bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity with Perineural Invasion
Authors: Festa Bianca Maria , Costantino Andrea , Pace Gian Marco , Petruzzi Gerardo , Campo Flaminia , Pellini Raul , Spriano Giuseppe , De Virgilio Armando
Published: November 2023

Objective

Current guidelines indicate postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with perineural invasion (PNI), however, its real benefit has never been proven. The aim of our study is to investigate the benefit of PORT in OSCC patients with PNI in terms of survival and disease control.

Data Sources

The Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases.

Review Methods

Patients with PNI + OSCC treated with primary surgery were extracted from the included studies. The pooled logHR was calculated by comparing patients who underwent PORT to those who underwent only observation for overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and locoregional control (LRC).

Results

About 690 patients with primary OSCC and PNI were included from nine studies. 374 (54.2%) patients underwent PORT, while 316 (45.8%) underwent observation. Analyses showed non‐significant difference between the two groups for OS (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.38–2.69), DSS (HR: 2.03; 95% CI: 0.54–7.56), and LRC (HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.53–1.50). They showed a significant difference in terms of DFS (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77–0.97).

Conclusion

The real benefit of PORT in OSCC patients with PNI is still unclear, although it may have a positive impact on DFS. Clinicians should consider individual patient's characteristics, tumor factors, and treatment goals when deciding whether to recommend PORT. Further studies are needed to clarify which entity of PNI really benefits from PORT.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:2019–2027, 2024
The effects of dissolved organic matter supplements on the metabolism of corals under heat stress
Authors: Lange Kiara , Reynaud Stéphanie , de Goeij Jasper M. , Ferrier‐Pagès Christine
Published: November 2023

Octocorals represent a major alternative group in the benthic community of reefs that have diverged from hexacoral dominance. Despite their phototrophic symbionts, supplementing their diet with heterotrophic sources may promote their growth, particularly when compared to hexacorals in bleaching conditions. However, limited comprehensive data exists on octocorals' trophic ecology, especially regarding their ability to feed on dissolved organic matter (DOM), which comprises the largest pool of organic matter in reefs. This study aims to investigate the ability of two octocorals (Sarcophyton glaucum and Lobophytum sp.) to feed on DOM and compare this ability to that of hexacorals, such as Stylophora pistillata and Turbinaria reniformis. The study measured the net fluxes of DOM under varying DOM concentrations and under heat stress. The results demonstrate that all coral species were net producers of DOM at ambient concentrations, but became net consumers once seawater was supplemented with DOM. Furthermore, our study highlights a relationship between coral physiological responses to heat stress and DOM uptake. Corals that increased (S. pistillata) or maintained (S. glaucum and Lobophytum sp.) their DOM uptake rates at high temperature were the most resilient to heat stress. In contrast, T. reniformis exhibited lower DOM uptake rates at high temperatures, which was associated with significant bleaching. Understanding the ability of corals to feed on DOM may, therefore, provide insight into the resilience of species under ocean warming conditions.
Multiconductor transmission lines irradiated by plane wave: An EM‐reciprocity analysis methodology
Authors: Du Wei , Zhang Yin , Liao Cheng , Feng Ju , Zhong Xuanming
Published: November 2023

This paper extends previous work on electromagnetic (EM) reciprocity theorem analysis from the single‐conductor to the more general multiconductor transmission line (MTL) case. The focus is on the EM coupling problem of an ideal MTL above a perfectly electrically conducting ground when excited by a plane wave. The proposed methodology addresses mutual coupling effects and mismatched loads in the MTL. The expression for the current along the MTL in the test (radiation) state is derived, considering these factors. A novel calculation method for the induced voltage at the load is then introduced, assuming consistent coupling between different lines in both test and receiving states. Numerical examples validate the proposed EM‐reciprocity method, offering an alternative approach for analyzing the field‐to‐line coupling problem in MTL model.
On the spectrum of the electric field integral equation and the convergence of the moment method
Authors: Warnick Karl F. , Chew Weng Cho
Published: November 2023

Existing convergence estimates for numerical scattering methods based on boundary integral equations are asymptotic in the limit of vanishing discretization length, and break down as the electrical size of the problem grows. In order to analyse the efficiency and accuracy of numerical methods for the large scattering problems of interest in computational electromagnetics, we study the spectrum of the electric field integral equation (EFIE) for an infinite, conducting strip for both the TM (weakly singular kernel) and TE polarizations (hypersingular kernel). Due to the self‐coupling of surface wave modes, the condition number of the discretized integral equation increases as the square root of the electrical size of the strip for both polarizations. From the spectrum of the EFIE, the solution error introduced by discretization of the integral equation can also be estimated. Away from the edge singularities of the solution, the error is second order in the discretization length for low‐order bases with exact integration of matrix elements, and is first order if an approximate quadrature rule is employed. Comparison with numerical results demonstrates the validity of these condition number and solution error estimates. The spectral theory offers insights into the behaviour of numerical methods commonly observed in computational electromagnetics. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the accuracy of noninvasive prenatal testing through size‐selection between fetal and maternal cfDNA
Authors: Kwon Hyuk‐Jung , Yun Seonyoung , Joo Joungsu , Park Dabin , Do Woo‐Jung , Lee Sunghoon , Lee Min‐Seob
Published: November 2023

Objectives

In general, fetal cfDNA is shorter than maternal cfDNA, and accuracy of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results can be improved by selecting shorter cfDNA fragments to enrich fetal‐derived cfDNA. This study investigated potential improvements in the accuracy of NIPT by performing classification and analysis based on differences in cfDNA size.

Methods

We performed paired‐end sequencing to identify size ranges of fetal and maternal cfDNA from 62,374 pregnant women. We then developed a size‐selection method to isolate and analyze both fetal and maternal cfDNA, defining fetal‐derived cfDNA as less than 150 bp and maternal‐derived cfDNA as greater than 180 bp.

Results

By implementing size‐selection method, the accuracy of NIPT was improved, resulting in an increase in the overall positive predictive value for all aneuploidies from 89.57% to 97.1%. This was achieved by enriching both fetal and maternal‐derived cfDNA, which increased fetal DNA fraction while the number of false positives for all aneuploidies was reduced by more than 70%.

Conclusions

We identified the differences in read length between fetal and maternal‐derived cfDNA, and selectively enriched both shorter and longer cfDNA fragments for subsequent analysis. Our approach can increase the detection accuracy of NIPT for detecting fetal aneuploidies and reduce the number of false positives caused by maternal chromosomal abnormalities.
Prostaglandin‐E1 infusion in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Authors: Tsoi Stephanie M. , Nawaytou Hythem , Almeneisi Hassan , Steurer Martina , Zhao Yili , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Keller Roberta L.
Published: November 2023

Background

Neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) can present with hypoxia and right ventricular dysfunction with resultant inadequate oxygen delivery and end‐organ damage. This study describes the use of prostaglandin‐E1 (PGE) for ductal patency to preserve right ventricular systolic function and limit afterload in newborns with PPHN.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study that follows the hemodynamics, markers of end‐organ perfusion, length of therapeutics, and echocardiographic variables of 57 newborns who used prostglandin‐E1 in the setting of PPHN.

Results

Tachycardia, lactic acidosis, and supplemental oxygen use improved following PGE initiation. Fractional area change (FAC), to assess right ventricular systolic function, and pulmonary arterial acceleration time indexed to right ventricular ejection time (PAAT/RVET), to assess right ventricular afterload, also improved over three time points relative to PGE use (before, during, and after).

Conclusions

Overall, we described the safety and utility of PGE in newborns with severe PPHN for stabilization while allowing natural disease progression.
Lung function in preterm infants at 3 months corrected age after neonatal LC‐PUFA supplementation
Authors: Wendel Kristina , Rossholt Madelaine Eloranta , Gunnarsdottir Gunnthorunn , Aas Marlen Fossan , Westvik Åsbjørn Schumacher , Pripp Are Hugo , Carlsen Karin C. Lødrup , Fugelseth Drude , Stiris Tom , Moltu Sissel Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Objective

To test the hypothesis that long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC‐PUFA) supplementation improves lung function at 3 months corrected age (CA) compared with standard treatment in very preterm infants. We also aimed to investigate the association between bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), longitudinal growth, and lung function at 3 months CA.

Methods

A secondary analysis from the ImNuT trial, in which 121 infants with gestational age <29 weeks were randomized to a daily supplement with arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (ARA:DHA group) or MCT‐oil (control group) from birth up to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Lung function was assessed at 3 months CA by tidal flow volume loops and the outcomes were the ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory time (tPTEF/tE) and tidal volume (VT) per body weight (mL/kg).

Results

Thirty‐nine infants in the ARA:DHA group versus 51 in the control group had a successful lung function test. There was no mean difference (MD) in tPTEF/tE ratio (MD: 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.04 to 0.05; p = .77) or VT (MD: 0.09 mL/kg, 95% CI: –0.79 to 0.62; p = .81) between the study groups. The multivariable regression model showed that BPD was associated with tPTEF/tE ratio ≤ 0.25 (p = .03) and that an increase in z score for length after 36 weeks PMA correlated positively with VT (mL/kg) (p = .03).

Conclusion

Neonatal LC‐PUFA supplementation did not improve lung function at 3 months CA in very preterm infants. BPD was independently associated with reduced lung function, while improved linear growth correlated with higher tidal volumes.
Two string theory flavours of generalised Eisenstein series
Authors: Dorigoni Daniele , Treilis Rudolfs
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Generalised Eisenstein series are non-holomorphic modular invariant functions of a complex variable, τ, subject to a particular inhomogeneous Laplace eigenvalue equation on the hyperbolic upper-half τ-plane. Two infinite classes of such functions arise quite naturally within different string theory contexts. A first class can be found by studying the coefficients of the effective action for the low-energy expansion of type IIB superstring theory, and relatedly in the analysis of certain integrated four-point functions of stress tensor multiplet operators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. A second class of such objects is known to contain all two-loop modular graph functions, which are fundamental building blocks in the low-energy expansion of closed-string scattering amplitudes at genus one. In this work, we present a Poincaré series approach that unifies both classes of generalised Eisenstein series and manifests certain algebraic and differential relations amongst them. We then combine this technique with spectral methods for automorphic forms to find general and non-perturbative expansions at the cusp τ → i∞. Finally, we find intriguing connections between the asymptotic expansion of these modular functions as τ → 0 and the non-trivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function.
Resolvability and Convexity Properties in the Sierpiński Product of Graphs
Authors: Henning Michael A. , Klavžar Sandi , Yero Ismael G.
Published: November 2023

LetGandHbe graphs and let$$f :V(G)\rightarrow V(H)$$f:V(G)→V(H)be a function. The Sierpiński product ofGandHwith respect tof, denoted by$$G \otimes _f H$$G⊗fH, is defined as the graph on the vertex set$$V(G)\times V(H)$$V(G)×V(H), consisting of |V(G)| copies ofH; for every edge$$gg'$$gg′ofGthere is an edge between copiesgHand$$g'H$$g′HofHassociated with the verticesgand$$g'$$g′ofG, respectively, of the form$$(g,f(g'))(g',f(g))$$(g,f(g′))(g′,f(g)). The Sierpiński metric dimension and the upper Sierpiński metric dimension of two graphs are determined. Closed formulas are determined for Sierpiński products of trees, and for Sierpiński products of two cycles where the second factor is a triangle. We also prove that the layers with respect to the second factor in a Sierpiński product graph are convex.
Molecular basis of retinal remodeling in a zebrafish model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Santhanam Abirami , Shihabeddin Eyad , Wei Haichao , Wu Jiaqian , O’Brien John
Published: November 2023

A hallmark of inherited retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is progressive structural and functional remodeling of the remaining retinal cells as photoreceptors degenerate. Extensive remodeling of the retina stands as a barrier for the successful implementation of strategies to restore vision. To understand the molecular basis of remodeling, we performed analyses of single-cell transcriptome data from adult zebrafish retina of wild type AB strain (WT) and a P23H mutant rhodopsin transgenic model of RP with continuous degeneration and regeneration. Retinas from both female and male fish were pooled to generate each library, combining data from both sexes. We provide a benchmark atlas of retinal cell type transcriptomes in zebrafish and insight into how each retinal cell type is affected in the P23H model. Oxidative stress is found throughout the retina, with increases in reliance on oxidative metabolism and glycolysis in the affected rods as well as cones, bipolar cells, and retinal ganglion cells. There is also transcriptional evidence for widespread synaptic remodeling and enhancement of glutamatergic transmission in the inner retina. Notably, changes in circadian rhythm regulation are detected in cones, bipolar cells, and retinal pigmented epithelium. We also identify the transcriptomic signatures of retinal progenitor cells and newly formed rods essential for the regenerative process. This comprehensive transcriptomic analysis provides a molecular road map to understand how the retina remodels in the context of chronic retinal degeneration with ongoing regeneration.
Vision and hearing problems and psychosocial outcomes: longitudinal evidence from the German Ageing Survey
Authors: Hajek André , Gyasi Razak M. , Kretzler Benedikt , König Hans-Helmut
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To examine whether changes in vision and hearing problems are associated with changes in psychosocial outcomes (in terms of depressive symptoms, loneliness, and perceived social isolation).

Methods

We used longitudinal data from the nationally representative German Ageing Survey, which covers individuals aged 43 years and over (wave 6 and wave 7, with 7108 observations and mean age of 67.5 years, SD 10.2 years). The 6-item De Jong Gierveld tool was used to quantify loneliness, the Bude and Lantermann tool was used to quantify perceived social isolation, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (15-item version) was used to quantify depressive symptoms. Self-rated problems reading the newspaper due to vision problems and self-rated difficulties recognizing known people on the street due to vision problems were used to quantify vision problems. In addition, self-rated hearing problems on the telephone and self-rated hearing problems in groups of more than four people were used to quantify hearing problems.

Results

Adjusting for various confounders, longitudinal regressions showed that the onset of major vision problems referring to difficulties recognizing people one knows on the street was associated with increases in loneliness (β = 0.17,p < .01) and depressive symptoms (β = 1.90,p < 0.05). Moreover, the onset of some vision problems referring to difficulties reading the newspaper was associated with increases in perceived social isolation (β = 0.06,p < 0.01). Additionally, the onset of some hearing problems in groups of more than four people was associated with increases in depressive symptoms (β = 0.43,p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our longitudinal study showed that vision and hearing problems can contribute differently to psychosocial factors. Delaying sensory impairment may result in favorable psychosocial factors in later life.
Isotopic measurements of carbon dioxide: the role of measurement science and standards
Authors: Meija Juris
Published: November 2023

Isotopic measurements provide valuable information about the origin of greenhouse gases — as carbon dioxide levels increase, there is a corresponding shift towards lighter isotopic composition similar to that of fossil fuels. Detecting such isotopic shifts, however, requires extremely precise measurements, which must also be globally reproducible in order to make reliable policy decisions. This feature article outlines the collective search for the ideal standard for carbon isotope measurements since the 1950s. This tragicomedy of errors, if you wish, has strengthened the reliability of today’s measurements and has taken us from fictional oceans, to toilet seat marbles, and complex mathematical conventions that separate data from reliable results.
Untapped options to reduce waste from blister packaging for tablets and capsules
Authors: Falconnier-Williams Olivia C. , Taeschner Walter , Hille Andreas , Falconnier Ariane D. , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In Europe, most medicines are taken orally and primarily packaged as single solid oral dosage forms (SODF) in blister chambers (alveoli) arranged on blister cards. Blister cards are constructed as multilayer laminates of aluminum (Al) foils and/or various plastic polymers bonded together, forming the alveoli, which are separated by more or less large gaps. We calculated the amount of packaging material (and thus waste) generated annually for the packaging of the most commonly prescribed SODF in Germany and estimated how much waste could be saved by rearranging the alveoli.

Methods

For this purpose, we analysed the SODF of the 50 most frequently prescribed medicines that were packaged in alveoli (N = 45; 13 of aluminum-aluminum blisters, 32 of mixed materials), measured and weighed their packaging material and content, calculated the annual amount of waste produced from them, and estimated how much waste could be saved if the alveoli were optimally positioned on the blister cards. In addition, we examined the variability of the blister packaging of eight groups of commonly prescribed generics of the same strength.

Results

Detailed analysis of the blister cards revealed that most of the material (69%) was used for the space between blisters and that aluminum-aluminum alveoli were more than four times larger than the packaged SODF. The (conservatively) estimated annual amount of composite waste generated for the primary packaging of these SODF was 3868 t (and extrapolated to the entire German pharmaceutical market 8533 t), of which an optimized arrangement of the blister chambers, i.e., a 2-mm sealing area around each alveolus and the arrangement of the SODF in 2 rows, would save approximately 37%.

Conclusion

Considering that other ecological strategies are not yet mature, the optimal arrangement of blister chambers would be a captivatingly simple and, above all, immediately implementable strategy to avoid large amounts of avoidable waste.
Chronic Cough as a Genetic Neurological Disorder? Insights from Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuropathy and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS)
Authors: Turner Richard D. , Hirons Barnaby , Cortese Andrea , Birring Surinder S.
Published: November 2023

Chronic cough is common, and in many cases unexplained or refractory to otherwise effective treatment of associated medical conditions. Cough hypersensitivity has developed as a paradigm that helps to explain clinical and research observations that frequently point towards chronic cough as a neuropathic disorder. Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a recently described neurological condition whose clinical features include gait ataxia, unsteadiness, peripheral neuropathy, and autonomic dysfunction. Chronic cough is also a common feature of the syndrome, with features of hypersensitivity, often preceding core neurological symptoms by up to 30 years or more. The genetic basis in a majority of cases of CANVAS appears to be biallelic variable repeat intron expansion sequences within RFC1, a gene normally involved in the regulation of DNA replication and repair. The same polymorphism has now been identified at an increased frequency in patients with unexplained or refractory chronic cough in the absence of defining clinical features of CANVAS. This review expands on these points, aiming to increase the awareness of CANVAS amongst clinicians and researchers working with chronic cough. We discuss the implications of a link between RFC1 disease and cough. Improved understanding of CANVAS may lead to an enhanced grasp of the pathophysiology of chronic cough, and new approaches to antitussive treatments.
One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as revisional procedures after failed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG): systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Vitiello Antonio , Berardi Giovanna , Peltrini Roberto , Calabrese Pietro , Pilone Vincenzo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare weight loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remission after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as revisional procedures after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods

In PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, a search was performed using the terms “Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus one anastomosis gastric bypass,” “revisional surgery,” and
“sleeve gastrectomy.” Only original articles in English language comparing OAGB and RYGB were included. No temporal interval was set. The primary outcome measure was weight loss (%TWL). The secondary endpoints were leak, bleeding, marginal ulcer, and GERD. PRISMA flowchart was used. Differences in continuous and dichotomous outcome variables were expressed as mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD) with 95% CI, respectively. Heterogeneity was assessed by using I2 statistic.

Results

Six retrospective comparative articles were included in the present meta-analysis. Weight loss analysis showed a MD = 5.70 (95% CI 4.84–6.57) in favor of the OAGB procedure with a statistical significance (p = 0.00001) and no significant statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 0.00%). There was no significant RD for leak, bleeding, or marginal ulcer after the two revisional procedures. After conversion to OAGB, remission from GERD was 68.6% (81/118), and it was 80.6% (150/186) after conversion to RYGB with a RD = 0.10 (95% CI −0.04, 0.24), no statistical significance (p = 0.19), and high heterogeneity (I2
= 96%). De novo GERD was 6.3% (16/255) after conversional OAGB, and it was 0.5% (1/180) after conversion to RYGB with a RD = −0.23 (95% CI −0.57, 0.11), no statistical significance (p = 0.16), and high heterogeneity (I2
= 92%).
Unsupervised identification of cardiometabolic profiles among adolescents: findings from the PARIS birth cohort study
Authors: Lefebvre Léa , Grunemwald Thomas , Hamrene Karima , Roda Céline , Momas Isabelle
Published: November 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known as a risk factor in cardiometabolic morbidity but there is no consensus on its definition for teenagers. We aimed to identify cardiometabolic health profiles and which parameters best discriminate them. K-means partitioning identified cardiometabolic profiles by sex using data on health measurements of 530 adolescents from the PARIS birth cohort. A discriminant analysis was performed. Cardiometabolic risk score and handgrip strength were also measured. Depending on definitions, MetS prevalence ranged from 0.2% to 1.3%. Two profiles were identified for the entire group and by sex: “healthy” and “at cardiometabolic risk.” Weight and waist-to-height ratio or waist circumference explained more than 87% of the variance in the profile differentiation. The “at cardiometabolic risk” profiles included adolescents with overweight, a waist-to-height ratio over 0.5, and prehypertension. They had higher cardiometabolic risk scores and parents who were more likely to be overweight and have cardiometabolic diseases themselves. They also had higher birthweights, earlier adiposity-rebound and puberty ages, and lower relative handgrip strength.

  Conclusion: The two profiles identified, based on cardiometabolic health, were associated with early indicators and handgrip strength. Results suggest that the waist-to-height ratio is a useful clinical tool for screening individuals at cardiometabolic risk and who therefore require clinical follow-up.

What is Known:• Although there is a need for tools to assess cardiometabolic health during adolescence, there is no consensus on the definition of metabolic syndrome for this age group.

What is Knew:• The findings suggest that waist-to-height ratio can serve as a simple and valuable clinical tool for screening individuals at cardiometabolic risk who may require clinical monitoring for early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Acoustic Analysis of Swallowing of an Experimental Meal of Three Food Textures: A Comparative Aging Study
Authors: Baqué Jean , Huret Océane , Rayneau Pierre , Schleich Marianne , Morinière Sylvain
Published: November 2023

Swallowing disorders in the elderly represent a public health problem, their detections are a medico-economic issue. The acoustic analysis of swallowing has the advantages of being non-invasive with no radiation, compared to videofluoroscopy or fiberoptic swallowing assessments. Acoustic analysis of swallowing has been tested in many studies but only on small food boluses. The aim of this study was to compare the acoustic swallowing parameters of two groups of healthy subjects, before and after 70 years old, during the intake of a series of 3 food textures. A laryngophone was used to record the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. The experimental meal was composed of 100 ml of mashed potatoes, 100 ml of water, and 100 ml of yogurt. Group 1 (50–70 years old) comprised 21 subjects and group 2 (over 70 years old) 23 subjects. Acoustic parameters analyzed were the number of swallows, average duration of swallowing, average duration of inter-swallowing, meal duration, and the average frequency of swallowing per minute. These parameters for groups 1 and 2 were compared. The average duration of inter-swallowing and the meal duration were significantly higher in the older group (p < 0.001), with a mean duration of inter-swallowing that was 2.4 s longer than the younger group. The average swallowing frequency per minute was higher in the younger group (11.3 vs 7.9; p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that acoustic analysis of an experimental meal of three food textures generated usable data on swallowing. In the over 70 age group, there was a decrease in swallowing frequency, indicating a slowdown in food intake. A reduced swallowing frequency could become a criteria to assess presbyphagia.
Electrochemistry education in the twenty-first century: the current landscape in the UK, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Turner Kristy L. , Dryfe Robert A. W. , Holt Katherine B. , He Siyuan , Read Sofia , Blackburn Jessica , Miah Nyeema
Published: November 2023

Electrochemistry education of future researchers is crucial if we are to decarbonise economies and reach targets for net zero, and this arguably begins with education in electrochemistry within undergraduate degrees. This paper reviews the teaching of electrochemistry in UK universities at the undergraduate degree level. We review where and how electrochemical concepts are introduced into chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science programmes. We provide some motivation for this review, which was stimulated by discussions from a workshop on the ‘Future of Fundamental Electrochemistry Research in the UK’, held in 2022. We summarise briefly how consensus on UK degree programme course content has been reached and inconsistencies that remain. Electrochemistry curriculum content from a convenience sample of UK universities, and disciplines, has been collected and is summarised, with a reflection on some trends. Finally, we present some implications for policy. A roadmap is suggested to ensure that the teaching of electrochemical fundamentals is addressed in the curriculum at an appropriate level to underpin the many technically relevant applications of electrochemistry that graduates will encounter in their further education or employment.
The epidemiology of multidrug-resistant organisms in persons diagnosed with cancer in Norway, 2008–2018: expanding surveillance using existing laboratory and register data
Authors: Danielsen Anders Skyrud , Elstrøm Petter , Eriksen-Volle Hanne-Merete , Hofvind Solveig , Eyre David W. , Kacelnik Oliver , Bjørnholt Jørgen Vildershøj
Published: November 2023

Surveillance has revealed an increase of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), even in low-prevalent settings such as Norway. MDROs pose a particular threat to at-risk populations, including persons with cancer. It is necessary to include such populations in future infection surveillance. By combining existing data sources, we aimed to describe the epidemiology of MDROs in persons diagnosed with cancer in Norway from 2008 to 2018. A cohort was established using data from the Cancer Registry of Norway, which was then linked to notifications of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin- and/or linezolid-resistant enterococci (V/LRE), and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli (CP-GNB) from the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases, and laboratory data on third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCR-E) from Oslo University Hospital (OUH). We described the incidence of MDROs and resistance proportion in Enterobacterales from 6 months prior to the person’s first cancer diagnosis and up to 3 years after. The cohort included 322,005 persons, of which 0.3% (878) were diagnosed with notifiable MDROs. Peak incidence rates per 100,000 person-years were 60.9 for MRSA, 97.2 for V/LRE, and 6.8 for CP-GNB. The proportion of 3GCR-E in Enterobacterales in blood or urine cultures at OUH was 6% (746/12,534). Despite overall low MDRO incidence, there was an unfavourable trend in the incidence and resistance proportion of Gram-negative bacteria. To address this, there is a need for effective infection control and surveillance. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of expanding the surveillance of MDROs and at-risk populations through the linkage of existing laboratory and register data.
Mixtures of generalized normal distributions and EGARCH models to analyse returns and volatility of ESG and traditional investments
Authors: Duttilo Pierdomenico , Gattone Stefano Antonio , Iannone Barbara
Published: November 2023

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are increasingly integrated into investment process to contribute to overcoming global sustainability challenges. Focusing on the reaction to turmoil periods, this work analyses returns and volatility of several ESG indices and makes a comparison with their traditional counterparts from 2016 to 2022. These indices comprise the following markets: Global, the US, Europe and emerging markets. Firstly, the two-component mixture of generalized normal distribution was exploited to objectively detect financial market turmoil periods with the Naïve Bayes’ classifier. Secondly, the EGARCH-in-mean model with exogenous dummy variables was applied to capture the turmoil period impact. Results show that returns and volatility are both affected by turmoil periods. The return–risk performance differs by index type and market: the European ESG index is less volatile than its traditional market benchmark, while in the other markets, the estimated volatility is approximately the same. Moreover, ESG and non-ESG indices differ in terms of turmoil periods impact, risk premium and leverage effect.
On the 430-cap of $$\textrm{PG}(6,4)$$ having two intersection sizes with respect to hyperplanes
Authors: Bamberg John
Published: November 2023

Let $${\mathcal {C}}$$
C
be a 430-cap of $$\textrm{PG}(6,4)$$

PG
(
6
,
4
)

having two intersection sizes with respect to hyperplanes. We show that no hyperplane of $$\textrm{PG}(6,4)$$

PG
(
6
,
4
)

intersects $${\mathcal {C}}$$
C
in a Hill 78-cap. So if it can be shown that the Hill 78-cap of $$\textrm{PG}(5,4)$$

PG
(
5
,
4
)

is projectively unique, then such a 430-cap does not exist, or equivalently, a two-weight $$[430,7]_{\mathbb {F}_4}$$

[
430
,
7
]

F
4

linear code with dual weight at least 4, does not exist.
$$\varepsilon $$-Almost collision-flat universal hash functions and mosaics of designs
Authors: Wiese Moritz , Boche Holger
Published: November 2023

We introduce, motivate and study $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-almost collision-flat universal (ACFU) hash functions $$f:\mathcal X\times \mathcal S\rightarrow \mathcal A$$

f
:
X
×
S
→
A

. Their main property is that the number of collisions in any given value is bounded. Each $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-ACFU hash function is an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-almost universal (AU) hash function, and every $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-almost strongly universal (ASU) hash function is an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-ACFU hash function. We study how the size of the seed set $$\mathcal S$$
S
depends on $$\varepsilon ,|\mathcal X |$$

ε
,
|
X
|

and $$|\mathcal A |$$

|
A
|

. Depending on how these parameters are interrelated, seed-minimizing ACFU hash functions are equivalent to mosaics of balanced incomplete block designs (BIBDs) or to duals of mosaics of quasi-symmetric block designs; in a third case, mosaics of transversal designs and nets yield seed-optimal ACFU hash functions, but a full characterization is missing. By either extending $$\mathcal S$$
S
or $$\mathcal X$$
X
, it is possible to obtain an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-ACFU hash function from an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-AU hash function or an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-ASU hash function, generalizing the construction of mosaics of designs from a given resolvable design (Gnilke et al. in Des. Codes Cryptogr. 86(1):85–95, 2017). The concatenation of an ASU and an ACFU hash function again yields an ACFU hash function. Finally, we motivate ACFU hash functions by their applicability in privacy amplification.
On the equivalence of $$\mathbb {Z}_{p^s}$$-linear generalized Hadamard codes
Authors: Bhunia Dipak K. , Fernández-Córdoba Cristina , Vela Carlos , Villanueva Mercè
Published: November 2023

Linear codes of length n over $$\mathbb {Z}_{p^s}$$

Z

p
s

, p prime, called $$\mathbb {Z}_{p^s}$$

Z

p
s

-additive codes, can be seen as subgroups of $$\mathbb {Z}_{p^s}^n$$

Z

p
s

n

. A $$\mathbb {Z}_{p^s}$$

Z

p
s

-linear generalized Hadamard (GH) code is a GH code over $$\mathbb {Z}_p$$

Z
p

which is the image of a $$\mathbb {Z}_{p^s}$$

Z

p
s

-additive code under a generalized Gray map. It is known that the dimension of the kernel allows to classify these codes partially and to establish some lower and upper bounds on the number of such codes. Indeed, in this paper, for $$p\ge 3$$

p
≥
3

prime, we establish that some $$\mathbb {Z}_{p^s}$$

Z

p
s

-linear GH codes of length $$p^t$$

p
t

having the same dimension of the kernel are equivalent to each other, once t is fixed. This allows us to improve the known upper bounds. Moreover, up to $$t=10$$

t
=
10

if $$p=3$$

p
=
3

or $$t=8$$

t
=
8

if $$p=5$$

p
=
5

, this new upper bound coincides with a known lower bound based on the rank and dimension of the kernel.
Probing the case for manufacturer liability for harms caused by judgment-proof consumers to others
Authors: Friehe Tim , Rössler Christoph , Schulte Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

We study whether it is socially desirable to hold a monopolistic firm liable for the harm its potentially judgment-proof consumers inflict on third parties. Consumers’ judgment-proofness limits potential product differentiation by pooling different consumer types with uniform liability exposure. The firm’s safety choices are distorted in both regimes under consideration: consumer-only liability and residual-manufacturer liability. We find that residual-manufacturer liability dominates consumer-only liability if the monopolistic firm can observe consumers’ types, or if consumers’ types are not observable but heterogeneity stems only from their asset levels. However, if the monopolistic firm cannot observe consumers’ types and heterogeneity stems from their harm levels, it is more difficult to make a case for residual-manufacturer liability.
evalPM: a framework for evaluating machine learning models for particulate matter prediction
Authors: Woltmann Lucas , Deepe Jonas , Hartmann Claudio , Lehner Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Air pollution through particulate matter (PM) is one of the largest threats to human health. To understand the causes of PM pollution and enact suitable countermeasures, reliable predictions of future PM concentrations are required. In the scientific literature, many methods exist for machine learning (ML)-based PM prediction, though their quality is difficult to compare because, among other things, they use different data sets and evaluate the resulting predictions differently. For a new data set, it is not apparent which of the existing prediction methods is best suited. In order to ease the assessment of said models, we present evalPM, a framework to easily create, evaluate, and compare different ML models for immission-based PM prediction. To achieve this, the framework provides flexibility regarding data sets, input features, target variables, model types, hyperparameters, and model evaluation. It has a modular design consisting of several components, each providing at least one required flexibility. The individual capabilities of the framework are demonstrated using 16 different models from the related literature by means of temporal prediction of PM concentrations for four European data sets, showing the capabilities and advantages of the evalPM framework. In doing so, it is shown that the framework allows fast creation and evaluation of ML-based PM prediction models.
Relativistic particle measurement in jupiter’s magnetosphere with Pix.PAN
Authors: Hulsman Johannes , Wu Xin , Azzarello Philipp , Bergmann Benedikt , Campbell Michael , Clark George , Cadoux Franck , Ilzawa Tomoya , Kollmann Peter , Llopart Xavi , Nénon Quentin , Paniccia Mercedes , Roussos Elias , Smolyanskiy Petr , Sukhonos Daniil , Thonet Pierre Alexandre
Published: November 2023

Pix.PAN is a compact cylindrical magnetic spectrometer, intended to provide excellent high energy particle measurements under high rate and hostile operating conditions in space. Its principal design is composed of two Halbach-array magnetic sectors and six Timepix4-based tracking layers; the latest hybrid silicon pixel detector readout ASIC designed. Due to Pix.PAN’s compact and relatively simple design, it has the potential to be used for space missions exploring with measurements of unprecedented precision, high energy particles in radiation belts and the heliophere (solar energetic particles, anomalous and galactic cosmic rays). In this white paper, we discuss the design and expected performance of Pix.PAN for COMPASS (Comprehensive Observations of Magnetospheric Particle Acceleration, Sources, and Sinks), a mission concept submitted to NASA’s Call “B.16 Heliophysics Mission Concept Studies (HMCS)” in 2021 that targets the extreme high energy particle environment of Jupiter’s inner radiation belts. We also discuss PixPAN’s operational conditions and interface requirements. The conceptual design shows that is possible to achieve an energy resolution of<12% for electrons in the range of 10 MeV-1 GeV and<35% for protons between $$\sim $$
∼
200 MeV to a few GeV. Due to the timestamp precision of Timepix4, a time resolution (on an instrument level) of about 100 ps can be achieved for time-of-flight measurements. In the most intense radiation environments of the COMPASS mission, Pix.PAN is expected to have a maximum hit rate of 44$$\frac{\text {MHz}}{\text {cm}^2}$$

MHz

cm
2

which is below the design limit of 360$$\frac{\text {MHz}}{\text {cm}^2}$$

MHz

cm
2

of Timepix4. Finally, a sensor design is proposed which allows the instrument to operate with a power budget of 20W without the loss of scientific performance.
Development and Validation of the EFFAM Scale (Family Functioning Scale-Madrid)
Authors: Cabrera-Perona Víctor , Moriano Juan A. , Lloret-Irles Daniel , González-Galnares Inés , Ordoñez Ana
Published: November 2023

Most models that analyse risk and protective factors during adolescence include the family system and family functionality as key elements. For this reason, Family Counselling Services play an important role in addressing adolescent problems. These services require quick and easy-to-apply assessment tools that integrate different dimensions of family functioning. To develop and validate a brief scale for use in Family Counselling Services, exploring and confirming its factorial structure and testing its psychometric properties. Confirmatory Factor Analysis using structural equation modeling. 441 family members in seven units. Results: A 5-factor structure was confirmed, with a good fit. All the Average Variance Extracted values were higher than the Maximum Shared Squared Variance values. The results confirm the structure of the Family Functioning Scale-Madrid. In addition, the scale demonstrates adequate psychometric properties and stable structure during two evaluation periods with different samples. The instrument is considered reliable and consistent for of assessing family intervention carried out in Family Counselling Services.
A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of a New Cellulose-Based Composite and Glass Fibre Reinforced Composites
Authors: Liu Yuanxi , Lask Jan , Kupfer Robert , Gude Maik , Feldner Alexander
Published: November 2023

The use of renewable lightweight materials and the adoption of cleaner production are two effective approaches to reduce resource consumption, which contributes to meeting the industry’s environmental impact targets. In a previous study we found, that a miscanthus fibre reinforced cellulose acetate (CA-Miscanthus, 25 wt.%) can be a bio-based alternative to glass fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP-GF, 20 wt.%), as both materials exhibit similar mechanical properties. However, only limited information on the environmental benefits of using bio-based composites instead of their petroleum-based counterparts are available. In this study, we compare the environmental impact of ready to use compound of both materials in the cradle to gate system boundaries, including fibre cultivation, fractionation and refining, fibre pretreatment, and compounding. The functional unit is chosen based on the equivalent function of both materials. The environmental impact is determined using the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology. The results reveal that the CA-Mis composite has a higher environmental impact than the PP-GF composite in all categories observed, despite its biomass origin. As the primary reason for the high impact, the acetic anhydride use during CA production is identified. The study indicates that, though the bio-composite CA-Mis has mechanical properties comparable to PP-GF composites, it is not as eco-friendly as we initially assumed it to be.
An alternative to the concept of variable activation energy
Authors: Šimon Peter , Dubaj Tibor , Cibulková Zuzana
Published: November 2023

It is demonstrated here that the concept of variable activation energy is mathematically not fully correct. Further it is shown that general rate equation is a formal mathematical tool for the description of thermoanalytical kinetic data. The temperature function, k(T), is not the rate constant in general and the conversion function, f(α), may not reflect the mechanism in case of complex processes. Both, k(T) and f(α), are functions enabling to describe the kinetic hypersurface. For the complex processes, the physical meaning of parameters occurring in both functions is unclear. Hence, no mechanistic conclusions should be drawn from the values of an individual kinetic parameter; particularly, just from the values of activation energy. The conclusions can be drawn from the quantities with a clear physical meaning such as the values of isoconversional times, isoconversional temperatures, conversion, reaction rate, etc., i.e., the quantities that can be accessible experimentally. These quantities can be recovered and modeled from known kinetic parameters. It is proved here that the right temperature function may not be necessarily the Arrhenius equation for a complex process.
A Sound and Complete Tableaux Calculus for Reichenbach’s Quantum Mechanics Logic
Authors: Caballero Pablo , Valencia Pablo
Published: November 2023

In 1944 Hans Reichenbach developed a three-valued propositional logic (RQML) in order to account for certain causal anomalies in quantum mechanics. In this logic, the truth-value indeterminate is assigned to those statements describing physical phenomena that cannot be understood in causal terms. However, Reichenbach did not develop a deductive calculus for this logic. The aim of this paper is to develop such a calculus by means of First Degree Entailment logic (FDE) and to prove it sound and complete with respect to RQML semantics. In Section 1 we explain the main physical and philosophical motivations of RQML. Next, in Sections 2 and 3, respectively, we present RQML and FDE syntax and semantics and explain the relation between both logics. Section 4 introduces $$\varvec{\mathcal {Q}}$$

Q

calculus, an FDE-based tableaux calculus for RQML. In Section 5 we prove that $$\varvec{\mathcal {Q}}$$

Q

calculus is sound and complete with respect to RQML three-valued semantics. Finally, in Section 6 we consider some of the main advantages of $$\varvec{\mathcal {Q}}$$

Q

calculus and we apply it to Reichenbach’s analysis of causal anomalies.