of specialized teams, diagnostics, and prevention. Endocarditis teams should be involved in the care of ACHD patients. The 2023 Duke Criteria for Infective Endocarditis and the 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines have updated the criteria for diagnosis including new major criteria such as CT and positron emission computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) scans. Immunological, PCR, and nucleic acid-based tests are now acceptable means to isolate infective organisms. Clindamycin is no longer recommended for antibiotic prophylaxis due to resistance and side effect profile. Special considerations for antibiotic prophylaxis and management must be made for specific congenital heart diseases in adulthood and pregnant ACHD patients.

Infective endocarditis (IE), a potentially devastating clinical entity, is a feared threat to the health of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). IE needs a systematic approach for its prevention, early diagnosis and management with a multidisciplinary IE team’s involvement. There have been changes in the diagnostics and management of IE, which is reflected in updated diagnostic criteria. Timely blood cultures and imaging continue to be the mainstay of diagnosis, however the timing of blood cultures, microbiological testing, and types of diagnostic imaging such as the positron emission computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) scan are new. Bicuspid aortic valves, ventricular septal defects, transcatheter pulmonary valve replacements, and tetralogy of Fallot are diagnoses at higher risk for IE in the ACHD population. The following article will focus on the preventive strategies, in addition to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of IE in ACHD patients.
The polychromatism of postmortem cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Trella S. , Reinert C. , Heinsen H. , Preiß U. , Monoranu CM. , Zwirner J. , Ondruschka B. , Bohnert M. , Bohnert S.
Published: August 2024

Based on the assumption that postmortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is contaminated depending on the chosen sampling technique in the forensic setting resulting in bloody or at least hemolytic CSF samples, we systematically documented a total of 183 postmortem CSF samples. These samples were all assessed for their quality and color, regardless of the cause of death or the postmortem interval. The investigations were carried out through subjective assessment of color and turbidity, as well as objective measurements of the optical density (OD) of the CSF supernatants after centrifugation of each sample, with standardized photographic documentation. The observations revealed that in 28 cases the CSF was absolutely (crystal-) clear and transparent. Most of our samples showed color changes ranging from xanthrochromic to rose. Intensive staining of the supernatants was only found in a small proportion of the examined collective. We found that postmortem CSF has no uniform appearance but rather a diverse range of color spectra, and the color, as well as the OD of the CSF, correlates significantly with the postmortem interval (p < 0.001) when sampled using the proposed standard procedure.
From lockdown to cradle: Navigating the psychological challenges of childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy– Evidence from a 3-year analysis
Authors: La Rosa Valentina Lucia , Oddo-Sommerfeld Silvia , Schermelleh-Engel Karin , Commodari Elena
Published: August 2024

This cross-sectional study investigated the mental health of Italian women who gave birth during the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focused on the impact of the partner’s presence during childbirth, the time point of birth in relation to pandemic waves, hospital restrictions, and individual attitudes regarding the pandemic. In addition, the study aimed to determine potential risk or protective factors for postpartum depression. 1,636 Italian women who gave birth between 2020 and 2022 in a hospital-restricted setting were surveyed anonymously online. Standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate depression, post-traumatic stress, and psychological well-being. Women who gave birth in 2020 had the highest percentage of unaccompanied births and higher levels of depression and fear of COVID-19. Women who gave birth alone reported higher depression and post-traumatic stress and lower psychological well-being. Furthermore, they were more frightened by COVID-19 and less in agreement with pandemic restrictions than women who gave birth with their partner present. The main risk factors for postpartum depression were childbirth in 2020, high COVID-19 anxiety, discomfort with pandemic restrictions, and the partner’s absence during birth. Protective factors were the partner’s presence during childbirth and satisfaction with the partner relationship. This study emphasizes the importance of targeted support to women who give birth during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors, particularly by strengthening the partner’s presence. Future research should focus on children born during these tumultuous periods, assessing potential impacts on their developmental trajectories and relationships with primary caregivers.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Habitat Suitability Within a Major Producing Area for Age-0 Atlantic Striped Bass, Morone saxatilis
Authors: Dixon Rachel L. , Fabrizio Mary C. , Tuckey Troy D. , Bever Aaron J.
Published: August 2024

Estuarine environments are recognized as critical nursery habitats that are necessary to sustain overall fish production. Striped bass Morone saxatilis support recreational and commercial fisheries along the Atlantic coast of the United States, and annual surveys to assess juvenile (age-0) abundance in Chesapeake Bay, the major producing area for the population, have long been used in management. Factors that contribute to high juvenile abundance are not fully understood. We used catch data from fishery-independent surveys coupled with hindcasts from a pair of numerical models to quantify the extent of summer habitats used by age-0 striped bass throughout Chesapeake Bay for 1996–2017. Specific conditions that defined habitat suitability for age-0 striped bass varied throughout the summer and among years, reflecting changes in water quality and habitat use. Shallow, nearshore areas throughout the Bay consistently supported suitable conditions for age-0 striped bass, but the estimated extent of suitable habitat varied annually at both regional and local, tributary-specific, scales. Although the areal extent of suitable habitat Bay-wide in early summer declined since 1996, fish production was not limited. Nonetheless, a pattern of increasing relative abundance of age-0 striped bass with greater extent of suitable habitats in Chesapeake Bay was observed, suggesting that the availability of suitable habitats at the scale of individual tributaries and Bay-wide may play an important role in production of this estuarine-dependent species.
Efficacy of a Multi-lamellar Emulsion Containing a Synthetic Sphingosine Kinase 1 Activator and Pseudoceramide in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee So Yeon , Park Jin Seo , Kim Daehwan , Jeong Wonseok , Hwang Chenghwan , Kim Hye One , Park Chun Wook , Chung Bo Young
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have impaired barrier function, which decreases skin hydration, weakens their defense against microorganisms, and culminates in increased inflammatory responses. Here, we conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-lamellar emulsion (MLE) containing the pseudoceramide PC-9S and a synthetic sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) activator, Defensamide™, in improving mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

Methods

Forty patients aged ≥ 2 years were randomized into a combined-therapy group treated with the MLE containing PC-9S and Defensamide™ plus a topical corticosteroid and a topical-corticosteroid-only group. Assessments based on therapeutic methods included the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin dryness, a visual analogue scale (VAS) of itchiness, a VAS of sleep disturbance, patient satisfaction, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results

Thirty-eight patients completed this study. In the combined-therapy group, significant improvements in clinical and instrumental measures such as EASI scores, skin hydration, and skin dryness were noted at 4 weeks compared to baseline, but such improvements were not noted in the topical corticosteroid-only group. Subjective assessments of itching and sleep disturbance and DLQI scores also showed significant improvements in the combined-therapy group.

Conclusion

Combined therapy with the MLE containing Defensamide™ and PC-9S and with topical corticosteroid demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared with topical corticosteroid monotherapy. Our findings underscore the potential of MLE-containing formulations as effective adjunctive therapies for AD, offering both objective and subjective symptomatic relief and enhancing patients' quality of life.
Valuation of ecosystem service of rice-fish coculture in Maubin District, Myanmar
Authors: Myo Arkar , Ajayi Oluwafemi , Huang Fei , Cheng Yongxu , Li Jiayao
Published: August 2024

In Myanmar, the advancement of the integrated rice-fish farming system legs behind rice monoculture farming, and there exists limited awareness of its advantages. Ecosystem services (ES) valuation plays a crucial role in integrated environmental decision-making, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, facilitating land-use planning, and ensuring food security in rural areas. Assessing the ES value in Delta region of Myanmar where rice-fish coculture is extensively practiced is essential for understanding the level of ES benefits derived from this farming system. The objective of this study is to promote the development of the rice-fish coculture system in delta region by estimating its ES value. We conducted a comprehensive examination of the Direct, Indirect, Option and Existence ES value of the rice-fish and rice monoculture in Maubin District, an area where rice-fish development research is being actively carried out within the delta region. The results revealed that the ES value of rice-fish coculture ecosystems in the study area was amounted to 28,588 US$/hm2/year. This value was 2.82% higher than rice monoculture system. Additionally, the rice-fish coculture system yielded product provisional values averaging 1,275 US$/hm2/year, representing a significant increase of 40.3% compared to rice monoculture farming. Our study shows that the adoption of rice-fish coculture farming system not only improves the ES value of the delta region, but also supports food security and socio-economic well-being. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights for policymakers on effective management policies for future development of the rice-fish coculture ecosystem.
Foreign Policy Appointments
Authors: Malis Matt
Published: August 2024

How do leaders select their top-level foreign policy appointees? Through a formal model of the domestic and intragovernmental politics surrounding an international crisis, I investigate the trade-offs shaping leaders’ appointment strategies. In the model, a leader selects a foreign policy appointee, anticipating how the appointment will affect the advice he receives in the crisis, the electorate's evaluation of his performance, and ultimately the policies that he and his foreign counterparts pursue as a consequence. The analysis uncovers a fundamental tension in the leader's ability to use appointments to advance his core political and policy objectives of deterring foreign aggression, obtaining accurate advice, and maximizing domestic approval: any appointment that advances one of these objectives invariably comes at the cost of another, and the leader's appointment strategy must balance across these trade-offs. Analyzing cross-national appointment patterns to the offices of ministers of defense and foreign affairs, I find descriptive evidence consistent with the model's predictions: leaders from dovish parties are more than twice as likely as leaders from hawkish parties to select cross-partisan and politically independent appointees, and such appointments are less likely for leaders of either party as they approach re-election.
Beati Immaculati in Via
Authors: Johnston L.
Published: August 2024

Legalism is for many people one of the more difficult aspects of religion. We cannot help feeling, with some unease, how close it comes to the spirit of the scribes and Pharisees, the very antithesis of New Testament religion, the service of the heart, the freedom of the sons of God. As a subject of prayer, then, it will be even more difficult to assimilate. An ‘Ode to the Codex Juris Canonici’ would surely be limited in its appeal, and as a hymn would not be an obvious success. Yet it is precisely this sort of prayer which the psalter presents to us in psalm I, for example, or 118, or the second half of psalm 18.

The acrostic form used by many of these psalms does not lessen our difficulty. Psalm 118 is in fact a tour de force in this style: it is composed of twenty-two stanzas of eight lines each, in which each line begins with the same letter of the alphabet so that the twenty-two stanzas go through the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Such a form, one might well think, does not make for great poetry; it is a rigid straight-jacket strangling any lyrical impulse or indeed any proper development of thought. And we may be tempted to think that this form is the reflection of the subject matter—uninspired, formalised, the apotheosis of the legal spirit.
Penance and the Teacher
Authors: Cunliffe C. R. A.
Published: August 2024

The liturgy, or work, of the Church has two aspects under which, in the proper sense, we may regard it, and this because whilst Christ in physical body was incarnate as a single man, in his ecclesial body he some indwelling sense incarnate in many men, and these men, ‘the community of Christ's faithful’, perforce act sometimes individually and sometimes corporately. But whether acting corporately or individually, they must, as members of the Church, manifest the work of the Church. The solemnization of the liturgy, enacted corporately through the hallowed traditions and forms of public worship, is obverse of what is commonly called the private life of the individual Catholic.