bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Momentum non-conservation in a scalar quantum field theory with a planar $$\theta$$ interface
Authors: Velázquez Daniel G. , Martínez von Dossow R. , Urrutia Luis F.
Published: May 2024

Motivated by the recent interest aroused by non-dynamical axionic electrodynamics in the context of topological insulators and Weyl semimetals, we discuss a simple model of the magnetoelectric effect in terms of a $$\theta$$
θ
-scalar field that interacts through a delta-like potential located at a planar interface. Thus, in the bulk regions the field is constructed by standard free waves with the absence of evanescent components. These waves have to be combined into linear superposition to account for the boundary conditions at the interface in order to yield the corresponding normal modes. Our aim is twofold: first we quantize the $$\theta$$
θ
-scalar field using the normal modes in the canonical approach and then we look for applications emphasizing the effect of momentum non-conservation due to the presence of the interface. To this end, we calculate the decay of a standard scalar particle into two $$\theta$$
θ
-scalar particles showing the opening of new decay channels. As a second application, we deal with the two-body scattering of standard charged scalar particles mediated by a $$\theta$$
θ
-scalar particle, focusing on the momentum non-conserving contribution of the scattering amplitude $${{\mathcal {M}}}^{NC}$$

M

NC

. We define a generalization of the usual cross section in order to quantify the emergence of these events. We also study the allowed kinematical region for momentum non-conservation as well as the position of the poles of the amplitude $${{\mathcal {M}}}^{NC}$$

M

NC

. Finally, the ratio of the magnitudes between $${{\mathcal {M}}}^{NC}$$

M

NC

and the momentum conserving amplitude is discussed in the appropriate region of momentum space.
Investigating the effect of the perturbation on emulsion polymerization of polystyrene nanospheres
Authors: Yeh Min Yen , Tsai Jia-Yun , Yang Zong Hua , Chang Shun Hsyung
Published: May 2024

Polystyrene nanospheres (PS spheres) were prepared by soap-less emulsion polymerization. The polymerization reaction with the monomer styrene was initiated using potassium persulfate under nitrogen injection. By adjusting the amount of precursor and the mixing speed of the stirrer during the polymerization process, PS particles of the expected appropriate size can be obtained. This work focuses on the effect of precursor concentration, reaction conditions and stirrer speed on particle size. Samples (C1–C6) were systematically prepared with varying amounts of K2S2O8 and C8H8. The particle sizes ranged from 69.9[Formula: see text]nm to 364.44[Formula: see text]nm. The calculated K2S2O8 to C8H8 ratio remained approximately constant across the samples. This supports the observed trend where increasing monomer concentration leads to larger particle sizes, indicative of bonded spheres. In addition, a correlation between stirring speed and PS bead size is found, with higher speeds resulting in smaller particles. Transmittance analysis of the filtered and sieved process samples showed that better polymerization conditions could be selected for PS beads up to 220[Formula: see text]nm at a stirring speed of 900[Formula: see text]rpm.
Personalised Recommendation of Literary Learning Resources Based on a Mixed Recommendation of Learning Interest and Contextual Awareness
Authors: Guo Min
Published: May 2024

In an effort to improve the efficiency and recommendation accuracy of mobile learning resources, the study proposes a hybrid mobile learning strategy based on Collaborative Filtering (CF), context and interest. Analyse from the perspective of situational awareness, construct a personalised recommendation model for text learning resources based on GimbalTM, and obtain a recommendation form. The experimental results show that the RMSE and MAE of Context-Collaborative filtering (C-CF) are lower than those of traditional CF. The Precision and Recall values of C-CF are higher than those of CF at 10 s, the recommendation growth rates of traditional CF and C-CF are 2.09% and 1.67%, respectively. The Gimbal software enables a certain degree of learner location detection and can trigger contextual rules based on time and location contexts to provide users with personalised text-based learning resources. The research results indicate that in specific applications, over time, under the recommendation system, students’ grades steadily increase, which is also beneficial for improving their learning efficiency.
Special Properties of Morita Contexts
Authors: Paykan Kamal
Published: May 2024

In this paper we continue the study of various ring theoretic properties of Morita contexts. Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for a general Morita context or a trivial Morita context or a formal triangular matrix ring to satisfy a certain ring property which is among being Kasch, completely primary, quasi-duo, 2-primal, NI, semiprimitive, projective-free, etc. We also characterize when a general Morita context is weakly principally quasi-Baer or strongly right mininjective.
Assessing the Size of the Functional Field of View in a Gaze-Contingent Search Paradigm
Authors: Krasovskaya Sofia , Kristjánsson Árni , Macinnes Joseph
Published: May 2024

The functional field of view (FFV) is the part of the visual field centred around the current gaze position that the visual system can process in detail. Its size depends partly on physiological limitations, but its adaptability is largely determined by cognitive factors. For example, changes in the FFV often reflect the demands of a given task: it shrinks with high task demands and expands with easier tasks. Here, we placed an upright or inverted target among distractors. We manipulated the visibility of the search array during gaze-contingent search with small (6°), medium (12°) and large (18°) apertures. Aperture size affected performance, improving it when it increased from 6° to 12°, but not from 12° to 18°, suggesting an upper bound of the 'natural' aperture for this specific task. Furthermore, our results suggest that the FFV does not change in size in response to stimulus inversion.
GazeSwitch: Automatic Eye-Head Mode Switching for Optimised Hands-Free Pointing
Authors: Hou Baosheng James , Newn Joshua , Sidenmark Ludwig , Khan Anam Ahmad , Gellersen Hans
Published: May 2024

This paper contributes GazeSwitch, an ML-based technique that optimises the real-time switching between eye and head modes for fast and precise hands-free pointing. GazeSwitch reduces false positives from natural head movements and efficiently detects head gestures for input, resulting in an effective hands-free and adaptive technique for interaction. We conducted two user studies to evaluate its performance and user experience. Comparative analyses with baseline switching techniques, Eye+Head Pinpointing (manual) and BimodalGaze (threshold-based) revealed several trade-offs. We found that GazeSwitch provides a natural and effortless experience but trades off control and stability compared to manual mode switching, and requires less head movement compared to BimodalGaze. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of machine learning approach to learn and adapt to patterns in head movement, allowing us to better leverage the synergistic relation between eye and head input modalities for interaction in mixed and extended reality.
Real-time Prediction of Students' Math Difficulties using Raw Data from Eye Tracking and Neural Networks
Authors: Kennel Kathrin , Ruzika Stefan
Published: May 2024

Eye tracking technology in adaptive learning systems enhances diagnostic capabilities by providing valuable insights into cognitive processes. This information can be leveraged to identify and address difficulties. So far, there have been only few attempts of realizing this. Studies are usually only about recognizing correctness of answers and the evaluation is complex and difficult to transfer due to features depending on Areas of Interests (AOIs). We close this gap and present a time-dynamic approach to identify specific difficulties based on raw gaze data. The eye tracking data of 139 students while solving a math problem serve as a sample. Difficulties that arose during the solution process are known. A temporal convolutional network (TCN) is trained to perform a multiclass classification on sequential data. On this basis we present an algorithm which simulates a dynamic classification in an adaptive real-time system. We evaluate this procedure achieving an accuracy of almost 80%.
VisRecall++: Analysing and Predicting Visualisation Recallability from Gaze Behaviour
Authors: Wang Yao , Jiang Yue , Hu Zhiming , Ruhdorfer Constantin , Bâce Mihai , Bulling Andreas
Published: May 2024

Question answering has recently been proposed as a promising means to assess the recallability of information visualisations. However, prior works are yet to study the link between visually encoding a visualisation in memory and recall performance. To fill this gap, we propose VisRecall++ -- a novel 40-participant recallability dataset that contains gaze data on 200 visualisations and 1,000 questions, including identifying the title and retrieving values. We measured recallability by asking participants questions after they observed the visualisation for 10 seconds. Our analyses reveal several insights, such as saccade amplitude, number of fixations, and fixation duration significantly differ between high and low recallability groups. Finally, we propose GazeRecallNet -- a novel computational method to predict recallability from gaze behaviour that outperforms the state-of-the-art model RecallNet and three other baselines on this task. Taken together, our results shed light on assessing recallability from gaze behaviour and inform future work on recallability-based visualisation optimisation.
A Framework for Simultaneous Task Allocation and Planning under Uncertainty
Authors: Faruq Fatma , Lacerda Bruno , Hawes Nick , Parker David
Published: May 2024

We present novel techniques for simultaneous task allocation and planning in multi-robot systems operating under uncertainty. By performing task allocation and planning simultaneously, allocations are informed by individual robot behaviour, creating more efficient team behaviour. We go beyond existing work by planning for task reallocation across the team given a model of partial task satisfaction under potential robot failures and uncertain action outcomes. We model the problem using Markov decision processes, with tasks encoded in co-safe linear temporal logic, and optimise for the expected number of tasks completed by the team. To avoid the inherent complexity of joint models, we propose an alternative model that simultaneously considers task allocation and planning, but in a sequential fashion. We then build a joint policy from the sequential policy obtained from our model, thus allowing for concurrent policy execution. Furthermore, to enable adaptation in the case of robot failures, we consider replanning from failure states and propose an approach to preemptively replan in an anytime fashion, replanning for more probable failure states first. Our method also allows us to quantify the performance of the team by providing an analysis of properties, such as the expected number of completed tasks under concurrent policy execution. We implement and extensively evaluate our approach on a range of scenarios. We compare its performance to a state-of-the-art baseline in decoupled task allocation and planning: sequential single-item auctions. Our approach outperforms the baseline in terms of computation time and the number of times replanning is required on robot failure.
Effects of Low-Level Light Therapy on Resting-State Connectivity Following Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury: Secondary Analyses of a Double-blinded Placebo-controlled Study
Authors: Chan Suk-tak , Mercaldo Nathaniel , Figueiro Longo Maria G. , Welt Jonathan , Avesta Arman , Lee Jarone , Lev Michael H. , Ratai Eva-Maria , Wenke Michael R. , Parry Blair A. , Drake Lynn , Anderson Richard R. , Rauch Terry , Diaz-Arrastia Ramon , Kwong Kenneth K. , Hamblin Michael , Vakoc Benjamin J. , Gupta Rajiv
Published: May 2024

Patients with moderate traumatic brain injury who were administered low-level light therapy within 72 hours after injury showed increased resting-state brain connectivity as measured with functional MRI during the acute to subacute recovery phases compared with sham-treated patients.
Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Contrast-Enhanced US Nonradiation Treatment Response Assessment Version 2024
Authors: Lyshchik Andrej , Fetzer David T. , Kono Yuko , Wilson Stephanie R. , Dietrich Christoph F. , Clevert Dirk A. , Meloni Maria Franca , Jang Hyun-Jung , Kim Tae Kyoung , Lee Jeong Min , Minami Yasunori , Kudo Masatoshi , Piscaglia Fabio
Published: May 2024

Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Contrast-Enhanced US Nonradiation Treatment Response Assessment Version 2024 evaluates both intralesional and perilesional tumor viability to assign a single treatment response category: nonviable, equivocal, or viable.
IGWO-VINC Algorithm Applied to MPPT Strategy for PV System
Authors: Lei Guoping , Yan Chang , Cai Li , He Chao , Dai Nina , Li Shenghao , Liu Jing
Published: May 2024

As a kind of inexhaustible renewable energy, solar energy is popular, and photovoltaic power generation has been paid attention to by all circles. However, determining the global maximum power point (GMPP) is difficult under external ambient temperature and light intensity change, and MPPT control technology becomes the key to research. Fast, accurate, and stable GMPP capture has become a hot research problem in PV power generation systems. The GWO algorithm incorporating the Levy flight function and the INC using the vertex as the dividing point with different step sizes on the left and right sides are combined and applied to the MPPT control strategy of PV systems. The global search is completed by IGWO first, and then the exact search is completed by the improved INC when it is close to the global optimum. The final tracking accuracy is above 99%, and compared with the GWO, INC, and ICS-IP&O algorithms, respectively, in the case of abrupt changes, the tracking time is accelerated by 0.021 s on average. The oscillation amplitude is smaller, and the voltage is more stable.
Drying Kinetics and Thermodynamic Properties of Ultrasound Pretreatment Bitter Melon Dried by Infrared
Authors: Yamchi Abolfazl Akhoundzadeh , Hosainpour Adel , Hassanpour Ali , Fanaei Adel Rezvanivand
Published: May 2024

Determination of drying characteristics of ripe and unripe bitter melon in an infrared dryer at 50, 60, and 70°C with airborne ultrasonic pretreatment with a power of 20 kW for 0, 10, and 20 minutes and a frequency of 20 kHz is the purpose of this study. At the end of drying, among the five used models that fit the moisture ratio data, the Midilli and logarithmic models were selected to properly characterize the drying behavior in the infrared dryer with ultrasonic pretreatment of ripe and unripe bitter melon samples. Moisture transfer from bitter melon samples’ ripeness and early maturity was defined using Fick’s diffusion equation. Then, the Arrhenius equation was utilized to determine the effective moisture diffusivity. Also, the activation energy of unripe and ripe bitter melon slices was reduced with the enhancement in the ultrasound pretreatment time. Water activity (aw) amounts of ripe and unripe bitter melon were achieved at various drying temperatures and ultrasound pretreatment. The trends of the experiment indicate a decrease in enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) amounts of bitter melon with enhancing temperature and ultrasonic. The Gibbs free energy (ΔG) increases with enhancing drying temperature and ultrasonic pretreatment. Specific energy consumption decreased with enhancing drying temperature and ultrasound pretreatment duration for both ripe and unripe bitter melon samples.
A Comprehensive Review of Life Cycle Cost Assessment of Recycled Materials in Asphalt Pavements Rehabilitation
Authors: Jasim Abbas F. , Ali Zahraa K. , Al-Saadi Israa F.
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the use of life cycle cost assessment (LCCA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) methods for evaluating the sustainability and costs of using recycled materials in asphalt pavement rehabilitation projects. The review begins with an introduction to pavement rehabilitation strategies and the importance of choosing techniques based on thorough engineering and economic analyses. It then explores the different types of recycled materials that can be utilized, including reclaimed asphalt pavement, recycled concrete aggregate, and recycled asphalt shingles, discussing the key characteristics and properties of these materials based on previous laboratory studies. The review also examines the various rehabilitation methods that employ recycled content, such as cold in‐place recycling, hot in‐place recycling, and full‐depth reclamation, providing a detailed breakdown of the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation costs considered in LCCA and analyzing the environmental benefits of recycled material usage through a review of LCA techniques and criteria like carbon footprint reduction, impacts on air and water quality, and considerations of technological factors. Software tools for conducting LCA are compared and challenges to advancing the adoption of recycled materials are reviewed along with directions for future research efforts. The unique contribution of this work is its holistic assessment of LCCA and LCA methodologies to inform the sustainable and cost‐effective deployment of recycled materials in asphalt pavement rehabilitation, a topic of growing importance for transportation infrastructure management. In summary, this current work provides a valuable review of how LCCA and LCA methodologies can assess the sustainability and costs of employing recycled content in asphalt pavement rehabilitation projects.
Trends in the Incidence of Type 1 Diabetes in European Children and Adolescents from 1994 to 2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ruiz-Grao Marta Carolina , Díez-Fernández Ana , Mesas Arthur E. , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Sequí-Domínguez Irene , Sebastián-Valles Fernando , Garrido-Miguel Miriam
Published: May 2024

Aim. To assess the incidence trends in type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents across Europe during the period from 1994 to 2022 using a systematic methodology. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional or follow-up studies reporting population-based incidence rates (IRs) of European children and adolescents diagnosed aged <15 years with type 1 diabetes were included. The Mantel‒Haenszel or DerSimonian and Laird random-effects method was used to compute the pooled IR estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted by study year, biological sex, age group (0–4, 5−9, and 10–14 years), country, and European regions. Results. A total of 75 studies (219,331 children and adolescents aged 0–14 years) with data from 32 countries were included. Generally, a high overall rate of increase in type 1 diabetes incidence has been shown in most European countries from 1994 to 2022 in both sexes, with an overall increase from 10.85 (95% CI, 9.62–12.07) per 100,000 person-years from 1994 to 2003 to 20.96 (95% CI, 19.26–22.66) per 100,000 person-years from 2013 to 2022. Conclusions. There are substantial between-country differences in the current levels and trends of IR in type 1 diabetes in European children and adolescents. Our data suggest a worrying upward trend in most European countries.
Beneficial Effects of Capybara Oil Supplementation on Steatosis and Liver Apoptosis in Obese Mice
Authors: Lontro Alves Luciana , Gomes Pereira Priscila , Torres Ciambarella Bianca , Porto Campos Miguel , Rabelo Kíssila , Rosa Nascimento Ana Lúcia , Leal de Carvalho dos Santos Cunha Raíssa , Borba Vieira Andrade Cherley , Cesar Nunes Moraes Alan , Bernardi Andressa , Verdini Guimarães Fernanda , Fuentes Ribeiro da Silva Jemima , José de Carvalho Jorge
Published: May 2024

Obesity is a complex chronic disease characterized by excess body fat (adipose) that is harmful to health and has been a major global health problem. It may be associated with several diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are lipid mediators that have anti-inflammatory characteristics and can be found in animals and plants, with capybara oil (CO) being a promising source. So, we intend to evaluate the hepatic pathophysiological alterations in C57Bl/6 mice with NAFLD, caused by obesity, and the possible beneficial effects of OC in the treatment of this disease. Eighteen 3-month-old male C57Bl/6 mice received a control or high-fat diet for 18 weeks. From the 15th to the 18th week, the animals received treatment—through orogastric gavage—with placebo or free capybara oil (5 g/kg). Parameters inherent to body mass, glucose tolerance, evaluation of liver enzymes, percentage of hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, the process of cell death with the apoptotic biomarkers (Bax, Bcl2, and Cytochrome C), and the ultrastructure of hepatocytes were analyzed. Even though the treatment with CO was not able to disassemble the effects on the physiological parameters, it proved to be beneficial in reversing the morphological and ultrastructural damage present in the hepatocytes. Thus, demonstrating that CO has beneficial effects in reducing steatosis and the apoptotic pathway, it is a promising treatment for NAFLD.
Neutronic Analysis of Accident‐Tolerant Cladding Materials in 3D Full Core BEAVRS PWR Benchmark Using OpenMC Code
Authors: Alamri Khalid A. , Alqahtani Meshari M. , Alomari Abdullah S. , Almarshad Abdullah I.
Published: May 2024

After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011, the performance of nuclear fuel during accidents became a matter of great concern. To address this, a new type of fuel technology called accident‐tolerant fuel (ATF) has been developed with the goal of enhancing the ability of light water reactors (LWRs) to withstand severe accident conditions. Iron‐based alloys have been suggested as potential candidates for fuel cladding due to their favourable thermomechanical properties, lower reactivity with steam, and lower hydrogen generation. This study evaluates the neutronic performance of C26M (a 2nd generation nuclear grade FeCrAl alloy), APMT™, 310SS, and 304SS cladding materials by comparing them with Zircaloy‐4 cladding in a 3D PWR core at the beginning of the cycle (BOC) using OpenMC code. The results revealed that the neutronic penalty varied for different alternative cladding materials where C26M exhibited the lowest neutronic penalty value of ‐12551 pcm, while 310SS demonstrated the highest with a value of ‐17855 pcm. Additionally, important parameters in the reactor core such as neutron spectrum, reactivity coefficients, boron worth, control rod bank worth, power distribution, and radial thermal neutron flux distribution are evaluated and discussed. The analysis results showed that C26M provided a significantly higher level of neutronic performance compared to APMT™, 304SS, and 310SS. Although this study primarily focused on the neutronic performance of PWRs at BOC, future research should encompass fuel depletion analysis to delve deeper into the potential of alternative cladding materials.
Severe Avian Influenza A H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in a Human with Continuation of SARS‐CoV‐2 Viral RNAs
Authors: Yu Huiyan , Jin Ke , Ding Songning , Xu Ke , Qi Xian , Wang Junjun , Dai Qigang , Huang Haodi , Xu Chaoqi , Wang Shenjiao , Deng Fei , Li Jun , Zhu Liguo , Bao Changjun
Published: May 2024

Background. Since 2020, global attention has heightened towards epidemics caused by avian influenza A H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.4.4b in birds and mammals. This study presents the epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of a unique case infected with avian influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, along with the continuation of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNAs, in Eastern China. Methods. We collected and analysed the patient’s clinical, epidemiological, and virological data. Both sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were subjected to real‐time RT‐PCR to test for respiratory pathogens of interests, including SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza virus. Influenza virus isolation and propagation were performed on embryonated eggs. Serological tests were used to determine the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. Phylogenetic analysis was constructed to explore viral evolution and origin of A/H5N1 virus. Results. A 53‐year‐old female farmer with chronic bronchiectasis was hospitalized with severe pneumonia. Real‐time RT‐PCR revealed the presence of avian influenza A H5N1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 in BALF and sputum samples. Sequence analyses classified the human isolate as clade 2.3.4.4b of avian influenza A H5N1. The amino acid motif GlnSerGly at residues 226–228 of the haemagglutinin protein indicated avian‐like receptor binding preference. Epidemiological investigation established that the patient had exposure to sick or dead poultry 3 days before illness onset, while no cases of human‐to‐human H5N1 virus transmission were identified in 31 close contacts. Conclusion. We presented that the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 avian influenza virus has the potential to cross‐infect humans with serious symptoms, especially in individuals already affected by COVID‐19. It is indeed crucial to closely monitor the virus’s evolution in both avian populations and humans. Continued research and surveillance efforts are vital to monitor any potential changes in the virus, as well as to inform public health policies and interventions.
Figure S2 from Comparative Epigenetic Profiling Reveals Distinct Features of Mucosal Melanomas Associated with Immune Cell Infiltration and Their Clinical Implications
Authors: Dai Jie , Jia Jia , Zhang Fanshuang , Liu Kaihua , Xi Yanfeng , Yuan Pei , Mao Lili , Bai Xue , Wei Xiaoting , Wang Bingning , Li Jiangtao , Xu Yang , Liu Ting , Chang Shuang , Shao Yang , Guo Jun , Ying Jianming , Si Lu
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Figure S2. Diagram illustrating the genomic loci of the 7-DMR panel.
Physician Perceptions of Medication Prescribing in Heart Failure: A Scoping Review
Authors: Vasudevan Swetha , Thayaparan Archana , Teng Lung En , Lammoza Noor , Aung Ar Kar , Edwards Gail , Gibbs Harry , Hopper Ingrid
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The swift uptake of new medications into clinical practice has many benefits; however, slow uptake has been seen previously with other guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT) in heart failure (HF). Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are a novel therapy in HF proven to be efficacious and will have beneficial clinical outcomes if prescribed. Understanding physician perspectives on prescribing GDMT in HF can help target strategies to bridge the gap between guidelines and practice. Methods: The study followed the PRISMA guide for scoping reviews. A search was conducted using EMBASE, Medline, and PubMed databases in April 2024. Studies included were those using qualitative methods to assess physician perspectives towards prescribing any HF medication. Common themes were identified through thematic synthesis following the methods from Cochrane Training and using software MAXQDA Analysis Pro. Results: 708 studies were found in the search, with 23 full studies included. The most pertinent barriers identified were concern for medication adverse effects, unclear role responsibilities between physicians of different specialities, patient co-morbidities, and unwillingness to alter therapies of stable patients. The most identified enablers included awareness of efficacy, influence from colleagues, and the use of multi-media approaches for information dissemination. Perceptions were also found to change over time and vary among prescriber groups. Conclusions: Physicians perceive common barriers and enablers of prescribing GDMT in HF, despite differences in prescriber groups and time periods. The identified barriers and enablers may be targeted to improve implementation of GDMT into clinical practice.
Endocrine Aspects of Pain Pathophysiology: Focus on Adipose Tissue
Authors: Ozcan Mete , Ayar Ahmet
Published: May 2024

Background: Multiple factors, including neurobiological, hormonal, psychological, and social/cultural norms, influence the manner in which individuals experience pain. Adipose tissue, once considered solely an energy storage site, has been recognized as a significant endocrine organ that produces and releases a range of hormones and cytokines. In recent years, research has highlighted the role of adipose tissue and its endocrine factors in the pathophysiology of pain. Summary: This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the endocrine aspects of pain pathophysiology, with a specific focus on adipose tissue. We examine the role of adipokines released by adipose tissue, such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, asprosin in pain perception and response. We also explore the clinical implications of these findings, including the potential for personalized pain management based on endocrine factors and adipose tissue. Key Messages: Overall, given this background, this review intended to highlight the importance of understanding the endocrine aspects of pain pathophysiology, particularly focusing on the role of adipose tissue, in the development of chronic pain and adipokines. Better understanding the role of adipokines in pain modulation might have therapeutic implications by providing novel targets for addressing underlying mechanism rather than directly focusing on symptoms for chronic pain, particularly in obese individuals.
Can Intracardiac Echocardiography Reduce Steam Pops During Half-Normal Saline Irrigated Radiofrequency Ablation?
Authors: Hasegawa Kanae , Yoneda Zachary T. , Martines-Parachini Jose R. , Powers Edward M. , Davogustto Giovanni E. , Hu Tiffany Y. , Tokutake Kenichi , Kurata Masaaki , Richardson Travis D. , Montgomery Jay A. , Shen Sharon , Estrada Juan C. , Saavedra Pablo J. , Emerson Amy , Walker Marilyn L. , Tandri Harikrishna , Michaud Gregory F. , Kanagasundram Arvindh N. , Stevenson William G.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Irrigated radiofrequency ablation with half-normal saline can potentially increase lesion size but may increase the risk of steam pops with the risk of emboli or perforation. We hypothesized that pops would be preceded by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) findings as well as a large impedance fall.

METHODS:

In 100 consecutive patients undergoing endocardial ventricular arrhythmia radiofrequency ablation with half-normal saline, we attempted to observe the ablation site with ICE. Radiofrequency ablation power was titrated to a 15 to 20 Ohm impedance fall and could be adjusted for tissue whitening and increasing bubble formation on ICE. Steam pops were defined as audible or a sudden explosion of microbubbles on ICE.

RESULTS:

Of 2190 ablation applications in 100 patients (82% cardiomyopathy, 50% sustained ventricular tachycardia), pops occurred during 43 (2.0%) applications. Sites with pops had greater impedance decreases of 18 [14, 21]% versus 13 [10, 17]% (
P
<0.001). ICE visualized 1308 (59.7%) radiofrequency sites, and fewer pops occurred when ICE visualized the radiofrequency ablation site (1.4%) compared with without ICE visualization (2.8%;
P
=0.016). Of the 18 ICE-visible pops, 7 (39%) were silent but recognized as an explosion of bubbles on ICE. With ICE, 89% of pops were preceded by either tissue whitening or a sudden increase in bubbles. In a multivariable model, tissue whitening and a sudden increase in bubbles were associated with steam pops (odds ratio, 7.186;
P
=0.004, and odds ratio, 29.93;
P
<0.001, respectively), independent of impedance fall and power. There were no pericardial effusions or embolic events with steam pops.

CONCLUSIONS:

Steam pops occurred in 2% of half-normal saline radiofrequency applications titrated to an impedance fall and are likely under-recognized without ICE. On ICE, steam pops are usually preceded by tissue whitening or a sudden increase in bubble formation, which can potentially be used to adjust radiofrequency application to help reduce pops.
Skeletal Muscle SIRT3 Deficiency Contributes to Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Jheng Jia-Rong , Bai Yang , Noda Kentaro , Huot Joshua R. , Cook Todd , Fisher Amanda , Chen Yi-Yun , Goncharov Dmitry A. , Goncharova Elena A. , Simon Marc A. , Zhang Yingze , Forman Daniel E. , Rojas Mauricio , Machado Roberto F. , Auwerx Johan , Gladwin Mark T. , Lai Yen-Chun
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a major complication linked to adverse outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), yet no specific therapies exist for PH associated with HFpEF (PH-HFpEF). We have recently reported on the role of skeletal muscle SIRT3 (sirtuin-3) in modulation of PH-HFpEF, suggesting a novel endocrine signaling pathway for skeletal muscle modulation of pulmonary vascular remodeling.

METHODS:

Using skeletal muscle-specific
Sirt3
knockout mice (
Sirt3
skm-/-
) and mass spectrometry-based comparative secretome analysis, we attempted to define the processes by which skeletal muscle SIRT3 defects affect pulmonary vascular health in PH-HFpEF.

RESULTS:

Sirt3
skm-/-
mice exhibited reduced pulmonary vascular density accompanied by pulmonary vascular proliferative remodeling and elevated pulmonary pressures. Comparative analysis of secretome by mass spectrometry revealed elevated secretion levels of LOXL2 (lysyl oxidase homolog 2) in SIRT3-deficient skeletal muscle cells. Elevated circulation and protein expression levels of LOXL2 were also observed in plasma and skeletal muscle of
Sirt3
skm-/-
mice, a rat model of PH-HFpEF, and humans with PH-HFpEF. In addition, expression levels of CNPY2 (canopy fibroblast growth factor signaling regulator 2), a known proliferative and angiogenic factor, were increased in pulmonary artery endothelial cells and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells of
Sirt3
skm-/-
mice and animal models of PH-HFpEF. CNPY2 levels were also higher in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells of subjects with obesity compared with nonobese subjects. Moreover, treatment with recombinant LOXL2 protein promoted pulmonary artery endothelial cell migration/proliferation and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation through regulation of CNPY2-p53 signaling. Last, skeletal muscle–specific
Loxl2
deletion decreased pulmonary artery endothelial cell and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell expression of CNPY2 and improved pulmonary pressures in mice with high-fat diet–induced PH-HFpEF.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrates a systemic pathogenic impact of skeletal muscle SIRT3 deficiency in remote pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH-HFpEF. This study suggests a new endocrine signaling axis that links skeletal muscle health and SIRT3 deficiency to remote CNPY2 regulation in the pulmonary vasculature through myokine LOXL2. Our data also identify skeletal muscle SIRT3, myokine LOXL2, and CNPY2 as potential targets for the treatment of PH

-HFpEF.
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation effect in the redundant and synergistic networks consistent across macaques
Authors: Gatica Marilyn , Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Mediano Pedro A. M. , Alkhawashki Mohammad , Ross James , Sallet Jérôme , Kaiser Marcus
Published: May 2024

Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a noninvasive technique that safely alters neural activity, reaching deep brain areas with good spatial accuracy. We investigated the effects of TUS in macaques using a recent metric, the synergy minus redundancy rank gradient, which quantifies different kinds of neural information processing. We analyzed this high-order quantity on the fMRI data after TUS in two targets: the supplementary motor area (SMA-TUS) and the frontal polar cortex (FPC-TUS). The TUS produced specific changes at the limbic network at FPC-TUS and the motor network at SMA-TUS and altered the sensorimotor, temporal, and frontal networks in both targets, mostly consistent across macaques. Moreover, there was a reduction in the structural and functional coupling after both stimulations. Finally, the TUS changed the intrinsic high-order network topology, decreasing the modular organization of the redundancy at SMA-TUS and increasing the synergistic integration at FPC-TUS.
Brain signaling becomes less integrated and more segregated with age
Authors: Razban Rostam M. , Antal Botond B. , Dill Ken A. , Mujica-Parodi Lilianne R.
Published: May 2024

The integration-segregation framework is a popular first step to understand brain dynamics because it simplifies brain dynamics into two states based on global versus local signaling patterns. However, there is no consensus for how to best define what the two states look like. Here, we map integration and segregation to order and disorder states from the Ising model in physics to calculate state probabilities, Pint and Pseg, from functional MRI data. We find that integration/segregation decreases/increases with age across three databases, and changes are consistent with weakened connection strength among regions rather than topological connectivity based on structural and diffusion MRI data.
Water Sources in the Buddhist Ecology: Looking through the Engaged Tradition
Authors: Singh Anand
Published: May 2024

Jambudvīpa is embedded with and surrounded by perennial water sources from the Great Himalayan hills. The visual remains and literary pieces of evidence show that people in the hoary past were conscious of water sources from the great hills. The Buddha has advised the corporeal use of water in many suttas. Buddhism has vast philosophical dimensions for five elements (water is one of them. It played an essential role in forming the cosmological and corporeal views of hills and water sources. Because of the rising population, monopolization, and monetization of water, a shortage of water is felt in some regions. The paper will examine the Buddhist view on the ecological dimensions of water issues and its engaged traditions.
Building Geriatric Trauma Programs in Resource-Constrained Environments: Trauma Quality Improvement Program Guideline Implementation at Two Safety Net Hospitals in Southern California
Authors: Boyle Kelly A. , Schellenberg Morgan , Navarrete Sixta , Tyler Robin , Hambrecht Amanda C. , Ward Katherine , Yamashita Casey , Putnam Brant , Inaba Kenji , Lam Lydia
Published: May 2024

Background: To improve care of geriatric trauma patients, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) updated guidelines in 2021. Amid geriatrician shortages in Southern California, 2 Los Angeles County safety net hospitals were tasked with creating a strategy to meet geriatric trauma guidelines despite constrained resources. Methods: All trauma patients ≥ 60 years admitted to a safety net hospital in Southern California were enrolled without exclusions (August 2022-April 2023). Primary outcome was frailty screening with documentation to identify older trauma patients at a high risk for adverse outcomes. Results: Needs assessment discovered no standardized process to identify high-risk geriatric patients, no geriatric care guidelines, and no inpatient geriatric consultation service. An action plan composed of a resident-led frailty screen resulted in identification of high-risk patients. Overall, 217 patients met criteria. Ninety-six patients (44%) successfully underwent frailty screening. Frailty screening compliance increased over the study, beginning at 37% capture in the first month and increasing to 81% in the final study month. After achieving nearly uniform frailty screening, a form was developed for the EMR for ease of documentation, data capture/tracking, and compliance monitoring. Discussion: In this study, creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness allowed TQIP guideline implementation at 2 county hospitals. A systematic process is now in place to identify and triage high-risk geriatric trauma patients based on frailty screen to receive inpatient medicine consultation for medical comorbidity optimization. Continued interdisciplinary and interfacility collaboration will be crucial for continued delivery of the optimal care to older injured patients.
Ensuring a sustainable and healthy primary school of the future: Finding answers through group concept mapping
Authors: Conjaerts Martien , Stoyanov Slavi , Edelman Eric , Kirschner Paul , de Groot Renate
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

Overweight and obesity among school-aged children pose a threat to both their academic performance and public health. The Healthy Primary School of the Future (HPSF) initiative was established to address this issue. Our objective was to explore the conditions that make HPSF sustainable based on the perspectives of relevant stakeholders.

Design:

The study utilised Group Concept Mapping, a structured methodology for conducting mixed-methods participative research, combining qualitative data collection with quantitative data analysis measures.

Method:

Participants included parents, teachers, school directors, politicians, labour unions, educational, nutrition and health scientists and policymakers. They were asked to respond to the prompt, ‘A necessary condition to make the HPSF sustainable is . . .’. The statements generated were then assessed for their importance and feasibility. Using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses, we identified the shared vision among the stakeholders.

Results:

A total of 106 unique statements were generated and grouped statistically into 10 clusters. The most significant clusters were identified as Financing; Accessibility for everyone; and Content/Lifestyle/School Programme. The clusters that were deemed most feasible included Content/Lifestyle/School Programme; Accessibility for everyone; and Evaluation.

Conclusion:

Achieving sustainability for the HPSF requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the conditions outlined in all 10 clusters. Based on the ratings of feasibility and importance, our recommendation is to prioritise implementation of Content/Lifestyle/School Programme and Accessibility for everyone. Subsequently, efforts should be directed towards realising the less feasible but crucial conditions, such as Financing and Evaluation, followed by the remaining six clusters of conditions as identified.
Democratic Identity, Political Policing, and the Other side of the US-Canada Security Community
Authors: Troup Daniel
Published: May 2024

Canada and the US maintain one of the closest international partnerships in the world, but there are concerns about its future. Donald Trump's election generated anxieties about the rise of autarkic or authoritarian politics in the region. These worries persist as it remains to be seen whether the Trump administration was a temporary interruption to liberal governance or a signifier of more profound change. Canadian security scholars have contemplated whether an illiberal shift may disrupt the US-Canada security community. This article intervenes in these discussions by emphasizing the extent to which prejudices and political policing have fostered the community's emergence and operation. Archival investigation reveals that illiberal practices have proven reconcilable with a liberal identity throughout the community's development. Therefore, without dismissing existing concerns, we should be vigilant of the possibility that the security community may be internalized within democratic retrenchment, rather than corroded by it.
The familial transmission of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury in different income levels in town
Authors: Yu Mei , Li Xuemei , Lei Tingting , He Yuqian , Gan Xieyu , Wang Wenjing , Zhu Dan , Chen Runsen , Zhou Xinyu
Published: May 2024

Background:

Prior researches have established that suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) exhibit familial transmission patterns. However, the extent to which these patterns vary across different income levels remains unclear, as well as the specific factors that influence them. This study aimed to explore these questions.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 13,988 parent-child pairs in Chongqing, China, where the children were aged from 7 to 12 years old. Six income levels were considered, and the children’s depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using standardized scales (the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, [CES-DC], and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders [SCARED], respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the transmission of suicide and NSSI across different income levels.

Results:

Familial transmission of suicide was significant difference in all income levels except the highest, while familial transmission of NSSI was significant difference in all income levels except the lowest. Notably, in both low- and high-income levels, suicide and NSSI transmissions primarily occurred among male children, mothers with higher education, and children who spent long time with their mothers. Additionally, the transmissions were mediated partially or entirely by children’s depression and anxiety symptoms.

Limitations:

Future studies should investigate the separate effects of fathers’ and mothers’ suicide and NSSI histories on familial transmission patterns.

Conclusion:

The familial transmissions of suicide and NSSI exhibited distinct patterns across different income levels.
Dual-Tasks in Soccer: Effects of Players’ Experience and Task Condition on Physical Performance
Authors: Praça Gibson Moreira , de Almeida Oliveira Pedro Henrique , Santos Resende Vitor Hugo
Published: May 2024

In this study, we examined whether experience level and various dual motor and cognitive or single tasks influenced young soccer players’ physical performance during small-sided games. Participants were 72 players from U-13 ( n = 36) and U-17 ( n = 36) groups who participated in 3-to-a-side small-sided games under four experimental conditions: control, a secondary motor task, an additional related secondary cognitive task, and an additional secondary non-specific task. We used GPS devices to measure physical performance in terms of distances covered and accelerations at different thresholds. We found no significant interaction effect between player experience and task condition ( p = .540), meaning that dual tasks had comparable effects on players of different experience levels. There were significant main effects of both experience level ( p < .001) and condition ( p < .001) on most physically related variables. Older players outperformed younger ones, particularly in high-intensity actions. While secondary motor tasks decreased physical performance, secondary cognitive tasks, irrespective of specificity, did not impair players’ performances. In conclusion, experience level did not influence the players’ physical response to dual tasks, and a secondary motor task was more disruptive to physical performance than either of two types of secondary cognitive tasks. Cognitive tasks can be incorporated into soccer training without compromising physical performance.