bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of hemp fiber fire reaction
Authors: Deborde Lily , Sonnier Rodolphe , Dumazert Loic , Lanos Christophe , Colson Valentin
Published: January 2023

Integrating bio‐resources in materials allows to reduce the environmental impact of the building industry. This study deals with fire‐retardant treatments, alternative to boric acid and ammonium salts solutions, applied to hemp fibers for thermal insulation application. The aim is to limit the energy, sanitary and environmental impacts of the treatment, while optimizing the technical performances. A laboratory protocol evaluates the flame‐retardant effect of the developed treatments. Treated fibers, including commercial treatments, are subjected to characterization tests: direct ignition small flame, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis [TGA], differential thermal analysis [DTA]), pyrolysis‐combustion flow calorimeter and cone calorimeter. Some of the methods have been adapted to be applied to fibrous materials. The obtained results orientate the formulation of a treatment and highlight the complementarity of the analysis methods. Coupling the results, the ConeTools's predictive model leads to the estimation of the reaction to fire class according to the Euroclass. Euroclass C appears accessible with a tailored treatment.
Two-loop master integrals for a planar topology contributing to pp → $$ t\overline{t}j $$
Authors: Badger Simon , Becchetti Matteo , Chaubey Ekta , Marzucca Robin
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We consider the case of a two-loop five-point pentagon-box integral configuration with one internal massive propagator that contributes to top-quark pair production in association with a jet at hadron colliders. We construct the system of differential equations for all the master integrals in a canonical form where the analytic form is reconstructed from numerical evaluations over finite fields. We find that the system can be represented as a sum of d-logarithmic forms using an alphabet of 71 letters. Using high precision boundary values obtained via the auxiliary mass flow method, a numerical solution to the master integrals is provided using generalised power series expansions.
Preconception factors associated with postnatal mental health and suicidality among first-time fathers: results from an Australian Longitudinal Study of Men’s Health
Authors: Giallo Rebecca , Wynter Karen , McMahon Grace , Seymour Monique , Fogarty Alison , Cooklin Amanda , Leach Liana , Francis Lauren M. , Duursma Elisabeth , Macdonald Jacqui A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Prospective evidence about men at risk of postnatal difficulties is rare–particularly for postpartum suicidal ideation. This study aimed to determine the extent to which first-time fathers reported depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and behaviours in the first postnatal year, and to identify preconception risk factors for postnatal mental health difficulties.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from The Ten to Men Study–Australia’s population-based prospective study of men’s health was conducted. Participants were 205 men who became first-time fathers in the 12 months prior to wave 2 (2015/16). Regression analyses were used to ascertain preconception (mental and physical health, lifestyle) and demographic factors associated with postnatal depressive symptoms.

Results

Postnatally, 8.3% of fathers reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, 5% had suicidal thoughts, 3% had plans, and less than 1% had attempted suicide. Preconception depressive symptoms was the only factor significantly associated with postnatal depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

The transition into fatherhood is marked with significant psychological distress for some men. These results suggest that mental health screening and support in the preconception period is crucial to supporting the mental health of new fathers.
Compositional PLS biplot based on pivoting balances: an application to explore the association between 24-h movement behaviours and adiposity
Authors: Štefelová Nikola , Palarea-Albaladejo Javier , Hron Karel , Gába Aleš , Dygrýn Jan
Published: January 2023

Movement behaviour data are compositional in nature, therefore the logratio methodology has been demonstrated appropriate for their statistical analysis. Compositional data can be mapped into the ordinary real space through new sets of variables (orthonormal logratio coordinates) representing balances between the original compositional parts. Geometric rotation between orthonormal logratio coordinates systems can be used to extract relevant information from any of them. We exploit this idea to introduce the concept of pivoting balances, which facilitates the construction and use of interpretable balances according to the purpose of the data analysis. Moreover, graphical representation through ternary diagrams has been ordinarily used to explore time-use compositions consisting of, or being amalgamated into, three parts. Data dimension reduction techniques can however serve well for visualisation and facilitate understanding in the case of larger compositions. We here develop suitable pivoting balance coordinates that in combination with an adapted formulation of compositional partial least squares regression biplots enable meaningful visualisation of more complex time-use patterns and their relationships with an outcome variable. The use and features of the proposed method are illustrated in a study examining the association between movement behaviours and adiposity from a sample of Czech school-aged girls. The results suggest that an adequate strategy for obesity prevention in this group would be to focus on achieving a positive balance of vigorous physical activity in combination with sleep against the other daily behaviours.
N-Acetylcysteine normalizes brain oxidative stress and neuroinflammation observed after protracted ethanol abstinence: a preclinical study in long-term ethanol-experienced male rats
Authors: Fernández-Rodríguez Sandra , Cano-Cebrián María José , Esposito-Zapero Claudia , Pérez Salvador , Guerri Consuelo , Zornoza Teodoro , Polache Ana
Published: January 2023

Rationale

Using a preclinical model based on the Alcohol Deprivation Effect (ADE), we have reported that N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) can prevent the relapse-like drinking behaviour in long-term ethanol-experienced male rats.

Objectives

To investigate if chronic ethanol intake and protracted abstinence affect several glutamate transporters and whether NAC, administered during the withdrawal period, could restore the ethanol-induced brain potential dysfunctions. Furthermore, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of NAC during abstinence in rats under the ADE paradigm were also explored.

Methods

The expression of GLT1, GLAST and xCT in nucleus accumbens (Nacc) and dorsal striatum (DS) of male Wistar was analysed after water and chronic ethanol intake. We used the model based on the ADE within another cohort of male Wistar rats. During the fourth abstinence period, rats were treated for 9 days with vehicle or NAC (60, 100 mg/kg; s.c.). The effects of NAC treatment on (i) glutamate transporters expression in the Nacc and DS, (ii) the oxidative status in the hippocampus (Hip) and amygdala (AMG) and (iii) some neuroinflammatory markers in prefrontal cortex (PFC) were tested.

Results

NAC chronic administration during protracted abstinence restored oxidative stress markers (GSSG and GGSH/GSH) in the Hip. Furthermore, NAC was able to normalize some neuroinflammation markers in PFC without normalizing the observed downregulation of GLT1 and GLAST in Nacc.

Conclusions

NAC restores brain oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that we previously observed after protracted ethanol abstinence in long-term ethanol-experienced male rats. This NAC effect could be a plausible mechanism for its anti-relapse effect. Also, brain oxidative stress and neuroinflammation could represent and identify plausible targets for searching new anti-relapse pharmacotherapies.
Host-associated Intraspecific Phenotypic Variation in the Saprobic Fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea
Authors: Kļaviņa Dārta , Lione Guglielmo , Kenigsvalde Kristīne , Pellicciaro Martina , Muižnieks Indriķis , Silbauma Lauma , Jansons Jurģis , Gaitnieks Tālis , Gonthier Paolo
Published: January 2023

Whether intraspecific phenotypic variation in saprobic fungi may be driven by the host of origin has received little attention. We addressed this issue by testing hypotheses using the model system Phlebiopsis gigantea, a wood destroying fungus associated with Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris, among others, and widely employed in practical forestry as a biological control agent. By examining approximately 60 sympatric P. gigantea isolates from both P. abies and P. sylvestris, we showed that the former grew in vitro significantly (P < 0.05) slower than the latter (average 5.56 mm/day vs. 6.84) while producing 1.8-fold significantly higher number of mitospores. An overall significant trade-off between these two phenotypic traits was detected, in particular for isolates originating from P. abies. Comparative inoculation experiments of a subsample of isolates and the assessment of mycelial growth in logs of both hosts allowed to reject the hypothesis that isolates are equally fit in terms of growth rate in wood of both hosts regardless of the host of origin. Tree models revealed that the growth rate of isolates was associated not only with the wood species in which the isolates were inoculated (P < 0.001), P. sylvestris being more rapidly colonized than P. abies, but also with the host of origin of isolates (P < 0.001). Results showed that P. gigantea isolates originating from different hosts differ phenotypically in terms of some key phenotypic traits demonstrating that a host-driven intraspecific phenotypic variation may occur in saprobic fungi.
Dietary intakes of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 during pregnancy and correlation with maternal hemoglobin and fetal growth: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study
Authors: Rooney David J. , Conway Marie , O’Keeffe Linda M. , McDonnell Ciara M. , Bartels Helena C. , Yelverton Cara , Segurado Ricardo , Mehegan John , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Dietary micronutrient intakes of iron, folate and vitamin B12 are known to influence hemoglobin. Low maternal hemoglobin (maternal anemia) has been linked to low birthweight and other adverse health outcomes in the fetus and infant. Our primary aim was to explore relationships between maternal dietary micronutrient intakes, maternal full blood count (FBC) parameters and fetal abdominal circumference (AC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) growth trajectories. Secondarily, we aimed to assess relationships between maternal dietary micronutrient intakes, maternal hemoglobin values and placental weight and birthweight.

Methods

Mother–child pairs (n = 759) recruited for the ROLO study were included in this analysis. Maternal dietary micronutrient intakes were calculated from food diaries completed during each trimester of pregnancy. FBC samples were collected at 13- and 28-weeks’ gestation. Fetal ultrasound measurements were recorded at 20- and 34-weeks’ gestation. Growth trajectories for AC and EFW were estimated using latent class trajectory mixture models.

Results

Dietary intakes of iron and folate were deficient for all trimesters. Mean maternal hemoglobin levels were replete at 13- and 28-weeks’ gestation. Dietary iron, folate and vitamin B12 intakes showed no associations with fetal growth trajectories, placental weight or birthweight. Lower maternal hemoglobin concentrations at 28 weeks’ gestation were associated with faster rates of fetal growth and larger placental weights and birthweights.

Conclusion

The negative association between maternal hemoglobin at 28 weeks’ gestation and accelerated fetal and placental growth may be due to greater consumption of maternal iron and hemoglobin by fetuses’ on faster growth trajectories in addition to placental biochemical responses to lower oxygen states.
Cholelithiasis is an additional pre-pregnancy clinical risk factor for preeclampsia
Authors: Arbuzova Svitlana , Nikolenko Margaryta , Wright David , Cuckle Howard
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To investigate additional potential clinical risk factors for preeclampsia.

Methods

This is a nested case–control study of preeclampsia and unaffected pregnancies. Cases were either from a prenatal screening database or from a national network of clinicians, and controls were from the same prenatal source. Preeclampsia was defined by international criteria which were endorsed by the Ukraine Ministry of Health. Questionnaires were used to record a range of pregnancy related factors, personal history of health conditions and family history, followed by a telephone interview to collect more details.

Results

There were 103 cases, 56 from the prenatal database and 47 from the clinicians, and 480 controls from the database. The two types of case did not differ in terms of age, weight, BMI or parity. Known risk factors were more common in cases than controls. In addition there was a 17-fold higher prevalence of cholelithiasis in cases compared with controls (29.1% versus 1.7%), a highly statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). There was also an 8.8-fold increase among the mothers of cases and controls (P < 0.0001), and if either the patient or her mother had the disease the increase was 6.4-fold (P < 0.0001). Including the father or sibling did not increase the relative risk.

Conclusion

Cholelithiasis is a clinical risk factor for preeclampsia which has not previously been reported. If confirmed by additional studies it may have utility in routine prenatal screening and provide insight into the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Genomic and metabolic profiling of two tomato contrasting cultivars for tolerance to Tuta absoluta
Authors: D’Esposito Daniela , Guadagno Anna , Amoroso Ciro Gianmaria , Cascone Pasquale , Cencetti Gabriele , Michelozzi Marco , Guerrieri Emilio , Ercolano Maria Raffaella
Published: January 2023

Main conclusion

Dissimilar patterns of variants affecting genes involved in response to herbivory, including those leading to difference in VOC production, were identified in tomato lines with contrasting response to Tuta absoluta.

Tuta absoluta is one of the most destructive insect pest affecting tomato production, causing important yield losses both in open field and greenhouse. The selection of tolerant varieties to T. absoluta is one of the sustainable approaches to control this invasive leafminer. In this study, the genomic diversity of two tomato varieties, one tolerant and the other susceptible to T. absoluta infestation was explored, allowing us to identify chromosome regions with highly dissimilar pattern. Genes affected by potential functional variants were involved in several processes, including response to herbivory and secondary metabolism. A metabolic analysis for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was also performed, highlighting a difference in several classes of chemicals in the two genotypes. Taken together, these findings can aid tomato breeding programs aiming to develop tolerant plants to T. absoluta.
Should individual timeline and serial CT/MRI panels of all patients be presented in acute brain insult cohorts? A pilot study of 45 patients with decompressive craniectomy after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Autio Anniina H. , Paavola Juho , Tervonen Joona , Lång Maarit , Huuskonen Terhi J. , Huttunen Jukka , Kärkkäinen Virve , von Und Zu Fraunberg Mikael , Lindgren Antti E. , Koivisto Timo , Kurola Jouni , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Kämäräinen Olli-Pekka
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Our review of acute brain insult articles indicated that the patients’ individual (i) timeline panels with the defined time points since the emergency call and (ii) serial brain CT/MRI slice panels through the neurointensive care until death or final brain tissue outcome at 12 months or later are not presented.

Methods

We retrospectively constructed such panels for the 45 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients with a secondary decompressive craniectomy (DC) after the acute admission to neurointensive care at Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) from a defined population from 2005 to 2018. The patients were indicated by numbers (1.–45.) in the pseudonymized panels, tables, results, and discussion. The timelines contained up to ten defined time points on a logarithmic time axis until death ($$n=25$$

n
=
25

; 56%) or 3 years ($$n=20$$

n
=
20

; 44%). The brain CT/MRI panels contained a representative slice from the following time points: SAH diagnosis, after aneurysm closure, after DC, at about 12 months (20 survivors).

Results

The timelines indicated re-bleeds and allowed to compare the times elapsed between any two time points, in terms of workflow swiftness. The serial CT/MRI slices illustrated the presence and course of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), perihematomal edema, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), hydrocephalus, delayed brain injury, and, in the 20 (44%) survivors, the brain tissue outcome.

Conclusions

The pseudonymized timeline panels and serial brain imaging panels, indicating the patients by numbers, allowed the presentation and comparison of individual clinical courses. An obvious application would be the quality control in acute or elective medicine for timely and equal access to clinical care.
Safety of upadacitinib in Latin American patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an integrated safety analysis of the SELECT phase 3 clinical program
Authors: Kakehasi Adriana Maria , Radominski Sebastião Cezar , Baravalle Marcos Daniel , Palazuelos Fedra Consuelo Irazoque , Garcia-Garcia Conrado , Arruda Maysa Silva , Curi Marco , Liu John , Qiao Meihua , Velez-Sanchez Patricia , Vargas Juan Ignacio
Published: January 2023

Introduction/objectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by ongoing inflammation and degradation of synovial joints. The oral JAK inhibitor, upadacitinib, is approved for RA. We conducted an integrated safety analysis of upadacitinib 15 mg once daily (QD) in patients from Latin America (LATAM) versus the rest of the world (RoW).

Methods

Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) and laboratory data from six phase 3, randomized controlled trials, adjusted for upadacitinib 15 mg QD use in RA, were analyzed.

Results

Overall, 3209 patients received upadacitinib 15 mg QD for 7024 patient-years (PY). LATAM patients (n = 725) had a mean upadacitinib exposure of 1518 PY. Baseline characteristics were generally similar between LATAM and RoW populations. AE rates (including serious/opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, and herpes zoster) and deaths were comparable between populations. LATAM patients had lower serious AE rates per 100 PY (9.4 vs 14.0 E/100 PY) and discontinuation-related AEs (3.9 vs 6.0 E/100 PY) versus RoW. Rates of cardiovascular events were low (≤ 0.5 E/100 PY) and similar between populations. Malignancies, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, were less common in the LATAM population versus RoW (0.2 vs 1.0 E/100 PY). Laboratory abnormalities were similar between populations, with decreases in hemoglobin, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts, and elevations in liver enzymes and creatine phosphokinase. Mean change from baseline in low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was generally comparable between LATAM and RoW populations.

Conclusion

Upadacitinib 15 mg QD demonstrated a consistent safety profile across LATAM and RoW patient populations, with no new safety risks observed.

Trial registration numbers

SELECT-EARLY, NCT02706873; SELECT-NEXT, NCT02675426; SELECT-COMPARE, NCT02629159; SELECT-MONOTHERAPY, NCT02706951; SELECT-BEYOND, NCT02706847; SELECT-CHOICE, NCT03086343.

Key Points• This study assessed the safety of upadacitinib 15 mg in patients with rheumatoid arthritis from Latin America compared with patients from the rest of the world participating in the SELECT phase 3 program.• Safety was generally similar between the two groups, including serious and opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, herpes zoster, and cardiovascular events. Malignancy, major adverse cardiovascular events, and venous thromboembolic events were infrequent in the Latin American patients.• Consistent with the known safety profile of upadacitinib, serious infections, herpes zoster, and laboratory abnormalities were the most common safety events in the Latin American population.
Prediction of Temperature and Loading History Dependent Lumbar Spine Biomechanics Under Cyclic Loading Using Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Blomeyer Nadja , Tandale Saurabh Balkrishna , Nicolini Luis Fernando , Kobbe Philipp , Pufe Thomas , Markert Bernd , Stoffel Marcus
Published: January 2023

Extended-duration cyclic loading of the spine is known to be correlated to lower back pain (LBP). Therefore, it is important to understand how the loading history affects the entire structural behavior of the spine, including the viscoelastic effects. Six human spinal segments (L4L5) were loaded with pure moments up to 7.5 Nm cyclically for half an hour, kept unloaded for 15 min, and loaded with three cycles. This procedure was performed in flexion-extension (FE), axial rotation (AR), and lateral bending (LB) and repeated six times per direction for a total of 18 h of testing per segment. A Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) was trained to predict the change in the biomechanical response under cyclic loading. A strong positive correlation between the total testing time and the ratio of the third cycle to the last cycle of the loading sequence was found (BT: $$\tau $$
τ
 =  0.3469, p = 0.0003, RT: $$\tau $$
τ
=0.1988, p  =   0.0377). The moment-range of motion (RoM) curves could be very well predicted with an RNN ($$R^2$$

R
2

=0.988), including the correlation between testing time and testing temperature as inputs. This study shows successfully the feasibility of using RNNs to predict changing moment-RoM curves under cyclic moment loading.
The Impact of a Limited Field-of-View on Computed Hemodynamics in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Evaluating the Feasibility of Completing Ultrasound Segmentations with Parametric Geometries
Authors: Fonken Judith , Maas Esther , Nievergeld Arjet , van Sambeek Marc , van de Vosse Frans , Lopata Richard
Published: January 2023

To improve abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture risk assessment, a large, longitudinal study on AAA hemodynamics and biomechanics is necessary, using personalized fluid-structure interaction (FSI) modeling. 3-dimensional, time-resolved ultrasound (3D+t US) is the preferred image modality to obtain the patient-specific AAA geometry for such a study, since it is safe, affordable and provides temporal information. However, the 3D+t US field-of-view (FOV) is limited and therefore often fails to capture the inlet and aorto-iliac bifurcation geometry. In this study, a framework was developed to add parametric inlet and bifurcation geometries to the abdominal aortic aneurysm geometry by employing dataset statistics and parameters of the AAA geometry. The impact of replacing the patient-specific inlet and bifurcation geometries, acquired using computed tomography (CT) scans, by parametric geometries was evaluated by examining the differences in hemodynamics (systolic and time-averaged wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index) in the aneurysm region. The results show that the inlet geometry has a larger effect on the AAA hemodynamics (median differences of 7.5 to 18.8%) than the bifurcation geometry (median differences all below 1%). Therefore, it is not feasible to replace the patient-specific inlet geometry by a generic one. Future studies should investigate the possibilities of extending the proximal FOV of 3D+t US. However, this study did show the feasibility of adding a parametric bifurcation geometry to the aneurysm geometry. After extending the proximal FOV, the obtained framework can be used to extract AAA geometries from 3D+t US for FSI simulations, despite the absence of the bifurcation geometry.
Modeling Reactive Hyperemia to Better Understand and Assess Microvascular Function: A Review of Techniques
Authors: Coccarelli Alberto , Nelson Michael D.
Published: January 2023

Reactive hyperemia is a well-established technique for the non-invasive evaluation of the peripheral microcirculatory function, measured as the magnitude of limb re-perfusion after a brief period of ischemia. Despite widespread adoption by researchers and clinicians alike, many uncertainties remain surrounding interpretation, compounded by patient-specific confounding factors (such as blood pressure or the metabolic rate of the ischemic limb). Mathematical modeling can accelerate our understanding of the physiology underlying the reactive hyperemia response and guide in the estimation of quantities which are difficult to measure experimentally. In this work, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for mathematical modeling techniques that can be used for describing the key phenomena involved in the reactive hyperemia response, alongside their limitations and advantages. The reported methodologies can be used for investigating specific reactive hyperemia aspects alone, or can be combined into a computational framework to be used in (pre-)clinical settings.
Cognitive Performance, as well as Depression, Alcohol Use, and Gender, predict Anti-Retroviral Therapy Adherence in a South African Cohort of People with HIV and Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Dreyer Anna J. , Nightingale Sam , Andersen Lena S. , Lee Jasper S. , Gouse Hetta , Safren Steven A. , O’Cleirigh Conall , Thomas Kevin G. F. , Joska John
Published: January 2023

Depression and cognitive impairment, which commonly coexist in people with HIV (PWH), have been identified as potential barriers to optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We investigated associations between cognitive performance, depression (as well as other sociodemographic, psychosocial and psychiatric variables) and ART adherence in a South African cohort of PWH with comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). Cognitive performance and ART adherence were assessed at two time points 8 months apart (Nbaseline = 105, Nfollow-up = 81). Adherence was indicated by self-report, objective measures (Wisepill usage and plasma tenofovir-diphosphate levels), and HIV viral suppression. Mixed-effects regression models examined associations across both time points. Univariate models detected no significant associations between cognitive performance (globally and within-domain) and ART adherence. Multivariate modelling showed increased depression severity (β = − 0.54, p < 0.001) and problematic alcohol use (β = 0.73, p = 0.015) were associated with worse adherence as measured subjectively. Being female (OR 0.27, p = 0.048) and having better global cognitive performance (OR 1.83, p = 0.043) were associated with better adherence as indicated by viral suppression. This study identifies poor global cognitive performance, as well as depression and problematic alcohol use, as potential barriers to optimal ART adherence in PWH and comorbid MDD. Hence, clinicians could consider assessing for cognitive deficits, depression, and problematic alcohol use, and should endeavour to provide the appropriate support so as to improve adherence.
Evolutionary numerical model for cultural heritage structures via genetic algorithms: a case study in central Italy
Authors: Salachoris Georgios Panagiotis , Standoli Gianluca , Betti Michele , Milani Gabriele , Clementi Francesco
Published: January 2023

In this paper the actual dynamic behavior of the civic Clock tower of Rotella, a little village in central Italy heavily damaged by the recent 2016 seismic sequence, is thoroughly investigated by means of a detailed numerical model built and calibrated using the experimental modal properties obtained through Ambient Vibration Tests. The goal is to update the uncertain parameters of two behavioral material models applied to the Finite Element Model (elastic moduli, mass densities, constraints, and boundary conditions) to minimize the discrepancy between experimental and numerical dynamic features. A sensitivity analysis was performed with the definition of a metamodel to reduce the computational strain and try to define the necessary parameters to use for the calibration process. Due to the high nonlinear dependency of the objective function of this optimization problem on the parameters, and the likely possibility to get trapped in local minima, a machine learning approach was meant. A fully automated Finite Element Model updating procedure based on genetic algorithms and global optimization is used, leading to tower uncertain parameters identification. The results allowed to create a reference numerical replica of the structure in its actual health state and to assess its dynamic performances allowing better control over their future evolution.
Circulating lipoprotein (a) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Authors: Amiri Mojgan , Raeisi-Dehkordi Hamidreza , Verkaar Auke J.C.F , Wu Yahong , van Westing Anniek C. , Berk Kirsten A. , Bramer Wichor M. , Aune Dagfinn , Voortman Trudy
Published: January 2023

Aims

To investigate the association between circulating lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the general population and in patients with chronic diseases, and to elucidate the dose-response relations.

Methods and results

We searched literature to find prospective studies reporting adjusted risk estimates on the association of Lp(a) and mortality outcomes. Forty-three publications, reporting on 75 studies (957,253 participants), were included. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI ) for the top versus bottom tertile of Lp(a) levels and risk of all-cause mortality were 1.09 (95%CI: 1.01–1.18, I2: 75.34%, n = 19) in the general population and 1.18 (95%CI: 1.04–1.34, I2: 52.5%, n = 12) in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The HRs for CVD mortality were 1.33 (95%CI: 1.11–1.58, I2: 82.8%, n = 31) in the general population, 1.25 (95%CI: 1.10–1.43, I2: 54.3%, n = 17) in patients with CVD and 2.53 (95%CI: 1.13–5.64, I2: 66%, n = 4) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Linear dose-response analyses revealed that each 50 mg/dL increase in Lp(a) levels was associated with 31% and 15% greater risk of CVD death in the general population and in patients with CVD. No non-linear dose-response association was observed between Lp(a) levels and risk of all-cause or CVD mortality in the general population or in patients with CVD (Pnonlinearity > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence that higher Lp(a) levels are associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality and CVD-death in the general population and in patients with CVD. These findings support the ESC/EAS Guidelines that recommend Lp(a) should be measured at least once in each adult person’s lifetime, since our study suggests those with higher Lp(a) might also have higher risk of mortality.
Heritable methylation marks associated with prostate cancer risk
Authors: Dowty James G. , Yu Chenglong , Hosseinpour Mahnaz , Joo Jihoon Eric , Wong Ee Ming , Nguyen-Dumont Tu , Rosenbluh Joseph , Giles Graham G. , Milne Roger L. , MacInnis Robert J. , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Southey Melissa C.
Published: January 2023

DNA methylation marks that are inherited from parents to offspring are known to play a role in cancer risk and could explain part of the familial risk for cancer. We therefore conducted a genome-wide search for heritable methylation marks associated with prostate cancer risk. Peripheral blood DNA methylation was measured for 133 of the 469 members of 25 multiple-case prostate cancer families, using the EPIC array. We used these families to systematically search the genome for methylation marks with Mendelian patterns of inheritance, then we tested the 1,000 most heritable marks for association with prostate cancer risk. After correcting for multiple testing, 41 heritable methylation marks were associated with prostate cancer risk. Separate analyses, based on 869 incident cases and 869 controls from a prospective cohort study, showed that 9 of these marks near the metastable epiallele VTRNA2-1 were also nominally associated with aggressive prostate cancer risk in the population.
Mitigation of nitrous oxide emissions in grazing systems through nitrification inhibitors: a meta-analysis
Authors: Soares Johnny R. , Souza Bruna R. , Mazzetto André M. , Galdos Marcelo V. , Chadwick Dave R. , Campbell Eleanor E. , Jaiswal Deepak , Oliveira Julianne C. , Monteiro Leonardo A. , Vianna Murilo S. , Lamparelli Rubens A. C. , Figueiredo Gleyce K. D. A. , Sheehan John J. , Lynd Lee R.
Published: January 2023

Grasslands are the largest contributor of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the agriculture sector due to livestock excreta and nitrogen fertilizers applied to the soil. Nitrification inhibitors (NIs) added to N input have reduced N2O emissions, but can show a range of efficiencies depending on climate, soil, and management conditions. A meta-analysis study was conducted to investigate the factors that influence the efficiency of NIs added to fertilizer and excreta in reducing N2O emissions, focused on grazing systems. Data from peer-reviewed studies comprising 2164 N2O emission factors (EFs) of N inputs with and without NIs addition were compared. The N2O EFs varied according to N source (0.0001–8.25%). Overall, NIs reduced the N2O EF from N addition by 56.6% (51.1–61.5%), with no difference between NI types (Dicyandiamide—DCD; 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate—DMPP; and Nitrapyrin) or N source (urine, dung, slurry, and fertilizer). The NIs were more efficient in situations of high N2O emissions compared with low; the reduction was 66.0% when EF > 1.5% of N applied compared with 51.9% when EF ≤ 0.5%. DCD was more efficient when applied at rates > 10 kg ha−1. NIs were less efficient in urine with lower N content (≤ 7 g kg−1). NI efficiency was negatively correlated with soil bulk density, and positively correlated with soil moisture and temperature. Better understanding and management of NIs can optimize N2O mitigation in grazing systems, e.g., by mapping N2O risk and applying NI at variable rate, contributing to improved livestock sustainability.
Higher-rank Brill-Noether loci on nodal reducible curves
Authors: Brivio Sonia , Favale Filippo F.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we deal with Brill-Noether theory for higher-rank sheaves on a polarized nodal reducible curve $$(C,{{\,\mathrm{\underline{w}}\,}})$$

(
C
,

w
̲

)

following the ideas of Brambila-Paz et al. (J Algebraic Geom 6(4): 645–669, 1997). We study the Brill-Noether loci of $${{\,\mathrm{\underline{w}}\,}}$$

w
̲

-stable depth one sheaves on C having rank r on all irreducible components and having small slope. In analogy with what happens in the smooth case, we prove that these loci are closely related to BGN extensions. Moreover, we produce irreducible components of the expected dimension for these Brill-Noether loci.
Efficient Causal Access in Geo-Replicated Storage Systems
Authors: Lima Stanley , Araujo Filipe , Guerreiro Miguel de Oliveira , Correia Jaime , Bento Andre , Barbosa Raul
Published: January 2023

We consider a setting where applications, such as websites or games, need causal access to objects available in geo-replicated cloud data stores. Common ways of implementing causal consistency involve hiding objects while waiting for their dependencies or waiting for server replicas to synchronize. To minimize delays and retrieve objects faster, applications may try to reach different server replicas at once. This entails a cost because providers charge for each reading request, including reading misses where the causal copy of the object is unavailable. Therefore, latency and cost are conflicting goals, which we control by selecting where to read and when. We formulate this challenge as a multi-criteria optimization problem and propose five non-dominated reading strategies, four of which are Pareto optimal, in a setting constrained to two server replicas. We validate these solutions on the following real cloud storage services: AWS S3, DynamoDB and MongoDB. Savings of as much as 50% on reading costs, with no significant or even a positive impact on latency, demonstrate that both clients and cloud providers could benefit from richer services compatible with these retrieval strategies.
Victimization and Distress in Indigenous Maya Women: A Qualitative Investigation of Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Outcomes in Rural Guatemala
Authors: Rogg Magda C. , Pezzia Carla
Published: January 2023

Purpose

There is currently scant research exploring Indigenous Guatemalan women’s experiences of gender-based violence and mental health outcomes, but existing research suggests further exploration in this area is necessary. The current study aimed to address this gap by analyzing the experiences with violence and subsequent well-being of Indigenous Maya women in rural Guatemala.

Methods

Data were collected in an ethnographic project on mental health in Panajachel, Guatemala, consisting of a cross-sectional survey on violence exposure and mental health history, followed by semi-structured interviews to elaborate on the experiences. Interviews with seven Kaqchikel Maya women who had been exposed to violence provided the qualitative basis for this study, supplemented by the survey results. Descriptive statistics of survey results and thematic analysis of interviews are presented.

Results

The survey results pointed to a deep relationship between violence victimization and mental health issues. Recurring themes in the interviews included symptoms of post-violence emotional distress including fear, sadness, physical ailments, and suicidal ideation; the role of the women as mothers; lack of legal and mental health support; and the importance of spirituality and religion.

Conclusions

These results highlight the importance of examining emotional distress as separate from diagnostic psychiatric disorders in addressing women’s mental health post-violence. This exploratory study provides examples of violence exposure, mental health, and resource availability among Guatemalan Maya women and suggests possibilities for future investigation.
Improved Replica Bounds for the Independence Ratio of Random Regular Graphs
Authors: Harangi Viktor
Published: January 2023

Studying independent sets of maximum size is equivalent to considering the hard-core model with the fugacity parameter $$\lambda $$
λ
tending to infinity. Finding the independence ratio of random d-regular graphs for some fixed degree d has received much attention both in random graph theory and in statistical physics. For $$d \ge 20$$

d
≥
20

the problem is conjectured to exhibit 1-step replica symmetry breaking (1-RSB). The corresponding 1-RSB formula for the independence ratio was confirmed for (very) large d in a breakthrough paper by Ding, Sly, and Sun. Furthermore, the so-called interpolation method shows that this 1-RSB formula is an upper bound for each $$d \ge 3$$

d
≥
3

. For $$d \le 19$$

d
≤
19

this bound is not tight and full-RSB is expected. In this work we use numerical optimization to find good substituting parameters for discrete r-RSB formulas ($$r=2,3,4,5$$

r
=
2
,
3
,
4
,
5

) to obtain improved rigorous upper bounds for the independence ratio for each degree $$3 \le d \le 19$$

3
≤
d
≤
19

. As r grows, these formulas get increasingly complicated and it becomes challenging to compute their numerical values efficiently. Also, the functions to minimize have a large number of local minima, making global optimization a difficult task.
Movement models and simulation reveal highway impacts and mitigation opportunities for a metapopulation-distributed species
Authors: Aiello Christina M. , Galloway Nathan L. , Prentice Paige R. , Darby Neal W. , Hughson Debra , Epps Clinton W.
Published: January 2023

Context

When human-made barriers impact wildlife by limiting habitat connectivity, simulation can reveal movements lost to fragmentation, strategies to restore corridor function, and potential benefits of corridor restoration.

Objectives

Guided by previous genetic research, we examined desert bighorn sheep movement near two highways that restrict gene flow and modelled their movement and habitat selection behavior. The ultimate goal was to simulate movement without highway barriers as a means to site crossing structures that mitigate fragmentation and to reveal their benefits for habitat reachability.

Methods

We fit integrated step selection functions (iSSFs) to GPS data from 9 bighorn populations near highways in California. After comparing iSSF simulations to validation data, we simulated 8200 bighorn-years of movement—200 year-long tracks each for 41 individuals—on a landscape with and without highways. We derived utilization distributions (UD) from simulations to identify probable high-use locations along the highways, compare these locations to previously predicted genetic corridors and roadkill events, and estimate changes in habitat reachability and elevation without these barriers.

Results

Simulation UDs correlated well with observed bighorn movements. Barrier-free simulations indicated preferred corridors across highway-blocked valleys, often at the same locations predicted by landscape genetics models (4 of 6 genetic-based corridors matched simulation-based corridors), and where bighorn roadkill events occurred (3 of 3 roadkill events occurred at simulation-predicted corridors). Relative to barrier-present simulations, barrier removal increased accessible habitat for 8 of 9 populations, with increases ranging from 7 to 138% per population. Barrier-free conditions allowed movement to higher elevations in two populations.

Conclusion

Animal movement simulation can effectively assess fragmentation impacts and reveal mitigation options when other data sources are scarce. Our simulations confirm previously predicted corridors, provide detailed locations for targeted mitigation, and suggest certain corridors pose greater habitat-related benefits.
How do Law Students Develop Commercial Awareness? Listening to the Student Voice on the Roles of the Law School and the Law Student in Developing Commercial Awareness
Authors: McConnell Siobhan
Published: January 2023

This article provides an authentic, student-centred account of how law students develop their commercial awareness on their journey to graduate employment. Drawing on data collected from a two year research study involving law students going through the graduate interview process, this article presents the first detailed empirical findings on how, when and why law students develop their commercial awareness. This data is important because law students have a wide range of available career options and commercial awareness is required across a range of graduate professions, including the legal sector. The findings of this study indicate that the law school played a part in developing law students’ commercial awareness but that its role was limited due to a lack of explicit guidance on what commercial awareness meant and how teaching and learning activities supported development. Students identified development much more frequently and explicitly through their own independent developmental activities. As well as providing valuable insight into law student perceptions of the role of the law school and the law student in developing commercial awareness, this article makes recommendations for legal educators on how to support students in developing their commercial awareness.
The Effect of the Great Recession on Italian Life Expectancy
Authors: Salinari Giambattista , Benassi Federico , Carboni Gianni
Published: January 2023

The 2008 economic crisis, also called the Great Recession, produced only a moderate rise in unemployment in Italy, but the consequences for public debt management were far more serious. Italy makes for a good case study for evaluating the effect on life expectancy at birth of the cost containment program in the health care system, implemented after the crisis began. To this end we employed the Artificial Control method using the data from the Human Mortality Database to assess the causal effect of the 2008 economic crisis on the subsequent evolution of life expectancy at birth (until 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic). Our analysis identifies a significant deceleration in the progression of Italian life expectancy. Ten years after the onset of the crisis, Italy appears to have lost almost 1 year of life expectancy with respect to what would have been expected had the crisis never happened.
Identification of gene markers to predict proanthocyanidins biosynthesis in cell culture of Croton lechleri
Authors: Quaggiotti Silvia , Ruperti Benedetto , Frigo Marco , Bertaiola Oriana , Pressi Giovanna , Carraro Pietro , Ravazzolo Laura
Published: January 2023

Croton lechleri Müll. Arg. is a traditional medicinal tree growing in South America, which produces a deep red sap known as Dragon’s Blood Sap (DBS) used for its many therapeutic benefits. DBS bioactivity is mainly due to the high content of proanthocyanidins (PAs), important plant secondary metabolites involved in plant defence, but also utilised as antioxidant for human health. Since the process to directly obtain DBS from the C. lechleri tree is expensive, time-consuming and strongly dependent on the environmental conditions, the use of plant cell cultures for DBS production seems to represent a suitable alternative. The aptitude of plant cell cultures to synthesize specific secondary metabolites can be elicited by different types of abiotic stresses. In this study, the C. lechleri main genes putatively involved in the PAs biosynthetic pathway were identified and their expression was evaluated in both calli in solid medium and cell culture suspensions to identify the most suitable predictive gene markers for PAs biosynthesis. C. lechleri cell cultures were grown and elicited by N-starvation to induce the production of PAs and were then monitored by assessing the expression of previously identified gene markers, by quantifying the content of PAs and measuring few phenotypical parameters. The results show a new perspective on how PA gene transcript abundance could be used to predict the biosynthesis of useful secondary metabolites in plant cell cultures and to speed up the screening of putative elicitors.