bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable Poly-l-Lactic Acid for Body Aesthetic Treatments: An International Consensus on Evidence Assessment and Practical Recommendations
Authors: Haddad Alessandra , Avelar Luiz , Fabi Sabrina G. , Sarubi Juliana , Somenek Michael , Coimbra Daniel Dal’Asta , Palm Melanie , Durairaj Kalpna K. , Somji Munir , Vasconcelos-Berg Roberta , Hanseok Lim , Morlet-Brown Kate , Huang Jeff , Fitzgerald Rebecca , Hexsel Doris , Mao Cheri , Weinberg Felipe , Prygova Inna , Bråsäter Daniel
Published: November 2024

Non-facial (body) rejuvenation is a treatment of increasing demand, with patients seeking to harmonize the benefits of rejuvenated facial appearance with other areas of the body. Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA)-SCA (Sculptra®) has been approved for facial aesthetic uses since 1999 in Europe and since 2009 in the USA and more recently evaluated for the treatment of cellulite of the buttocks and thighs and other body indications. The current evidence base consists largely of prospective observational analyses and case series although systematic evaluations for a number of body areas are underway. Current data support a potential benefit for the use of PLLA-SCA for the aesthetic treatment of the neck, knees, abdomen, hands and upper arms. Improvements in aesthetic appearance (e.g. sagging, wrinkling, dimpling, cellulite) that are sustained over time with minimal side effects can be achieved. Standardization of injection protocols for different body areas is now needed along with the validation of clinical tools that can be used to agree on treatment goals and to evaluate aesthetic improvements over time. A group of international experts in the fields of facial and body aesthetics, plastic surgery and dermatology were selected based on their educational, scientific and publication merits together with clinical experience using PLLA-SCA for body rejuvenation. Here, we provide an evidence-based and expert-led consensus (14 years of off-face treatment experience) on recommendations for appropriate injection protocols for different body sites and evaluation tools when using the biostimulator PLLA-SCA for body aesthetic and rejuvenation procedures.

Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Central nervous system relapse after allogeneic HCT in FLT3-mutated AML
Authors: Kouidri Khouloud , Acker Fabian , Toenges Rosa , Pfaff Saskia , Lindner Sarah , Riemann Julia , Werth Marek , Ajib Salem , Lang Fabian , Steffen Björn , Oellerich Thomas , Serve Hubert , Cremer Anjali , Bug Gesine
Published: November 2024

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is rare, but prognostically extremely unfavorable and associated with very high mortality rates. Aim of our single-center study was to define risk factors for CNS relapse in patients with FLT3-mutated AML after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and to determine the impact of pre-emptive or salvage therapy with FLT3-inhibitors (FLT3i) on occurrence of CNS relapse and overall prognosis. We analyzed 39 FLT3-mutated AML patients who were treated with intensive induction therapy and consecutively underwent HCT at our institution. We observed that the remission status before HCT was strongly associated with relapse probability. Notably, FLT3-mutated AML showed a high propensity for CNS relapse with a cumulative incidence of 50% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16–77) at 2 years in non-responders pre-HCT compared to 0% in responders (cause-specific hazard ratio, 24.5, 95% CI, 2.9-206.2; p = 0.003). This was not abrogated by pre-emptive or salvage therapy with FLT3i in first relapse. Targeted therapies prior to transplant, use of intrathecal chemoprophylaxis or closer monitoring may be considered in patients with FLT3-mutated AML with active disease prior to HCT in order to prevent CNS relapse.
Exact algorithms for continuous pricing with advanced discrete choice demand models
Authors: Haering Tom , Legault Robin , Torres Fabian , Ljubić Ivana , Bierlaire Michel
Published: November 2024

We present a spatial Branch and Bound and spatial Branch and Benders Decomposition approach together with the Breakpoint Exact Algorithm (BEA) to tackle the uncapacitated choice-based pricing problem (CPP) where demand is captured by a discrete choice model (DCM) based on the random utility principle. We leverage problem characteristics to reformulate the state-of-the-art simulation-based formulation of the CPP as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) into a non-convex quadratically constrained quadratic program (QCQP), and then into a non-convex QCQP with linear objective (QCQP-L). We solve this reformulation with an efficient spatial Branch and Bound procedure utilizing the McCormick envelope for relaxations, which are then solved using Benders decomposition. We further exploit utility breakpoints to develop the BEA, which scales polynomially in the number of customers and draws, providing a fast option for low numbers of prices. Our methods are evaluated against solving the MILP, QCQP, or QCQP-L with GUROBI on a mixed logit (ML) parking space operator case study. We outspeed the MILP by several orders of magnitude when optimizing one or two prices and reduce computational time drastically for larger numbers of prices. When comparing to algorithms tailored for the CPP with ML demand specifically, our approaches significantly outperform the state of the art. Our methodology suits all choice-based optimization problems with linear-in-price utilities, given any DCM.
Do wild-caught fly larvae cooperatively forage?
Authors: Kuhar Rives , Williamson Madeline , Yee Peyton , Naik Guzel , Cursain Sean Michael , Condron Barry
Published: November 2024

Animals often form organized cooperative foraging groups, where individual members must adhere to specific rules to maintain cohesiveness. These groups face the challenge of managing potential intruders, who may or may not assist in foraging. In semi-liquid food environments, Drosophila larvae learn to synchronize their movements into clusters, which are thought to make feeding more efficient. Individuals who do not synchronize with the group are excluded from the cluster. Whether clustering behavior occurs in wild-caught larvae, and if so, the extent of their selectivity in group membership, remains unknown. Here, we show that clustering occurs across a number of fly species, and the capacity to join different clusters varies both between and within species. We collected and observed a larval cluster from rotting fruit in the field, yielding seven fly species. Subsequent tests for clustering on five lines from this collection and 20 other inbred wild-caught lines revealed that all species, except D. suzukii, exhibit clustering behavior. Each line demonstrates varying capacities to become members of different clusters. This study also indicates that there is high genetic variance in how individual lines cluster with each other that is not explained by cross species features. Additionally, combinations of wild species with lab benchmark strains give varied outcomes in resultant adult fitness. The ability to co-cluster varies between and within species boundaries. However, fly lines that cluster with another tend to impart fitness both to themselves and their host. Our findings demonstrate that multiple species of fly larvae can co-cluster. This behavior tends to confer mutual benefits to cluster members, suggesting significant ecological implications in Drosophila communities.
PD-L1 expression and characterization of its carrier macrophages in placentas with acute and specifically post-SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Seefried Marina C. , Mittelberger Johanna , Franitza Manuela , Garrido Fabian , Wild Carl Mathis , Ditsch Nina , Protsepko Oleksii , Kuhn Christina , Dannecker Christian , Altevogt Peter , Jeschke Udo , Sammar Marei
Published: November 2024

At the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, uncertainties about the virus and its dangers during pregnancy caused great uncertainty and fear, especially among pregnant women. New data suggest an increased risk of obstetric complications, including maternal complications, preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, hypertensive disorders, stillbirths, gestational diabetes and risk, of neonatal developmental disorders. In addition, preeclampsia (PE)-like syndromes were also induced by severe COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of CD68 and CD163 and PD-L1 on placental tissues from acute covid patients, patients who survived a covid-19 infection and normal term controls that are known to be dysregulated in preeclampsia cases. We examined a total of 60 placentas from women that had given birth to female or male offspring in the University Hospital Augsburg. We investigated ten acute COVID-19 females, ten acute COVID-19 males, ten post-COVID-19 females, ten post-COVID-19 males, ten female term controls, and ten male term controls. Immunohistochemical staining against CD68, CD163, and PD-L1 was performed and the expression of the markers was evaluated with an immunoreactive score (percentage score). Identity of CD163- or PD-L1 expressing cells was analyzed by double immune fluorescence analyses. In opposite to PE, CD163 positive maternal macrophages are significantly upregulated in the decidua of male acute COVID-19 placentas. PD-L1 is significantly upregulated on male acute- and post-COVID-19 decidual immune cells and on male post-COVID-19 extravillous trophoblast cells. Surprisingly the observed effects are related to the fetal gender as they were not observed in female offsprings. Further investigation is necessary to analyze especially the imprinting effect of this infection.
Quantification of volcanic degassing and analysis of uncertainties using numerical modeling: the case of Stephanos crater (Nisyros Island, Greece)
Authors: Massaro Silvia , Tamburello Giancarlo , Bini Giulio , Costa Antonio , Stocchi Manuel , Tassi Franco , Biagi Rebecca , Vaselli Orlando , Chiodini Giovanni , Dioguardi Fabio , Selva Jacopo , Sandri Laura , Macedonio Giovanni , Caliro Stefano , Vougioukalakis Georges
Published: November 2024

Nisyros Island (Greece) is affected by widespread gas emissions from fumarolic fields located at the bottom of hydrothermal craters in the southern part of its caldera. This morphology and the current low gas fluxes make Nisyros an ideal site for testing the limits of physics-based gas dispersal models in confined and low-emission conditions. Here, we focused our attention on the local scale volcanic gas dispersion from the Stephanos hydrothermal crater. In April 2023, a 1-week survey was carried out to measure weather data, CO2 and H2S gas fluxes, air concentrations from portable gas stations, and chemical composition of fumarolic gases and to acquire thermal images of the crater floor. These data were used as inputs and boundary conditions for numerical simulations using a DISGAS-2.6.0 model in order to quantify the present-day volcanic degassing and its associated uncertainties, accounting for the meteorological variability. Model results are provided in terms of H2S probabilistic exceedance and persistence maps, showing gas concentrations within the crater that fall below the thresholds indicated for the occurrence of serious respiratory problems. Since DISGAS-2.6.0 does not account for chemical reactions, this study represents a good opportunity to discuss the methodological limits of simulating the dispersion of H2S which is challenging due to its rapid degradation and dilution in the atmosphere. In this regard, we also provided an empirical law of the H2S depletion in low-emission conditions that takes into account the uncertainties related to the field measurements.
Motivations-Apps und Gamification in der Abfallwirtschaft
Authors: Judmaier P. , Ladner S. , Taurer F. , Mynha C. , Mauthner B. , Salhofer S. , Beigl P. , Huber-Humer M.
Published: November 2024

Vor dem Hintergrund hoher biogener Anteile im Restmüll und zu verbessernder Bioabfallverwertung wurde das Projekt „KüKeN – Küchenküberl für energetische Nutzung“ gestartet, das neue Wege bei der Sammlung und kaskadischen Verwertung von biogenen Abfällen aus Haushalten erproben soll. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf dem Einsatz digitaler Medientechnologie zur Steigerung der Motivation und zur Verbesserung der Sammelqualität. Als Grundlage für Entwicklungen im Rahmen dieses Projekts werden der Hintergrund zur Gamification, der Stand der Sensorik in Hinblick auf die technische Umsetzung des Küchenküberls sowie der Stand der Technik bei abfallwirtschaftlichen Apps dargestellt. Die Konzeption des interaktiven Küchenküberls in Kombination mit einer Motivations-App basiert auf einem nutzer:innenzentrierten Designprozess, wobei Nudging als Ansatz für die Trenn- und Sammelmotivation zur Anwendung kommt. Hauptzielgruppe der KüKeN-App sind Kinder und Jugendliche, die als Multiplikator:innen Kenntnisse und Engagement für das Thema Abfalltrennung in ihrem Umfeld verbreiten. Auf Basis von User- und Stakeholder-Workshops wurde die KüKeN-App mit drei Komponenten – ein ChatBot für Information, ein Spiel zur Wissensvermittlung sowie ein Spiel zur Aufrechterhaltung der Motivation – entwickelt. Nach der Vorstellung des Ergebnisses der Smartphone-Applikation gibt der Artikel einen Ausblick auf den bevorstehenden Einsatz der App in der Testregion.
Development and validation of a claims-based algorithm to identify incidents and determine the progression phases of gastric cancer cases in Japan
Authors: Inoue Takahiro , Agatsuma Nobukazu , Utsumi Takahiro , Tanaka Yukari , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Horimatsu Takahiro , Shimizu Takahiro , Nikaido Mitsuhiro , Nakanishi Yuki , Hoshino Nobuaki , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Nakayama Takeo , Seno Hiroshi
Published: November 2024

Background

Although health insurance claims data can address questions that clinical trials cannot answer, the uncertainty of disease names and the absence of stage information hinder their use in gastric cancer (GC) research. This study aimed to develop and validate a claims-based algorithm to identify and determine the progression phases of incident GC cases in Japan.

Methods

The gold standard for validation in this retrospective observational study was medical records of patients with incident GC who underwent specific treatments, defined by the claim codes associated with GC treatment. The algorithm was developed and refined using a cohort from two large tertiary care medical centers (April–September 2017 and April–September 2019) and subsequently validated using two independent cohorts: one from different periods (October 2017–March 2019 and October 2019–March 2021) and the other from a different institution (a community hospital). The algorithm identified incident cases based on a combination of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnosis codes for GC (C160-169), and claim codes for specific treatments, classifying them into endoscopic, surgical, and palliative groups. Positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity of incident case identification, and diagnostic accuracy of progression phase determination were evaluated.

Results

The developed algorithm achieved PPVs of 90.0% (1119/1244) and 95.9% (94/98), sensitivities of 98.0% (1119/1142) and 98.9% (94/95) for incident case identification, with diagnostic accuracies of 94.1% (1053/1119) and 93.6% (88/94) for progression phase determination in the two validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

This validated claims-based algorithm could advance real-world GC research and assist in decision-making regarding GC treatment.
Shear Behavior and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Propped Rough Fractures
Authors: Zhang Qi , Su Boyang , Chen Guoxu , Luo Jin , Zhang Jiale , Zhao Qi , Ni Yi-Qing
Published: November 2024

Shearing stimulation with proppant is widely used in geothermal and hydrocarbon reservoirs. However, the shear behavior associated with proppant-proppant and proppant-fracture interactions has not been clearly elaborated. This paper investigates surface damage and the interactions between proppant and surface roughness through direct shear tests with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. The AE events show distinct spatial and temporal distribution patterns under the influence of proppant. The small magnitude AE events, representing proppant slipping and crushing, start to occur in large areas from the beginning of the shear deformation, and the large magnitude AE events occur mostly at the peak and during the residual phase and are concentrated on asperities. Crushed proppant grains and asperities form a gouge layer that prevents further damage to the fracture surface, reduces shear dilation and promotes aseismic creep. Fine proppant grains tend to remain intact, while the coarse proppant grains tend to be crushed. Our results suggest that acoustic emission characteristics can be used to infer different stages of shear behavior of propped fractures. These findings enhance our understanding of the shear behavior of propped fractures and provide evidence for monitoring their conditions using seismic signals.
Effect of powder air polishing and ultrasonic scaling on the marginal and internal interface (tooth-veneer) of ceramic veneers: an in vitro study
Authors: Fuchs Florian , Mayer Laura Antonia , Unterschütz Lena , Ziebolz Dirk , Oberueck Nadia , Schulz‑Kornas Ellen , Hahnel Sebastian , Koenig Andreas
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study investigated the influence of prophylactic treatments and thermocycling on the marginal and internal veneering interface (tooth-veneer) as well as on the surface texture of ceramic veneers.

Materials and methods

A total of 32 extracted human premolars were restored with veneers made of lithium disilicate (LDS) or zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS). An artificial aging of the specimens was conducted via five cycles of both thermocycling (5/55°C) and prophylactic treatment (powder air polishing or ultrasonic scaling). Changes in the marginal interface and in the surface texture were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The internal interface and the microstructure were investigated using micro X-ray computed tomography.

Results

Artificial aging resulted in a deepening of the marginal interface across all groups (mean height: 4.51–15.74 μm, maximum height: 10.42–22.71 μm, cross-section: 256.68–1525.84 μm², regardless of the veneer material or prophylaxis method. No change in surface texture was observed. The internal interface exhibited defects for all groups after artificial aging. ZLS showed cracks in five out of eight veneers after exposure to ultrasonic scaling and thermocycling.

Conclusion

Ceramic veneers exhibited a high resistance to prophylactic measures in terms of surface durability, but a deepening of the marginal interface should be taken into account. With regard to the formation of cracks within the material, the use of ultrasonic scaling is not recommended for ZLS veneers.

Clinical relevance

The influence of artificial aging, including prophylactic treatments, plays a critical role in assessing longevity for veneers in defect-oriented and esthetic dentistry.
Effects of aggregate crushing and strain rate on fracture in compressive concrete with a DEM-based breakage model
Authors: Nitka Michal , Tejchman Jacek
Published: November 2024

This study looked at how breakable aggregates affected the mesoscopic dynamic behavior of concrete in the uniaxial compression condition. In-depth dynamic two-dimensional (2D) studies were conducted to examine the impact of aggregate crushing and strain rate on concrete’s dynamic strength and fracture patterns. Using a DEM-based breakage model, concrete was simulated as a four-phase material consisting of aggregate, mortar, ITZs, and macropores. The concrete mesostructure was obtained from laboratory micro-CT tests. Collections of spherical particles were used to imitate aggregate breakage of different sizes and shapes by enabling intra-granular fracturing between them. The mortar was described in terms of unbreakable spheres with different diameters. Compared to the mortar, the aggregate strength was always stronger. A qualitative consistency was achieved between the DEM results and the available experimental data. Concrete’s dynamic compressive strength rose significantly with strain rate and just somewhat with aggregate strength. The fracture process was impacted considerably by aggregate crushing and strain rate. The number of broken contacts grew with an increase in strain rate and a decrease in aggregate strength.
Bumblebee social learning outcomes correlate with their flower-facing behaviour
Authors: Lu Yuyi , Zhuo Zhenwei , Roper Mark , Chittka Lars , Solvi Cwyn , Peng Fei , Zhou Ying
Published: November 2024

Previous studies suggest that social learning in bumblebees can occur through second-order conditioning, with conspecifics functioning as first-order reinforcers. However, the behavioural mechanisms underlying bumblebees’ acquisition of socially learned associations remain largely unexplored. Investigating these mechanisms requires detailed quantification and analysis of the observation process. Here we designed a new 2D paradigm suitable for simple top-down high-speed video recording and analysed bumblebees’ observational learning process using a deep-learning-based pose-estimation framework. Two groups of bumblebees observed live conspecifics foraging from either blue or yellow flowers during a single foraging bout, and were subsequently tested for their socially learned colour preferences. Both groups successfully learned the colour indicated by the demonstrators and spent more time facing rewarding flowers—whether occupied by demonstrators or not—compared to non-rewarding flowers. While both groups showed a negative correlation between time spent facing non-rewarding flowers and learning outcomes, the observer bees in the blue group benefited from time spent facing occupied rewarding flowers, whereas the yellow group showed that time facing unoccupied rewarding flowers by the observer bees positively correlated with their learning outcomes. These results suggest that socially influenced colour preferences are shaped by the interplay of different types of observations rather than merely by observing a conspecific at a single colour. Together, these findings provide direct evidence of the dynamical viewing process of observer bees during social observation, opening up new opportunities for exploring the details of more complex social learning in bumblebees and other insects.
An Equivalence Between Two Models of $$\infty $$-Categories of Enriched Presheaves
Authors: Heine Hadrian
Published: November 2024

Let

$${{\mathcal {O}}}\rightarrow {\text {BM}}$$

O
→
BM

be a

$${\text {BM}}$$

BM

-operad that exhibits an

$$\infty $$

∞

-category

$${{\mathcal {D}}}$$

D

as weakly bitensored over non-symmetric

$$\infty $$

∞

-operads

$${{\mathcal {V}}}\rightarrow \text {Ass }, {{\mathcal {W}}}\rightarrow \text {Ass }$$

V
→
Ass

,
W
→
Ass

and

$${{\mathcal {C}}}$$

C

a

$${{\mathcal {V}}}$$

V

-enriched

$$\infty $$

∞

-precategory. We construct an equivalence

$$\begin{aligned} \text {Fun}_{\text {Hin}}^{{\mathcal {V}}}({{\mathcal {C}}},{{\mathcal {D}}}) \simeq \text {Fun}^{{\mathcal {V}}}({{\mathcal {C}}},{{\mathcal {D}}}) \end{aligned}$$

Fun

Hin

V

(
C
,
D
)

≃

Fun
V

(
C
,
D
)

of

$$\infty $$

∞

-categories weakly right tensored over

$${{\mathcal {W}}}$$

W

between Hinich’s construction of

$${{\mathcal {V}}}$$

V

-enriched functors of Hinich (Adv Math 367:107129, 2020) and our construction of

$${{\mathcal {V}}}$$

V

-enriched functors of Heine (Adv Math 417:108941, 2023).
Impact of CCND1 amplification on the prognosis of hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative breast cancer patients—correlation of clinical and pathological markers
Authors: Hanf Dorothea , Fasching Peter , Gass Paul , Matthias W. Beckmann  , Hack Carolin C. , Heindl Felix , Lothar Häberle  , John Nelson , Erber Ramona , Press Michael F. , Rübner Matthias , Pöschke Patrik
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) encodes a key cell-cycle regulatory protein. Resistance to endocrine therapy is reportedly observed more often in patients with CCND1-amplified tumors. CCND1 amplification is known to be a driving event in breast cancer, but contradictory findings are reported for its association with prognosis. This study therefore investigated the prognostic value of CCND1 amplification in hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer patients.

Methods

A cohort of 894 unselected breast cancer patients from the Bavarian Breast Cancer Cases and Controls (BBCC) study was included. The CCND1 amplification rate was evaluated in tissue microarrays using fluorescence in situ hybridization. A CCND1/CEP11 ratio ≥ 2.0 was considered amplified. Statistical analysis was conducted on cases with ratios based on a range of 20–100 nuclei analyzed per case. A univariable Cox regression model was fitted with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

CCND1 gene status was assessable in 511 patients. The CCND1 amplification rate was 12.9% (66 patients). Most patients with CCND1 amplification had luminal B-Like—(51.5%, n = 34) or luminal A-Like tumors (25.8%, n = 17), 13 patients with HER2-positive disease (19.7%) and only two patients had triple-negative tumors (3.0%). Survival analysis, focused on HR-positive, HER2-negative patients, showed no statistically significant differences in the DFS and OS with and without CCND1 amplification (P = 0.20 and 0.14, respectively, in the unadjusted analysis).

Conclusions

CCND1 amplification is a recurring event in breast cancer, occurring most frequently in luminal B-like and HER2-amplified subtypes. A trend toward less favorable outcomes was observed among CCND1-amplified HR-positive, HER2-negative tumors.
Modified Tasmanian devil optimization for solving single and multi-objective optimal power flow in conventional and advanced power systems
Authors: Farhat Mohamed , Kamel Salah , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y.
Published: November 2024

This paper presents two modified versions of the Tasmanian Devil Optimization (TDO) for dealing with the optimal power flow (OPF) problem in both conventional and advanced power systems. The original TDO is enhanced with two distinct constraint handling techniques: weighted factors (WF) in addition to the superiority of feasible solutions (SF).The two developed algorithms (TDO-WF and TDO-SF) are applied to tackle both single and multi-objective functions of the OPF problem. Two test systems are used for verifying the two developed algorithms in different case studies. The first test system is the IEEE-30 bus system in its conventional form, while the second system is an advanced version of the IEEE-30 bus system that contains three distinct sorts of renewable energy plants and a variable load. The MATLAB software is used for simulation purposes. The two developed algorithms overcame the problem of violating the system’s constraints in the original TDO and achieved better results than alternative approaches in the related research. A statistical analysis and a Wilcoxon signed rank test are carried out to define the best one of the two developed techniques. The results of the two suggested techniques are quite similar, and we verified the validity of both of them to tackle the OPF problem in both conventional and advanced power systems.
Science and Mathematics High School Students’ Perceptions of Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Arvatz Avivit , Dori Yehudit Judy
Published: November 2024

We investigated the advancement of self-regulated learning (SRL) in diverse educational settings, including science, mathematics, and humanities disciplines. We identified practices for assessing students' SRL and encouraging reflection. The research questions were: (1) Can sustained changes in students' perceptions of SRL over time be assessed, and if so how? and (2) What assessment strategies effectively influence students' perceptions of their SRL? Research tools included a specially-designed questionnaire and a graphic-facilitated focus group. We first compared the SRL of 184 high school students in science, mathematics, and humanities, followed by a closer look at the SRL development of 72 students in science and mathematics. Six students then engaged in a graphical facilitation assessment to identify shifts in their SRL perceptions and reflections. The findings showed that students' SRL skills consisted of multiple factors, with help-seeking being the highest and reflection skills the lowest. No significant differences were found between science, mathematics, and humanities students' SRL skills. Mathematics students exhibited significant SRL improvements after an intervention, while science students showed no change. However, the focus group of science students elicited shifts in SRL perceptions and reflection through the use of graphical facilitation. Despite limitations in generalizability, this research highlights the value of diverse assessment tools in promoting SRL. It underscores the importance of employing diverse tools during the promotion of self-regulation processes to foster meaningful advancements in students' SRL skills. Our study contributes by linking the cyclical SRL model with the timing of reflection and adopting a multimodal approach to SRL assessment.
Strengthening the Paris Agreement through trade? The potential and limitations of EU preferential trade agreements for climate governance
Authors: Bertram Caroline , Van Coppenolle Hermine
Published: November 2024

Since 2019, a commitment has been included in the European Union’s (EU) preferential trade agreements to effectively implement the Paris Agreement. This commitment now exists in nine ratified or pending trade agreements. Yet research into the legal nature and institutional implications of this linkage between the Paris Agreement and EU trade agreements remains scant. Relying on the governance stringency framework, we explore the evolution of this commitment across EU trade agreements, highlighting its transition from a statement of shared intent into a legally binding obligation. We argue that the EU’s latest trade agreements increase the cost of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and bolster the Paris Agreement’s obligations of conduct, namely parties’ procedural duties, the expectation of progressively more ambitious climate pledges, and the commitment of all parties to realise these to the best of their efforts. Finally, we suggest that the implementation and enforcement mechanisms available through EU trade agreements in the context of the Paris Agreement commitment may prove pivotal in realising the climate regime’s objectives.
Observations about skew morphisms of cyclic groups
Authors: Bachratý Martin , Hagara Michal
Published: November 2024

A permutation $$\varphi $$
φ
on a finite group G is a skew morphism of G if $$\varphi (1_G)=1_G$$

φ

(

1
G

)

=

1
G

and there exists a function $$\pi \!: G \rightarrow \mathbb {Z}_{|\langle \varphi \rangle |}$$

π

:
G
→

Z

|
⟨
φ
⟩
|

such that $$\varphi (ab) = \varphi (a)\varphi ^{\pi (a)}(b)$$

φ

(
a
b
)

=
φ

(
a
)

φ

π
(
a
)

(
b
)

for all $$a,b\in G$$

a
,
b
∈
G

. In this paper, we develop an efficient algorithm for generating skew morphisms of finite cyclic groups and use it to determine all skew morphisms for cyclic groups up to order 1175. We then use this census to prove a number of new theorems about skew morphisms of finite cyclic groups. For example, we prove that the set of all skew morphisms of $$\mathbb {Z}_n$$

Z
n

is itself a group if and only if all skew morphisms of $$\mathbb {Z}_n$$

Z
n

are automorphisms, and we also determine all n for which every non-trivial skew morphism of $$\mathbb {Z}_n$$

Z
n

gives rise to a regular Cayley map. In addition, we classify skew morphisms for all finite cyclic groups of orders $$p^2q$$

p
2

q

and $$p^3q$$

p
3

q

where p and q are primes satisfying $$p<q$$

p
<
q

.
Characteristics of Disclosure of Suicidal and Nonsuicidal Behaviors in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Brausch Amy M. , Kalgren Taylor , Howd Chelsea
Published: November 2024

Many adolescents fear disclosing self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) due to stigma or concern about responses from others. The current study examined rates of disclosure for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicide ideation, and suicide attempts in a clinical sample of adolescents, and identified the individuals to whom they disclosed their SITBs. Differences in reasons for living (parent and peer support, future optimism, self-acceptance, and fear of suicide) were examined across disclosure groups. The sample included 100 adolescent inpatients (mean age = 14.61). Rates of disclosure were relatively high: 77% for NSSI, 75% for suicide ideation, and 83.7% for suicide attempts. Adolescents who disclosed NSSI reported higher scores on subscales of self-esteem and future optimism compared to those who did not disclose. No differences were found for adolescents disclosing to parents vs. others; only the fear of suicide subscale was significantly different, and was lower for adolescents who disclosed NSSI to peers vs. others. Adolescents with suicide ideation disclosure reported more parent support compared to those who had not disclosed, those with peer disclosure reported lower fear of suicide than those disclosing to others, and there were no differences for disclosing to parents vs. others. For suicide attempts, only self-acceptance subscale scores were significantly different, and lower for adolescents who disclosed to peers vs. others. There were no differences for disclosing suicide attempts to parents versus other people. The willingness to disclose self-harm behaviors seems influenced by the perception of safety and anticipated support from parents or others to whom adolescents disclose.
Mathematical Proficiency in Adolescents with ASD
Authors: Cohen O. , Sukenik N.
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate the mathematical abilities of adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing (TD) peers, focusing on procedural thinking, arithmetic comprehension, and algebraic technique. Sixty-seven adolescents (31 with ASD, 36 TD) participated in the study. A comprehensive mathematics skills test, incorporating oral and written components, was individually administered to assess abilities across three main mathematical domains. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analyses of group differences with qualitative assessments of response patterns. Significant differences were observed between ASD and TD groups across most mathematical measures, with TD adolescents generally outperforming those with ASD. Large effect sizes were noted in procedural thinking and algebraic procedures. However, no significant differences were found in word problem-solving. Within the ASD group, considerable variability was observed, with some individuals demonstrating age-appropriate mathematical abilities while others showed consistently low performance across all domains. The study highlights the complex nature of mathematical abilities in adolescents with ASD, characterized by significant group differences and within-group variability. These findings highlight the importance of individualized approaches in mathematical education for adolescents with ASD and emphasize the need for early identification and targeted interventions to address specific challenges in mathematical learning.
DynaHull: Density-centric Dynamic Point Filtering in Point Clouds
Authors: Habibiroudkenar Pejman , Ojala Risto , Tammi Kari
Published: November 2024

In the field of indoor robotics, accurately localizing and mapping in dynamic environments using point clouds can be a challenging task due to the presence of dynamic points. These dynamic points are often represented by people in indoor environments, but in industrial settings with moving machinery, there can be various types of dynamic points. This study introduces DynaHull, a novel technique designed to enhance indoor mapping accuracy by effectively removing dynamic points from point clouds. DynaHull works by leveraging the observation that, over multiple scans, stationary points have a higher density compared to dynamic ones. Furthermore, DynaHull addresses mapping challenges related to unevenly distributed points by clustering the map into smaller sections. In each section, the density factor of each point is determined by dividing the number of neighbors by the volume these neighboring points occupy using a convex hull method. The algorithm removes the dynamic points using an adaptive threshold based on the point count of each cluster, thus reducing the false positives. The performance of DynaHull was compared to state-of-the-art techniques, such as ERASOR, Removert, OctoMap + SOR , and Dynablox, by comparing each method to the ground truth map created during a low activity period in which only a few dynamic points were present. The results indicated that DynaHull outperformed these techniques in various metrics, noticeably in the Earth Mover’s Distance, false negatives and false positives. The data and code for DynaHull are available at https://github.com/Pejman712/DynaHull.git.
Dynamics of the Infinite Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Vuoksenmaa Aleksis
Published: November 2024

The discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation on $${\mathbb Z}^d$$

Z

d

, $$d \ge 1$$

d
≥
1

is an example of a dispersive nonlinear wave system. Being a Hamiltonian system that conserves also the $$\ell ^2({\mathbb Z}^d)$$

ℓ
2

(

Z

d

)

-norm, the well-posedness of the corresponding Cauchy problem follows for square-summable initial data. In this paper, we prove that the well-posedness continues to hold for initial data that can grow towards infinity, namely anything that has at most a certain power law growth far away from the origin. The growth condition is loose enough to guarantee that, at least in dimension $$d=1$$

d
=
1

, initial data sampled from any reasonable equilibrium distribution of the defocusing DNLS satisfies it almost surely.
Polymorphic crystallization and transformation pathways of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoyl-rac-glycerol (PPO) during a liquid–solid-liquid journey
Authors: Macridachis Jorge , Bayés-García Laura , Calvet Teresa
Published: November 2024

The polymorphic behavior of triacylglycerol (TAG) crystals formed during the manufacturing process of lipid-based food products relates directly to their textural and melting properties. In this work, we analyzed the polymorphic crystallization and transformation behavior of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoyl-rac-glycerol (PPO), a widespread TAG in edible fats and oils, during the application dynamic thermal treatments of cooling and heating. By implementing calorimetric, X-ray diffraction, and microscopy techniques, we mapped the polymorphic occurrence and the polymorphic transformation pathways of PPO as a function of the rate of thermal treatments. The results obtained were later compared to that reported for diverse TAGs in previous studies. Despite the overall crystallization and transformation behavior of PPO following a similar trend to other TAGs close in fatty acid composition, we can highlight the much lower influence of varying cooling and heating conditions on the crystallization properties of this TAG. In more detail, crystalline forms of low stability were generally promoted during crystallization, whereas transformations occurred always through the melt independently of the heating conditions. One may expect this behavior to influence the industrial processing and final properties of food products based on edible fats containing PPO.
Floods and related problems after the 1980s in Khovd, Western Mongolia
Authors: Narangerel Serdyanjiv , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Taniguchi Kenta , Hasegawa Tomonori , Enkhtaivan Dangaa , Narmandakh Byambajav , Batnyam Tseveengerel
Published: November 2024

Global warming has increased flood hazards, even in semi-arid regions. The extremely low normal surface water flow in these regions complicates hazard assessment and flood risk awareness. In this study, we first investigated recent flood trends since the 1980s in the major city of Khovd using meteorological data and satellite images to clarify climate change and its impacts in western Mongolia, which have not been reported before. The results showed that the frequency of heavy rain has increased gradually, despite a significant decrease in total annual precipitation. 75% of the total precipitation in the city of Khovd occurs in summer. Moreover, the frequency of daily precipitation exceeding 10 mm and the maximum daily precipitation have increased, and the frequency of flooding has increased since 1987. We also found that traces of floods were clearly recorded in Landsat images nine times since 1992 to 2022. The Buyant River, which flows northward along the western edge of Khovd, has not flooded in the past few decades, but flash floods flowing directly down from the southern mountains have struck Khovd. The study also revealed poor flood control structures and a lack of knowledge among residents. As a Mongolian custom, many residents spend the summer in gers (mobile living tent) along the Buyant River, and the increase in the flow rate of the Buyant River over the past few decades further increases the risk of disaster. To reduce the increasing risk, it is necessary to strengthen flood control facilities and raise awareness pertaining to the lifestyles of local residents. This example is likely to be universal for reducing flood risk in semi-arid Asia.
The Liouville Theorem for Discrete Symmetric Averaging Operators
Authors: Adamowicz Tomasz , Llorente José G.
Published: November 2024

We introduce averaging operators on lattices $$\mathbb Z^d$$

Z
d

and study the Liouville property for functions satisfying mean value properties associated to such operators. This framework encloses discrete harmonic, p-harmonic, $$\infty $$
∞
-harmonic and the so-called game p-harmonic functions. Our approach provides an elementary alternative proof of the Liouville Theorem for positive p-harmonic functions on $$\mathbb Z^d$$

Z
d

.
The development of growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs: Therapeutic advances in cancer, regenerative medicine, and metabolic disorders
Authors: Schally Andrew V. , Cai Renzhi , Zhang Xianyang , Sha Wei , Wangpaichitr Medhi
Published: November 2024

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and its analogs have gained significant attention for their therapeutic potential across various domains, including oncology, regenerative medicine, and metabolic disorders. Originally recognized for its role in regulating growth hormone (GH) secretion, GHRH has since been discovered to exert broader physiological effects beyond the pituitary gland, with GHRH receptors identified in multiple extrahypothalamic tissues, including tumor cells. This review explores the development of both GHRH agonists and antagonists, focusing on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and future potential. GHRH agonists have shown promise in promoting tissue regeneration, improving cardiac function, and enhancing islet survival in diabetes. Meanwhile, GHRH antagonists, particularly those in the MIA and AVR series, demonstrate potent antitumor activity by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and downregulating growth factor pathways, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies in models of lung, prostate, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers indicate that GHRH analogs could offer a novel therapeutic approach with minimal toxicity. Additionally, GHRH antagonists are being investigated for their potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions. This review highlights the versatility of GHRH analogs as a promising class of therapeutic agents, poised to impact multiple fields of medicine.
Alzheimer’s Disease polygenic risk, the plasma proteome, and dementia incidence among UK older adults
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Beydoun Hind A. , Li Zhiguang , Hu Yi-Han , Noren Hooten Nicole , Ding Jun , Hossain Sharmin , Maino Vieytes Christian A. , Launer Lenore J. , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B.
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a complex polygenic neurodegenerative disorder. Its genetic risk’s relationship with all-cause dementia may be influenced by the plasma proteome. Up to 40,139 UK Biobank participants aged ≥ 50y at baseline assessment (2006–2010) were followed-up for ≤ 15 y for dementia incidence. Plasma proteomics were performed on a sub-sample of UK Biobank participants (k = 1,463 plasma proteins). AD polygenic risk scores (PRS) were used as the primary exposure and Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to examine the AD PRS-dementia relationship. A four-way decomposition model then partitioned the total effect (TE) of AD PRS on dementia into an effect due to mediation only, an effect due to interaction only, neither or both. The study found that AD PRS tertiles significantly increased the risk for all-cause dementia, particularly among women. The study specifically found that AD PRS was associated with a 79% higher risk for all-cause dementia for each unit increase (HR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.70–1.87, P < 0.001). Eighty-six plasma proteins were significantly predicted by AD PRS, including a positive association with PLA2G7, BRK1, the glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and negative with TREM2. Both GFAP and NfL significantly interacted synergistically with AD PRS to increase all-dementia risk (> 10% of TE is pure interaction), while GFAP was also an important consistent mediator in the AD PRS-dementia relationship. In summary, we detected significant interactions of NfL and GFAP with AD PRS, in relation to dementia incidence, suggesting potential for personalized dementia prevention and management.
Evaluating the reproducibility of a deep learning algorithm for the prediction of retinal age
Authors: Zoellin Jay Rodney Toby , Turgut Ferhat , Chen Ruiye , Saad Amr , Giesser Samuel D. , Sommer Chiara , Guignard Viviane , Ihle Jonas , Mono Marie-Louise , Becker Matthias D. , Zhu Zhuoting , Somfai Gábor Márk
Published: November 2024

Recently, a deep learning algorithm (DLA) has been developed to predict the chronological age from retinal images. The Retinal Age Gap (RAG), a deviation between predicted age from retinal images (Retinal Age, RA) and chronological age, correlates with mortality and age-related diseases. This study evaluated the reliability and accuracy of RA predictions and analyzed various factors that may influence them. We analyzed two groups of participants: Intravisit and Intervisit, both imaged by color fundus photography. RA was predicted using an established algorithm. The Intervisit group comprised 26 subjects, imaged in two sessions. The Intravisit group had 41 subjects, of whom each eye was photographed twice in one session. The mean absolute test–retest difference in predicted RA was 2.39 years for Intervisit and 2.13 years for Intravisit, with the latter showing higher prediction variability. The chronological age was predicted accurately from fundus photographs. Subsetting image pairs based on differential image quality reduced test–retest discrepancies by up to 50%, but mean image quality was not correlated with retest outcomes. Marked diurnal oscillations in RA predictions were observed, with a significant overestimation in the afternoon compared to the morning in the Intravisit cohort. The order of image acquisition across imaging sessions did not influence RA prediction and subjective age perception did not predict RAG. Inter-eye consistency exceeded 3 years. Our study is the first to explore the reliability of RA predictions. Consistent image quality enhances retest outcomes. The observed diurnal variations in RA predictions highlight the need for standardized imaging protocols, but RAG could soon be a reliable metric in clinical investigations.