bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of siblings of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Koto Yuta , Tanaka Masami , Ueki Shingo , Niinomi Kazuteru
Published: September 2024

Objective:

The objective of this systematic review is to explore the experiences of siblings of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.

Introduction:

With improved life expectancy of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, the research focus is on care at home and in the community. Although parents are the primary caregivers, siblings often assume the role of young caregivers, bearing the weight of caregiving responsibilities. Thus, a synthesis of qualitative findings is required regarding their experiences to facilitate the development of effective support strategies.

Inclusion criteria:

Siblings of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities will be included, defined as children with an IQ of ≤40 or mental development below a 2-year-old’s level, coupled with an inability to walk independently. Disabled children aged <20 years will be included. There will be no restrictions on the siblings’ age or type of relationship. Qualitative studies on experiences, caregiving burdens, challenges, difficulties, and frustration in daily life will be considered, covering home, community, school, and hospital settings for children with disabilities.

Methods:

We will follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. The search strategy will be conducted in 3 phases: initial limited search, comprehensive database search, and reference list search of the included articles. The MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Scopus, Ichushi-Web, and CiNii databases will be searched, with no restrictions on language or publication date. Study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis will be conducted by 2 independent reviewers. We will evaluate the final synthesized findings using the ConQual approach.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42024499042
Changes in motor unit behaviour across repeated bouts of eccentric exercise
Authors: Hayman Oliver , Ansdell Paul , Angius Luca , Thomas Kevin , Horsbrough Lauren , Howatson Glyn , Kidgell Dawson J. , Škarabot Jakob , Goodall Stuart
Published: September 2024

Unaccustomed eccentric exercise (EE) is protective against muscle damage following a subsequent bout of similar exercise. One hypothesis suggests the existence of an alteration in motor unit (MU) behaviour during the second bout, which might contribute to the adaptive response. Accordingly, the present study investigated MU changes during repeated bouts of EE. During two bouts of exercise where maximal lengthening dorsiflexion (10 repetitions × 10 sets) was performed 3 weeks apart, maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVIC) and MU behaviour (quantified using high‐density electromyography; HDsEMG) were measured at baseline, during (after set 5), and post‐EE. The HDsEMG signals were decomposed into individual MU discharge timings, and a subset were tracked across each time point. MVIC was reduced similarly in both bouts post‐EE (Δ27 vs. 23%, P = 0.144), with a comparable amount of total work performed (∼1,300 J; P = 0.905). In total, 1,754 MUs were identified and the decline in MVIC was accompanied by a stepwise increase in discharge rate (∼13%; P < 0.001). A decrease in relative recruitment was found immediately after EE in Bout 1 versus baseline (∼16%; P < 0.01), along with reductions in derecruitment thresholds immediately after EE in Bout 2. The coefficient of variation of inter‐spike intervals was lower in Bout 2 (∼15%; P < 0.001). Our data provide new information regarding a change in MU behaviour during the performance of a repeated bout of EE. Importantly, such changes in MU behaviour might contribute, at least in part, to the repeated bout phenomenon.
Reversionary Control Modes for the Mitigation of Failures in a Partially Turboelectric Aircraft Propulsion System
Authors: Simon Donald L. , Chicatelli Amy K. , Bianco Santino J. , Horning Marcus A. , Saus Joseph R.
Published: September 2024

In support of emission and fuel burn reduction goals, the aviation industry is actively pursuing the advancement of electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) technology. This includes turbo-electric and hybrid electric propulsion designs that combine gas turbine engine and electrical system hardware. Such architectures exhibit a high degree of coupling between subsystems. This drives the need for system-level control strategies to ensure the safe, coordinated, and efficient operation of all subsystems. The design and certification of any aircraft propulsion system requires that all potential subsystem failures are identified, and the hazards posed by these failures are appropriately mitigated. This requirement is particularly challenging for EAP systems due to their integrated nature. One approach to assist in EAP failure mitigation is the inclusion of automated reconfiguration capabilities within the propulsion control system. Such control modes, referred to as reversionary control modes, are designed to automatically detect failures and activate backup control modes upon failure detection. This paper covers the design and evaluation of reversionary control mode logic developed for a partially turbo-electric propulsion concept. Test results from a real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) evaluation of the concept are also presented and discussed. The results show that the developed reversionary control logic can successfully detect and mitigate subsystem failures in a representative environment that includes actual electrical system hardware.
A Comparison of Model Predictive Control Architectures for Application to Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Systems
Authors: Hill Elyse D. , Simon Donald L. , Connolly Joseph W.
Published: September 2024

As electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) systems continue to mature, more sophisticated hardware and software are being developed to balance operations among electric machines and gas-turbine engines. In hybrid-electric propulsion systems, the increased complexity resulting from integrating turbine-engine shafts with electric machines necessitates control methodologies to account for various physical domains. Ideal controllers for hybrid-electric engines manage systems, subsystems, and their interactions in a coordinated fashion, able to account for safety and performance goals while being computationally efficient. In a previous work, linear model predictive control (MPC) schemes were implemented in centralized and distributed frameworks on a nonlinear turbofan engine model as a proof of concept. However, these schemes were not evaluated for computational complexity, prompting further study. The research presented here develops hierarchical MPC schemes to reduce the computational burden of the previous MPC schemes. A two-tier framework is implemented, where a slower sampling MPC controls electric machines and determines fan-speed tracking goals for a faster sampling controller, which is either a MPC or a proportional-integral (PI) controller. The proposed designs are compared to the centralized MPC investigated previously, and performance is measured via fan speed tracking error, energy storage state-of-charge, and computation time. Results reveal that the hierarchical MPC scheme employing a lower-level PI controller improves computation time while maintaining comparable tracking and state-of-charge regulation to the centralized scheme.
Tribological Performance of Soft Magnetic Composite Materials for Gas Turbine Applications
Authors: Suman Alessio , Fortini Annalisa
Published: September 2024

Soft magnetic composites (SMCs) have gained attention in the last years of their usage in more compact and powerful electromechanical systems. These materials are used to combine the application of metallic material to the capability of generating (without external supply) a magnetic field. Automotive and aerospace technologies push the applications of these original materials to even higher power and mechanical stress to reduce the number of components, the size, and, in turn, the weight of complex systems. Considering gas turbine application, SMCs were formerly developed for bearings, but in the last decades, the new era of gas turbine electrification (e.g., hybrid-electric fly) has determined the need for mechanical improvement of such materials. At the same time, the reliability of soft magnetic material has to be discovered to avoid failure and reduce the maintenance schedule. In this work, tribological behaviors of SMCs were investigated by standard wear tests. In particular, two different types of SMCs were prepared through the powder metallurgy technique. Tests were conducted by a tribometer using a ball-on-disk configuration in lubricated condition. The effect of oil temperature and applied load were investigated. In addition to the tribological tests, an extensive postmortem analysis was conducted on the worn surface to recognize the mechanisms responsible for the deterioration of the materials. The results showed the effects of the oil viscosity on the useful operating life of the SMCs. Removal mechanisms depend on the load conditions, and the proper selection of the oil characteristics and load was assessed.
The Upper Bound of the Buckling Stress of Axially Compressed Carbon Steel Circular Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Musa Abubakr E. S. , Al-Shugaa Madyan A. , Al-Gahtani Husain J.
Published: September 2024

The buckling stress of axially compressed circular cylindrical shells (CCSs) is highly sensitive to imperfections. Perfect CCSs are an idealization unattainable in reality. In practice, imperfections are always present and significantly reduce the load-carrying capacity. Accordingly, shell designers are encouraged by the Eurocode EN 1993:1-6 to conduct geometric and material nonlinear with imperfections analysis (GMNIA) considering different possible forms of imperfections for the shell under design. As GMNIA type of analysis is difficult and requires highly skilled engineers, knowledge of the upper limit of the buckling stress serves as a guide and prevents overestimation of the shell buckling resistance. It also encourages average skilled designers to attempt GMNIA as far as the maximum possible limit is known. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide the upper bound of the buckling stress of carbon steel CCSs. Geometric and material nonlinear analysis (GMNA) of perfect CCSs for a wide range of R/t ratio is conducted. It has been found that for cases of small and intermediate R/t values the buckling stress can be predicted by GMNA while the elastic buckling controls those of larger R/t values. The limiting R/t values depend on the steel grade and have been derived for the available standard grades of carbon steel. The obtained results are presented in terms of simplified formulas and a design chart to be used by engineers. Application of the proposed upper bound in simplified design approaches using knock down factor (KDFs) has also been discussed.
Fracture strain improving via structural austenitic stainless steel-coated 22MnB5 plates
Authors: Lv Jiashun , Yu Pengchao , Tian Maoqing , Zhao Zhuo , Zhou Yanwen
Published: September 2024

A total of 316 austenitic stainless steel (ASS) coatings were deposited on 22MnB5 press-hardening steel plates by varying the substrate bias voltages using a magnetron sputtering technique and quenched in a flat mold with cooling water. The substrate bias current and ion-bombardment energy densities increased up to 0.5 mA/mm2 and 50 J/mm2 at a high voltage of −100 V, and, therefore, the variations in the coatings’ morphologies were owing to the increases in the ion bombardment. The porous bulk pattern appeared in the quenched ASS coating at −100 V, clearly different from the porous columnar structure of the others at −50 and −75 V. The γ-Fe and α-Fe phases were observed from the diffraction peaks, presented the ASS coating and 22MnB5 substrate, respectively. There was no intermetallic compound (IMC) peak detected. In addition, the diffusion layer of the quenched ASS-coated plate was observed, in which its morphology was different from the quenched martensite (M) plate, and proved to be the α-Fe microstructure by the very low α-Fe peak at the standard (110) position. The bright image of TEM and the select area electron diffraction pattern indicated the nanostructure of the quenched ASS coating. The nanohardness of the ASS coating, diffusion layer, and M plate (7.36, 3.60, and 6.25 GPa, respectively) was detected, indirectly proving an α-Fe structure of the diffusion layer. The fracture angles of the 316-coated plates significantly improved from 51.82° at −50 V, 53.77° at −75 V to 57.38° at −100 V, as the ASS structure changed to be porous bulk pattern. The clearance of IMC, coating’s porous bulk pattern, and the low hardness α-Fe diffusion layer benefited for the fracture strain by lengthening the pathway of the crack’s development and blocking the further crack’s propagation, respectively.
Effect of hearing aids on the externalization of everyday sounds
Authors: Roverud Elin , Best Virginia
Published: September 2024

This study examined the influence of stimulus properties on sound externalization when listening with hearing aids. Normally hearing listeners were presented with broadband “tokens” (environmental sounds and speech) from loudspeakers, and rated externalization using a continuous scale. In separate blocks, they listened unaided or while wearing behind-the-ear hearing aids with closed domes and low gain (linear or compressive). There was a significant influence of token on ratings, even for unaided listening, and the effect of hearing aids depended on token. An acoustic analysis indicated that hearing aids were more likely to disrupt externalization for peakier sounds with a low-frequency emphasis.
Developing Social E-Dentity: Examination of an Online 5R Program With an Esports Team
Authors: Baker-Bates A.C. Braxton , Birch Phillip D.J. , Barker Jamie B. , Figgins Sean G.
Published: September 2024

Research in traditional sport has demonstrated that development of a strong team identity can have positive benefits for performance and well-being. However, to date, there is limited research on team identity and whether it can be developed in esports. The aim of this study, therefore, was to explore the effect of an online-delivered 5R program with one esports team. The complimentary descriptive, visual, and statistical analyses provided some tentative support for effects of the intervention on players’ social identification, collective efficacy, and resilience. Additional qualitative social validation responses suggested the intervention affected intrateam communication, improved players’ belonging, and increased commitment. These initial exploratory findings provide initial support for the potential of 5R programs. Future research directions, strengths and limitations, and suggestions for practitioners are discussed.
Role of a 10-Week Exercise Intervention on Cerebral Hemoglobin Saturation, Cognitive Function, and Heart Rate Variability Within Elite Esports Players: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nicholson Mitchell , Poulus Dylan , Johnson Daniel , Robergs Rob , Kelly Vince , McNulty Craig
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Esports demand peak cognitive performance from esports athletes (e-athletes), yet their sedentary lifestyle raises concerns. This pilot study explores the effects of aerobic exercise on executive function, cerebral hemodynamics, and heart rate variability (HRV) during gameplay. Methods: Six high-ranking male e-athletes (20.8 ± 2.1 years old), ranking in the top 10% of their game, were recruited. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy measured cerebral hemodynamics, cognitive tests assessed executive function, and electrocardiography measured HRV. Individualized exercise intensities were set through graded exercise testing, followed by a 10-week treadmill-based cardiovascular training program. Results: Postintervention, weight, and body mass index remained unchanged (p > .05), but the graded exercise test and heart rate deflection point significantly improved (p < .05). Executive function displayed faster reaction times in the Color Word Stroop Task, and notably more accurate responses in the Parametric Go/No-Go tasks (p < .05), with large effect sizes. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy revealed decreased oxygenated hemoglobin levels during rest, with moderate to large effect sizes, while HRV variables showed significant increases with large effect sizes. Conclusions: This pilot study introduces a 10-week exercise regimen for e-athletes, suggesting positive impacts on cerebral hemodynamics, executive functions, and HRV, warranting further research.
Prevalence and correlates of handgun carrying and perceived ease of access among adolescents in Florida
Authors: Boccio Cashen , Jones Melissa S , Semenza Daniel , Jackson Dylan B
Published: September 2024

Objective

Adolescent firearm violence poses a serious public health concern. The aim of this study is to explore correlates of access to firearms and firearm carrying patterns among adolescents in 2022. While previous research has documented correlates and risk factors for firearm carrying, the majority of this research has relied on samples collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent shifts in national patterns of firearm violence.

Methods

We analysed data from the 2022 Florida Youth and Substance Use Survey (FYSAS) (N=41 768). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between demographic, familial, temperamental, and behavioural factors and both ease of perceived firearm access and patterns of firearm carrying.

Results

The results suggest that gender, grade level, race, residential setting, having a parent in the military, delinquency, depression, bullying and substance use are associated with perceived firearm access. In addition, gender, grade level, residential setting, ease of firearm access, delinquency, substance use, and bullying are all associated with firearm carrying.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a host of demographic features and behavioural factors are associated with both perceived ease of firearm access and patterns of firearm carrying. Implications of these findings for reducing access to firearms is discussed.
The PS4-likelihood ratio calculator: flexible allocation of evidence weighting for case-control data in variant classification
Authors: Rowlands Charlie F , Garrett Alice , Allen Sophie , Durkie Miranda , Burghel George J , Robinson Rachel , Callaway Alison , Field Joanne , Frugtniet Bethan , Palmer-Smith Sheila , Grant Jonathan , Pagan Judith , McDevitt Trudi , McVeigh Terri P , Hanson Helen , Whiffin Nicola , Jones Michael , Turnbull Clare
Published: September 2024

Background

The 2015 American College of Medical Genetics/Association of Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) variant classification framework specifies that case-control observations can be scored as ‘strong’ evidence (PS4) towards pathogenicity.

Methods

We developed the PS4-likelihood ratio calculator (PS4-LRCalc) for quantitative evidence assignment based on the observed variant frequencies in cases and controls. Binomial likelihoods are computed for two models, each defined by prespecified OR thresholds. Model 1 represents the hypothesis of association between variant and phenotype (eg, OR≥5) and model 2 represents the hypothesis of non-association (eg, OR≤1).

Results

PS4-LRCalc enables continuous quantitation of evidence for variant classification expressed as a likelihood ratio (LR), which can be log-converted into log LR (evidence points). Using PS4-LRCalc, observed data can be used to quantify evidence towards either pathogenicity or benignity. Variants can also be evaluated against models of different penetrance. The approach is applicable to balanced data sets generated for more common phenotypes and smaller data sets more typical in very rare disease variant evaluation.

Conclusion

PS4-LRCalc enables flexible evidence quantitation on a continuous scale for observed case-control data. The converted LR is amenable to incorporation into the now widely used 2018 updated Bayesian ACMG/AMP framework.
Beyond gender: the intersectional impact of community demographics on the continuation rates of male and female students into high school physics
Authors: Corrigan Eamonn , Williams Martin , Wells Mary A.
Published: September 2024

This study examines the complex interplay of gender and other demographics on continuation rates in high school physics. Using a diverse dataset that combines demographics from the Canadian Census and eleven years of gendered enrolment data from the Ontario Ministry of Education, we track student cohorts as they transition from mandatory science to elective physics courses. We then employ hierarchical linear modelling to quantify the interaction effects between gender and other demographics, providing a detailed perspective on the on continuation in physics. Our results indicate the racial demographics of a school’s neighbourhood have a limited impact on continuation once controlling for other factors such as socioeconomic status, though neighbourhoods with a higher Black population were a notable exception, consistently exhibiting significantly lower continuation rates for both male and female students. A potential role model effect related to parental education was also found as the proportion of parents with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees correlates positively with increased continuation rates, whereas an increase in non-STEM degrees corresponds with a reduced student continuation rate. The most pronounced effects are school-level factors. Continuation rates in physics are very strongly correlated with continuation in chemistry or calculus — effects that much stronger for male than female students. Conversely, continuation in biology positively correlates with the continuation of female students in physics, with little to no effect found for male students. Nevertheless, the effect sizes observed for chemistry and calculus markedly outweigh that for biology. This is further evidence that considering STEM as a homogeneous subject when examining gender disparities is misguided. These insights can guide future education policies and initiatives to increase continuation rates and foster greater gender equity and inclusivity in physics education.
Echocardiographic assessment of epicardial adipose tissue thickness as independent predictor in coronary artery disease
Authors: Braescu Laurentiu , Sturza Adrian , Sosdean Raluca , Aburel Oana Maria , Lazar Mihai Andrei , Muntean Danina , Luca Constantin Tudor , Brie Daniel Miron , Feier Horea , Crisan Simina , Mornos Cristian
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to assess the utility of echocardiography-measured epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness (EATT) as an independent predictor for coronary artery disease (CAD), examining its correlation with oxidative stress levels in epicardial tissue and the complexity of the disease in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. This study included a total of 25 patients referred for cardiac surgery with 14 in the CAD group and 11 in the non-CAD group. Epicardial fat was sampled from patients subjected to open-heart surgery . EATT was higher in the CAD group compared to the non-CAD group (8.15 ± 2.09 mm vs. 5.12 ± 1.8 mm, p = 0.001). The epicardial reactive oxygen species level was higher in the CAD group compared to the non-CAD group (21.4 ± 2.47 nmol H2O2/g tisssue/h vs. 15.7 ± 1.55 nmol H2O2/g tisssue/h, p < 0.001). EATT greater than 6.05 mm was associated with CAD, with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 73%. Echocardiographically measured EATT is a significant, independent predictor of CAD. Its relationship with increased EAT oxidative stress levels suggests a potential mechanistic link between EATT and CAD pathogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of EATT as a diagnostic tool in assessing the complexity of CAD in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Fishing in turbulent waters: resilience, risk, and trust in British Columbia’s declining commercial salmon fishery
Authors: del Valle Elias , Neal Benjamin , Martínez-Candelas Ilse , Dann Patrick , Webb Dawn , McClenachan Loren
Published: September 2024

The impacts fishing communities face as a result of declining fisheries productivity and access may largely hinge on measurable attributes of their social resilience. Wild-origin Pacific salmon populations have been in a marked decline since the 1960s, resulting in progressively declining access for many commercial fisheries. More recent acute stressors have caused appreciable tribulation to commercial fishers in British Columbia, raising concern over their capacity to remain viable in the industry, and underscoring the need to examine the fishery under a social resilience framework. Here, we coupled an online survey instrument with in-depth interviews to assess commercial salmon fishers’ social resilience, socioeconomic characteristics, risk perceptions, trust in fishery management, and the relationships between these variables. Our results show that social resilience is low overall, with older, more experienced, and less diversified fishers being particularly vulnerable to declining salmon access. While 73% of fishers reported having plans to adapt to future declines in salmon access, 92% reported feeling that there are barriers impeding their adaptation, and 75% reported having no trust in fisheries management helping them adapt. Fishers’ social resilience was positively correlated with their trust in, and perceived trust from fisheries management.
Quantum instability of the Cauchy horizon in a charged de-Sitter spacetime with dark matter
Authors: Jiang Shun , Jiang Jie
Published: September 2024

The strong cosmic censorship conjecture (SCCC) requires that spacetime cannot be extended beyond the Cauchy horizon. This ensures the predictability of spacetime. In this paper, we investigate the SCCC for a spherically symmetric charged de-Sitter black hole surrounded by dark matter using classical and quantum scalar fields. At the classical level, we analyze the behavior of scalar waves near the Cauchy horizon using the method developed by Hintz and Vasy. We find a relationship between the Sobolev regularity of scalar waves and the spectral gap of quasinormal modes. In the nearly extremal region, this may lead to a violation of the SCCC. At the quantum level, we first provide a proof of the renormalizability of the quantum scalar field in dark-matter black holes. Using numerical methods, we then demonstrate that the renormalized quantum stress-energy tensor for any Hadamard state exhibits quadratic divergence near the Cauchy horizon in the nearly extremal region. The quadratic divergence of the renormalized quantum stress-energy tensor is sufficient to convert the Cauchy horizon into a singularity. Thus, the SCCC is preserved by quantum effects. Since the quadratic divergence is more singular than the behavior of classical scalar field perturbations near the Cauchy horizon, it means there is a region where physics is dominated by quantum effects. We study the influence of dark matter on quantum effects in this region and we find there is a monotonic relationship between the dark matter and the strength of quantum effects. The numerical results show that the quantum effects will become stronger as dark matter increases.
Faster Integer Programming
Authors: Monroe Don
Published: September 2024

A new analysis proves that all integer programs theoretically could be solved much faster than previously guaranteed.
Efficient polynomial-time approximation scheme for the genus of dense graphs
Authors: Jing Yifan , Mohar Bojan
Published: September 2024

The main results of this paper provide an Efficient Polynomial-Time Approximation Scheme (EPTAS) for approximating the genus (and non-orientable genus) of dense graphs. By
dense
we mean that

\(|E(G)|\ge \alpha \, |V(G)|^2\)

for some fixed

\(\alpha \gt 0\)

. While a constant-factor approximation is trivial for this class of graphs, approximations with factor arbitrarily close to 1 need a sophisticated algorithm and complicated mathematical justification. More precisely, we provide an algorithm that for a given (dense) graph
G
of order
n
and given

\(\varepsilon \gt 0\)

, returns an integer
g
such that
G
has an embedding in a surface of genus
g
, and this is ɛ-close to a minimum genus embedding in the sense that the minimum genus

\(\mathsf {g}(G)\)

of
G
satisfies:

\(\mathsf {g}(G)\le g\le (1+\varepsilon)\mathsf {g}(G)\)

. The running time of the algorithm is

\(O(f(\varepsilon)\,n^2)\)

, where

\(f(\cdot)\)

is an explicit function. Next, we extend this algorithm to also output an embedding (rotation system) whose genus is
g
. This second algorithm is an Efficient Polynomial-time Randomized Approximation Scheme (EPRAS) and runs in time

\(O(f_1(\varepsilon)\,n^2)\)

.

Our algorithms are based on the analysis of minimum genus embeddings of quasirandom graphs. We use a general notion of quasirandom graphs [
25
]. We start with a regular partition obtained via an algorithmic version of the Szemerédi Regularity Lemma (due to Frieze and Kannan [
17
] and to Fox, Lovász, and Zhao [
14
,
15
]). We then partition the input graph into a bounded number of quasirandom subgraphs, which are preselected in such a way that they admit embeddings using as many triangles and quadrangles as faces as possible. Here we provide an ɛ-approximation

\(\nu (G)\)

for the maximum number of edge-disjoint triangles in
G
. The value

\(\nu (G)\)

can be computed by solving a linear program whose size is bounded by certain value

\(f_2(\varepsilon)\)

depending only on ɛ. After solving the linear program, the genus can be approximated (see Corollary 
1.7
). The proof of this result is long and will be of independent interest in topological graph theory.
Retrieving Continuous-Time Event Sequences Using Neural Temporal Point Processes with Learnable Hashing
Authors: Gupta Vinayak , Bedathur Srikanta , De Abir
Published: September 2024

Temporal sequences have become pervasive in various real-world applications such as finance, spatial mobility, health records, and so on. Consequently, the volume of data generated in the form of continuous-time event sequence(s) or CTES(s) has increased exponentially in the past few years. Thus, a significant fraction of the ongoing research on CTES datasets involves designing models to address downstream tasks such as next-event prediction, long-term forecasting, sequence classification, and so on. The recent developments in predictive modeling using marked temporal point processes (MTPP) have enabled an accurate characterization of several real-world applications involving the CTESs. However, due to the complex nature of these CTES datasets, the task of large-scale retrieval of temporal sequences has been overlooked by the past literature. In detail, by CTES retrieval we mean that for an input query sequence, a retrieval system must return a ranked list of relevant sequences from a large corpus. To tackle this, we propose
NeuroSeqRet
, a first-of-its-kind framework designed specifically for end-to-end CTES retrieval. Specifically,
NeuroSeqRet
introduces multiple enhancements over standard retrieval frameworks and first applies a trainable unwarping function on the query sequence which makes it comparable with corpus sequences, especially when a relevant query-corpus pair has individually different attributes. Next, it feeds the unwarped query sequence and the corpus sequence into MTPP-guided neural relevance models. We develop four variants of the relevance model for different kinds of applications based on the tradeoff between accuracy and efficiency. We also propose an optimization framework to learn binary sequence embeddings from the relevance scores, suitable for the locality-sensitive hashing leading to a significant speedup in returning top-
K
results for a given query sequence. Our experiments with several datasets show the significant accuracy boost of
NeuroSeqRet
beyond several baselines, as well as the efficacy of our hashing mechanism.
Recycling Construction and Demolition Waste in the Sector of Construction
Authors: Patil Yuvraj R. , Dakwale Vaidehi A. , Ralegaonkar Rahul V.
Published: September 2024

The increasing worldwide demand for concrete, fueled by rising urbanization and infrastructural expansion due to exponential population growth, has raised concerns over the depletion of natural resources, as global natural aggregate (NA) demand is estimated to surpass 50 billion tons by 2025. Concurrently, more than 3.57 billion tons of construction and demolition (C&D) waste are produced annually worldwide. Recycling of C&D waste plays a major role in addressing environmental concerns, promoting sustainable construction practices, and circular economy. Ineffective handling of C&D waste has led to environmental consequences, such as increased landfilling and leaching of harmful substances into soil and water systems. This article presents a comprehensive review of the use of C&D in construction with an emphasis on structural applications and the identification of challenges and opportunities for recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). This study examined the physical and mechanical performance of RCA, focusing on its compressive strength, durability, and potential applications in structural engineering and its treatment methods. In addition, it sheds light on key management areas for improvement, such as waste reduction strategies and recycling efficiency, while exploring the environmental benefits of incorporating C&D waste materials in construction projects.
Safety and Efficacy Comparison of Tenecteplase and Alteplase for Clinically Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes without Thrombectomy
Authors: Lo Wai Ting , Fong Wing Chi , Chau Chris Siu Kwan , Ismail Moamina , Li Jessica Tsz Ching , Chan Chong Ching , Chan Chi Him Simon , Chan Chung Yuen , Chan Germaine Hui-Fai , Chan Andrew Lung-Tat , Wong Man Sin , Kwok Wai Yan Vivian , Or Hiu Fan , Chan Shun Tim , Fong Ching Shing , Chan Nga Man , Cheung Yuk Fai
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Tenecteplase is a thrombolytic with higher fibrin affinity and is potentially better in clot lysis. A higher spontaneous recanalisation rate for large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes had been shown in comparison studies with alteplase. Results of the LVO studies reflect the composite effect of the thrombolytic and thrombectomy, as patients would be treated by thrombectomy had they not been recanalised by intravenous thrombolysis alone. Thrombectomy is not readily available in many parts of the world. Our study aimed to compare the outcomes of suspected LVO patients treated with tenecteplase versus alteplase only, without the confounding effect of thrombectomy. Methods: This is a retrospective review. Data of patients given tenecteplase from May 2020 to August 2023 and those given alteplase 0.9 mg/kg from January 2019 to August 2023 were retrieved. Due to fluctuation in supply of tenecteplase during the COVID pandemic, some LVO patients were given alteplase. Patients with anterior circulation, clinically suspected LVO strokes (defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥6, plus cortical signs or hyperdense vessel sign), with thrombolysis given within 4.5 h of stroke onset were analysed. Patients with thrombectomy done were excluded. Safety and efficacy outcomes were compared. Results: There were 245 tenecteplase-treated patients treated between May 1, 2020, and August 31, 2023, and 732 patients were treated with alteplase between January 1, 2019, to August 31, 2023. Out of these, 148 tenecteplase patients and 138 alteplase 0.9 mg/kg patients fulfilled the study criteria. The symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage rate was non-significantly lower in the tenecteplase group (2.1% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.13). There were no significant differences in the rate of ≥8-point NIHSS improvement (23.6% vs. 23.7%, p = 1) or the ≥4-point improvement (40.5% vs. 40.7%, p = 1) at 24 h. At 3 months, 21.6% of tenecteplase patients had good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS] 0–2), compared to 26.3% in the alteplase group (p = 0.40). Conclusion: In this pragmatic study of clinically suspected anterior circulation LVO patients without thrombectomy, outcome solely reflects the effects of tenecteplase. Tenecteplase showed comparable safety and efficacy to alteplase, but the result should be interpreted with caution in view of its small sample size and non-randomised study design.
Consensus of Chinese Experts on Neoadjuvant and Conversion Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: 2023 Update
Authors: Bi Xinyu , Zhao Haitao , Zhao Hong , Li Guangming , Wang Xiaodong , Chen Bo , Zhang Wen , Che Xu , Huang Zhen , Han Yue , Jiang Liming , Sun Yongkun , Yang Zhengqiang , Zhou Jianguo , Zhang Yefan , Zhu Zhenyu , Chen Minshan , Cheng Shuqun , Cai Jianqiang
Published: September 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy in China, with high recurrence rate and low resection rate among patients first diagnosed. Preoperative treatments including neoadjuvant and conversion therapy have the potential to overcome these challenges. In December 2021, Chinese expert consensus on neoadjuvant and conversion therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma was published. With the emersion of new evidence regarding the neoadjuvant and conversion therapies for HCC, the cooperative group brought together multidisciplinary researchers and scholars with experience in related fields to update the new edition (2023 Edition) for reference in China, including principle of the treatment strategies, the potential populations selection, treatment methods, multidisciplinary team, and future research for preoperative treatments. The new consensus aims to provide guidance for clinical application. Through the use of neoadjuvant therapy and conversion therapy, we can enhance the resection rate and reduce the recurrence of intermediate-to-advanced HCC patients, thereby improving survival outcomes.
ГРИЖІ СТРАВОХІДНОГО ОТВОРУ ДІАФРАГМИ: АНАЛІЗ ДІАГНОСТИКИ ТА ЛІКУВАННЯ
Authors: СТАСИШИН А. Р. , РОМАНЧУК О. В.
Published: September 2024

Мета роботи: ретроспективний аналіз результатів лікування хворих з грижами стравохідного отвору діафрагми.
Матеріали і методи. Проаналізовано результати лікування 322 пацієнтів із грижами стравохідного отвору діафрагми (ГСОД) та гастроезофагеальною рефлюксною хворобою (ГЕРХ), які отримували лікування на базі кафедри хірургії, пластичної хірургії та ендоскопії ФПДО Львівського національного медичного університету імені Данила Галицького у Центрі хірургії та онкохірургії 1 ТМО м. Львів з 2021 по 2023 р. Жінок було 182, чоловіків – 140, середній вік пацієнтів становив (54,7±3,2) року, середній індекс маси тіла – 33,5 кг/м2. Аналізували скарги та анамнез пацієнтів, тривалість симптомів, передопераційні інструментальні дослідження, різні способи та техніки операцій, час операції, тривалість перебування в стаціонарі, інтра- та ранні постопераційні ускладнення.
Результати. У 131 (71,6 %) пацієнта виконали лапароскопічну фундоплікацію за Ніссеном. У 37 (20,2 %) пацієнтів виконали лапароскопічну фундоплікацію за Ніссеном – Розетті; у 3 (1,6 %) – фундоплікацію за Tупе, у 1 (0,5 %) – фундоплікацію за Дором, у 6 (3,4 %) – роботичну фундоплікацію за Ніссеном. Операційне втручання відкритим способом виконано у 5 (2,7 %) пацієнтів. Ускладнення, пов’язані з ГСОД та ГЕРХ, діагностовано у 73 (24,1 %) випадках: анемію – у 21 (6,9 %), виразку Камерона з кровотечею – у 27 (8,9 %), стриктуру стравоходу – у 16 (5,3 %); CLE і стравохід Барета – у 8 (2,6 %), рак стравоходу – в 1 (0,3 %). Серед інтраопераційних ускладнень були ушкодження селезінки з кровотечею у 1 (0,5 %) пацієнта; у 1 випадку (0,5 %) – перфорація стравоходу; пневмоторакс – у 9 (4,9 %) хворих. Звуження стравохідного отвору діафрагми на рівні фундоплікаційної манжети в післяопераційному періоді – у 11 (6 %) випадках; релапароскопія – в 1 (0,5 %) випадку. 3 (1,6 %) пацієнти повторно госпіталізовані через 1 місяць після операції з рецидивом ГСОД і ГЕРХ.
Monocytes Reprogrammed by 4-PBA Potently Contribute to the Resolution of Inflammation and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Geng Shuo , Lu Ran , Zhang Yao , Wu Yajun , Xie Ling , Caldwell Blake A. , Pradhan Kisha , Yi Ziyue , Hou Jacqueline , Xu Feng , Chen Xian , Li Liwu
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Chronic inflammation initiated by inflammatory monocytes underlies the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, approaches that can effectively resolve chronic low-grade inflammation targeting monocytes are not readily available. The small chemical compound 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) exhibits broad anti-inflammatory effects in reducing atherosclerosis. Selective delivery of 4-PBA reprogrammed monocytes may hold novel potential in providing targeted and precision therapeutics for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

METHODS:

Systems analyses integrating single-cell RNA sequencing and complementary immunologic approaches characterized key resolving characteristics as well as defining markers of reprogrammed monocytes trained by 4-PBA. Molecular mechanisms responsible for monocyte reprogramming were assessed by integrated biochemical and genetic approaches. The intercellular propagation of homeostasis resolution was evaluated by coculture assays with donor monocytes trained by 4-PBA and recipient naive monocytes. The in vivo effects of monocyte resolution and atherosclerosis prevention by 4-PBA were assessed with the high-fat diet-fed
ApoE

−/−

mouse model with IP 4-PBA administration. Furthermore, the selective efficacy of 4-PBA-trained monocytes was examined by IV transfusion of ex vivo trained monocytes by 4-PBA into recipient high-fat diet-fed
ApoE

−/−

mice.

RESULTS:

In this study, we found that monocytes can be potently reprogrammed by 4-PBA into an immune-resolving state characterized by reduced adhesion and enhanced expression of anti-inflammatory mediator CD24. Mechanistically, 4-PBA reduced the expression of ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) via reducing peroxisome stress and attenuating SYK (spleen tyrosine kinase)-mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling. Concurrently, 4-PBA enhanced the expression of resolving mediator CD24 through promoting PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) neddylation mediated by TOLLIP (toll-interacting protein). 4-PBA-trained monocytes can effectively propagate anti-inflammation activity to neighboring monocytes through CD24. Our data further demonstrated that 4-PBA-trained monocytes effectively reduce atherosclerosis pathogenesis when administered in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study describes a robust and effective approach to generate resolving monocytes, characterizes novel mechanisms for targeted monocyte reprogramming, and offers a precision therapeutics for atherosclerosis based on delivering reprogrammed resolving monocytes.
Reviewer Experience Detecting and Judging Human Versus Artificial Intelligence Content: The
Stroke
Journal Essay Contest
Authors: Silva Gisele S. , Khera Rohan , Schwamm Lee H. , Acampa Maurizio , Adelman Eric E. , Boltze Johannes , Broderick Joseph P. , Brodtmann Amy , Christensen Hanne , Dalli Lachlan , Duncan Kelsey Rose , Elgendy Islam Y. , Ergul Adviye , Goldstein Larry B. , Hinkle Janice L. , Johansen Michelle C. , Jood Katarina , Kasner Scott E. , Levine Steven R. , Li Zixiao , Lip Gregory , Marsh Elisabeth B. , Muir Keith W. , Ospel Johanna Maria , Pera Joanna , Quinn Terence J. , Räty Silja , Ranta Anna , Richards Lorie Gage , Romero Jose Rafael , Willey Joshua Z. , Hillis Argye E. , Veerbeek Janne M.
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) large language models (LLMs) now produce human-like general text and images. LLMs’ ability to generate persuasive scientific essays that undergo evaluation under traditional peer review has not been systematically studied. To measure perceptions of quality and the nature of authorship, we conducted a competitive essay contest in 2024 with both human and AI participants. Human authors and 4 distinct LLMs generated essays on controversial topics in stroke care and outcomes research. A panel of
Stroke
Editorial Board members (mostly vascular neurologists), blinded to author identity and with varying levels of AI expertise, rated the essays for quality, persuasiveness, best in topic, and author type. Among 34 submissions (22 human and 12 LLM) scored by 38 reviewers, human and AI essays received mostly similar ratings, though AI essays were rated higher for composition quality. Author type was accurately identified only 50% of the time, with prior LLM experience associated with improved accuracy. In multivariable analyses adjusted for author attributes and essay quality, only persuasiveness was independently associated with odds of a reviewer assigning AI as author type (adjusted odds ratio, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.09–2.16];
P
=0.01). In conclusion, a group of experienced editorial board members struggled to distinguish human versus AI authorship, with a bias against best in topic for essays judged to be AI generated. Scientific journals may benefit from educating reviewers on the types and uses of AI in scientific writing and developing thoughtful policies on the appropriate use of AI in authoring manuscripts.
Improving Human Connections and Audience Satisfaction in Online Concerts and Music Conferences
Authors: Meng Chuiyuan , Martin-Hammond Aqueasha , Deal Scott W. , Tian Renran
Published: September 2024

Online concerts and music conferences are becoming increasingly necessary. Although online events bring numerous benefits, many event attendees find the online format unsatisfying, mainly because of the lack of human connections and social interactions in comparison with in-person music events. Guided by literature on networked music performance, online social presence, and social computing design principles, we designed and developed Deck 10 Intermedia, an online music event platform that aims to replicate human connections from in-person music events. The effectiveness of the system design and overall user satisfaction are evaluated using data collected from two global music events: the International Computer Music Conference 2021, and the Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance Practice 2021. The results indicate that the system was effective at restoring human connections and that users found the participation experience socially connected and satisfying. The results also led to design recommendations for future online music event systems.
The marine cartilaginous fishes and sturgeons of the Sea of Marmara: an updated and annotated checklist
Authors: ARTÜZ M. LEVENT , FRICKE RONALD
Published: September 2024

A revised checklist of sharks, batoids, and sturgeons in the Sea of Marmara, Turkey encompasses 41 species across 18 families. It provides a concise historical context and addresses issues related to problematic reports. Furthermore, the paper delves into the analysis of taxonomic changes in other literature reports, aiming to provide a framework for upcoming ichthyological surveys and ecological studies, while also presenting relevant data on the economic significance of select species.
6. An Analysis and Evaluation of Methods Currently Used to Quantify the Likelihood of Existential Hazards
Authors: Beard SJ , Rowe Thomas , Fox James
Published: September 2024

This chapter calls for a more critical deliberation of the methodological selection and implementation used to inform existential risk research. The authors achieve this by carrying out an examination of the methods used to make claims about the likelihood of hazards, rating each one according to four criteria: the rigour of the method, the ability to handle uncertainty, accessibility for researchers, and utility for communication and policy purposes. Different methods such as analytical, modelling based, subjective, and structured approaches to Existential Risk Studies are each examined and compared against each other. This allows for the best, most well-suited, methodologies to be identified, and for the authors to foster a greater awareness of the variety of methods available to existential risk researchers.