bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trophic Transfer of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, P and Se in Dutch Storage Water Reservoirs
Authors: Verstijnen Yvon J. M. , Lucassen Esther C. H. E. T. , Wagenvoort Arco J. , Ketelaars Henk A. M. , van der Velde Gerard , Smolders Alfons J. P.
Published: January 2024

Heavy metals are naturally omnipresent in aquatic systems. Excess amounts of heavy metals can accumulate in organisms of pollution impacted systems and transfer across a food web. Analysing the food web structure and metal contents of the organisms can help unravel the pathways of biomagnification or biodilution and gain insight in trophic linkages. We measured heavy metals and other elements in mussel bank detritus and organisms of the Biesbosch reservoirs (the Netherlands) and linked those to stable isotopic signatures. The heavy metal contents (cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc) were often lowest in benthivorous, omnivorous and piscivorous species (mainly fish); whereas, phosphorus contents were lower in the autotrophs. Mussel bank detritus contained the highest amounts of heavy metals. The heavy metals were negatively correlated with δ15N values. For selenium no clear trend was observed. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between fish length and some heavy metals. Based on all 20 analysed elemental contents, similarities between species became apparent, related to niche or habitat. This study confirms that elemental contents of species can differ between feeding guilds and/or species, which can be attributed to metabolic and physiological processes. The organisms in higher trophic levels have adaptations preventing metal accumulation, resulting in lower contents. Within the fish species biodilution occurs, as most metal contents were lowest in bigger fish. Overall, the metals did not seem to biomagnify, but biodilute in the food web. Metal analyses combined with isotopic signatures could thus provide insights in metal transfer and possible trophic linkages within a system.
Therapeutic applications of gut microbes in cardiometabolic diseases: current state and perspectives
Authors: Yuan Lin , Li Ying , Chen Moutong , Xue Liang , Wang Juan , Ding Yu , Gu Qihui , Zhang Jumei , Zhao Hui , Xie Xinqiang , Wu Qingping
Published: January 2024

Cardiometabolic disease (CMD) encompasses a range of diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Recent findings about CMD’s interaction with gut microbiota have broadened our understanding of how diet and nutrition drive microbes to influence CMD. However, the translation of basic research into the clinic has not been smooth, and dietary nutrition and probiotic supplementation have yet to show significant evidence of the therapeutic benefits of CMD. In addition, the published reviews do not suggest the core microbiota or metabolite classes that influence CMD, and systematically elucidate the causal relationship between host disease phenotypes-microbiome. The aim of this review is to highlight the complex interaction of the gut microbiota and their metabolites with CMD progression and to further centralize and conceptualize the mechanisms of action between microbial and host disease phenotypes. We also discuss the potential of targeting modulations of gut microbes and metabolites as new targets for prevention and treatment of CMD, including the use of emerging technologies such as fecal microbiota transplantation and nanomedicine.

Key points

• To highlight the complex interaction of the gut microbiota and their metabolites with CMD progression and to further centralize and conceptualize the mechanisms of action between microbial and host disease phenotypes.

• We also discuss the potential of targeting modulations of gut microbes and metabolites as new targets for prevention and treatment of CMD, including the use of emerging technologies such as FMT and nanomedicine.

• Our study provides insight into identification-specific microbiomes and metabolites involved in CMD, and microbial-host changes and physiological factors as disease phenotypes develop, which will help to map the microbiome individually and capture pathogenic mechanisms as a whole.

Graphical Abstract
Evolution of anxiety management in prostate biopsy under local anesthesia: a narrative review
Authors: Vanoli Sylvain , Grobet-Jeandin Elisabeth , Windisch Olivier , Valerio Massimo , Benamran Daniel
Published: January 2024

Introduction and methods

Prostate biopsy (PB) is an essential step in the diagnosis and active surveillance of prostate cancer (PCa). Transperineal PB (TP-PB) is now the recommended approach and is mostly conducted under local anesthesia. However, this procedure can potentially cause anxiety for patients, given the oncological context and the fear of peri-procedural pain and complications. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the currently available tools for the management of peri-interventional anxiety during TP-PB, with a particular emphasis on the potential role of virtual reality (VR) in this setting.

Results

In TP-PB, preoperative anxiety can lead to increased pain perception, longer procedure time, and decreased patient satisfaction. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches have been explored to reduce anxiety, such as premedication, deep sedation, education, relaxation techniques, hypnosis, and music therapy, albeit with mixed results. VR has recently emerged in the technological armamentarium for managing pain and anxiety, and the efficiency of this technology has been evaluated in various medical fields, including pediatrics, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, and psychiatry.

Conclusion

Despite the paucity of available data, VR appears to be a safe and effective technique in reducing anxiety in many procedures, even in frail patients. No studies have evaluated the role of VR in TP-PB. Future research should thus explore the optimal way to implement VR technology and any potential benefits for TP-PB patients.
Epigenetic analyses in forensic medicine: future and challenges
Authors: Gerra Maria Carla , Dallabona Cristina , Cecchi Rossana
Published: January 2024

The possibility of using epigenetics in forensic investigation has gradually risen over the last few years. Epigenetic changes with their dynamic nature can either be inherited or accumulated throughout a lifetime and be reversible, prompting investigation of their use across various fields. In forensic sciences, multiple applications have been proposed, such as the discrimination of monozygotic twins, identifying the source of a biological trace left at a crime scene, age prediction, determination of body fluids and tissues, human behavior association, wound healing progression, and determination of the post-mortem interval (PMI). Despite all these applications, not all the studies considered the impact of PMI and post-sampling effects on the epigenetic modifications and the tissue-specificity of the epigenetic marks.

This review aims to highlight the substantial forensic significance that epigenetics could support in various forensic investigations. First, basic concepts in epigenetics, describing the main epigenetic modifications and their functions, in particular, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, with a particular focus on forensic applications, were covered. For each epigenetic marker, post-mortem stability and tissue-specificity, factors that should be carefully considered in the study of epigenetic biomarkers in the forensic context, have been discussed. The advantages and limitations of using post-mortem tissues have been also addressed, proposing directions for these innovative strategies to analyze forensic specimens.
Immunogenic profiling of metastatic uveal melanoma discerns a potential signature related to prognosis
Authors: Wang Jian , Liu Miaomiao , Sun Jiaxing , Zhang Zifeng
Published: January 2024

Background

Uveal melanoma (UM) is an aggressive intraocular malignant tumor. The present study aimed to identify the key genes associated with UM metastasis and established a gene signature to analyze the relationship between the signature and prognosis and immune cell infiltration. Later, a predictive model combined with clinical variables was developed and validated.

Methods

Two UM gene expression profile chip datasets were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Immune-related genes (IRGs) were obtained from IMPORT database. First, these mRNAs were intersected with IRGs, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the co-expression of genes primarily associated with metastasis of UM. Univariate Cox regression analysis screened the genes related to prognosis. LASSO-Cox established a risk score to distinguish high-risk group and low-risk group. Then the GSEA enrichment pathway and immune cell infiltration of the two groups were compared. And combined with clinical variables, a predictive model was constructed. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve were used to verify the stability and accuracy of the final predictive model, and a nomogram was then drawn.

Results

The MEblack, MEpurple, and MEblue modules were significantly associated with the metastasis of UM patients (P value < 0.001, = 0.001, = 0.022, respectively). Four genes (UBXN2B, OTUD3, KAT8, LAMTOR2) were obtained by Pearson correlation analysis, weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), univariate Cox, and LASSO-Cox. And a novel prognostic risk score was established. Immune-related prognostic signature can well classify UM patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. Kaplan–Meier curve showed that the OS of high-risk patients was worse than that of low-risk patients. In addition, the risk score played an important role in evaluating the signaling pathway and immune cell infiltration of UM patients in high-risk and low-risk groups. Both the training set and validation set of the model showed good predictive accuracy in the degree of differentiation and calibration (e.g., 1-year overall survival: AUC = 0.930 (0.857–1.003)). Finally, a nomogram was established to serve in clinical practice.

Significance

UM key gene signature and prognosis predictive model might provide insights for further investigation of the pathogenesis and development of UM at the molecular level, and provide theoretical basis for determining new prognostic markers of UM and immunotherapy.
Leaf turgor loss point varies among tree species, habitats, and seasons in a bottomland hardwood forest
Authors: Eisley Alexandra M. , Wolfe Brett T.
Published: January 2024

Key message

Tree species in a temperate floodplain forest had leaf turgor loss point values similar to those of upland forest trees, suggesting physiological drought tolerance in this generally non-water-limited system.

Leaf turgor loss point (TLP) is a key plant trait associated with drought tolerance. In the bottomland hardwood (BLH) forests that grow in floodplains of the southeastern USA, drought stress is generally low but may increase with climate change. To address drought tolerance among BLH trees, we measured TLP among 20 species in a BLH forest in Louisiana, USA. We tested whether (1) TLP is higher in BLH tree species than in upland temperate-zone trees; (2) lower TLP is associated with higher drought tolerance among BLH species; (3) TLP drops during the growing season within BLH trees; and (4) within species, TLP is lower in more water limited, non-flooded BLH habitats than in seasonally flooded habitats. Among BLH tree species, TLP was −2.23 ± 0.28 (mean ± SD) and, contrary to our hypothesis, weakly positively correlated with drought tolerance. Within BLH species, TLP was lower in non-flooded habitats than seasonally flooded habitats and TLP decreased between the early and late growing season, more so in the non-flooded habitat. Overall, our results show that TLP among BLH trees is relatively low and plastic for a system that is generally not water limited, which may contribute to drought tolerance in future scenarios.
Clinical performance of a glass-hybrid system in comparison with a resin composite in two-surface class II restorations: a 5-year randomised multi-centre study
Authors: Miletić Ivana , Baraba Anja , Krmek Silvana Jukić , Perić Tamara , Marković Dejan , Basso Matteo , Ozkaya Cigdem Atalayin , Kemaloglu Hande , Turkun Lezize Sebnem
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate the 5-year clinical performance of a glass hybrid restorative system and a nano-hybrid resin composite in moderate to large two-surface class II cavities.

Materials and methods

This study was carried out by dental schools in Zagreb, Croatia; Izmir, Turkey; Belgrade, Serbia; and Milan, Italy. A total of 180 patients requiring two class-II two-surface restorations in the molars of the same jaw were recruited. The teeth were randomly restored with either a nano-hybrid resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent) or a glass-hybrid material (EQUIA Forte, GC). During the 5-year follow-up, two calibrated evaluators at each centre scored the restorations annually using the FDI-2 scoring system. The survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using non-parametric matched pair tests (p < 0.05).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the overall survival and success rates of the two types of restorations (p>0.05). The success rates (FDI-2 scores 1–3) for EQUIA Forte were 81.9% (average annual failure rate: 3.9%) and 90.7% for Tetric EvoCeram (average annual failure rate: 1.9%). The survival rates (FDI-2 scores 1–4) for EQUIA Forte and Tetric EvoCeram were 94.5% and 94.4%, respectively, with an average annual failure rate of 1.1%.

Conclusions

In terms of success and survival rates, both the glass-hybrid restorative system and the nano-hybrid resin composite have been shown to perform satisfactorily.

Clinical relevance

The results of this study indicate that EQUIA Forte can be one of the therapeutic options for moderate to large two-surface class II restorations of posterior teeth.
Evaluation of strategy portfolios
Authors: Wang Anlan , Kresta Aleš , Tichý Tomáš
Published: January 2024

People usually create a portfolio in order to diversify the risk coming from individual investments. To get a high yield with a good level of diversification, investors usually seek professional advice from portfolio managers. However, the true performance of an optimized portfolio usually depends on the correctness of the estimates of the distribution of future returns, which is often a matter of luck rather than skill. Thus, the optimization models may not be better than randomly selected portfolios. Our aim is to find how the so-called strategy portfolios, i.e., portfolios obtained by some decision optimized for a long-run horizon, perform compared to a benchmark, namely, a random investment, under specific market conditions. For this purpose, we evaluate several portfolio strategies over two periods of crisis: the subprime mortgage crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as run a moving window analysis over a longer horizon. In each case, the results are compared with the performance of random-weight portfolios. We find that if the strategy is minimization, the portfolios perform well; however, for the maximization of the objectives, the results are rather mixed.
Dust captured by a canopy and individual leaves of trees in the tropical mixed deciduous forest: Magnitude and influencing factors
Authors: Bridhikitti Arika , Khumphokha Pawaporn , Wanitha Wantanan , Prasopsin Suphat
Published: January 2024

Forest tree leaves play a significant role in air purification, but forest fires could offset the dust sink role. This study aims to assess the functions of the forest in atmospheric dust sink and source and assess the dust capturing capacity of individual leaves of various tree species in the tropical mixed deciduous forest in the dry season (November 21, 2021, to January 23, 2022), along with its influencing factors—climatic variables, environmental variables, and leaf morphology. The result shows that the downward flux or the forest dust sink role was predominant midday when air–mass turbulence played a role. Nonetheless, net mass PM1 and PM10 concentration trapped by the forest canopy was low, 0.79 and 2.24 µg m−3, respectively. For PM2.5, forest fires could outrun the PM2.5 sink role for the entire dry season. Considering the individual tree leave, maximum dust capturing capacities for the forest trees ranged from 0.95 to 5.197 g m−2. Leaf dust capturing capacity was enhanced under cold and dry weather, strong winds, and for trees with defoliated or irregular shape. Leaf/leaflet enhancing the dust capturing capacity exhibited large size; either thick and leathery texture (Coriaceous) or thin, semi-translucent, membrane-like texture (Membranaceous); indumentum top being short, stiff trichomes (Scabrous); or indumentum bottom surface being densely short, soft trichomes (Tomentose). The various dust capturing dynamics among tree species could benefit dust capturing by the forests in the dry season.
Seismic pounding of adjacent buildings considering torsional effects
Authors: Ozer Esra
Published: January 2024

This study aims to evaluate pounding effects in fixed-base models by considering torsional irregularity. For this purpose, 8 different adjacent building combinations were created by using 3-dimensional 5- and 9-story building models. In adjacent building models, the most critical situation was determined by evaluating the gap distance, different sequences of the same building models and regular or irregular plan view and if the structures are irregular, their eccentricity cases relative to each other. Nonlinear behavior of structural elements was taken into account for examine the change in the seismic behavior of structural elements due to pounding and torsion effects. The nonlinear time history analysis of the adjacent models was performed for 11 pairs of spectrum compatible ground motion recordings in the SAP2000 program. The results of 176 different analyzes show that the displacement demand, interstory drift ratio, damage ratio and torsional irregularity coefficient values tend to increase in general with the combined effects of pounding and torsion. The absolute maximum and most critical values of the relevant parameters were calculated in irregular structures with pounding where the eccentricity of buildings is in the same direction and same side. In addition, the large standard deviation of the result values according to the ground motion records indicates that care should be taken in choosing the number of ground motion records.
Sibling Relationships in Families of Autistic and Typical Children: Similarities and Differences in the Perspectives of Siblings and Mothers
Authors: Rum Yonat , Zachor Ditza A. , Armony Yael , Daniel Ella , Dromi Esther
Published: January 2024

This study investigates mothers' and siblings' perspectives regarding similarities and differences in siblingships with and without autism. Twenty-nine typical children (M
age = 8.78 years, SD = 2.05) whose younger siblings have a diagnosis of autism and their mothers constituted the ‘autism group.’ Forty-six typical children (M
age = 9.12 years, SD = 2.06) with younger typical siblings and their mothers constituted the ‘typical group’. Children and mothers completed the Sibling Relationship Questionnaires and were interviewed. Children's reports illustrated similarities in sibling relationships across groups, with no between-group differences in overall warmth, conflict, rivalry, or relative power in the sibling relationship. Mothers of autistic children reported their children to have less warmth and closeness (F
(1,72) = 5.63, p = .02, η2 = .073) and less conflict (F
(1,72) = 6.66, p = .012, η
2 = .085) with their siblings than mothers of typical children. More disagreement was found between mothers and children in the autism group than in the typical group. Mothers and children reported less intimacy and less quarreling between the siblings in the autism group than in the typical group. The qualitative analysis suggests that siblings focused on the present experience, while mothers also referred to processes in the sibling relationship. Interviewees in the autism group referred to various specificities in the siblingships without explicitly using the term “autism”. The findings highlight a typical-like experience for siblings of autistic children. At the same time, mothers' perspectives emphasize differences and challenges in siblingships, reporting a pattern of decreased involvement. It is important to consider both perspectives in research and clinical work with families of autistic children.
Social Connections and Future Horizons: Socioemotional Selectivity Among Midlife and Older Adults in Aotearoa/New Zealand During COVID-19
Authors: Newton Nicky J. , Breheny Mary , Stephens Christine
Published: January 2024

The current study uses socioemotional selectivity theory (SST; Carstensen in Psychology and Aging. 7(3):331–338,1992,10.1037/0882-7974.7.3.331) as a framework to examine the experiences of older adults during COVID-19 in Aotearoa/New Zealand. SST posits that when time horizons are perceived as limited—such as with increasing age, or during times of medical uncertainty—people selectively focus on spending time with emotionally close others and in personally fulfilling activities. This may be the case particularly when uncertainty is experienced by older people. Aotearoa/New Zealand instigated an elimination strategy early in the pandemic (prior to widespread vaccine availability), employing a series of lockdowns that further challenged older adults’ perceptions of future horizons, their ability to maintain social connections with loved ones, and engagement in pleasurable activities. This study used thematic analysis to analyze existing qualitative COVID-19-related data drawn from the experiences of 510 older adults who participated in the 2021 Health, Work, and Retirement study (HWR). Participants ranged in age from 56 to 87 (Mage = 69.73); 15.9% identified as Māori, and 76.2% identified as female. Two broad themes were revealed: Social Connection and Anticipating the Future. Although most participants expressed comparatively more positive than negative experiences, some also expressed frustration and anxiety about health directive-related divisions in relationships, and the inability to share in important life events (such as weddings, births, and funerals). Findings highlight the complex impact of COVID-19 on older adults’ perceptions of time horizons, and the opportunities presented by the pandemic for reassessment of social relationships and activities.
The risk of perinatal and cardiometabolic complications in pregnancies conceived by medically assisted reproduction
Authors: Vilda Dovile , Sutton Elizabeth F. , Kothamasu Venkata Sai Sahithi , Clisham Paul R. , Gambala Cecilia T. , Harville Emily W.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To examine the impact of medically assisted fertility treatments on the risk of developing perinatal and cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy and in-hospital deliveries.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using medical health records of deliveries occurring in 2016–2022 at a women’s specialty hospital in a southern state of the Unites States (US). Pregnancies achieved using medically assisted reproductive (MAR) techniques were compared with unassisted pregnancies using propensity score matching (PSM), based on demographic, preexisting health, and reproductive factors. Study outcomes included cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), delivery complications, and postpartum readmission. We used Poisson regression with robust standard errors to generate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all study outcomes.

Results

Among 57,354 deliveries, 586 (1.02%) pregnancies were achieved using MAR and 56,768 (98.98%) were unassisted (“non-MAR”). Compared to the non-MAR group, MAR pregnancies had significantly higher prevalence of all study outcomes, including GDM (15.9% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001), HDP (28.2% vs. 21.1%, p < 0.001), cesarean delivery (56.1% vs. 34.6%, p < 0.001), delivery complications (10.9% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.03), and postpartum readmission (4.3% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.02). In a PSM sample of 584 MAR and 1,727 unassisted pregnancies, MAR was associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery (RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.01–1.22); whereas IVF was associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03–1.28) and delivery complications (RR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.04–2.01).

Conclusions

Women who conceived with MAR were at increased risk of cesarean deliveries, and those who conceived with IVF were additionally at risk of delivery complications.
Using National Incident-Based Reporting System Data to Explore Animal Cruelty Incidents that Occur with Intimate Partner and Family Violence: A Brief Report
Authors: Addington Lynn A. , Randour Mary Lou
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This brief report extends what is known about “the link” between animal cruelty and intimate partner violence (IPV) and family violence (FV). Specifically, it uses animal cruelty data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) to explore characteristics of incidents where animal cruelty and IPV or FV occur together.

Methods

This exploratory study analyzes 278 animal cruelty incidents that occurred with IPV or FV from the 2020 NIBRS data using descriptive and bivariate analyses.

Results

Findings from the NIBRS animal cruelty data suggest the importance of parsing out specific intimate and family relationships. While these patterns are similar to IPV and FV that occur with crimes outside of animal cruelty, previous research on the link has not examined these relationships. This study also found the majority of animal cruelty incidents that occur with IPV or FV end in an arrest. No previous work has identified arrest patterns in these cases.

Conclusions

Although exploratory, this study highlights the value of NIBRS animal cruelty data and the opportunity to gain insights at the incident level of details that were previously unavailable from other animal cruelty studies that consider IPV and FV. This study provides a foundation for future research that can inform theoretical development and prevention efforts related to the link.
Solvable Stationary Non Equilibrium States
Authors: Carinci G. , Franceschini C. , Gabrielli D. , Giardinà C. , Tsagkarogiannis D.
Published: January 2024

We consider the one dimensional boundary driven harmonic model and its continuous version, both introduced in (Frassek et al. in J Stat Phys 180: 135–171, 2020). By combining duality and integrability the authors of (Frassek and Giardiná in J Math Phys 63: 103301, 2022) obtained the invariant measures in a combinatorial representation. Here we give an integral representation of the invariant measures which turns out to be a convex combination of inhomogeneous product of geometric distributions for the discrete model and a convex combination of inhomogeneous product of exponential distributions for the continuous one. The mean values of the geometric and of the exponential variables are distributed according to the order statistics of i.i.d. uniform random variables on a suitable interval fixed by the boundary sources. The result is obtained solving exactly the stationary condition written in terms of the joint generating function. The method has an interest in itself and can be generalized to study other models. We briefly discuss some applications.
A novel 3D train–bridge interaction model for monorail system considering nonlinear wheel-track slipping behavior
Authors: Yang Yun , He Qinglie , Cai Chengbiao , Zhu Shengyang , Zhai Wanming
Published: January 2024

Variable speed operation of the train cause easily the wheel-track slipping phenomenon, inducing strong nonlinear dynamic behavior of the suspended monorail train and bridge system (SMTBS), especially under an insufficient wheel-track friction coefficient. To investigate the coupled vibration features of the SMTBS under variable speed conditions, a novel 3D train–bridge interaction model for the monorail system considering nonlinear wheel-track slipping behavior is developed. Firstly, based on the D’Alembert principle, the vibration equations of the vehicle subsystem are derived by adequately considering the nonlinear interactive behavior among the vehicle components. Then, a high-efficiency modeling method for the large-scale bridge subsystem is proposed based on the component mode synthesis (CMS) method. The vehicle and bridge subsystems are coupled with a spatial wheel-track interaction model considering the nonlinear wheel-track sliding behavior. Furtherly, by a comprehensive comparison with the field test data, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified, as well as the reasonable modal truncation frequencies of the bridge subsystem are determined. On this basis, the dynamics performances of the SMTBS are evaluated under different initial braking speeds and wheel-track interfacial adhesion conditions; besides, the nonlinear wheel-track slipping characteristics and their influences on the vehicle–bridge interaction are also revealed. The analysis results indicate that the proposed model is reliable for investigating the time-varying dynamic features of SMTBS under variable train speeds. Both the axle load transfer phenomenon and longitudinal slip of the driving tire would be easy to appear under the braking condition, which would significantly increase the longitudinal vehicle–bridge dynamic responses. To ensure a good vehicle–bridge dynamics performance, it is suggested that the wheel-track interfacial friction coefficient is larger than 0.35.
Military directors and stock price informativeness: What's all the fuss about?
Authors: Nawaz Tasawar , Nawaz Tahseen
Published: January 2024

Exploiting a unique hand-built dataset, belonging to non-financial firms, operating in an emerging economy, this study, first of its kind, reports that stock prices of firms with military-experienced board of directors reflect more firm specific information after controlling for board attributes, agent heterogeneity and firm level variation. The results robust to alternative specifications of informativeness and military director proxy support the notion that military-trained directors may enhance transparency in public listed companies and encourage the incorporation of more firm-specific information into stock prices. Further analysis suggests that military directors may enfeeble CEO–board nexus and settle the directional variations at the corporate board level: military directors bring discipline in the board room that translates into rigorous CEO monitoring and improved corporate governance quality.
Physical Variability in Meter-Scale Laboratory CO2 Injections in Faulted Geometries
Authors: Haugen Malin , Saló-Salgado Lluís , Eikehaug Kristoffer , Benali Benyamine , Both Jakub W. , Storvik Erlend , Folkvord Olav , Juanes Ruben , Nordbotten Jan Martin , Fernø Martin A.
Published: January 2024

Carbon, capture, and storage (CCS) is an important bridging technology to combat climate change in the transition toward net-zero. The FluidFlower concept has been developed to visualize and study CO2 flow and storage mechanisms in sedimentary systems in a laboratory setting. Meter-scale multiphase flow in two geological geometries, including normal faults with and without smearing, is studied. The experimental protocols developed to provide key input parameters for numerical simulations are detailed, including an evaluation of operational parameters for the FluidFlower benchmark study. Variability in CO2 migration patterns for two different geometries is quantified, both between 16 repeated laboratory runs and between history-matched models and a CO2 injection experiment. The predicative capability of a history-matched model is then evaluated in a different geological setting.
Assessment of an effective quantitative model with multi-criteria decision-making method for sustainable campus
Authors: Aksoy Onur , Demir Sara , Ersoz Nazli Deniz , Gokkaya Merve Dilman
Published: January 2024

Sustainability is a current topic in public open green spaces such as university campuses. In order to ensure the sustainability of the campus areas, it is necessary to determine the criteria for the sustainable campus landscape. Bursa Uludağ University Gorukle Campus in Bursa was chosen as the study area in this research. The aim of the study is to identify suitable sustainable campus criteria with a focus on landscape and to prioritize appropriate sustainable campus strategies determined according to these criteria. In this context, first, field studies and literature research were carried out. Second, sustainable campus criteria were classified as criteria and section. The section was then divided into credit. All these credits were ranked according to their priorities. Analytic hierarchy process, one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods, was used while ranking. According to the result of the criteria, planting landscape components were determined to be more important than structural landscape components. Among the section, the transport category was found as the highest priority criterion. The use of vegetable wastes as compost was also determined as the most important criterion among all credits. The method and findings of this research may set an example for determining priorities of the sustainable campus criteria in Turkey and developing countries with a participatory management approach.
Analysis of Wave-Induced Forces on a Floating Rectangular Box with Analytical and Numerical Approaches
Authors: Mohapatra Sarat Chandra , da Silva Bispo Iuri Baldaconi , Guo Yuchan , Guedes Soares C.
Published: January 2024

A three-dimensional mathematical hydrodynamic model associated with surface wave radiation by a floating rectangular box-type structure due to heave, sway, and roll motions in finite water depth is investigated based on small amplitude water wave theory and linear structural response. The analytical expressions for the radiation potentials, wave forces, and hydrodynamic coefficients are presented based on matched eigenfunction expansion method (MEFEM). The correctness of the analytical results of wave forces is compared with the construction of a numerical model using the open-source boundary element method code NEMOH. In addition, the present result is compared with the existing published experimental results available in the literature. The effects of the different design parameters on the floating box-type rectangular structure are studied by analyzing the vertical wave force, horizontal wave force, torque, added mass, and damping coefficients due to the heave, sway, and roll motions, and the comparison analysis between the forces is also analyzed in detail. Further, the effect of reflection and transmission coefficients by varying the structural width and drafts are analyzed.
Advanced Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Navigating Payor and Financial Challenges
Authors: Whitmire Natalie , Schlueter Michelle , Kirkpatrick Melissa
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

In the United Sates the cost of managing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the two most common inflammatory bowel diseases, is a major factor that can alter the course of treatment. The increasing use of advanced therapies such as biologics and oral small molecules is a driver of these costs. Many IBD providers find navigating the payor and non-insurance cost assistance processes to be a significant challenge in care management. We aim to clarify these processes and provide an outline for success.

Recent Findings

Insurance companies use various processes to manage medication costs and while they may not ultimately be cost-effective, the processes have continued and are increasingly complex. This complexity has led to measurable delays in care and negative outcomes.

With a deeper understanding of payor and non-insurance cost-assistance processes we have developed a workflow for navigating the use of advanced therapies in the treatment of IBD.
Pathways from cognitive flexibility to academic achievement: mediating roles of critical thinking disposition and mathematics anxiety
Authors: Gökçe Semirhan , Güner Pınar
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating roles of critical thinking disposition and mathematics anxiety between cognitive flexibility and academic achievement. A cross-sectional study was held to observe and compare path coefficients among latent and observed variables across 662 university students studying elementary mathematics education. In concur with grade point average scores, Cognitive Flexibility Scale, UF/EMI Critical Thinking Disposition Instrument and Math Anxiety-Apprehension Survey scores were utilized for structural equation modeling analyses. The results of this study indicated that freshman students experience the greatest impact from cognitive flexibility on academic achievement, while sophomores experience the least impact. Additionally, with the exception of the model for sophomore students, the mediating effects of the critical thinking disposition between cognitive flexibility and academic achievement were positive and statistically significant. Additionally, none of the models’ estimations of how mathematics anxiety would mediate between cognitive flexibility and academic achievement were statistically significant. Last but not least, for junior students only positive and statistically significant mediating effects of critical thinking disposition and mathematics anxiety between cognitive flexibility and academic achievement were found. This study put forth evidence to investigate cognitive flexibility, critical thinking disposition and math anxiety in higher education and to show the total, direct and mediating effects on academic achievement.
The Spectre of Price Inflation
Authors: Gillman Max
Published: January 2024

Inflation, hyperinflation and deflation have all had profound effects on societies, especially during periods of war and crisis. Today's approach to managing inflation has been shaped by these episodes and informed by debates between different schools of economic thought from Fisher and Hayek to Keynes and the monetarists. This accessible and authoritative overview explores the role of inflation in the modern economy, from its place in monetary policy and in money supply to its effects on everyday business.

In a compelling analysis, the book shows that since the financial crisis in 2008-09, inflation rates have remained persistently higher than interest rates worldwide, which is the inverse of our basic understanding of how inflation normally affects markets. The result of this inversion has been that the effective real return on investment has become negative, and consequently, the investment rate has dropped across western economies. At a time when inflation once again challenges the world's leading economies, the book offers valuable insight into the monetary policy of central banks.
Squalor
Authors: Renwick Daniel , Shilliam Robbie
Published: January 2024

British society is increasingly divided into the haves and the have-nots. Housing epitomizes this division with spiralling rents, exorbitant prices, lack of council provision, poorly maintained stock, and polluted cities with ever decreasing green space. Daniel Renwick and Robbie Shilliam provide a recent history of squalor culminating in the Grenfell Tower fire. In doing so they reveal a profound political failure to provide fair and just solutions to shelter - the most basic of human needs. Renwick and Shilliam argue that agents of change exist within those populations presently damned by a racist and class-riven system of housing provision.
Global Variability of Phytoplankton Carbon and Non‐Algal Particles From Ocean Color Data Based on a Photoacclimation Model
Authors: Yang Guo , Bellacicco Marco , Organelli Emanuele , Xing Xiaogang
Published: January 2024

Phytoplankton is the most important primary producer in the ocean, owing to its pivotal role at the base of the food chain and in the ocean carbon cycle. To better estimate ocean productivity, the retrieval of accurate observations of phytoplankton carbon (Cphy) biomass from ocean color satellites is of the utmost importance. When Cphy is retrieved using the backscattering signal generated by marine particles, the signal due to non‐algal particles—NAP (bbNAP) must be removed. However, algorithms currently used to retrieve bbNAP do not work globally, especially in the large mid‐ocean subtropical gyres. Here, we propose a new model to derive Cphy globally, including all subtropical gyres, that accounts for the estimation of phytoplankton photoacclimation when retrieving bbNAP. The new model shows more valid retrievable bbNAP coefficients than the previously published methods and values mainly around 0.0011 m−1, consistent with coefficients estimated with in situ observations. Moreover, the retrieved Cphy concentrations show a relative error of 7% with respect to in situ measured picophytoplankton carbon data. Our research indicates that the photoacclimation status of phytoplankton must be addressed to confidently retrieve bbNAP and Cphy at the global scale from ocean color measurements.
Real-world analysis of teclistamab in 123 RRMM patients from Germany
Authors: Riedhammer C. , Bassermann F. , Besemer B. , Bewarder M. , Brunner F. , Carpinteiro A. , Einsele H. , Faltin J. , Frenking J. , Gezer D. , Goldman-Mazur S. , Hänel M. , Hoegner M. , Kortuem K. M. , Krönke J. , Kull M. , Leitner T. , Mann C. , Mecklenbrauck R. , Merz M. , Morgner A. , Nogai A. , Raab M. S. , Teipel R. , Wäsch R. , Rasche L.
Published: January 2024

Teclistamab, a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) × CD3 directed bispecific antibody, has shown high response rates and durable remissions in the MAJESTEC-1 trial in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We retrospectively assessed efficacy and tolerability in 123 patients treated at 18 different German centers to determine whether outcome is comparable in the real-world setting. Most patients had triple-class (93%) or penta-drug (60%) refractory disease, 37% of patients had received BCMA-directed pretreatment including idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) CAR-T cell therapy (21/123, 17.1%). With a follow-up of 5.5 months, we observed an overall response rate (ORR) of 59.3% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 8.7 months. In subgroup analyses, we found significantly lower ORR and median PFS in patients with extramedullary disease (37%/2.1 months), and/or an ISS of 3 (37%/1.3 months), and ide-cel pretreated patients (33%/1.8 months). Nonetheless, the duration of response in ide-cel pretreated patients was comparable to that of anti-BCMA naive patients. Infections and grade ≥3 cytopenias were the most frequent adverse events. In summary, we found that teclistamab exhibited a comparable efficacy and safety profile in the real-world setting as in the pivotal trial.
Longitudinal hippocampal subfield development associated with psychotic experiences in young people
Authors: O’Neill Aisling , Dooley Niamh , Roddy Darren , Healy Colm , Carey Eleanor , Frodl Thomas , O’Hanlon Erik , Cannon Mary
Published: January 2024

Hippocampal volumetric reductions are observed across the psychosis spectrum, with interest in the localisation of these reductions within the hippocampal subfields increasing. Deficits of the CA1 subfield in particular have been implicated in the neuropathophysiology of psychotic disorders. Investigating the trajectory of these abnormalities in healthy adolescents reporting sub-threshold psychotic experiences (PE) can provide insight into the neural mechanisms underlying psychotic symptoms without the potentially confounding effects of a formal disorder, or antipsychotic medication. In this novel investigation, a sample of 211 young people aged 11-13 participated initially in the Adolescent Brain Development study. PE classification was determined by expert consensus at each timepoint. Participants underwent neuroimaging at 3 timepoints, over 6 years. 78 participants with at least one scan were included in the final sample; 33 who met criteria for a definite PE at least once across all the timepoints (PE group), and 45 controls. Data from bilateral subfields of interest (CA1, CA2/3, CA4/DG, presubiculum and subiculum) were extracted for Linear Mixed Effects analyses. Before correction, subfield volumes were found to increase in the control group and decrease in the PE group for the right CA2 and CA2/3 subfields, with moderate to large effect sizes (d = −0.61, andd = −0.79, respectively). Before correction, right subiculum and left presubiculum volumes were reduced in the PE group compared to controls, regardless of time, with moderate effect sizes (d = −0.52, andd = −0.59, respectively). However, none of these effects survived correction. Severity of symptoms were not associated with any of the noted subfields. These findings provide novel insight to the discussion of the role of hippocampal subfield abnormalities in the pathophysiology underlying psychotic experiences.
An 8-model ensemble of CMIP6-derived ocean surface wave climate
Authors: Meucci Alberto , Young Ian R. , Trenham Claire , Hemer Mark
Published: January 2024

We present a global wind wave climate model ensemble composed of eight spectral wave model simulations forced by 3-hourly surface wind speed and daily sea ice concentration from eight different CMIP6 GCMs. The spectral wave model uses ST6 physics parametrizations and a global three-grid structure for efficient Arctic and Antarctic wave modeling. The ensemble performance is evaluated against a reference global multi-mission satellite altimeter database and the recent ECMWF IFS Cy46r1 ERA5 wave hindcast, ERA5H. For each ensemble member three 30-year slices, one historical, and two future emission scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5) are available, and cover two distinct periods: 1985–2014 and 2071–2100. Two models extend to 140 years (1961–2100) of continuous wind wave climate simulations. The present ensemble outperforms a previous CMIP5-forced wind wave climate ensemble, showing improved performance across all ocean regions. This dataset is a valuable resource for future wind wave climate research and can find practical applications in offshore and coastal engineering projects, providing crucial insights into the uncertainties connected to wind wave climate future projections.