bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of fluorescence angiography for visceral perfusion assessment: measuring agreement between two software algorithms
Authors: Nijssen D. J. , Joosten J. J. , Osterkamp J. , van den Elzen R. M. , de Bruin D. M. , Svendsen M. B. S. , Dalsgaard M. W. , Gisbertz S. S. , Hompes R. , Achiam M. P. , van Berge Henegouwen M. I.
Published: April 2024

Background

Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) may reduce perfusion-related complications of gastrointestinal anastomosis. Software implementations for quantifying ICG-FA are emerging to overcome a subjective interpretation of the technology. Comparison between quantification algorithms is needed to judge its external validity. This study aimed to measure the agreement for visceral perfusion assessment between two independently developed quantification software implementations.

Methods

This retrospective cohort analysis included standardized ICG-FA video recordings of patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction between August 2020 until February 2022. Recordings were analyzed by two quantification software implementations: AMS and CPH. The quantitative parameter used to measure visceral perfusion was the normalized maximum slope derived from fluorescence time curves. The agreement between AMS and CPH was evaluated in a Bland–Altman analysis. The relation between the intraoperative measurement of perfusion and the incidence of anastomotic leakage was determined for both software implementations.

Results

Seventy pre-anastomosis ICG-FA recordings were included in the study. The Bland–Altman analysis indicated a mean relative difference of + 58.2% in the measurement of the normalized maximum slope when comparing the AMS software to CPH. The agreement between AMS and CPH deteriorated as the magnitude of the measured values increased, revealing a proportional (linear) bias (R2 = 0.512, p < 0.001). Neither the AMS nor the CPH measurements of the normalized maximum slope held a significant relationship with the occurrence of anastomotic leakage (median of 0.081 versus 0.074, p = 0.32 and 0.041 vs 0.042, p = 0.51, respectively).

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate technical differences in software implementations that can lead to discrepancies in ICG-FA quantification in human clinical cases. The possible variation among software-based quantification methods should be considered when interpreting studies that report quantitative ICG-FA parameters and derived thresholds, as there may be a limited external validity.
Umsetzbarkeit des interdisziplinären multimodalen Assessments – die Teamperspektive
Authors: Schouten Leonie , Petzke Frank , Gärtner Anne , Nagel Bernd ,   PAIN2020-Team, Isenberg Thomas , Lindena Gabriele , Martin Carolin , Möller André , Augustin Katharina , Kaiser Ulrike , Gärtner Anne , Preißler Anke , Hoffmann Greta , Pritzke Michael Julia , Petzke Frank , Pfingsten Michael , Schouten Leonie , Deppe Karin , Casser Hans-Raimund , Nagel Bernd , Schwenk Katja , Metz-Oster Beatrice , Milch Lena , Rensland Jana , Kohlmann Thomas , Szczotkowski Daniel , Marschall Ursula , Schumacher Catharina , Kaiser Ulrike
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Sekundärpräventive, ambulante Diagnostikangebote für Patient:innen mit Schmerzen und Risikofaktoren für eine Chronifizierung sind bisher nicht hinreichend etabliert. Im Projekt PAIN2020 (Innovationsfonds, 01NVF17049) wurde erstmalig ein frühzeitig im Krankheitsverlauf ansetzendes, ambulantes interdisziplinäres multimodales Assessment (IMA) eingeführt.

Ziel

Zur Durchführung des IMA wurden Abläufe zur Teamzusammenarbeit und Entscheidungskriterien entwickelt, die durch ein Team aus medizinischen, physiotherapeutischen und psychologischen Therapeut:innen umgesetzt wurden. Diese Abläufe und Entscheidungskriterien sollen vor dem Hintergrund klinischer Erfahrung diskutiert und hinsichtlich ihrer Umsetzbarkeit (qualitativ) überprüft werden.

Methodik

Im September 2021 fand ein Workshop zum IMA in PAIN2020 statt, um die im Prozess bisher gewonnenen Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen durch das Monitoring und die strukturierende Dokumentation in der Umsetzung mit Mitarbeitenden bzw. Teams der PAIN2020-Zentren zur Umsetzbarkeit eines strukturierten interdisziplinären multimodalen Assessments gemeinsam zu reflektieren. In drei Arbeitsphasen wurden berufsgruppenspezifische und -übergreifende Themen bearbeitet.

Ergebnisse

In den Entscheidungsprozessen der Berufsgruppen zeigen sich neben professionsspezifischen Schwerpunkten im Rahmen der Befunderhebung (somatische, funktionelle oder psychosoziale Kernkriterien) jeweils übergreifende Kernkriterien innerhalb der Professionen sowie ergänzend patientenbezogene Aspekte, die in den integrativen Teamprozess einbezogen werden. Hinsichtlich der Teamzusammenarbeit lassen sich aus der Umsetzung der Teamsitzung und des Abschlussgesprächs fördernde bzw. hemmende Struktur- und Prozessparameter in der Umsetzung identifizieren, die auch durch interaktionelle Faktoren begleitet werden.

Diskussion

Für die Umsetzung des IMA ergaben sich (1) Anpassungen für das IMA, das derzeit als A‑IMA im Selektivvertrag mit der BARMER umgesetzt wird, und (2) neue Dimensionen bzw. Aufgabenfelder und Ideen für evidenzbasierte Konzepte zur inhaltlichen Ausgestaltung integrativer Diagnostik sowie für die Rückmeldung der Ergebnisse an die Patient:innen, die zukünftig diskutiert werden sollten.

Graphic abstract
Nanocomposite microbeads made of recycled polylactic acid for the magnetic solid phase extraction of xenobiotics from human urine
Authors: Antonelli Lorenzo , Frondaroli Maria Chiara , De Cesaris Massimo Giuseppe , Felli Nina , Dal Bosco Chiara , Lucci Elena , Gentili Alessandra
Published: April 2024

Nanocomposite microbeads (average diameter = 10–100 µm) were prepared by a microemulsion-solidification method and applied to the magnetic solid-phase extraction (m-SPE) of fourteen analytes, among pesticides, drugs, and hormones, from human urine samples. The microbeads, perfectly spherical in shape to maximize the surface contact with the analytes, were composed of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a polylactic acid (PLA) solid bulk, decorated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mPLA@MWCNTs). In particular, PLA was recovered from filters of smoked electronic cigarettes after an adequate cleaning protocol. A complete morphological characterization of the microbeads was performed via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis (TGA and DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The recovery study of the m-SPE procedure showed yields ≥ 64%, with the exception of 4-chloro-2-methylphenol (57%) at the lowest spike level (3 µg L−1). The method was validated according to the main FDA guidelines for the validation of bioanalytical methods. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, precision and accuracy were below 11% and 15%, respectively, and detection limits of 0.1–1.8 µg L−1. Linearity was studied in the range of interest 1–15 µg L−1 with determination coefficients greater than 0.99. In light of the obtained results, the nanocomposite microbeads have proved to be a valid and sustainable alternative to traditional sorbents, offering good analytical standards and being synthetized from recycled plastic material. One of the main objectives of the current work is to provide an innovative and optimized procedure for the recycling of a plastic waste, to obtain a regular and reliable microstructure, whose application is here presented in the field of analytical chemistry. The simplicity and greenness of the method endows the procedure with a versatile applicability in different research and industrial fields.

Graphical Abstract
Ultrasonics and urban greening: an exploratory study on ultrasound presence in urban spaces
Authors: Grimshaw-Aagaard Mark , Bemman Brian
Published: April 2024

Airborne ultrasound is a frequently overlooked feature of our environment as it is not audible to humans, and little is known of its health effects on humans. Presently, regulations governing noise pollution in urban areas concern only human-audible sound, and there are few regulations governing technologies that emit ultrasound as a by-product of their operation or for many devices that emit it deliberately. Moreover, developing fields of research have highlighted the role of ultrasound in non-human species communication and the deleterious consequences for some species of human-produced ultrasound. If urban spaces are to become more sustainable through urban greening—capable of sustaining significant populations of non-human species—studies must be undertaken to begin investigating the presence of ultrasound in such areas. In this paper, we present an exploratory study of urban ultrasoundscapes aimed at measuring the presence and levels of ultrasound in the Danish city of Aalborg. Our preliminary results show that there were increases in ultrasound at periods throughout the day with more or less a lower constant presence at locations that were furthest from major streets. In the urban recordings as well as one rural recording, however, the highest percentages of ultrasound occurred during the night and the lowest percentages were found during midday. Finally, the content of the ultrasound found at locations nearest to green spaces showed most commonality in spectra and levels and our location nearest to a hospital produced the highest levels and most dissimilar ultrasound spectra when compared to all other locations.
A continuum model for the elongation and orientation of Von Willebrand factor with applications in arterial flow
Authors: Yeo E. F. , Oliver J. M. , Korin N. , Waters S. L.
Published: April 2024

The blood protein Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is critical in facilitating arterial thrombosis. At pathologically high shear rates, the protein unfolds and binds to the arterial wall, enabling the rapid deposition of platelets from the blood. We present a novel continuum model for VWF dynamics in flow based on a modified viscoelastic fluid model that incorporates a single constitutive relation to describe the propensity of VWF to unfold as a function of the scalar shear rate. Using experimental data of VWF unfolding in pure shear flow, we fix the parameters for VWF’s unfolding propensity and the maximum VWF length, so that the protein is half unfolded at a shear rate of approximately $$5000\,\text {s}^{-1}$$

5000

s

-
1

. We then use the theoretical model to predict VWF’s behaviour in two complex flows where experimental data are challenging to obtain: pure elongational flow and stenotic arterial flow. In pure elongational flow, our model predicts that VWF is 50% unfolded at approximately $$2000\,\text {s}^{-1}$$

2000

s

-
1

, matching the established hypothesis that VWF unfolds at lower shear rates in elongational flow than in shear flow. We demonstrate the sensitivity of this elongational flow prediction to the value of maximum VWF length used in the model, which varies significantly across experimental studies, predicting that VWF can unfold between $$2000\text { and }3200\,\text {s}^{-1}$$

2000

and

3200

s

-
1

depending on the selected value. Finally, we examine VWF dynamics in a range of idealised arterial stenoses, predicting the relative extension of VWF in elongational flow structures in the centre of the artery compared to high shear regions near the arterial walls.
Community-Identified Implementation Strategies for Promoting the Adoption of HIV Self-Testing in a Southern California American Indian community: A Rapid Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Prescott Maximo R. , Montoya Jessica L. , Perry Christina , Teran Ray , Armenta Richard , Gaines Tommi L.
Published: April 2024

HIV incidence increased by 18% between 2015 and 2019 among American Indians (AIs) despite declining rates in other racial/ethnic groups. Culturally-appropriate implementation of prevention programs is needed to address the intersectional conditions contributing to HIV vulnerabilities experienced by AIs. The objectives of this study were to understand factors influencing HIV testing decisions and identify implementation strategies to promote the acceptability of HIV self-testing (HIVST) in a southern California AI community. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews were completed with adult community members of a southern California AI reservation. Analysis used a rapid analytic approach that was guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework and expert recommendations for implementing change (ERIC) compilation. Two team members applied a standardized summary template to elucidate implementation determinants and implementation strategies for adopting HIVST. Barriers to HIV testing identified by community members included HIV-related stigma and privacy concerns within their community. Community members expressed positive perceptions of the acceptability of HIVST, with many identifying ease of use and privacy as appealing attributes. Several implementation strategies were suggested for facilitating the adoption of HIVST, including increasing access to tests by mailing kits to community members and increasing demand for kits through media campaigns (e.g., local flyers, social media posts, and booths at tribal events). Community members also recommended discreet packaging of kits and cultural adaptation of accompanying materials (e.g., educational videos featuring community members). The qualitative input from AI community members facilitated identification of implementation strategies that may promote the acceptability and culturally-appropriateness of HIVST.
“One a Day Keeps the Prison Away”: Understanding the Experiences of Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offences Receiving Anti-Androgens for the Treatment of Problematic Sexual Arousal
Authors: Lievesley Rebecca , Swaby Helen , Winder Belinda , Norman Christine , Hocken Kerensa
Published: April 2024

Problematic sexual arousal (PSA) is an umbrella term to describe a range of clinical presentations related to excessive sexual thinking (e.g., sexual preoccupation) and sexual behavior (e.g., hypersexuality). Although such concepts are known to affect sexual recidivism among individuals convicted of sexual offences, PSA is not routinely or directly targeted in offending behavior programs in England and Wales. However, in recent years, there have been moves to incorporate pharmacological interventions for addressing this among people with sexual offence histories. Although some work to understand the experiences of those taking SSRI medication for this purpose has emerged, little is known about the experiences of service users taking anti-androgen medication. In this study, we interviewed all individuals in prison taking anti-androgens for the treatment of problematic sexual arousal following convictions for sexual offences in England at the time of data collection (N = 10). Using a phenomenologically oriented thematic analysis, we established themes pertaining to “Differing needs: Motivations for treatment,” “Medication as a risk management strategy,” and how the medication helped the men in their pursuit of “Discovering a ‘new me’.” This work contributes important knowledge to inform the development of ethical and effective prescribing of anti-androgen medication with this population and offer recommendations for both future research and the development of clinical practice.
Resveratrol activates autophagy and protects from UVA-induced photoaging in human skin fibroblasts and the skin of male mice by regulating the AMPK pathway
Authors: Xia Yangmin , Zhang Hao , Wu Xiangyi , Xu Ye , Tan Qian
Published: April 2024

Skin photoaging is mostly caused by ultraviolet A (UVA), although active medications to effectively counteract UVA-induced photoaging have not yet been created. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol found in the skin of grapes, has been shown to have various biological functions such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. However, the role of resveratrol in UVA-induced photoaging has not been clarified. We investigated the mechanism of action of resveratrol by UVA irradiation of human skin fibroblasts (HSF) and innovatively modified a mouse model of photoaging. The results demonstrated that resveratrol promoted AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation to activate autophagy, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inhibit apoptosis, and restore normal cell cycle to alleviate UVA-induced photoaging. In addition, subcutaneous injection of resveratrol not only improved the symptoms of roughness, erythema, and increased wrinkles in the skin of UVA photodamaged mice, but also alleviated epidermal hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation, reduced inflammatory responses, and inhibited collagen fiber degradation. In conclusion, our studies proved that resveratrol can treat UVA-induced photoaging and elucidated the possible molecular mechanisms involved, providing a new therapeutic strategy for future anti-aging.
Chromophores in spinning dopes of cellulose and imidazolium ionic liquids
Authors: Rosenau Thomas , Zhang Jiaping , Koide Mitsuharu , Rinner Uwe , Hettegger Hubert , Potthast Antje , Gotoh Yasuo
Published: April 2024

Spinning of cellulose dissolved in 3-alkyl-1-methylimidazolium ionic liquids is a current approach to manmade cellulosic fibers. To curb cellulose degradation in the dope, stabilizers have to be used. Generation of chromophores in the dope and the resulting fibers is unavoidable, with most of the discoloration resulting from the employed antioxidants. In the present work, the chemical structures of the chromophores derived from the most common “green” stabilizers currently used, namely propyl gallate (a gallic acid derivative), hydroxytyrosol (and antioxidant from olives), and tocopheramines (vitamin E derivatives), were elucidated by a combination of analytical techniques and final confirmation by comparison with independently synthesized samples. While most compounds are oxidation and rearrangement products of the antioxidants themselves, coupling products with the ionic liquid´s imidazolium cations were also found. Identification of the colored compounds is a critical issue for both the optimization of fiber bleaching steps and solvent purification/recovery in the spinning process. Now that the nature of the generated chromophores is known, milder yet more effective bleaching treatments can be developed and solvent purification/recycling can be specifically optimized.
Distribution of resources beyond 5G networks with heterogeneous parallel processing and graph optimization algorithms
Authors: Khadidos Alaa O. , Manoharan Hariprasath , Selvarajan Shitharth , Khadidos Adil O. , Alshareef Abdulrhman M. , Altwijri Mohammed
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a design model for resource allocation is formulated beyond 5G networks for effective data allocations in each network nodes. In all networks, data is transmitted only after allocating all resources, and an unrestrained approach is established because the examination of resources is not carried out in the usual manner. However, if data transmission needs to occur, some essential resources can be added to the network. Moreover, these resources can be shared using a parallel optimization approach, as outlined in the projected model. Further the designed model is tested and verified with four case studies by using resource allocator toolbox with parallax where the resources for power and end users are limited within the ranges of 1.4% and 6%. Furthermore, in the other two case studies, which involve coefficient determination and blockage factors, the outcomes of the proposed approach fall within the marginal error constraint of approximately 31% and 87%, respectively.
Do remittances mitigate poverty? Evidence from selected countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America
Authors: Ojeyinka Titus Ayobami , Ibukun Cleopatra Oluseye
Published: April 2024

The overall objective of the Sustainable Development Goals is to end poverty in all its manifestations by 2030. To achieve this, international remittance inflows have been identified as crucial external financing, especially for developing countries, to secure the resources needed to improve the living conditions of the poor in these countries. It is on this premise that this study investigates the nexus between remittances and poverty in selected countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, given that these regions receive the highest amount of remittances globally. The study uses annual data on 38 top recipients of remittances between 1990 and 2021. To ensure the robustness of the results, the study employs two indicators of poverty: household consumption expenditure and poverty headcount. On the methodological front, the study addresses the issue of cross-sectional dependence in a panel study and also corrects for endogeneity, using both static and dynamic methods of analysis, respectively. Empirical findings from the cross-sectional dependence test confirm the interdependence of countries in the study. Interestingly, the study confirms the optimistic view that remittance reduces poverty in the selected countries. This finding is consistent for the two poverty indicators regardless of the methodology adopted. The study concludes that remittance inflows play a pivotal role in alleviating poverty in the selected countries. Based on the findings, governments in the three regions are advised to devise appropriate policies and structures that can support and channel the proceeds from remittances to productive ventures to reduce the incidence of poverty in their respective countries.
Leachability of hexavalent chromium from fly ash-marl mixtures in Sarigiol basin, Western Macedonia, Greece: environmental hazard and potential human health risk
Authors: Georgaki Maria-Nefeli , Mytiglaki Christina , Tsokkou Sophia , Kantiranis Nikolaos
Published: April 2024

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is an environmental contaminant brining high concerns due to its higher toxicity and mobility in comparison with trivalent chromium Cr(III). Cr (VI) has been linked with several adverse health effects, including respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and skin irritation. The primary sources of it in the environment are industrial activities.Most of the time, fly ash made of lignite can release Cr(VI) when it comes into contact with water in an aquatic environment. The objective of this study is the investigation of Cr (VI) concentration in leachates of fly ash and marl mixtures and the determination of its solubility under different pH conditions. Samples of fly ash were collected from the Power Plant of Agios Dimitrios. Additionally, samples of marl were collected from the mine of South Field, and both samples were mixed and prepared in in different proportions (% w.t.). The leaching experiments were carried out according to the EN-12457/1-4 (2003) standard under different pH conditions and chemical analysis of the leachates were performed by spectrophotometry with diphenylcarbazide (DPC). The environmental footprint of Cr (VI) in the study area was significant, especially in mixtures containing higher concentrations of fly ash. A critical pH range between 6 to 12 is observed. At acidic pH values, a high release of Cr (VI) was observed, while at the mentioned critical values (pH 10–12), a gradual decrease in its leachability was noticed. The high concentrations of Cr (VI) in the industrial area studied require immediate actions in terms of managing and limiting the potential hazardous impacts on the environment and by extension on the public health by developing appropriate prevention strategies.

Graphical abstract
A survey of nuclear quadrupole deformation in order to estimate the nuclear MQM and its relative contribution to the atomic EDM
Authors: MohanMurthy Prajwal , Silwal Umesh , Winger Jeff A.
Published: April 2024

Measurement of a non-zero permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) in fundamental particles, such as in an electron or a neutron, or in nuclei or atoms, can help us gain a handle on the sources of Charge-Parity (CP) violation, both in the Standard Model (SM) and beyond. The nuclear magnetic quadrupole moment (MQM), the central topic of this work, is also CP, P, and T violating. Nucleons and nuclei have a non-zero MQM from sources within the SM, but the nuclear MQM is dramatically enhanced if the nuclei are structurally quadrupole deformed. Multiple sources contribute to an atomic EDM namely: (i) nuclear EDM through its Schiff moment, which is enhanced by nuclear octupole deformation, (ii) CP violating interactions between the electrons and the nuclei, and (iii) the nuclear MQM that contributes to the atomic EDM in atoms with an unpaired valence electron. Our survey of nuclear quadrupole deformation identified 48 isotopes as ideal systems in which to search for a CP violating EDM via their enhanced nuclear MQM. Of these candidates, $$^{223,225}$$

223
,
225

Fr, $$^{223}$$

223

Ra, $$^{223,225,227}$$

223
,
225
,
227

Ac, $$^{229}$$

229

Th, and $$^{229}$$

229

Pa also have maximally enhanced nuclear Schiff moment contribution due to their octupole deformation. Laser cooling of the isotopes of Fr and Ra, among a few others, has already been demonstrated, making $$^{223,225}$$

223
,
225

Fr and $$^{223}$$

223

Ra some of the best systems in which to measure an EDM.
A standard form for scattered linearized polynomials and properties of the related translation planes
Authors: Longobardi Giovanni , Zanella Corrado
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present results concerning the stabilizer $$G_f$$

G
f

in $${{\,\mathrm{{GL}}\,}}(2,q^n)$$

GL

(
2
,

q
n

)

of the subspace $$U_f=\{(x,f(x)):x\in \mathbb {F}_{q^n}\}$$

U
f

=

{

(
x
,
f

(
x
)

)

:
x
∈

F

q
n

}

, f(x) a scattered linearized polynomial in $$\mathbb {F}_{q^n}[x]$$

F

q
n

[
x
]

. Each $$G_f$$

G
f

contains the $$q-1$$

q
-
1

maps $$(x,y)\mapsto (ax,ay)$$

(
x
,
y
)
↦
(
a
x
,
a
y
)

, $$a\in \mathbb {F}_{q}^*$$

a
∈

F

q

∗

. By virtue of the results of Beard (Duke Math J, 39:313–321, 1972) and Willett (Duke Math J 40(3):701–704, 1973), the matrices in $$G_f$$

G
f

are simultaneously diagonalizable. This has several consequences: (i) the polynomials such that $$|G_f|>q-1$$

|

G
f

|
>
q
-
1

have a standard form of type $$\sum _{j=0}^{n/t-1}a_jx^{q^{s+jt}}$$

∑

j
=
0

n
/
t
-
1

a
j

x

q

s
+
j
t

for some s and t such that $$(s,t)=1$$

(
s
,
t
)
=
1

, $$t>1$$

t
>
1

a divisor of n; (ii) this standard form is essentially unique; (iii) for $$n>2$$

n
>
2

and $$q>3$$

q
>
3

, the translation plane $$\mathcal {A}_f$$

A
f

associated with f(x) admits nontrivial affine homologies if and only if $$|G_f|>q-1$$

|

G
f

|
>
q
-
1

, and in that case those with axis through the origin form two groups of cardinality $$(q^t-1)/(q-1)$$

(

q
t

-
1
)

/

(
q
-
1
)

that exchange axes and coaxes; (iv) no plane of type $$\mathcal {A}_f$$

A
f

, f(x) a scattered polynomial not of pseudoregulus type, is a generalized André plane.
An ultimately periodic chain in the integral Lie ring of partitions
Authors: Aragona Riccardo , Civino Roberto , Gavioli Norberto
Published: April 2024

Given an integer n, we introduce the integral Lie ring of partitions with bounded maximal part, whose elements are in one-to-one correspondence to integer partitions with parts in $$\{1,2,\dots , n-1\}$$

{
1
,
2
,
⋯
,
n
-
1
}

. Starting from an abelian subring, we recursively define a chain of idealizers and we prove that the sequence of ranks of consecutive terms in the chain is ultimately periodic. Moreover, we show that its growth depends of the partial sum of the partial sum of the sequence counting the number of partitions. This work generalizes our previous recent work on the same topic, devoted to the modular case where partitions were allowed to have a bounded number of repetitions of parts in a ring of coefficients of positive characteristic.
Finding Space-Time Boundaries with Deformable Hypersurfaces
Authors: Jensen Patrick M. , Bærentzen J. Andreas , Dahl Anders B. , Dahl Vedrana A.
Published: April 2024

Dynamic 3D imaging is increasingly used to study evolving objects. We address the problem of detecting and tracking simple objects that merge or split in time. Common solutions involve detecting topological changes. Instead, we solve the problem in 4D by exploiting the observation that if objects only merge or only split, they appear as a single component in 4D. This allows us to initiate a topologically simple 3D hypersurface and deform it to fit the surface of all objects at all times. This gives an extremely compact representation of the objects’ evolution. We test our method on artificial 4D images and compare it to other segmentation methods. We also apply our method to a 4D X-ray data set to quantify evolving topology. Our method performs comparably to existing methods with better resource use and improved robustness.
Influence of TiO2 coverage on activity and stability of Pd-TiO2/MWCNT-supported catalysts used in direct formic acid fuel cells
Authors: Malolepszy A. , Mazurkiewicz-Pawlicka M. , Stobinski L. , Lesiak-Orłowska B. , Mierzwa B. , Kövér L. , Tóth J. , Chang Yuan Chih
Published: April 2024

Pd and TiO2 supported on functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) catalysts were investigated in formic acid electrooxidation reaction in direct formic acid fuel cell. TiO2 (5–60 wt.% loading) on f-MWCNTs was deposited using microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. 20 wt.% of Pd was deposited on TiO2/f-MWCNTs by reduction of palladium (II) chloride salt with sodium borohydride. Catalysts’ structure and composition were characterized by XRD, STEM, HR-TEM, TGA, XPS/XAES (Pd, Ti, O spectra features, density of valence states, Auger parameters). Average crystallite size of Pd and TiO2 from XRD (3–4 nm) agrees with those by HR-TEM (3–5 nm). Low TiO2 coverages (below 32wt.%) show smaller crystallites due to increased surface hydrophilicity, higher amount of TiO2 oxygen vacancies with attached Pd nanoparticles, increased density of valence states of strong Pd–TiO2 interface. In contrary, the higher coverages indicate lower amount of Pd–O–Ti, Ti–O–C, Pd–O–C interfaces, with electron charge transfer from TiO2 to f-MWCNTs, and to Pd. Catalysts activity (40–106 mWmgPd−1) and stability (5–240 h) are enhanced at low TiO2 coverages (4–8 wt.%) due to a strong Pd-TiO2 interface on oxygen vacancies, improved electron transport and a high active surface area. Oscillatory self-cleaning mechanism of Pd is due to oxidation by -OH groups (TiO2, f-MWCNTs), and hydrogen and CO spillover.
An Experimental Investigation of Supportive
Tactile Communication During Esteem Support Conversations
Authors: Shebib Samantha J. , Boumis Josephine K. , Allard Amanda , Holmstrom Amanda J. , Mason Adam J.
Published: April 2024

The present study examines how supportive touch impacts evaluations of
esteem support content containing high emotion-focused (HEF) or high problem-focused
(HPF) messages during observed esteem support interactions. A 2 (verbal content;
i.e., HEF or HPF) by 2 (nonverbal content; i.e., presence or absence of supportive
tactile communication) experiment was conducted to test for main and interactional
effects. Results revealed that HEF conditions were perceived to be more effective by
observers at enhancing the recipient’s state self-esteem, state self-efficacy, and
alleviating distress compared to HPF conditions. The supportive tactile
communication conditions were perceived as better at enhancing state self-esteem and
alleviating distress compared to the no supportive tactile communication conditions
by observers. However, these main effects were qualified by significant two-way
interactions between message content and nonverbal behavior on ratings of state
self-esteem and distress alleviation, such that the addition of supportive tactile
communication enhanced the effectiveness of HPF message content but not HEF
content.
Assessment of Lignin Residues from Bioethanol Production of Olive Stones as Green Chemical Thickener of Epoxidized Linseed Oil
Authors: Cortés-Triviño E. , Valencia C. , Franco J. M. , Oliva J. M. , Manzanares P. , Eugenio M. E. , Ibarra D.
Published: April 2024

This work focused on the characterization of lignin residues from bioethanol production of olive stones (OS) and the use of these residues to chemically thicken epoxidized linseed oil (ELO). OS were processed by an acid/steam explosion pretreatment, followed by pre-saccharification, using different enzyme dosages, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. The chemical composition of the OS lignin residues was analysed, revealing a high lignin content (66.6–69.5%), and lower quantities of glucan (17.4–19.3%) and xylan (2.8–2.9%). Whereas, the structural properties of OS lignin residues were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). OS lignin residues displayed the main inter-unit linkages (β–β′ resinol (51.0–59.0%), followed by β-O-4′ alkyl aryl ethers (27.0–35.2%) and β-5′ phenylcoumaran (11.4–13.2%) substructures), high molecular weights (22,000–25900 Da), low S/G ratios (1.2–1.5) and phenolic groups content (48–55 mg GAE/g lignin). Moreover, OS lignin residues were dispersed in ELO to obtain thickened formulations, which were characterized by FTIR and NMR. Oil thickening was achieved by promoting the chemical crosslinking between lignocellulose hydroxyl groups and ELO epoxy groups, enabling the compatibilization of both components. Up to tenfold viscosity increment of the resulting thickened formulations in relation to ELO’s viscosity was observed. Besides, thickened formulations exhibited viscoelastic properties, evincing oil structuration to some extent.

Graphical Abstract
Computing parametrised large intersection sets of 1D invariant manifolds: a tool for blender detection
Authors: C’Julio Dana , Krauskopf Bernd , Osinga Hinke M.
Published: April 2024

A dynamical system given by a diffeomorphism with a three-dimensional phase space may have a blender, which is a hyperbolic set $$\Lambda $$
Λ
with, say, a one-dimensional stable invariant manifold that behaves like a surface. This means that the stable manifold of any fixed or periodic point in $$\Lambda $$
Λ
weaves back and forth as a curve in phase space such that it is dense in some projection; we refer to this as the carpet property. We present a method for computing very long pieces of such a one-dimensional manifold so efficiently and accurately that a very large number of intersection points with a specified section can reliably be identified. We demonstrate this with the example of a family of Hénon-like maps $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
on $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

, which is the only known, explicit example of a diffeomorphism with proven existence of a blender. The code for this example is available as a Matlab script as supplemental material. In contrast to earlier work, our method allows us to determine a very large number of intersection points of the respective one-dimensional stable manifold with a chosen planar section and render each as individual curves when a parameter is changed. With suitable accuracy settings, we not only compute these parametrised curves for the fixed points of $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
over the relevant parameter interval, but we also compute the corresponding parametrised curves of the stable manifolds of a period-two orbit (with negative eigenvalues) and of a period-three orbit (with positive eigenvalues). In this way, we demonstrate that our algorithm can handle large expansion rates generated by (up to) the fourth iterate of $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
.
Chitosan-based delivery of fish codon-optimised Caenorhabditis elegans FAT-1 and FAT-2 boosts EPA and DHA biosynthesis in Sparus aurata
Authors: Wu Yuanbing , Rashidpour Ania , Fàbregas Anna , Almajano María Pilar , Metón Isidoro
Published: April 2024

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) are essential fatty acids required in healthy balanced diets for humans. To induce sustained production of n-3 LC-PUFA in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles encapsulating plasmids expressing fish codon-optimised Caenorhabditis elegans FAT-1 and FAT-2 were intraperitoneally administered every 4 weeks (3 doses in total, each of 10 μg plasmid per g of body weight). Growth performance and metabolic effects of chitosan-TPP complexed with pSG5 (empty plasmid), pSG5-FAT-1, pSG5-FAT-2 and pSG5-FAT-1 + pSG5-FAT-2 were assessed 70 days post-treatment. Tissue distribution analysis showed high expression levels of fish codon-optimised FAT-1 and FAT-2 in the liver (> 200-fold). Expression of fat-1 and fat-1 + fat-2 increased weight gain. Fatty acid methyl esters assay revealed that co-expression of fat-1 and fat-2 increased liver production and muscle accumulation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total n-3 LC-PUFA, while decreased the n-6/n-3 ratio. Co-expression of fat-1 and fat-2 downregulated srebf1 and genes encoding rate-limiting enzymes for de novo lipogenesis in the liver, leading to decreased circulating triglycerides and cholesterol. In contrast, FAT-2 and FAT-1 + FAT-2 upregulated hepatic hnf4a, nr1h3 and key enzymes in glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. Our findings demonstrate for the first time efficient and sustained production of EPA and DHA in animals after long-term treatment with chitosan-TPP-DNA nanoparticles expressing FAT-1 and FAT-2, which enabled the production of functional fish rich in n-3 LC-PUFA for human consumption.
The Levels of Scientific Disciplines
Authors: Elgin Samuel
Published: April 2024

I develop an account of disciplinary level in terms of truth-maker semantics. In particular, I exploit the mereological structure of states of affairs—which is central to the truth-maker approach—to provide conditions in which one discipline occupies a higher level than another.
Not So Blue to be Sad: Affective Affordances and Expressive Properties in Affective Regulation
Authors: Caravà Marta , Benenti Marta
Published: April 2024

In our everyday interaction with the environment, we often perceive objects and spaces as opportunities to feel, maintain, enhance, and change our affective states and processes. The concept of affective affordance was coined to accommodate this aspect of ordinary perception and the many ways in which we rely on the material environment to regulate our emotions. One natural way to think of affective affordances in emotion regulation is to interpret them as tools for regulating felt affective states. We argue that this way of conceiving of affective affordances is too restrictive. By analyzing the role of expressive properties of objects and spaces in emotion regulation, we show that our environment does not need to elicit felt affective states to regulate our emotions. Thus, we revise the concept of affective affordance to accommodate these cases. This revised concept explains more with less. Hence, it should be preferred in wide-reaching philosophical projects that aim to explain human affectivity as a situated phenomenon.
In Vivo Labeling and Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Mice Using OTL38
Authors: Pace Joshua , Lee Jane J. , Srinivasarao Madduri , Kallepu Shivakrishna , Low Philip S. , Niedre Mark
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We recently developed an optical instrument to non-invasively detect fluorescently labeled circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in mice called ‘Diffuse in vivo Flow Cytometry’ (DiFC). OTL38 is a folate receptor (FR) targeted near-infrared (NIR) contrast agent that is FDA approved for use in fluorescence guided surgery of ovarian and lung cancer. In this work, we investigated the use OTL38 for in vivo labeling and detection of FR + CTCs with DiFC.

Procedures

We tested OTL38 labeling of FR + cancer cell lines (IGROV-1 and L1210A) as well as FR- MM.1S cells in suspensions of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. We also tested OTL38 labeling and NIR-DIFC detection of FR + L1210A cells in blood circulation in nude mice in vivo.

Results

62% of IGROV-1 and 83% of L1210A were labeled above non-specific background levels in suspensions of PBMCs in vitro compared to only 2% of FR- MM.1S cells. L1210A cells could be labeled with OTL38 directly in circulation in vivo and externally detected using NIR-DiFC in mice with low false positive detection rates.

Conclusions

This work shows the feasibility of labeling CTCs in vivo with OTL38 and detection with DiFC. Although further refinement of the DiFC instrument and signal processing algorithms and testing with other animal models is needed, this work may eventually pave the way for human use of DiFC.
Assessing the feasibility and sustainability of a surfactin production process: a techno-economic and environmental analysis
Authors: Poveda-Giraldo Johnny Alejandro , Solarte-Toro Juan Camilo , Treinen Chantal , Noll Philipp , Henkel Marius , Hausmann Rudolf , Cardona Alzate Carlos Ariel
Published: April 2024

Biosurfactants have been profiled as a sustainable replacement for chemical-based surfactants since these bio-based molecules have higher biodegradability. Few research papers have focused on assessing biosurfactant production to elucidate potential bottlenecks. This research aims to assess the techno-economic and environmental performance of surfactin production in a potential scale of 65m3, considering different product yields and involving the European energy crisis of 2021–2022. The conceptual design, simulation, techno-economic, and environmental assessments were done by applying process engineering concepts and software tools such as Aspen Plus v.9.0 and SimaPro v.8.3.3. The results demonstrated the high economic potential of surfactin production since the higher values in the market offset the low fermentation yields, low recovery efficiency, and high capital investment. The sensitivity analysis of the economic assessment elucidated a minimum surfactin selling price between 29 and 31 USD/kg of surfactin, while a minimum processing scale for economic feasibility between 4 and 5 kg/h is needed to reach an equilibrium point. The environmental performance must be improved since the carbon footprint was 43 kg CO2eq/kg of surfactin. The downstream processing and energy demand are the main bottlenecks since these aspects contribute to 63 and 25% of the total emissions. The fermentation process and downstream process are key factors for future optimization and research.
Association Between Preconception Maternal Mental Health-Related Hospitalisation (MHrH) and Outcomes During Pregnancy: A Population-Based Cohort Study in the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Dadi Abel F. , He Vincent , Alati Rosa , Hazell-Raine Karen , Hazell Philip , Brown Kiarna , Guthridge Steven
Published: April 2024

Comprehensive studies investigating the link between maternal hospitalisation for mental health conditions prior to pregnancy and adverse outcomes in pregnancy are scarce in Australia. We aimed to fill this gap by using 18 years of administratively linked data to inform early interventions. We linked the perinatal data from the year 1999 to 2017 to the hospital hospitalisation data to create a cohort of pregnant women aged 15 to 44 years who gave birth in the Northern Territory (NT). We used the International Classification of Disease 10th revision (ICD-AM-10) codes to locate women with mental health-related hospitalisation (MHrH) (exposure of interest) and the perinatal data to access pregnancy outcomes. We used the modified Poisson regression with robust standard error to estimate the risk of pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal MHrH in the 5 years prior to pregnancy. We calculated the adjusted population attributable fraction (aPAF) for valid associations. We used the E-value to assess the effect of potential confounding bias. Out of 69,890 pregnancies, ~ 67,518 were eligible and included in the analysis. We found a significant variation in the incidence of substance use and complications between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women and women with and without MHrH in the 5 years prior to pregnancy. After adjusting, 5 years of preconception hospitalisation for substance misuse was associated with a 31% (95%CI, 1.05, 1.63) increased risk of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), a 60% (CI, 1.37, 1.86) increased risk of smoking and a 2.21 (CI, 1.98, 2.47) times increased risk of drinking during pregnancy in Aboriginal women; and a 17% increased risk of drinking (CI, 1.11, 1.23) in pregnancy in non-Aboriginal women. A significant proportion of smoking (aPAF = 14.7 to 37.4%), alcohol consumption (aPAF = 46.0 to 66.7%), and IUGR (aPAF = 23.6 to 38.5%) are attributed to maternal MHrH 5 years prior to pregnancy. Our findings are a ‘wake-up’ call for strengthening preconception care to reduce adverse outcomes of maternal MHrH prior to pregnancy.
Mathematical Models of Early Hepatitis B Virus Dynamics in Humanized Mice
Authors: Ciupe Stanca M. , Dahari Harel , Ploss Alexander
Published: April 2024

Analyzing the impact of the adaptive immune response during acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is essential for understanding disease progression and control. Here we developed mathematical models of HBV infection which either lack terms for adaptive immune responses, or assume adaptive immune responses in the form of cytolytic immune killing, non-cytolytic immune cure, or non-cytolytic-mediated block of viral production. We validated the model that does not include immune responses against temporal serum hepatitis B DNA (sHBV) and temporal serum hepatitis B surface-antigen (HBsAg) experimental data from mice engrafted with human hepatocytes (HEP). Moreover, we validated the immune models against sHBV and HBsAg experimental data from mice engrafted with HEP and human immune system (HEP/HIS). As expected, the model that does not include adaptive immune responses matches the observed high sHBV and HBsAg concentrations in all HEP mice. By contrast, while all immune response models predict reduction in sHBV and HBsAg concentrations in HEP/HIS mice, the Akaike Information Criterion cannot discriminate between non-cytolytic cure (resulting in a class of cells refractory to reinfection) and antiviral block functions (of up to $$99\%$$

99
%

viral production 1–3 weeks following peak viral load). We can, however, reject cytolytic killing, as it can only match the sHBV and HBsAg data when we predict unrealistic levels of hepatocyte loss.