bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between triglyceride-glucose index and the risk of heart failure hospitalization in older diabetic patients received right ventricular pacing: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Bingqi , Yu Yu , Cheng Sijing , Huang Hao , Long Tianxin , Yang Juweig , Gu Min , Cai Chi , Chen Xuhua , Niu Hongxia , Hua Wei
Published: June 2024

Background

The prognostic value of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is not yet known for older diabetic patients received right ventricular pacing (RVP). We aimed to investigate the association between TyG index and the risk of heart failure hospitalization (HFH) in older diabetic patients received RVP.

Methods

This study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 at Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China, and included older (age ≥ 65 years) diabetic patients that received RVP for the first time. TyG index were obtained before implantation. The primary endpoint was HFH.

Results

A total of 231 patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of TyG index: < 8.5 (T1, N = 77), 8.5–9.1 (T2, N = 77), and > 9.1 (T3, N = 77). T3 group had higher rate of HFH (Log-rank = 11.7, P = 0.003). Multivariate analyses showed that, TyG index served as an independent predictor for HFH, both as numerical variable (HR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.21–3.11, P = 0.006), and as categorical variable (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.09–4.89, P = 0.03). RCS demonstrated that the risk of HFH was relatively low until TyG index exceeded 8.8, beyond which the risk began to increase rapidly (P-non-linear = 0.006).

Conclusion

Preimplantation TyG index emerges as a robust, independent predictor for HFH in older diabetic patients received RVP, and TyG index > 8.8 might be the optimal cut-off value.
Constant-Head Step-Injection Tests Using a Conventional Straddle-Sliding-Packer System for Investigating the Shear Capabilities of Minor Faults
Authors: Ishii Eiichi
Published: June 2024

Low-permeability rock is suitable as the host rock of an underground repository for radioactive waste disposal; however, minor faults might develop there. Investigating the shear capability (= shear compliance) of those faults is crucial because they could be elastically sheared by the thermal effect of the waste to damage the waste’s engineered barriers. This study performed constant-head step-injection tests along with a recently developed packer-pressure-based extensometer method for assessing the applicability of this method to investigate the shear capability of minor faults. Herein, two neighboring minor faults (A and B) in siliceous mudstone were evaluated. The results showed that fault A, with centimeter-thick fault breccia, exhibited high shear capability, whereas fault B, with millimeters or less-thick fault breccia, displayed low shear capability despite containing an incohesive fault rock. An elastic shear displacement occurred for fault A during injection and reached 15–66 mm when the test-section pressure increased from 4.1 to 4.3 MPa. Here, the shear capability was 101 mm/MPa or more. Conversely, fault B had cohesion, and no shear displacement was detected even when the test-section pressure increased from 4.0 to 6.0 MPa. In this case, the shear capability was 10−1 mm/MPa or less. The estimated shear capabilities were consistent with the results from previous shear experiments, and therefore, the applied method helps investigate the shear capabilities of minor faults.
Proving the automatic benchtop electrochemical station for the development of dopamine and paracetamol sensors
Authors: Haššo Marek , Kudr Jiří , Zítka Jan , Šílený Jan , Švec Pavel , Švorc Ľubomír , Zítka Ondřej
Published: June 2024

The introduced work represents an implementation of the automatic benchtop electrochemical station (BES) as an effective tool for the possibilities of high-throughput preparation of modified sensor/biosensors, speeding up the development of the analytical method, and automation of the analytical procedure for the determination of paracetamol (PAR) and dopamine (DOP) as target analytes. Within the preparation of gold nanoparticles modified screen-printed carbon electrode (AuNPs-SPCE) by electrodeposition, the deposition potential EDEP, the deposition time tDEP, and the concentration of HAuCl4 were optimized and their influence was monitored on 1 mM [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ redox probe and 50 μM DOP. The morphology of the AuNPs-SPCE prepared at various modification conditions was observed by SEM. The analytical performance of the AuNPs-SPCE prepared at different modification conditions was evaluated by a construction of the calibration curves of DOP and PAR. SPCE and AuNPs-SPCE at modification condition providing the best sensitivity to PAR and DOP, were successfully used to determine PAR and DOP in tap water by “spike-recovery” approach. The BES yields better reproducibility of the preparation of AuNPs-SPCE (RSD = 3.0%) in comparison with the case when AuNPs-SPCE was prepared manually by highly skilled laboratory operator (RSD = 7.0%).

Graphical abstract
Clinical utility of the at-risk for psychosis state beyond transition: A multidimensional network analysis
Authors: Boldrini Tommaso , Lo Buglio Gabriele , Cerasti Erika , Pontillo Maria , Muzi Laura , Salcuni Silvia , Polari Andrea , Vicari Stefano , Lingiardi Vittorio , Solmi Marco
Published: June 2024

To be relevant to healthcare systems, the clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) concept should denote a specific (i.e., unique) clinical population and provide useful information to guide the choice of intervention. The current study applied network analyses to examine the clinical specificities of CHR-P youths compared to general help-seekers and non–CHR-P youth. 146 CHR-P (mean age = 14.32 years) and 103 non–CHR-P (mean age = 12.58 years) help-seeking youth were recruited from a neuropsychiatric unit and assessed using the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes, Children’s Depression Inventory, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, Global Functioning: Social, Global Functioning: Role, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children/Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. The first network structure comprised the entire help-seeking sample (i.e., help-seekers network), the second only CHR-P patients (i.e., CHR-P network), and the third only non–CHR-P patients (i.e., non–CHR-P network). In the help-seekers network, each variable presented at least one edge. In the CHR-P network, two isolated “archipelagos of symptoms” were identified: (a) a subgraph including functioning, anxiety, depressive, negative, disorganization, and general symptoms; and (b) a subgraph including positive symptoms and the intelligence quotient. In the non–CHR-P network, positive symptoms were negatively connected to functioning, disorganization, and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms were less connected in the CHR-P network, indicating a need for specific interventions alongside those treating comorbid disorders. The findings suggest specific clinical characteristics of CHR-P youth to guide the development of tailored interventions, thereby supporting the clinical utility of the CHR-P concept.
Diffusion of curcumin in PLGA-based carriers for drug delivery: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: De Giorgi Alessandro , Bellussi Francesco Maria , Parlani Stefano , Lucisano Andrea , Silvestri Emanuele , Aryal Susmita , Park Sanghyo , Key Jaehong , Fasano Matteo
Published: June 2024

Context:

The rapid growth and diversification of drug delivery systems have been significantly supported by advancements in micro- and nano-technologies, alongside the adoption of biodegradable polymeric materials like poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as microcarriers. These developments aim to reduce toxicity and enhance target specificity in drug delivery. The use of in silico methods, particularly molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, has emerged as a pivotal tool for predicting the dynamics of species within these systems. This approach aids in investigating drug delivery mechanisms, thereby reducing the costs associated with design and prototyping. In this study, we focus on elucidating the diffusion mechanisms in curcumin-loaded PLGA particles, which are critical for optimizing drug release and efficacy in therapeutic applications.

Methods:

We utilized MD to explore the diffusion behavior of curcumin in PLGA drug delivery systems. The simulations, executed with GROMACS, modeled curcumin molecules in a representative volume element of PLGA chains and water, referencing molecular structures from the Protein Data Bank and employing the CHARMM force field. We generated PLGA chains of varying lengths using the Polymer Modeler tool and arranged them in a bulk-like environment with Packmol. The simulation protocol included steps for energy minimization, T and p equilibration, and calculation of the isotropic diffusion coefficient from the mean square displacement. The Taguchi method was applied to assess the effects of hydration level, PLGA chain length, and density on diffusion.

Results:

Our results provide insight into the influence of PLGA chain length, hydration level, and polymer density on the diffusion coefficient of curcumin, offering a mechanistic understanding for the design of efficient drug delivery systems. The sensitivity analysis obtained through the Taguchi method identified hydration level and PLGA density as the most significant input parameters affecting curcumin diffusion, while the effect of PLGA chain length was negligible within the simulated range. We provided a regression equation capable to accurately fit MD results. The regression equation suggests that increases in hydration level and PLGA density result in a decrease in the diffusion coefficient.
In situ synthesis of cross-linking gel polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Wang Longxuan , Huang Zhipeng , Liang Yuxuan , Qu Juntian , Wang Ziqiang
Published: June 2024

The room temperature ionic conductivity of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based polymer electrolytes is low, the electrochemical window is narrow, and the mechanical strength is relatively poor. In this work, a cross-linking gel-based solid composite polymer electrolyte (CG-SCPE) was synthesized by introducing electrochemically stable carbonate-based functional groups. The synthesized CG-SCPE presents excellent tensile strength (26 MPa) and a wide electrochemical stability window (> 4.5 V vs. Li/Li+). Meanwhile, the in situ polymerization method induced by thermal heating resulted in good compatibility between electrodes/electrolytes. In addition, the assembled LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2/CG-SCPE/Li battery exhibited satisfactory electrochemical performance. Therefore, the gel polymer electrolyte CG-SCPE with cross-linking network provides the possibility for future application of safe and high-performance solid-state lithium metal batteries. The results indicate that the introduction of cross-linking framework can simultaneously improve the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrochemical performance of solid polymer electrolyte.
Design and implementation of an interactive virtual library based on its physical counterpart
Authors: Serghides Christina-Georgia , Christoforides George , Iakovides Nikolas , Aristidou Andreas
Published: June 2024

The rapid technological advancements and the widespread adoption of the internet have diminished the role of the physical library as a main information resource. As the Metaverse is evolving, a revolutionary change is anticipated in how social relationships are perceived, within an educational context. It is therefore necessary for libraries to upgrade the services they provide to keep in line with the technological trends and be a part of this virtual revolution. It is believed that the design and development of a Virtual Reality (VR) library can be the community and knowledge hub the society needs. In this paper, the process of creating a partially digital replica of the Limassol Municipal University Library, a landmark for the city of Limassol, is examined by using photogrammetry and 3D modelling. A 3D platform was developed, where users have the perception that they are experiencing the actual library. To that end, a perceptual study was conducted, to understand the current usage of physical libraries, examine the users’ experience in VR, and identify the requirements and expectations in the development of a virtual library counterpart. Following the suggestions and observations from the perceptual study, five key scenarios were implemented that demonstrate the potential use of a virtual library. This work incorporates the fundamental VR attributes, such as immersiveness, realism, user interactivity and feedback as well as other features, such as animated NPCs, 3D audio, ray-casting and GUIs, that significantly augment the overall VR library user experience, presence as well as navigation autonomy. The main effort of this project was to produce a VR representation of an existing physical library, integrated with its key services, as a proof-of-concept, with emphasis on easy 24/7 access, functionality, and interactivity. The above attributes differentiate this work from existing studies. A detailed user evaluation study was conducted upon completion of the final VR library implementation, which firmly confirmed all its key attributes and future viability.
Plant starch extraction, modification, and green applications: a review
Authors: Rashwan Ahmed K. , Younis Hala A. , Abdelshafy Asem M. , Osman Ahmed I. , Eletmany Mohamed R. , Hafouda Mahmoud A. , Chen Wei
Published: June 2024

Fossil fuel-based products should be replaced by products derived from modern biomass such as plant starch, in the context of the future circular economy. Starch production globally surpasses 50 million tons annually, predominantly sourced from maize, rice, and potatoes. Here, we review plant starch with an emphasis on structure and properties, extraction, modification, and green applications. Modification techniques comprise physical, enzymatic, and genetic methods. Applications include stabilization of food, replacement of meat, three-dimensional food printing, prebiotics, encapsulation, bioplastics, edible films, textiles, and wood adhesives. Starch from maize, potatoes, and cassava shows amylose content ranging from 20 to 30% in regular varieties to 70% in high-amylose varieties. Extraction by traditional wet milling achieves starch purity up to 99.5%, while enzymatic methods maintain higher structural integrity, which is crucial for pharmaceutical applications. Enzymatic extraction improves starch yield by of up to 20%, reduces energy consumption by about 30%, and lowers wastewater production by up to 50%, compared to conventional methods. Sustainable starch modification can reduce the carbon footprint of starch production by up to 40%. Modified starches contribute to approximately 70% of the food texturizers market. The market of starch in plant-based meat alternatives has grown by over 30% in the past five years. Similarly, the use of biodegradable starch-based plastics by the bioplastic industry is growing over 20% annually, driven by the demand for sustainable packaging.Kindly check and confirm the layout of Table 1.Layout is right
Drought aggravates plant stress by favouring aphids and weakening indirect defense in a sugar beet tritrophic system
Authors: Rahman Shahinoor , Rostás Michael , Vosteen Ilka
Published: June 2024

Climate change leads to more frequent droughts that may alter multitrophic networks in agroecosystems by changing bottom-up and top-down effects on herbivorous insects. Yet, how bottom-up effects of drought alter tritrophic interactions remains poorly understood. This study investigated two intensities of drought stress in the tritrophic system consisting of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), an aphid (Aphis fabae), and its parasitoid (Aphidius colemani). We thoroughly investigated each trophic level, examining the performance of plants, pest insects, and parasitoids, as well as the attraction of parasitoids to herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). Drought stress negatively affected plant growth but benefited A. fabae, leading to faster development and a higher reproduction rate. Drought-stressed plants also emitted less plant volatiles, which resulted in reduced attraction of A. colemani to aphid-infested plants. Drought indirectly affected parasitoid performance, as evidenced by lower emergence rates and production of fewer females, although mummification rates were higher on drought-stressed plants. Reduced parasitoid attraction and performance on drought-stressed plants may exert lower top-down pressure on aphid populations. Combined with increased aphid performance, this may facilitate aphid outbreaks, which could further weaken drought-stressed plants. Our findings highlight the need to study multiple trophic levels and emphasize the importance of incorporating HIPVs and parasitoid attraction when assessing combined abiotic and biotic stresses in crops.
Heterogeneous consumption behaviors and monetary policy in three ASEAN economies
Authors: Tran Huu Tuyen
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to theoretically investigate how the presence of heterogeneous consumption behaviors, namely hand-to-mouth (HtM) and habit formation (HF), affects the monetary policy effectiveness and empirically explore the responses of three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies to external shocks. We employ the Bayesian methodology to undertake the Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) estimation using quarterly data. Empirical results indicate a HtM parameter of 22% in Indonesia, 34% in the Philippines, and 27% in Thailand, with the HF parameter estimated at around 50%. Given the estimated parameters, a monetary shock would have standard effects on macroeconomic variables. Besides, incorporating HtM consumers into a standard DSGE model amplifies the adverse effects of monetary shock on aggregate consumption/output growth. Also, a higher ratio of HtM consumers exacerbates the negative effects of monetary shock, but it does not influence much the adverse impacts of demand and supply shocks on macroeconomic variables.
Protective effect of rubber seed oil on human endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Huang Fuchuan , Wu Yiran , Jiao Linmei , Wang Yun , Ding Tao
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study was conducted to characterize the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Rubber Seed Oil (RSO) against atherosclerosis (AS) through the study of the protective effects and mechanisms on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL).

Methods

HUVECs were treated with RSO, ox-LDL, RSO + ox-LDL, respectively, followed by cell activity testing, levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, ROS, NO, the mRNA expression of eNOS and protein expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1, eNOS, TLR4, NF-κB p65、p-NF-κB p65.

Results

Compared with the ox-LDL group, cell viability, NO level and the expression of eNOS mRNA significantly increased. and the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, ROS were significantly decreased, which was accompanied by decreases in TLR4 mRNA, TLR4, MCP-1, VCAM-1 protein expression, as well as the ratio of NF-κB p-p65/p65 in the group treated with 250 μg/ml ox-LDL + 50 μg/ml RSO, 250 μg/ml ox-LDL + 100 μg/ml RSO, 250 μg/ml ox-LDL + 150 μg/ml RSO.

Conclusions

RSO can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, oxidative factors involved in injured vascular endothelial cells, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties HUVECs exposed to ox-LDL. In addition, it may alleviate endothelial cell damage by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Refinement of Parallel Algorithms Down to LLVM: Applied to Practically Efficient Parallel Sorting
Authors: Lammich Peter
Published: June 2024

We present a stepwise refinement approach to develop verified parallel algorithms, down to efficient LLVM code. The resulting algorithms’ performance is competitive with their counterparts implemented in C++. Our approach is backwards compatible with the Isabelle Refinement Framework, such that existing sequential formalizations can easily be adapted or re-used. As case study, we verify a parallel quicksort algorithm that is competitive to unverified state-of-the-art algorithms.
Peer-Mediated Interventions to Enhance Conversation Skills of Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on a University Campus
Authors: Bross Leslie Ann , Wall Emily , Pinczynski Monique , Anderson Ashley , Williams Thai , Wood Charles L. , Spooner Fred
Published: June 2024

Young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on college campuses are vulnerable to exclusion and a lack of social participation. However, peers can provide meaningful supports to young adults with IDD in the area of social/communication skills. The purpose of this study was to enhance the conversation skills of four young adults with IDD (ages 22–23) during their regular lunch breaks on a university campus. The dependent variable was percent of conversational engagement during 10-min audio recorded sessions as measured using partial interval recording procedures. Typically developing peers served as peer coaches and provided structured or natural supports. Experiment 1 used an alternating treatments design to compare the effects of peer coaching alone vs. peer coaching + goal setting with two adjacent baseline conditions and a final student-choice condition. Results for Experiment 1 indicated peer coaching alone and the additive effects of goal setting was more effective than natural supports only. Experiment 2 used a withdrawal design to compare the effects of young adults with IDD speaking with fellow classmates with disabilities vs. peers without disabilities. Participants in Experiment 2 demonstrated higher levels of conversational engagement when speaking with peers without disabilities in a natural manner. Social validity of the different peer-mediated interventions was overall high for all participant types as reported on questionnaires and exit interviews. We provide implications for practice and suggestions for future research related to peer-mediated interventions for young adults with IDD on college and university campuses.
Stability of Multi-Peptide Vaccines in Conditions Enabling Accessibility in Limited Resource Settings
Authors: Ashkani Emily G. , McKenna Brian D. , Bryant Jennifer L. , Trevisan-Silva Dilza , Sherman Nicholas E. , Chianese-Bullock Kimberly A. , Slingluff Craig L.
Published: June 2024

We have previously shown that lyophilized mixtures of six- and twelve-melanoma peptide vaccines retain stability, purity, and amino acid sequence identity for up to five years when stored at -80 °C. However, this temperature requirement presents a significant obstacle to storage and distribution of vaccines for low-resource environments. Thus, we examined the stability of these peptides over a range of temperatures for varying durations of time. When stored at +4 °C or at room temperature for up to three months, 17 of the 18 peptides remained stable. The only change for the remaining peptide was an increase in an oxidized methionine residue. The results presented in this report support broadening the accessibility of these and other peptide-based vaccines to resources-limited communities.
Kinetic modeling of microwave-assisted esterification for biofuel additive production: conversion of levulinic acid with pentanol using Dowex® 50WX8 catalyst
Authors: Gallego-Villada Luis A. , Alarcón Edwin A. , Sathicq Ángel G. , Romanelli Gustavo P.
Published: June 2024

This study explores the esterification of levulinic acid with 1-pentanol, employing Dowex® 50WX8 as a catalyst under microwave irradiation. Key parameters such as the pentanol/acid molar ratio, temperature, and catalyst loading were evaluated and utilized for kinetic modeling. The kinetic behavior of the reaction was investigated using a dual-model approach: a pseudo-homogeneous model to account for the microwave effect and catalytic contributions modeled through LHHW and Eley–Rideal mechanisms. The best model was chosen based on statistical results obtained from Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis, which involved an LHHW model with the surface reaction as the limiting step, resulting in an activation energy of 50.6 kJ mol−1 for the catalytic synthesis of pentyl levulinate. The role of the alcohol in the esterification route was explained, and catalytic stability was confirmed, with the catalyst maintaining activity over multiple cycles. The absence of mass transfer limitations was proved using the Weisz–Prater criterion. A plausible reaction pathway was proposed for the levulinic acid esterification over the 50WX8 catalyst.

Graphical abstract
Computing Relative Permeability and Capillary Pressure of Heterogeneous Rocks Using Realistic Boundary Conditions
Authors: Youssef AbdAllah A. , Shao Qi , Matthäi S. K.
Published: June 2024

Relative permeability and capillary pressure are key parameters in multiphase flow modelling. In heterogeneous porous media, flow direction- and flow-rate dependence result from non-uniform saturation distributions that vary with the balance between viscous, gravitational, and capillary forces. Typically, relative permeability is measured using constant inlet fractional-flow—constant outlet fluid pressure conditions on samples mounted between permeable porous plates to avoid capillary end-effects. This setup is replicated in numeric experiments but ignores the extended geologic context beyond the sample size, impacting the saturation distribution and, consequently, the upscaled parameters. Here, we introduce a new workflow for measuring effective relative permeability and capillary pressure at the bedform scale while considering heterogeneities at the lamina scale. We harness the flexibility of numeric modelling to simulate continuum-REV-scale saturation distributions in heterogeneous rocks eliminating boundary artefacts. Periodic fluid flux boundary conditions are applied in combination with arbitrarily oriented, variable-strength pressure gradient fields. The approach is illustrated on a periodic model of cross-bedded sandstone. Stepping saturation while applying variable-strength pressure-gradient fields with different orientations, we cover the capillary-viscous force balance spectrum of interest. The obtained relative permeability and capillary pressure curves differ from ones obtained with traditional approaches highlighting that the definition of force balances needs consideration of flow direction as an additional degree of freedom. In addition, we discuss when the common viscous and the capillary limits are applicable and how they vary with flow direction in the presence of capillary interfaces.
SPIS: Signal Processing for Integrated Sensing Technologies Using 6G Networks with Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Khadidos Alaa O. , Manoharan Hariprasath , Selvarajan Shitharth , Khadidos Adil O. , Shankar Achyut , Khapre Shailesh
Published: June 2024

The proliferation of integrated sensing techniques in Sixth Generation (6G) networks is an increasingly significant aspect in facilitating efficient end-to-end communication for all users. The suggested methodology employs a digital signal processed with terahertz bandwidth to assess the impact of 6G networks. The primary focus lies in the design of 6G networks, emphasizing key parameters such interference, loss, signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and dual band channels. The aforementioned factors are combined with two machine learning algorithms in order to determine the extent of spectrum sharing among all available resources. Thus suggested approach for detecting signals in the terahertz communication spectrum is evaluated using 10 devices across four situations, which involve interference, signal loss, strength, and time margins for integrated sensing. Also the assumptions are based on signal processing devices operating within millimeter waves ranging from 5 to 10 terahertz. Interference and losses in the specified spectrum are seen to be less than 1%, but the time margin for integrated sensing with 99% maximized signal intensity remains at 85%.
Long-term pollen season trends of Fraxinus (ash), Quercus (oak) and Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) as indicators of anthropogenic climate change impact
Authors: Ščevková Jana , Štefániková Natália , Dušička Jozef , Lafférsová Janka , Zahradníková Eva
Published: June 2024

The ongoing climatic change, together with atmospheric pollution, influences the timing, duration and intensity of pollen seasons of some allergenic plant taxa. To study these influences, we correlated the trends in the pollen season characteristics of both woody (Fraxinus, Quercus) and herbaceous (Ambrosia) taxa from two pollen monitoring stations in Slovakia with the trends in meteorological factors and air pollutants during the last two decades. In woody species, the increased temperature during the formation of flower buds in summer and autumn led to an earlier onset and intensification of next year’s pollen season, especially in Quercus. The increase of relative air humidity and precipitation during this time also had a positive influence on the intensity of the pollen season of trees. The pollen season of the invasive herbaceous species Ambrosia artemisiifolia was prolonged by increased temperature and humidity during the summer and autumn of the same year, which extended the blooming period and delayed the end of the pollen season. From the studied air pollutants, only three were found to correlate with the intensity of the pollen season of the studied taxa, CO − positively and SO2 and NO2 − negatively. It is important to study these long-term trends since they not only give us valuable insight into the response of plants to changing conditions but also enable the prognosis of the exacerbations of pollen-related allergenic diseases.
IRE made easy: introducing the robotic grid system for multiple parallel needle insertion in irreversible electroporation treatment
Authors: Wardhana Girindra , Fütterer Jurgen J. , Abayazid Momen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Accurate needle placement is crucial for successful tumor treatment using the irreversible electroporation (IRE) method. Multiple needles are inserted around the tumor, ideally in parallel, to achieve uniform electric field distribution. This paper presents a robot utilizing a grid system to enable multiple needles insertion while maintaining parallelism between them.

Methods

The robotic system has two degrees of freedom, which allow for the adjustment of the grid system to accommodate targeting lesions in various positions. The robot’s performance was evaluated by testing its accuracy across various configurations and target depth locations, as well as its ability to maintain the needle parallelism.

Results

The robot has dimensions of $${\phi }$$
ϕ
134 mm and a height of 46 mm, with a total weight of 295 g. The system accuracy test showed that the robot can precisely target points across different target depths and needle orientations, with an average error of $$2.71\pm 0.68$$

2.71
±
0.68

mm. Moreover, multiple insertions at different grid locations reveal needle orientation deviations typically below $$1^{\circ }$$

1
∘

.

Conclusion

This study presented the design and validation of a robotic grid system. The robot is capable of maintaining insertion accuracy and needle parallelism during multiple needle insertions at various robot configurations. The robot showed promising results with limited needle deviation, making it suitable for IRE procedures.
Infections and gender: clues for diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency—a case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Grandi Giacomo , Di Stefano Michele , Cebrelli Chiara , Mengoli Caterina , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: June 2024

The clinical presentation of adrenal insufficiency, a condition causing adrenal hormone deficiency, is characterised by non-specific symptoms and signs: consequently, an important diagnostic delay is often evident which correlates with an increased mortality. This case report shows how the clustering of some symptoms and signs may hamper the diagnostic suspicion for this condition: serum electrolyte alterations and weight loss, when associated to recurrent infections and, in female patients, an empty sella may further guide the clinician towards a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Accordingly, a clinical approach taking into account gender medicine could improve the diagnostic workup.
Beyond digital transformation: a multi-mixed methods study on big data analytics capabilities and innovation in enhancing organizational performance
Authors: Orero-Blat Maria , Palacios-Marqués Daniel , Leal-Rodríguez Antonio Luis , Ferraris Alberto
Published: June 2024

Digital transformation (DT) and Big Data Analytics Capabilities (BDAC) enable SMEs to adapt to rapidly changing markets, innovate, and maintain relevance in the digital age. This research explores the impact of DT on SME performance through the lens of BDAC and innovation, from a multi-methods approach and applying the dynamic capabilities view. It asserts that simply investing in DT doesn't ensure enhanced performance. Analyzing 183 Spanish SMEs from various sectors, the study highlights the need for creating specific conditions that enable DT to positively impact performance. The integration of PLS-SEM and fsQCA methodologies provides a comprehensive analysis of BDAC as pivotal in optimizing SME performance through DT, emphasizing the necessity of strategic alignment with innovation. This nuanced approach, combining the predictive power of PLS-SEM and the configurational insights of fsQCA, demonstrates that investment in DT alone is insufficient without fostering conditions conducive to innovation. Our empirical insights offer actionable guidance for managers utilizing BDA or contemplating technological investments to elevate firm performance which go in the direction of increasing their innovation capabilities. Additionally, these findings equip policymakers with a nuanced understanding, enabling the design of tailored measures promoting DT in SMEs anchored in the nuances of BDAC and innovation capabilities.
Age-related differences in drug-induced liver injury: a retrospective single-center study from a large liver disease specialty hospital in China, 2002–2022
Authors: Yu Simiao , Li Jiahui , He Tingting , Zheng Haocheng , Wang Sici , Sun Yongqiang , Wang Liping , Jing Jing , Wang Ruilin
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a prevalent adverse reaction in clinical settings. However, there is limited research on age-related differences in DILI. We performed a large-scale retrospective study to delineate the characteristics of DILI across different age groups.

Methods

We collected data on a total of 17,946 patients with confirmed DILI hospitalized at the Fifth Medical Center of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital in Beijing, China, from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2022. The patients were stratified based on age into the following groups: children (< 18 years), young adults (18–44 years), middle-aged individuals (45–64 years), and elderly individuals (≥ 65 years). We gathered demographic information, medical histories, laboratory results, disease severity assessments, and mortality statistics for all patients.

Results

Overall, the distribution of DILI cases across different age groups was as follows: 6.57% were children, 24.82% were young adults, 49.06% were middle-aged individuals, and 19.54% were elderly individuals. The percentage of females increased with age, rising from 36.47% in the pediatric group to 60.51% in the elderly group. Notably, central nervous system agents (15.44%) and anti-infectious agents (21.80%) were more commonly associated with DILI in children, while cardiovascular agents (10.58%) and herbal dietary supplements or traditional medicines (H/TMs) (26.29%) were more prevalent among elderly people with DILI. Among all age groups, hepatocellular-type DILI was more common in the pediatric group (p < 0.001), whereas cholestatic-type DILI and chronic DILI were more prevalent in the elderly group (p < 0.001). Acute liver failure (ALF) and fatal outcomes were more prevalent in the pediatric and elderly groups, particularly in the pediatric group (2.04%, p = 0.041; 0.85%, p = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusions

Children and elderly individuals face a higher risk of adverse outcomes following DILI.

Graphical Abstract
Living Arrangements, Intra-Household Inequality and Children’s Deprivation: Evidence from EU-SILC
Authors: Karagiannaki Eleni , Burchardt Tania
Published: June 2024

A non-negligible proportion of children in Europe live in multifamily households that include other adults beyond their parents: around 4% live with their grandparents and a further 7% with their adult siblings. In this paper, we investigate the extent to which living in these two household types protects children against deprivation and we provide tests of the relationship between the intrahousehold sharing of resources and children’s deprivation. We find that although most children in multifamily households face significantly higher deprivation risks than children in nuclear households this largely reflects the selection into co-residence of families facing financial difficulties rather than arising from an incomplete sharing of resources. We further show that co-residence with grandparents protects a large share of children against deprivation (i.e. they would face higher deprivation risk if they lived only with their parents) while co-residence with adult siblings has more mixed effects across countries.
Defining the Range of Calibration Burden: From Full Calibration to Calibration-Free
Authors: Rish Adam J. , Henson Samuel , Drennen James K. , Anderson Carl A.
Published: June 2024

The expansion of spectroscopic process analytical technology (PAT) within the pharmaceutical industry requires chemometric models to enable spectral interpretation. However, calibration of chemometric models often require an intense time, material, and financial burden which may discourage PAT deployment. The advancement of modeling strategies that reduce this calibration burden necessitates consistent terminology for describing model inputs and overall calibration burden throughout chemometric literature. The goal of this article is to define levels of calibration burden by clarifying dataset classifications and model inputs during PAT method development. The scope of this work is specific to calibration of chemometric models incorporated in PAT methods. Harmonizing the language used in the field of chemometrics to describe calibration burden benefits both pharmaceutical manufacturers and regulatory agencies.
Zum Beitrag der kritischen Bildungstheorie Peter Eulers im Anthropozän
Authors: Kminek Helge
Published: June 2024

Mit dem Jahr 1999 ist der Beginn eines neuen Abschnitts der Technikentwicklung und Techniknutzung der Menschheit verbunden. In diesem Jahr wird der erste persönliche digitale Assistent auf den Markt gebracht, der über ein eingebautes Mobilfunkmodem verfügt. Damit wird das Zeitalter der mobilen Endgeräte (insbesondere Tablet-Computer und Smartphones) eingeläutet. Im selben Jahr erscheint die Habilitationsschrift von Peter Euler, die im Zentrum dieses Beitrages in der Rubrik „Nachgefragt/Wiederentdeckt“ steht und die sich der Frage nach dem Verhältnis von Technik und Bildung widmet. Angesichts der technischen Entwicklungen innerhalb der letzten Jahrzehnte stellen sich die Fragen nach dem Verhältnis von Mensch und Technik im Allgemeinen, und was Mensch-Sein in einer technisierten Gesellschaft bedeutet und bedeuten sollte im Besonderen. Wenn sich die Theorieentwicklung der Sozialen Arbeit auf die aufgeworfenen Fragen beziehen will, dann drängt sich die Auseinandersetzung mit der kritischen Bildungstheorie Eulers aufgrund ihrer theoretischen Vielschichtigkeit und Reflexionstiefe auf. Der Beitrag stellt Eulers Bildungstheorie und dessen Antworten auf die aufgeworfenen Fragen skizzierend vor und diskutiert deren Aktualität.
Development of an 8K SNP chip to assess adaptive diversity and hybridization in polar bears
Authors: Miller Joshua M. , Malenfant René M. , Rivkin L. Ruth , Atwood Todd C. , Baryluk Steven , Born Erik W. , Dietz Rune , Laidre Kristin L. , Pongracz Jodie , Richardson Evan S. , Wiig Øystein , Davis Corey S.
Published: June 2024

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a species particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As the climate warms, polar bears will be forced to move to more suitable habitats which are likely to shrink, adapt to the new conditions, or decline in population size. However, the genomic diversity within and among all 19 subpopulations of polar bears, and therefore their adaptive potential, is currently unknown. In addition, warmer climates are likely to result in more frequent contact between polar bears and grizzly bears (U. arctos), with which they can hybridize. Here we describe the development, quality control, and application of the Ursus maritimus V2 SNP chip. This 8 K SNP chip contains loci explicitly selected to assess both RAD-derived and transcriptome-derived loci, as well as SNPs to detect hybridization between species. A total of 7,239 loci (90.3% of those printed) were successfully genotyped, with over 99% genotype concordance for individuals typed in duplicate on this chip, and between individuals typed here and on the Ursus maritimus V1 SNP chip. Using simulations, we demonstrate that the markers have high accuracy and efficiency to detect hybridization and backcrosses between polar bears and grizzly bears. However, empirical analysis of 371 polar bears, 440 grizzly bears, and 8 known hybrids found no novel instances of recent hybridization. The Ursus maritimus V2 SNP chip provides a powerful tool for monitoring the adaptive potential of this species along with assessing population structure, quantitative genomics, and hybridization in polar bears.
Seismic Risk Model for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region, China: Considering Epistemic Uncertainty from the Seismic Hazard Models
Authors: Ma Jian , Goda Katsuichiro , Liu Kai , Vitor Silva , Rao Anirudh , Wang Ming
Published: June 2024

This study presents a probabilistic seismic risk model for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region in China. The model comprises a township-level residential building exposure model, a vulnerability model derived from the Chinese building taxonomy, and a regional probabilistic seismic hazard model. The three components are integrated by a stochastic event-based method of the OpenQuake engine to assess the regional seismic risk in terms of average annual loss and exceedance probability curve at the city, province, and regional levels. The novelty and uniqueness of this study are that a probabilistic seismic risk model for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region in China is developed by considering the impact of site conditions and epistemic uncertainty from the seismic hazard model.
Emerging Opportunities in Distributed Manufacturing: Results and Analysis of an Expert Study
Authors: Daehn Glenn , Blue Craig , Johnson-Bey Charles , Lewandowski John J. , Mahoney Tom , Okwudire Chinedum , Rossman Tali , Schmitz Tony , Silveston Rebecca
Published: June 2024

Over the last few decades, globalization has weakened the US manufacturing sector. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed import dependencies and supply chain shocks that have raised public and private awareness of the need to rebuild domestic production. A range of new technologies, collectively called Industry 4.0, create opportunities to revolutionize domestic and local manufacturing. Success depends on further refinement of those technologies, broad implementation throughout private companies, and concerted efforts to rebuild the industrial commons, the national ecosystem of producers, suppliers, service providers, educators, and workforce necessary to regain a competitive, innovative manufacturing sector. A recent workshop sponsored by the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA) identified a range of challenges and opportunities to build a resilient, flexible, scalable, and high-quality manufacturing sector. This paper provides a strategic roadmap for regaining US manufacturing leadership by briefly summarizing discussions at the ERVA-sponsored workshop held in 2023 and providing additional analysis of key technical and economic issues that must be addressed to achieve dynamic, high-value manufacturing in the USA. The focus of this presentation is on discrete manufacturing of production of structural components, a large subset of total manufacturing that produces high-value inputs and finished products for domestic consumption and export.
The clinical implications of using a low threshold for computed tomography scans in older patients presenting with a proximal femur fracture
Authors: van Westendorp S. , Robben S. H. M. , van Hooft M. A. A. , Dierckx S. A. A. , Maas H. A. A. M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Current guidelines recommend a low threshold for computerized tomography (CT) scanning in older patients presenting with low-energy trauma (LET). With the ageing of the population, this results in increased use of healthcare resources and costs. We aim to assess (1) the number of CT scans performed as part of the initial trauma screening, (2) their traumatic clinical implications, and (3) their non-traumatic clinical implications.

Methods

A retrospective study in patients ≥ 70 years presenting at a Dutch trauma centre with a proximal femur fracture following a LET between 2021 and 2022. We collected data concerning demographics, Clinical Frailty Scale, Injury Severity Score, number of CT scans and whether the results of these scans altered clinical management.

Results

We included 278 patients. Median age was 83.0 years (IQR 77.0–89.0), median ISS was 9 (IQR 9–10) and, most common mechanism of injury was a ground level fall (n = 159, 57.2%). In 49 patients (17.6%) one or more CT scans were performed. These scans did not reveal co-existing traumatic injuries altering clinical management. In 2 patients (0.7%) incidental findings were found that immediately affected treatment.

Conclusion

Our study concludes that (1) approximately one in five patients with a proximal femur fracture received a CT scan as part of the initial trauma screening, resulting in (2) no traumatic and (3) minimal non-traumatic clinical implications. Therefore, a restrictive policy can be justified in patients with no additional clinical signs or symptoms and admission to the hospital. Further prospective research would be valuable to confirm our results.
Shared adversaries in the Anglo-American Special Relationship: from the Cold War to contemporary threats
Authors: Rees Wyn , Xu Ruike
Published: June 2024

The Anglo-American Special Relationship has been at its most vibrant when the two countries have shared a common adversary. The Cold War confrontation with the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies, and then Islamist terrorism during the ‘War on Terror’, gave the relationship strength and purpose. Within these periods of intense cooperation, however, there were issues that caused tensions between the two sides. The Special Relationship languished during the decade after the end of the Cold War, as well as the period between 2008 and 2021. During these periods, the US and the UK lacked a shared external threat, which consequently led to a decline in the vitality of their bilateral cooperation. Now, however, the Special Relationship is beginning to face a new era of threat. Russia, following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and China, represent a dual challenge that is once again galvanizing the Special Relationship.