bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Regulatory Interventions on Ulipristal Acetate 5 mg (Esmya) Use in Spain: An Interrupted Time‐Series Analysis
Authors: Monreal‐Di Bello Marta , González‐Bermejo Diana , Castillo‐Cano Belén , Rodriguez‐Pascual Alfonso , Montero‐Corominas Dolores
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Since late 2017, the use of ulipristal acetate 5 mg (UPA; Proprietary name: Esmya) has been under review in the European Union, due to an emerging hepatic risk. In February 2018 and in July 2018, the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices and the marketing authorization holder put two risk minimization measures (RMM) in place, in order to inform about new safety information and to mitigate this risk. This study aims to assess RMM effectiveness in Spain, by performing an interrupted time‐series (ITS) analyses, between 2014 and 2019.

Method

Two quasi‐experimental ITS analyses to examine the use of UPA before and after the RMM release were performed: (a) an ecological study using aggregated data from a drug consumption database; and (b) a study using primary healthcare data gathered from electronic clinical records.

Results

Regulatory interventions were associated with an immediate and significant decrease level of DID (the number of DDD dispensed per 100 000 inhabitants and day) and incidence. The DID was 70% less than expected 12 months after the interventions. This value was 59% for the incidence. However, a change in the slope was not observed and the use started rising again in the last segment of the study period.

Conclusion

Despite RMM had an immediate strong impact on UPA use, the last segment upward trend in the long‐term might have been affected by the lack of comparable therapeutic alternatives. Further studies should be performed to confirm the increase trend observed and analyze subsequent measures and additional data.
Rooftop PV Potential Determined by Backward Ray Tracing: A Case Study for the German Regions of Berlin, Cologne, and Hanover
Authors: Schlemminger Marlon , Bredemeier Dennis , Mahner Alexander , Niepelt Raphael , Breitner Michael H. , Brendel Rolf
Published: September 2024

Photovoltaics (PV) on building rooftops is a major contributor to the decarbonization of energy systems. We simulate the PV energy yield potential for 2.5 million individual roofs in three German regions. We cumulate the results for each single roof to calculate the cost‐potential curves for the three cities Berlin, Cologne, and Hanover. These curves give the amount of electricity that can be generated at less than a given cost per kWh. We find that these curves have the shape of a hockey stick. Neglecting the dependence of PV investment on building size and thus on the system sizes causes largely different cost‐potential curves that differ by 11%–18% for flat roofs due to their heterogeneous building size distribution. The cost‐potential curves of the three cities are very similar when appropriately normalized, for example, by the local solar irradiation and the settlement area of the city, despite substantial variations in population density. This allows for an extrapolation of our results. For Germany, we reveal an upper limit for the total electricity generation from rooftop PV of 762 TWh/a with cost as low as 6.9 ct/kWh without accounting for area losses due to chimneys, air conditioning systems, and so forth. We estimate the actual potential to be at least half of that figure.
The Chinese metaverse: An analysis of China's policy agenda for extended reality (XR)
Authors: Gray Joanne E. , Tang Wenjia
Published: September 2024

This paper explores China's strategic embrace of extended reality (XR) technologies within its digital economy policy framework. Through a content analysis of 45 Chinese government documents, we show how China has positioned XR—which encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR)—within the nation's innovation for economic growth strategy. Our findings reveal that China's policy agenda for XR is strikingly ambitious, with expected applications across a range of sectors, from medicine to manufacturing. Understanding China's policy agenda for XR broadens current knowledge of the global XR economy, which has, in Western scholarship, predominantly focused on the activities, interests and governance of large US firms. Our analysis also elucidates what is arguably an under‐appreciated aspect of China's digital sovereignty agenda, with important implications for the future of digital geopolitics and a variety of stakeholders—from policymakers to end‐users.
Improved functional interval observer for mecanum‐wheels omnidirectional automated guided vehicle
Authors: Huang Jun , Li Changjie , Sun Yuan , Raïssi Tarek
Published: September 2024

This article presents a study of interval estimation approach based on functional interval observers for mecanum‐wheels omnidirectional automated guided vehicle (MOAGV). In the context of MOAGV, the nonlinear system in discrete time incorporates model uncertainty and unknown bounded disturbances. A functional observer is developed by integrating terminal sliding mode and techniques, aiming to reduce the impact of lumped disturbances/uncertainties. Additionally, a novel observer structure is introduced to increase the degrees of freedom in the design process. Subsequently, the linear function bounds are obtained using the reachability analysis of the estimation error. Finally, the performance of the improved functional interval observer is demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Is Chinese Dyslexia Similar Across Chinese Societies? Evidence from Hong Kong, Beijing, and Taipei
Authors: Cheah Zebedee Rui En , McBride Catherine , Meng Xiangzhi , Lee Jun Ren , Huo Shuting
Published: September 2024

While previous research has documented the unique aspects of Chinese dyslexia as compared to dyslexia in alphabetic scripts, it remains unclear whether the difference in Chinese literacy experiences influences the manifestation of Chinese dyslexia. The present article first reviews the characteristics of Chinese languages and scripts, including important cognitive‐linguistic correlates (rapid automatized naming, phonological, orthographic, and morphological awareness) of Chinese reading development and impairment. The diversity in Chinese literacy experiences of scripts, languages, and instructional practices, and consequently their impact on Chinese literacy acquisition across different Chinese societies are also reviewed. Using an equivalent Chinese assessment battery administered to 91 children with dyslexia from Hong Kong, Beijing, and Taipei, we examined the subtypes of Chinese dyslexia across these three societies concurrently. With the four cognitive‐linguistic skills included as the clustering variable, the hierarchical cluster analysis revealed four cognitive subtypes of dyslexia: 38% mild orthographic deficit subtype (OD), 33% phonological deficit subtype (PD), 18% morphological deficit subtype (MD), and 11% global deficit subtype (GD)—each with their own set of cognitive‐linguistic deficit profiles. Interestingly, all four subtypes of dyslexia manifested poorer orthographic skills as compared to the control group. Bayesian Analysis of Contingency Table further showed that the distribution of dyslexia subtypes remains similar across the three Chinese societies, suggesting invariance of the Chinese dyslexia construct. Findings highlight the importance of assessment in orthographic processing, rapid automatized naming, phonological awareness, and morphological awareness in order to understand Chinese dyslexia, both in a within and cross‐cultural Chinese perspective.
Early spectral dynamics are indicative of distinct growth patterns in post‐wildfire forests
Authors: Smith‐Tripp Sarah , Coops Nicholas C. , Mulverhill Christopher , White Joanne C. , Gergel Sarah
Published: September 2024

Western North America has seen a recent dramatic increase in large and often high‐severity wildfires. After forest fire, understanding patterns of structural recovery is important, as recovery patterns impact critical ecosystem services. Continuous forest monitoring provided by satellite observations is particularly beneficial to capture the pivotal post‐fire period when forest recovery begins. However, it is challenging to optimize optical satellite imagery to both interpolate current and extrapolate future forest structure and composition. We identified a need to understand how early spectral dynamics (5 years post‐fire) inform patterns of structural recovery after fire disturbance. To create these structural patterns, we collected metrics of forest structure using high‐density Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS) lidar (light detection and ranging). We employed a space‐for‐time substitution in the highly fire‐disturbed forests of interior British Columbia. In this region, we collected RPAS lidar and corresponding field plot data 5‐, 8‐, 11‐,12‐, and 16‐years postfire to predict structural attributes relevant to management, including the percent bare ground, the proportion of coniferous trees, stem density, and basal area. We compared forest structural attributes with unique early spectral responses, or trajectories, derived from Landsat time series data 5 years after fire. A total of eight unique spectral recovery trajectories were identified from spectral responses of seven vegetation indices (NBR, NDMI, NDVI, TCA, TCB, TCG, and TCW) that described five distinct patterns of structural recovery captured with RPAS lidar. Two structural patterns covered more than 80% of the study area. Both patterns had strong coniferous regrowth, but one had a higher basal area with more bare ground and the other pattern had a high stem density, but a low basal area and a higher deciduous proportion. Our approach highlights the ability to use early spectral responses to capture unique spectral trajectories and their associated distinct structural recovery patterns.
Promoting sustainable practices through green investments in the United Kingdom real estate industry
Authors: Akin Isik , Akin Meryem
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to examine how sustainable practices in the UK real estate industry are impacted by green investments through qualitative research, focusing on interviews with developers. The findings reveal that regulatory frameworks, market demand, financial incentives, corporate responsibility, and technological innovation are crucial factors in sustainable practices. There is a growing consumer demand for sustainable properties, supported by financial incentives like grants, tax credits, and green finance mechanisms such as green bonds. These bonds play a crucial role in promoting sustainable building practices, including energy‐efficient design and renewable energy integration. The research highlights motivators for stakeholders to participate in sustainability initiatives, including financial benefits, regulatory compliance, reputation, and consumer demand, despite challenges like perceived higher costs and regulatory hurdles. This research highlights specific implications for policymakers to design effective regulatory frameworks and incentives, investors to prioritize green investments through mechanisms like green bonds, and industry professionals to enhance corporate responsibility and meet growing consumer demand for sustainable properties.
Plasmonic Particle Integration into Near‐Infrared Photodetectors and Photoactivated Gas Sensors: Toward Sustainable Next‐Generation Ubiquitous Sensing
Authors: Schlicke Hendrik , Maletz Roman , Dornack Christina , Fery Andreas
Published: September 2024

Current challenges in environmental science, medicine, food chemistry as well as the emerging use of artificial intelligence for solving problems in these fields require distributed, local sensing. Such ubiquitous sensing requires components with 1) high sensitivity, 2) power efficiency, 3) miniaturizability, and 4) the ability to directly interface with electronic circuitry, i.e., electronic readout of sensing signals. Over the recent years, several nanoparticle‐based approaches have found their way into this field and have demonstrated high performance. However, challenges remain, such as the toxicity of many of today's narrow bandgap semiconductors for NIR detection and the high energy consumption as well as low selectivity of state‐of‐the‐art commercialized gas sensors. With their unique light‐matter interaction and ink‐based fabrication schemes, plasmonic nanostructures provide potential technological solutions to these challenges, leading also to better environmental performance. In this perspective recent approaches of using plasmonic nanoparticles are discussed for the fabrication of NIR photodetectors and light‐activated, energy‐efficient gas sensing devices. In addition, new strategies implying computational approaches are pointed out for miniaturizable spectrometers, exploiting the wide spectral tunability of plasmonic nanocomposites, and for selective gas sensors, utilizing dynamic light activation. The benefits of colloidal approaches for device fabrication are discussed with regard to technological advantages and environmental aspects, which are barely considered so far.
Ampere‐Level Hydrogen Generation via 1000 H Stable Seawater Electrolysis Catalyzed by Pt‐Cluster‐Loaded NiFeCo Phosphide
Authors: Zhou Linlin , Wan Tong , Zhong Yang , Liu Wei , Yu Linfeng , Li Tianshui , Sun Kai , Waterhouse Geoffrey I.N. , Xu Haijun , Kuang Yun , Zhou Daojin , Sun Xiaoming
Published: September 2024

Seawater electrolysis can generate carbon‐neutral hydrogen but its efficiency is hindered by the low mass activity and poor stability of commercial catalysts at industrial current densities. Herein, Pt nanoclusters are loaded on nickel‐iron‐cobalt phosphide nanosheets, with the obtained Pt@NiFeCo‐P electrocatalyst exhibiting excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and stability in alkaline seawater at ampere‐level current densities. The catalyst delivers an ultralow HER overpotential of 19.7 mV at −10 mA cm−2 in seawater‐simulating alkaline solutions, along with a Pt‐mass activity 20.8 times higher than Pt/C under the same conditions, while dropping to 8.3 mV upon a five‐fold NaCl concentrated natural seawater. Remarkably, Pt@NiFeCo‐P offers stable operation for over 1000 h at 1 A cm−2 in an alkaline brine electrolyte, demonstrating its potential for efficient and long‐term seawater electrolysis. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and in situ Raman studies revealed fast electron and charge transfer from the NiFeCo‐P substrate to Pt nanoclusters enabled by a strong metal‐support interaction, which increased the coverage of H* and accelerated water dissociation on high valent Co sites. This study represents a significant advancement in the development of efficient and stable electrocatalysts with high mass activity for sustainable hydrogen generation from seawater.
Surface Reconstruction Enhanced Li‐Rich Cathode Materials for Durable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yanshuang , Lu Di , Yun XiaoRu , Wang Jinhui , Song Wenjin , Xie Wei , Zuo LanLan , Zheng Chunman , Xiao Peitao , Chen Yufang
Published: September 2024

Regulating the distribution of surface elements in lithium‐rich cathode materials can effectively change the electrochemical performance of cathode materials. Considering that the enrichment of Mn element on the surface is the main reason for the irreversible phase transition and dissolution of its surface structure, which in turn is the main reason for performance degradation. Based on the molten salt‐assisted sintering method, a lithium rich cathode material with surface rich Ni and Co is designed and prepared. The surface enrichment of Ni and Co effectively reduces the dissolution of Mn, promotes the occurrence of irreversible collapse of surface structure from layered phase to rock salt phase on the material surface, improves the stability of surface crystal phase structure, and improves the cycling stability of positive electrode materials. Notably, after 500 cycles at 1 C current density, the discharge‐specific capacity attained 189.8 mAh g −1, with a capacity retention rate of 88.9%, indicating a 42.1% improvement in capacity retention. Molten salt treatment is widely used in the modification of positive electrode materials. The research work will provide new ideas for improving the stability of lithium rich materials and promoting their commercial applications.
Enhancing trainee performance in obstetric ultrasound through an artificial intelligence system: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lei T. , Zheng Q. , Feng J. , Zhang L. , Zhou Q. , He M. , Lin M. , Xie H. N.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Performing obstetric ultrasound scans is challenging for inexperienced operators; therefore, the prenatal screening artificial intelligence system (PSAIS) software was developed to provide real‐time feedback and guidance for trainees during their scanning procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of utilizing such an artificial intelligence system to enhance the efficiency of obstetric ultrasound training in acquiring and interpreting standard basic views.

Methods

A prospective, single‐center randomized controlled study was conducted at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University. From September 2022 to April 2023, residents with no prior obstetric ultrasound experience were recruited and assigned randomly to either a PSAIS‐assisted training group or a conventional training group. Each trainee underwent a four‐cycle practical scan training program, performing 20 scans in each cycle on pregnant volunteers at 18–32 gestational weeks, focusing on acquiring and interpreting standard basic views. At the end of each cycle, a test scan evaluated trainees' ability to obtain standard ultrasound views without PSAIS assistance, and image quality was rated by both the trainees themselves and an expert (in a blinded manner). The primary outcome was the number of training cycles required for each trainee to meet a certain standard of proficiency (i.e. end‐of‐cycle test scored by the expert at ≥ 80%). Secondary outcomes included the expert ratings of the image quality in each trainee's end‐of‐cycle test and the discordance between ratings by trainees and the expert.

Results

In total, 32 residents and 1809 pregnant women (2720 scans) were recruited for the study. The PSAIS‐assisted trainee group required significantly fewer training cycles compared with the non‐PSAIS‐assisted group to meet quality requirements (P = 0.037). Based on the expert ratings of image quality, the PSAIS‐assisted training group exhibited superior ability in acquiring standard imaging views compared with the conventional training group in the third (P = 0.012) and fourth (P < 0.001) cycles. In both groups, the discordance between trainees' ratings of the quality of their own images and the expert's ratings decreased with increasing training time. A statistically significant difference in overall trainee–expert rating discordance between the two groups emerged at the end of the first training cycle and remained at every cycle thereafter (P < 0.013).

Conclusion

By assisting inexperienced trainees in obtaining and interpreting standard basic obstetric scanning views, the use of artificial intelligence‐assisted systems has the potential to improve training effectiveness. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Gastric Cancer in the UAE
Authors: Abdelwahed Nadia , Al Asousi Salem , Iqbal Faryal , Abyad Amin M. , Nijhawan Neil A. , Kourie Hampig R. , Abu-Gheida Ibrahim H. , Ammori Basil , Al-Shamsi Humaid O.
Published: September 2024

This review reports the current status of gastric cancer (GC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population. The incidence in the Emirati population is lower than in other nationalities, with 30 patients versus 104 cases from non-UAE residents. Gastric cancer ranks as the fifth malignancy causing deaths in the UAE, with an estimated average of 4.31% of cancer deaths compared to global rates. Gastric cancer in the UAE is considered less lethal. The GC’s crude incidence rate in the UAE in 2021 was 1.4 per 100,000, which is lower than the global incidence crude rate. Gastric cancer has a high mortality rate in the UAE due to the advanced stage at the time of presentation compared to early-stage gastric cancer, with the majority (30 cases) in 2017 presenting with the advanced disease at diagnosis compared to 12 cases with the early stage. Fifty-five percent of gastric cancer in the UAE in 2017 was classified as being in an unknown stage, indicating the need for better medical documentation of the data provided by each patient in order to get proper staging of all cancers, including gastric cancer.

Medical and surgical management of gastric cancer in the UAE is advanced and in keeping with best international practices. Robotic surgeries, novel anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy and immunotherapies, and targeted therapies are all available in the UAE.

The relationship between risk factors in the country and gastric cancer incidence should be thoroughly studied to try to identify high-risk populations. More research is also needed to investigate and identify the factors that may be contributing to the observed, potentially higher incidence of gastric cancer in younger patients.
UAE National Cancer Registry
Authors: Harbi Alya Zaid , Belaila Buthaina Abdulla Bin , Shelpai Wael , Razzak Hira Abdul
Published: September 2024

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of global deaths. NCDs kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally, and are responsible for 80% of all premature NCD deaths. NCDs’ morbidity and mortality are associated with four main risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets.

To combat the NCD burden, countries committed to achieving global NCD targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals target (SDG 3.4), to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one-third by 2030. Cancer incidence and mortality data are essential for planning and monitoring cancer control programs. A population-based cancer registry fulfills this requirement by systematically collecting cancer data. Thus, the UAE National Disease Registry (UAE-NDR) is central to public health and healthcare in the UAE.

The UAE National Cancer Registry (UAE-NCR), a part of the UAE National Disease Registries, provides comprehensive, quality-assured data services covering the entire cancer pathway for all cancer patients in the UAE. Its primary goals are to determine the national cancer statistics in the UAE, provide decision-makers and researchers with reliable data, monitor cancer screening and early detection programs, and plan for cancer services and control.
Hematological Malignancies in the UAE
Authors: Hashmi Shahrukh
Published: September 2024

Hematologic malignancies make up a substantial portion of overall cancers, and unfortunately, the incidence of hematologic malignancies continues to grow in developed countries. These encompass both inherited and acquired cancers, though complicating the differentiation is the fact that some of the primary immunodeficiencies and bone marrow failure syndromes can lead to the development of leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome as well, besides lymphomas. Plasma cell dyscrasias are also a complicated group of conditions that include, at one spectrum, AL amyloidosis, which can be rapidly fatal if untreated, and the monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, which can be a very slow-evolving condition. Many different classifications exist in the literature; however, in this chapter, we summarize the various classifications and then suggest the most standard classifications for the readers. The management aspects of hematologic malignancies are extremely complicated, as besides chemotherapies, immunotherapies, and radiation therapies, cellular therapies play a major role in curative therapy, including CAR-T cells and stem cell transplantation.
Cancer Survivorship Programs in the UAE
Authors: Al-Awadhi Aydah , Singarachari Ramanujam A. , Sakr Rita A.
Published: September 2024

Due to demographics, greater early detection, and improved treatment, there are more cancer survivors today. Hence, it becomes important to provide these patients with a survivorship care plan with tailored check-ups and routine follow-ups to ensure their physical and psychosocial well-being and mitigate the possible long-term effects due to the disease itself and the treatments provided. In the United Arab Emirates, cancer survivorship programs and dedicated clinics have yet to be established as an integral part of caring for cancer patients. In this chapter, we will shed light on the unmet need to optimize holistic cancer care delivery and develop a national survivorship strategy tailored to cancer, cultural, and population characteristics.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the UAE
Authors: Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Abyad Amin M.
Published: September 2024

The UAE is home to more than 30 oncology centers and clinics. In previous discussions, we have provided an overview of the historical context surrounding the prominent cancer centers in the UAE [1]. In the UAE, a specific definition for a comprehensive cancer center (CCC) does not exist officially. The Department of Health (DOH) has issued general criteria for centers of excellence in Abu Dhabi, which are not tailored specifically to oncology [2].
Does Perceived Nuisance Abundance of Water Plants Match with Willingness-to-Pay for Removal? Contrasts Among Different User Categories
Authors: Vermaat Jan E. , Thiemer Kirstine , Immerzeel Bart , Schneider Susanne C. , Sebola Keneilwe , Coetzee Julie , Petruzzella Antonella , Motitsoe Samuel N. , Baldo Mathieu , Misteli Benjamin , Thiébaut Gabrielle , Hilt Sabine , Köhler Jan , Harpenslager Sarah Faye
Published: September 2024

Dense beds of water plants can be perceived as nuisance, but this perception, however, may not be similar for different user categories, and this may affect their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for plant removal. A questionnaire survey was used to test this for residents and visitors and find underlying socio-cultural or economic drivers. We studied five cases where nuisance water plant growth is managed: the rivers Otra (Norway) and Spree (Germany), and the lakes Kemnade (Germany), Grand-Lieu (France), and Hartbeespoort Dam (South Africa). We used a different payment vehicle for residents (annual household tax) and visitors (tourist tax). The survey included questions on days spent on specific types of activity per year, the importance attached to different functions and activities, overall environmental attitude, perception of the plants, socio-demographic respondent characteristics and WTP for increased plant removal. We observed no increase in WTP for increased removal in most sites. The two most important drivers of variation in current WTP were income, and whether respondents were engaged in boating and angling and thus perceived the plants negatively. Variation in WTP among sites was considerable, and mainly related to the mixture of activities among respondents. Differences between residents and visitors were less important than those among sites. Our observations bear importance for water management: information on differences in experienced nuisance among user categories and the frequency of use by these categories is useful as guidance for the design and implementation of any plant removal plan.
“Animation” URL in NFT marketplaces considered harmful for privacy
Authors: Callejo Patricia , Gómez Fernández Ignacio , Bagnulo Marcelo
Published: September 2024

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are becoming increasingly popular as a way to represent and own digital property. However, the usage of NFTs also prompts questions about privacy. In this work, we show that it is possible to use NFTs to retrieve enough information to fingerprint users. By doing so, we can uniquely associate users with blockchain accounts. This would allow linking several blockchain accounts to the same user. This work focuses on the vulnerabilities presented by some popular NFT marketplaces. Since NFTs may have HTML files embedded, they allow the use of fingerprinting techniques if not handled carefully. Finally, we provide recommendations and countermeasures for the different actors in this ecosystem to avoid these kinds of tracking methods and, in doing so, safeguard user privacy.
On effects of the null energy condition on totally umbilic hypersurfaces in a class of static spacetimes
Authors: Wolff Markus
Published: September 2024

We study the effects of the null energy condition on totally umbilic hypersurfaces in a class of static spacetimes, both in the spacelike and the timelike case, respectively. In the spacelike case, we study totally umbilic warped product graphs and give a full characterization of embedded surfaces with constant spacetime mean curvature using an Alexandrov Theorem by Brendle and Borghini–Fogagnolo–Pinamonti. In the timelike case, we achieve a characterization of photon surfaces with constant umbilicity factor similar to a result by Cederbaum–Galloway.
Timed topical dexamethasone eye drops improve mitochondrial function to prevent severe retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Yagi Hitomi , Boeck Myriam , Petrishka-Lozenska Mariya , Lundgren Pia , Kasai Taku , Cagnone Gael , Neilsen Katherine , Wang Chaomei , Lee Jeff , Tomita Yohei , Singh Sasha A. , Joyal Jean-Sébastien , Aikawa Masanori , Negishi Kazuno , Fu Zhongjie , Hellström Ann , Smith Lois E.H.
Published: September 2024

Pathological neovascularization in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can cause visual impairment in preterm infants. Current ROP treatments which are not preventative and only address late neovascular ROP, are costly and can lead to severe complications. We showed that topical 0.1% dexamethasone eye drops administered prior to peak neovessel formation prevented neovascularization in five extremely preterm infants at high risk for ROP and suppressed neovascularization by 30% in mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) modeling ROP. In contrast, in OIR, topical dexamethasone treatment before any neovessel formation had limited efficacy in preventing later neovascularization, while treatment after peak neovessel formation had a non-statistically significant trend to exacerbating disease. Optimally timed topical dexamethasone suppression of neovascularization in OIR was associated with increased retinal mitochondrial gene expression and decreased inflammatory marker expression, predominantly found in immune cells. Blocking mitochondrial ATP synthetase reversed the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on neovascularization in OIR. This study provides new insights into topical steroid effects in retinal neovascularization and into mitochondrial function in phase II ROP, and suggests a simple clinical approach to prevent severe ROP.
Foreword to the special issue “Adjacent Interacting Masonry Structures”
Authors: Beyer Katrin , Butenweg Christof , Penna Andrea , DeJong Matthew
Published: September 2024

This special issue focuses on the seismic performance of adjacent interacting masonry structures, particularly in historical European city centers. The AIMS project provided unique data on interacting masonry structures through large-scale shake table tests on two adjacent half-scale stone masonry buildings. The experimental campaign was accomapgnied by a blind prediction study where participants modeled the aggregate’s seismic response. Findings highlight challenges in accurately predicting displacement demands and failure modes, providing critical insights for improving future modeling techniques for masonry buildings.
CO-Free Fuel Processing of Water Gas Shift Feedstocks: Effect of Support on CuMn Spinel Performance
Authors: Dasireddy Venkata D. B. C. , Viswanadham Balaga , Likozar Blaz , Valand Jignesh
Published: September 2024

Cleaning up carbon monoxide (CO) in water gas shift feedstocks is crucial for fuel cell applications. The catalytic transformation of CO in hydrogen-rich feeds poses a significant challenge in environmental catalysis. To address this issue, a range of Cu–Mn-based monometallic and bimetallic catalysts with diverse supports (such as alumina, silica, zirconia, and titania) were employed. Temperature programming techniques were utilised to observe the reduction and oxidation behaviours of these catalysts. The investigation involved testing CO oxidation at various temperatures over copper and manganese-based supported catalysts in the presence of H2O and CO2 (simulating realistic conditions). A positive impact of H2O on catalytic performance was noted, whereas CO2 had a suppressive effect. Furthermore, the specific support materials (Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, and ZrO2) were studied to understand their roles in CO oxidation under realistic conditions. In the presence of water, alumina catalysts containing bimetallic metals (Cu–Mn) exhibited 100% CO conversion even at a lower temperature of 160 °C. Conversely, under the predominant influence of CO2, alumina catalyst (Cu–Mn) showed 55% CO conversion. The exceptional performance was attributed to CO preferential adsorption on highly active Cu–Mn sites and a small H2-oxidative atmosphere of the catalysts. The activity results highlighted the strong dependence of CO conversion on reaction temperatures, the presence of metals, and the types of supports. Overall, these findings suggest the potential use of these catalysts for H2 purification under realistic conditions.

Graphical Abstract
Genetic differentiation and diversity do not explain variation in heterosis or inbreeding depression: empirical evidence from a long-lived iteroparous plant
Authors: Söderquist Linus , Karrenberg Sophie , Sletvold Nina
Published: September 2024

Assisted gene flow can restore genetic diversity when genetic drift has driven deleterious alleles to high frequencies in small, isolated populations. Previous crosses among 20 populations of Gymnadenia conopsea documented the strongest heterosis and the weakest inbreeding depression in sparse and small populations, consistent with fixation of mildly deleterious alleles by genetic drift. We genotyped the populations used for crosses, and used 1200–1728 SNPs to test the following predictions: (1) heterosis increases with genetic differentiation (FST) to donor populations and decreases with genetic diversity in the recipient population, (2) inbreeding depression increases with genetic diversity, and (3) genetic diversity increases, and mean FST to other populations decreases, with population size and density. Pairwise FST ranged from very low to moderate (0.005–0.20) and genetic diversity varied moderately among populations (proportion of polymorphic loci = 0.52–0.75). However, neither FST between populations, nor genetic diversity in the recipient population, were related to the strength of heterosis. There was also no association between genetic diversity and the strength of inbreeding depression. Genetic diversity increased and mean FST decreased with population size, consistent with reduced diversity and increased differentiation of small populations by genetic drift. The results indicate that the loci conferring heterosis are not mirrored by overall population differentiation, and limited additional information on potential source populations for genetic rescue is gained by the genetic data. Instead, the use of controlled crosses can directly reveal positive effects of introducing new genetic material, and is a simple method with high potential in conservation.
Effect of different drying methods on the nutritional composition and phenolic compounds of the brown macroalga, Fucus vesiculosus (Fucales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Dhakal Sachin , Pandey Deepak , van der Heide Marleen Elise , Nørgaard Jan Værum , Vrhovsek Urska , Khanal Prabhat
Published: September 2024

The application of macroalgae for food and feed has been increasing continuously due to their nutritional and health-promoting properties. Efficient post-harvest drying is needed to remove moisture content from macroalgal biomass without negatively affecting its nutritional value. We hypothesized that low-temperature oven drying would preserve most of the nutrients and polyphenols in macroalgae. The polyphenol-rich brown macroalga, Fucus vesiculosus, was exposed to one of the following treatments: freeze-drying (FD; for 72 h), oven drying at 40 ℃ (OD40; for 24 h), and oven drying at 80 ℃ (OD80; for 24 h). The concentration of total fatty acids and the sum of saturated, mono-, and polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibited a decreasing trend with higher drying temperatures (FD > OD40 > OD80), indicating the sensitivity of fatty acids to a high drying temperature. However, the sum of total or essential amino acids was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in OD80 compared to OD40 and FD biomass. In this study, the average N-protein-conversion factor for dried F. vesiculosus remained relatively stable (~ 4.64) across drying treatments. The total polyphenol content remained unaffected by the drying treatment, although it tended to decrease with increasing drying temperature. Targeted metabolomics revealed three classes of phenolic compounds: phenylpropanoids, flavones, and flavonols. A low-temperature oven drying appears to be a suitable method to preserve nutrients and polyphenols in brown macroalgae. Future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of drying methods on other bioactive compounds and to understand the economic sustainability of oven drying.
Sibling-Mediated Early Start Denver Model Support for Young Autistic Children
Authors: Waddington H. , Wilson E. , van Noorden L. , Macaskill A. C. , Carnett A. , Vivanti G.
Published: September 2024

Young autistic children and their siblings often need support to play and engage with each other. The inclusion of older siblings in the provision of support may improve outcomes for autistic children and strengthen the sibling relationship. This study evaluated the inclusion of older siblings in the delivery of Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) support to autistic children aged between 3 and 4 years. It used a non-concurrent multiple baseline across participants design to evaluate the effects of sibling-mediated ESDM for four young autistic children and their older, non-autistic siblings. For most dyads, there were improvements in autistic child engagement and in sibling initiations during the sibling-mediated ESDM, which were generally maintained at follow-up. There was some improvement in sibling responses and minimal improvement in autistic child imitation and functional utterances. Sibling initiations and responses were generally positively correlated with autistic child engagement, functional utterances, and imitation. The parents of children in all four dyads found the sibling-mediated ESDM to be acceptable. These preliminary results suggest that sibling-mediated ESDM may be beneficial for improving the interaction between autistic children and their non-autistic siblings while benefits for teaching additional child skills might be more limited.
How Curiosity Enhances Performance: Mechanisms of Physiological Engagement, Challenge and Threat Appraisal, and Novelty Deprivation
Authors: Kaczmarek Lukasz D. , Kashdan Todd B. , Enko Jolanta
Published: September 2024

Research has shown that curiosity plays a crucial role in human performance and well-being. Based on multi-dimensional models of curiosity, we examined potential underlying mechanisms for this relationship. Extending prior research, we expected state and trait variants of curiosity to predict more challenge and less threat appraisals for novel tasks (i.e., joyous exploration dimension), stronger dissatisfaction when denied opportunities to do something interesting (i.e., deprivation sensitivity dimension), and persist longer under stress states (i.e., stress tolerance). We asked 123 participants to prepare and deliver a speech titled "Why are you a good friend?" After preparation, participants were informed that they were randomly selected not to perform the task. Throughout the experiment, we recorded heart rate reactivity as a physiological indicator of task engagement. We found that individuals curious about the upcoming task felt more challenged, less threatened, and presented longer physiological engagement than less curious individuals. Curious individuals expressed more disappointment about the missed opportunity to deliver the speech. In summary, this study revealed theoretically derived mechanisms that partially account for associations between curiosity and positive life outcomes while also indicating adverse effects.
Cassirer’s functionalist account of physical truth: object, measurement and technology
Authors: Spigola Benedetta
Published: September 2024

In this paper I focus on Cassirer’s functionalist theory of truth in order to argue that the Positivistic theory of knowledge fails to explain how it is that physics provides us with truth-evaluable and reliably objective descriptions of the world. This argument is based on Cassirer’s idea that what the Positivistic theory of knowledge normally considers as the “factual” of physics is, in fact, unachievable and falsely conceived. I show that Cassirer’s focus on how measurement is made possible, as well as how technological instruments are put to use in physical research, enables him to offer an alternative account of truth, i.e., a functionalist theory of truth, which is philosophically attractive and rationally plausible.
A note on generalized Floater–Hormann interpolation at arbitrary distributions of nodes
Authors: Themistoclakis Woula , Van Barel Marc
Published: September 2024

The paper is concerned with a generalization of Floater–Hormann (briefly FH) rational interpolation recently introduced by the authors. Compared with the original FH interpolants, the generalized ones depend on an additional integer parameter $$\gamma >1$$

γ
>
1

, that, in the limit case $$\gamma =1$$

γ
=
1

returns the classical FH definition. Here we focus on the general case of an arbitrary distribution of nodes and, for any $$\gamma >1$$

γ
>
1

, we estimate the sup norm of the error in terms of the maximum (h) and minimum ($$h^*$$

h
∗

) distance between two consecutive nodes. In the special case of equidistant ($$h=h^*$$

h
=

h
∗

) or quasi–equidistant ($$h\approx h^*$$

h
≈

h
∗

) nodes, the new estimate improves previous results requiring some theoretical restrictions on $$\gamma $$
γ
which are not needed as shown by the numerical tests carried out to validate the theory.
Multi-population mortality modeling with economic, environmental and lifestyle variables
Authors: Dimai Matteo
Published: September 2024

The premise of multipopulation mortality models is that pooling multiple populations can help identify more stable trends and diminish statistical noise. However, many existing models fail to contextualize mortality trends, treating them as isolated phenomena. This article introduces a comprehensive multipopulation mortality model that incorporates a broad spectrum of economic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to predict mortality trends. The factors are obtained with principal components analysis, extending current models which employ external variables beyond GDP. The model is applied to 33 countries present in the Human Mortality Database, divided into 9 clusters. Expanding the scope of covariates improves model fit for 29 countries out of 33 compared to GDP alone, and consistently outperforms the Li-Lee model. Furthermore, forecasting accuracy surpasses that of the Li-Lee model across various jump-off years and matches or exceeds models limited to GDP as a covariate. This study advances the field by demonstrating that a multipopulation approach, enriched with a wide array of covariates, significantly refines mortality forecasts, challenging the reliance on extrapolative or GDP-only models. It offers actuarial practitioners and policymakers a more nuanced tool for scenario planning, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mortality rates with broader socio-economic and environmental factors.
Near Real-time Leak Location by Inverse Analysis Integrating Measurement Uncertainty
Authors: Ferreira Bruno , Carriço Nelson , Covas Dídia
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a novel model-based method for near real-time pipe burst location in water distribution networks by integrating measurement uncertainty into inverse analysis. The method accounts for expected errors between measured and computed values, providing a pipe burst location area whose size varies according to the expected error level and the burst size. The proposed method is demonstrated and compared with the traditional inverse approach using a real case study with artificial bursts of different sizes and with different pressure signal noise levels. The performance of both methods is also assessed and discussed considering the effect of seasonal water demands. The traditional inverse analysis fails to accurately locate the pipe burst events, and depending on the expected error level and pipe burst size, the obtained locations may be significantly further away from the real burst location. Conversely, the proposed method does not point to the exact burst location but provides an approximated area in which step-testing can be carried out to pinpoint the exact burst location; the size of this area can be larger or smaller depending on the burst flow rate and signal uncertainty.
Calorie restriction increases the sensitivity of progeroid Ercc1Δ/− mice to acute (neuro)inflammation
Authors: Reitsema V. A. , Schreuder L. , Gerrits E. , Eggen B. J. L. , Goris M. , Laman J. D. , de Rooij S. E. , Wesseling E. M. , Bouma H. R. , Henning R. H.
Published: September 2024

Hospitalized elderly patients frequently suffer from delirium, especially in the context of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Current treatments of delirium are merely symptomatic. Calorie restriction (CR) is both a promising strategy to protect against sepsis and has beneficial effects on aging-induced neurodegeneration. In this study, we investigated whether six weeks of 30% CR had protective effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced (neuro)inflammation in wild-type (WT) and progeroid mice deficient in the DNA excision-repair gene Ercc1 (Ercc1Δ/−). While CR did not affect the LPS-induced inflammatory response in WT mice, CR exaggerated the peripheral inflammatory response in Ercc1Δ/− mice, as evidenced by an increase of pro-inflammatory serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) and kidney injury marker Ngal. Neuroinflammatory effects were assessed by RNA-sequencing of isolated microglia. Similarly, CR did not affect microglia gene expression in WT mice, but increased neuroinflammation-associated gene expression in Ercc1Δ/− mice. In conclusion, CR increases the peripheral and brain inflammatory response of Ercc1Δ/− mice to a systemic inflammatory stimulus.