bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting Diasporas: Reading Erna Brodber’s Nothing’s Mat through African Fractal Theory
Authors: Sairsingh A. Marie
Published: December 2023

Erna Brodber’s 2015 novel Nothing’s Mat foregrounds the African diaspora in ways that differ from the treatment of diaspora in her previous novels, and in her nonfiction work, The Continent of Black Consciousness: On the History of the African Diaspora from Slavery to the Present Day (2003). Her theorization of black ontology takes in a wider swath of Afrodiasporic space, encompassing personal, psychic, and philosophical journeying. She utilizes a fractal paradigm, based on African-inflected cosmogony and aesthetics, to probe how ontology and identity operate across space and time. Examining Afro-Caribbean existence through the construct of African fractal geometry, and focalizing “woman” narratives of history within a liberatory schematic, I discuss how Nothing’s Mat extends the expressive range of the project of emancipation in literary representation. Fractal tropology presents a meta-discursive model that offers possibilities for understanding African and African diaspora cultural phenomena and identity and, specifically, what it means to be woman, black, human. Nothing’s Mat broadens the diasporic terrain significantly, encompassing Britain, Jamaica, Panama (Central America), and the United States, focalizes the genealogy and meaning of the term “African diaspora” and presents a theory for reading Afro-Caribbean realities.
A Framework for Mapping Mechanistic Perspectives
Authors: Cordovil João L. , Santos Gil , Vecchi Davide
Published: December 2023

This edited book is the outcome of a conference that was planned to take place in Lisbon at the Centro de Filosofia das Ciências (CFCUL) of the Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa. It was originally organized in the usual on-site form to which we were accustomed before the start of the Covid pandemic. The conference was postponed many times, with the hope to hold it on-site, to no avail. After many postponements, to our disappointment, the conference had unfortunately to be organized in a purely online form between 14th and 15th of October in 2021. The only advantage of all this is that we saved public money.
Fundamental Physics and (New-)Mechanistic Ontologies
Authors: Cordovil João L.
Published: December 2023

According to Kuhlmann & Glennan, fundamental physics and New Mechanicism do “not fit well together” (Kuhlmann and Glennan, Euro J Phil Sci 4:338, 2014). For two main reasons: (1) Quantum mechanics (QM) challenges the hypothesis that there are objects with definite properties that are related by local causal interactions; (2) since mechanisms are composed of lower-lever mechanisms, then if in fundamental physics the existence of mechanisms can be questioned, and if macroscopic mechanisms supervene on fundamental physics entities and processes, then fundamental physics can even undermine mechanistic ontology and its explanatory ambition.

In their paper, Kuhlmann & Glennan tried to argue that the problem of the compatibilisation between fundamental physics and New Mechanicism can be partially addressed since, on the one hand, the quantum decoherence hypothesis allows to defend that the universal validity of quantum mechanics does not undermine New Mechanicism ontological and explanatory claims as they occur within in classical domains. And on the other hand, it is possible to offer a non-classical mechanistic explanation of certain kinds of quantum phenomena.

This paper aims to argue that there has always been a problematic relationship between mechanical philosophy and fundamental physics throughout the history of physics. Therefore, in part, the challenges posed by QM to mechanicism are not new; nevertheless, mechanicism prevailed throughout the history of physics. On the other hand, I also aim to argue that although fundamental physics may not be compatible with New Mechanicism, that should not imply a rejection of mechanistic ontology for reasons other than the quantum decoherence hypothesis.
Mit Apps gegen den Tinnitus? Ein systematisches Review zu Qualität, Interventionselementen und Techniken der Verhaltensänderung
Authors: Rinn Alina , Hannibal Sandy , Goetsch Sarah , Weise Cornelia , Lehr Dirk
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Über App-Stores werden Applikationen (Apps) für Tinnitusbetroffene angeboten und versprechen schnelle Hilfe gegen die Ohrgeräusche. Für Betroffene und Behandelnde ist es jedoch gleichermaßen schwierig, deren Qualität, Potenziale oder Risiken einzuschätzen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, eine Übersicht zu deutschsprachigen Tinnitus-Apps zu erstellen und damit eine Orientierung für Forschung und Versorgung zu geben.

Methoden

Es wurde eine systematische Recherche (November 2020–April 2021) in den umsatzstärksten Stores (Google Play Store und Apple App Store) durchgeführt. Spezifisch für Tinnitus entwickelte Apps wurden von unabhängigen Wissenschaftlerinnen multiperspektivisch bewertet: (a) ein Qualitäts-Screening erfolgte anhand der deutschen Version der Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-G), (b) Interventionselemente wurden mittels neu entwickelten Kategoriensystems und (c) implementierte Strategien für aktives Tinnitus-Management anhand von Techniken der Verhaltensänderung (Behavior Change Techniques, BCTs) analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Suche ergab 1073 Apps, wobei 21 Apps in die Analyse eingingen. Die Apps wiesen nach MARS‑G eine mittlere Qualität auf (M = 3,37; SD = 0,39). Die meisten Apps boten Geräusche (n = 18) und Informationen (n = 9) an oder erfassten Charakteristika des Tinnitus (n = 13). 24 der 93 BCTs wurden mindestens einmal identifiziert. Nur eine App wurde in nicht-randomisierten Studien evaluiert.

Diskussion

Wenngleich eine Vielzahl von Apps vorliegt, fokussiert die Mehrzahl auf wenige Elemente (z. B. Geräusche und Informationen). Das Potenzial, über die Apps wichtige, evidenzbasierte Inhalte zur Tinnitusbewältigung zu vermitteln, wird damit nicht ausgeschöpft. Die multiperspektivische Evaluation zeigt Verbesserungspotenzial für Tinnitus-Apps auf.
Topology optimization with text-guided stylization
Authors: Zhong Shengze , Punpongsanon Parinya , Iwai Daisuke , Sato Kosuke
Published: December 2023

We propose an approach for the generation of topology-optimized structures with text-guided appearance stylization. This methodology aims to enrich the concurrent design of a structure’s physical functionality and aesthetic appearance. Users can effortlessly input descriptive text to govern the style of the structure. Our system employs a hash-encoded neural network as the implicit structure representation backbone, which serves as the foundation for the co-optimization of structural mechanical performance, style, and connectivity, to ensure full-color, high-quality 3D-printable solutions. We substantiate the effectiveness of our system through extensive comparisons, demonstrations, and a 3D-printing test.
Uncovering the mechanism of selective stabilization of high-energy diastereoisomers via inclusion
Authors: Oakley Meagan S. , Oakes Madaline R. , Wagner Brian D. , Pearson Jason K.
Published: December 2023

Supramolecular systems may be used to stabilize otherwise unstable isomers to find alternative synthetic pathways. It has been reported that cucurbit[8]uril can stabilize trans-I and trans-II Cu$$^{{\textrm{II}}}$$

II

cyclam, whereas trans-III is the only non-substituted trans Cu$$^{{\textrm{II}}}$$

II

cyclam diastereoisomer found outside of the host molecule experimentally. Quantum chemistry methods can provide valuable insight into the intermolecular interactions involved in these inclusion complexes. All five possible trans diastereoisomers of Cu$$^{{\textrm{II}}}$$

II

cyclam were studied within the host molecule to calculate the interaction energy and free energy of association for each complex. The relative free energies of the five free cyclams confirm that trans-I and trans-II are the most energetically accessible diastereoisomers from the initial trans-III starting point. Energy decomposition analysis was used to identify the attractive and repulsive interactions between cyclam and cucurbit[8]uril and showed that trans-II encounters repulsive forces almost three times greater than trans-I, which may explain the 7:3 ratio of trans-I to trans-II within cucurbit[8]uril that occurs experimentally. Optimized complex geometries with trans-III, IV, and V show that the cyclams protrude out of cucurbit[8]uril, whereas trans-I and trans-II become more encapsulated and elongate the host, suggesting that the position of the cyclam is extremely important when forming non-covalent interactions. Our results agree with the experimental findings and provide greater insight into why the most stable isolated cyclam diastereoisomer, trans-III, does not form a complex.
Experimental manipulation of chest spotting alters territorial aggression in urban and rural song sparrows
Authors: Beck Michelle L. , Sewall Kendra B. , Akҫay Ҫağlar
Published: December 2023

In many taxa, melanin-based coloration is a signal of dominance or fighting ability and is associated with concentrations of hormones that may mediate aggressive behavior. Previous studies found that experimental manipulation of melanin-based signals can result in manipulated individuals receiving more social challenges in some but not all species. These differences could arise from mismatches between the signal, behavior, and hormone concentrations. In the present study, we experimentally manipulated the chest spotting of urban and rural male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) following an assessment of their territorial aggression and initial concentrations of corticosterone and testosterone and then assessed their behavior and hormone concentrations 2 weeks later. We found that males generally displayed less territorial aggression in the second trial, consistent with our previous findings. Males in the enlarged treatment decreased aggression to a greater degree than those in the reduced treatment. The effect of the plumage manipulation was similar across the rural and urban habitats. Despite the changes in behavior we detected, we found no effects of the manipulation on concentrations of testosterone or corticosterone. Our results show that melanin-based spotting in male song sparrows is a signal of territorial aggression but the physiological mechanisms that mediate the relationships between chest spotting and behavior remain to be identified.

Significance statement

Many bird species use their plumage to signal their dominance status, fighting ability, or motivation during interactions with other individuals to resolve conflicts without a fight. Here, we asked whether chest spotting is a signal in territorial interactions among male song sparrows. We experimentally increased or reduced the extent of spotting in males and measured the change in their aggression. We found that reduced-spotting males showed a more moderate seasonal decrease of aggression compared to males with enlarged spotting reduced aggression, possibly because the former experienced more intrusions later on in the breeding season while the latter experienced fewer intrusions. These results are consistent with chest spotting size in song sparrows functioning as a signal of territory holding potential of the bearer.
Recent trends in incidence, survival and treatment of multiple myeloma in Finland – a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ruotsalainen Jarno , Lehmus Leena , Putkonen Mervi , Lievonen Juha , Kallio Alvar , Raittinen Paavo , Summanen Milla , Kosunen Mikko , Korhonen Maarit Jaana
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of multiple myeloma (MM) in Finland in 2015–2019, to characterize adult patients newly diagnosed with MM, and to follow-up their overall survival (OS) and treatment patterns until the end of 2020. We sourced the data on inpatient and outpatient diagnoses, outpatient medication use, and date of death from comprehensive, nationwide registers. We identified 2037 incident patients with MM in 2015–2019. On average, the annual crude incidence was 8.8 and the age-standardized incidence (World Standard Population) was 3.3 per 100,000. The crude prevalence at the end of 2019 was 32.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants ≥ 18 years of age. Median age of the patients at first diagnosis (index date) was 71 years, and 48% were female, the median follow-up being 2.4 years. The median OS was estimated at 4.5 years. The proportion of the patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) within one year since the index date was 24%, with little variation across study years. Conversely, the proportion of all patients receiving lenalidomide within one year since the index date increased from 27 to 48% overall, and from 39 to 81% among ASCT recipients. The estimated median relapse-free survival after ASCT was 2.9 years. Information on in-hospital MM medication administrations was available for a subset of the study cohort. In this subset, 85.8% of the patients received immunomodulatory drugs and/or proteasome inhibitors within the first year after the index date.
Unraveling the challenges of intravenous leiomyomatosis: a retrospective analysis of 11 cases
Authors: Wang Qun , Liu Hua , Feng Weiwei
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study provides a concise overview of diagnostic and treatment strategies for intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), a rare disease with nonspecific clinical manifestations, based on cases from a tertiary referral hospital in China.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 11 premenopausal patients with confirmed IVL between 2018 and 2022. Clinical data from Ultrasound, Enhanced CT, and MRI were studied, along with surgical details, postoperative pathology, and follow-up information.

Results

Premenopausal patients showed no disease-specific symptoms, with 90.9% having a history of gynecological or obstetric surgery, and 72.7% having prior uterine fibroids. Cardiac involvement was evident in two cases, with echocardiography detecting abnormal floating masses from the inferior vena cava. Pelvic ultrasound indicated leiomyoma in 90.9% of cases, with ≥ 50 mm size. Surgery was the primary treatment, and lesions above the internal iliac vein resulted in significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (median 1300 ml vs. 50 ml, p = 0.005) and longer hospital stays (median 10 days vs. 4 days, p = 0.026). Three patients with lesions above the inferior vena cava required combined surgery with cardiac specialists. Recurrence occurred in 2 out of 11 patients with incomplete lesion resection.

Conclusions

IVL mainly affects premenopausal women with uterine masses, primarily in the pelvic cavity (Stage I). Pelvic ultrasound aids early screening, while Enhanced CT or MR assists in diagnosing and assessing venous lesions. Complete resection is crucial to prevent recurrence. Lesions invading the internal iliac vein and above pose higher risks during surgery. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for patients with lesions above the inferior vena cava, with simultaneous surgery as a potential treatment option.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic: increase in complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring ENT surgery?
Authors: Galli Jonas , Sheppard Sean C. , Caversaccio Marco , Anschuetz Lukas , Beckmann Sven
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring surgical intervention in a tertiary referral center. The aim is to understand the consequences of pandemic-related measures and their subsequent relaxation on the incidence and characteristics of upper respiratory tract infection-related complications.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery as a complication of upper respiratory tract infections between December 2014 to February 2023 were included. Demographic information, surgical procedures, microbiological findings, and clinical outcomes were assessed and analyzed comparing pre-pandemic, pandemic and post-pandemic groups.

Results

321 patients were enrolled, including 105 patients (32.7%) in the pediatric population. Comparison of pre-pandemic (n = 210), pandemic (n = 46) and post-pandemic periods (n = 65) revealed a statistically significant increase in complicated otologic infections requiring surgical intervention in the post-pandemic period compared to the pandemic period (p value = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in other surgical procedures or demographic parameters were observed. A statistically significant increase in urgent ear surgery in the pediatric population between the pandemic and the post-pandemic period (p value = 0.02) was observed. Beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections showed a statistically significant increase in the post-pandemic period compared with the pandemic period (p value = 0.02).

Conclusions

Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions was associated with an increase of upper respiratory tract infection-related otologic infections requiring surgical intervention with an increasing rate of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections. These findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of the pandemic on upper respiratory tract infection complications and adapting management strategies accordingly.
Baseline serum neurofilament light chain levels differentiate aggressive from benign forms of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a 20-year follow-up cohort
Authors: Arroyo Pereiro Pablo , Muñoz-Vendrell Albert , León Moreno Isabel , Bau Laura , Matas Elisabet , Romero-Pinel Lucía , Martínez Yélamos Antonio , Martínez Yélamos Sergio , Andrés-Benito Pol
Published: December 2023

Background and objectives

Serum biomarkers are emerging as useful prognostic tools for multiple sclerosis (MS); however, long-term studies are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the long-term prognostic value of the serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) measured close to the time of MS onset.

Methods

In this retrospective, exploratory, observational, case and controls study, patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) with available baseline serum samples and prospectively follow-up in our MS unit for a long time were selected based on their clinical evolution to form two groups: (1) a benign RRMS (bRRMS) group, defined as patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≤ 3 at ≥ 10 years of follow-up; (2) an aggressive RRMS (aRRMS) group, defined as patients with an EDSS score of ≥ 6 at ≤ 15 years of follow-up. An age-matched healthy control (HC) group was selected. NfL, total tau, and GFAP serum levels were quantified using a single-molecule array (SIMOA), and CHI3L1 was quantified using ELISA.

Results

Thirty-one patients with bRRMS, 19 with aRRMS, and 10 HC were included. The median follow-up time from sample collection was 17.74 years (interquartile range, 14.60–20.37). Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed significantly higher NfL and GFAP levels in the aRRMS group than in the bRRMS group. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified serum NfL level as the most efficient marker for distinguishing aRRMS from bRRMS.

Discussion

This proof-of-concept study comparing benign and aggressive RRMS groups reinforces the potential role of baseline NfL serum levels as a promising long-term disability prognostic marker. In contrast, serum GFAP, total tau, and CHI3L1 levels demonstrated a lower or no ability to differentiate between the long-term outcomes of RRMS.
Microplastic occurrence during the pre-treatment of polypropylene in a simulated washing process for mechanical recycling
Authors: Süß Michael , Fischer Jörg
Published: December 2023

In this study, the micro-plastic emission during polypropylene washing was investigated. Washing post-consumer waste before the re-granulation step is an important process to remove contaminants on the waste material which can interfere with downstream processing and product quality. To simulate a pre-treatment step during mechanical recycling, an industrial washing machine with two different temperatures (30 °C and 60 °C) and residence times (5 min and 15 min) was used. The whole washing effluent was filtered, gravimetrically quantified and with DSC measurements qualitatively identified. Results suggest a release of micro-plastics during washing whereby the residence time has about a two-fold higher impact on possible emissions than temperature.

Graphical abstract
The use of quantitative pupillometry in brain death determination: preliminary findings
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Kühlwein Daniel , Schönenberger Silvia , Neumann Jan-Oliver , Unterberg Andreas W. , Beynon Christopher
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Quantitative pupillometry (QP) has been increasingly applied in neurocritical care as an easy-to-use and reliable technique for evaluating the pupillary light reflex (PLR). Here, we report our preliminary findings on using QP for clinical brain death (BD) determination.

Materials

This retrospective study included 17 patients ≥ 18 years (mean age, 57.3 years; standard deviation, 15.8 years) with confirmed BD, as defined by German Guidelines for the determination of BD. The PLR was tested using the NPi®-200 Pupillometer (Neuroptics, Laguna Hill, USA), a handheld infrared device automatically tracking and analyzing pupil dynamics over 3 s. In addition, pupil diameter and neurological pupil index (NPi) were also evaluated.

Results

Intracerebral bleeding, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and hypoxic encephalopathy were the most prevalent causes of BD. In all patients, the NPi was 0 for both eyes, indicating the cessation of mid-brain function. The mean diameter was 4.9 mm (± 1.3) for the right pupil and 5.2 mm (±1.2) for the left pupil.

Conclusions

QP is a valuable tool for the BD certification process to assess the loss of PLR due to the cessation of brain stem function. Furthermore, implementing QP before the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy in brain-injured patients may reduce the rate of missed organ donation opportunities. Further studies are warranted to substantiate the feasibility and potential of this technique in treating patients and identify suitable candidates for this technique during the BD certification process.
On varieties with Ulrich twisted tangent bundles
Authors: Lopez Angelo Felice , Raychaudhury Debaditya
Published: December 2023

We study varieties $$X \subseteq {\mathbb {P}}^N$$

X
⊆

P

N

of dimension n such that $$T_X(k)$$

T
X

(
k
)

is an Ulrich vector bundle for some $$k \in {\mathbb {Z}}$$

k
∈
Z

. First we give a sharp bound for k in the case of curves. Then we show that $$k \le n+1$$

k
≤
n
+
1

if $$2 \le n \le 12$$

2
≤
n
≤
12

. We classify the pairs $$(X,{\mathcal {O}}_X(1))$$

(
X
,

O
X

(
1
)

)

for $$k=1$$

k
=
1

and we show that, for $$n \ge 4$$

n
≥
4

, the case$$k=2$$

k
=
2

does not occur.
Solvent-Dependent Fluorescence Behavior and Water Detection Sensor Application of Visible Light-Emitting Fluorenone Derivative
Authors: Lee Jineun , Kim Heesang , Sakaguchi Toshikazu , Kwak Giseop
Published: December 2023

The Sonogashira coupling reaction was used to synthesize a fluorenone derivative, with an extended conjugated structure to which fluorene is connected via acetylene linkage. This compound exhibited diverse fluorescence (FL) colors in the visible region depending on the polarity of the matrix solvents used. The solvatochromic FL presented as sky blue, green, and yellow in hexane, THF, and DMF, respectively. Fluorene moiety and fluorenone moiety acted as an electron donor (D) and as an electron acceptor (A), respectively, leading to an excited state intramolecular charge transfer based on the D–π–A electronic structure. In particular, this derivative showed a remarkable FL quenching in alcohol and chloroform, probably due to vibronic coupling through hydrogen bonding with these solvents. This idea was supported by the fact that the two solvents are characterized by very high hydrogen bond donor acidities compared to other solvents used in this study. This derivative also responded to the presence of very small amounts of water at several mg/mL levels in organic solvents, resulting in remarkable FL quenching.
Two energies for conjoining boron nitride nanotorus and nanotube
Authors: Alshammari Nawa A.
Published: December 2023

Owing to a variety in nanoscale material applications, the conjunction of two nanostructures is frequently researched for potential new applications. Numerous methods are used to model this conjunction process. One such method, the minimization of elastic energy, only considers the axial curvature when modeling conjoined structures. Another method minimizes the Willmore energy, which depends on both the axial and rotational curvatures. In particular, because the catenoid is an absolute minimizer of Willomre energy, a catenoid section can be utilized to conjoin nanostrucrures. Owing to the similarities among carbon nanostructures, we expanded the use of two different energies to join a boron nitride nanotube with a boron nitride nanotorus. The primary objective of this study was to formulate a basic underlying structure from which any small perturbations can be viewed as departures from an ideal model. Accordingly, elastic energy was used to determine the conjunction region for two-dimensional structures, whereas Willmore energy was used to determine the conjunction region for three-dimensional structures. This approach may be extended to produce other hybrid nanoscale structures.
Evidence-based transport policy analysis driven by agent-based simulation: the case of mobility in Ústí nad Labem
Authors: Dingil Ali Enes , Pereira Andre Maia , Přibyl Ondrej , Vorel Jakub
Published: December 2023

There is a raise in public awareness on environmental and health issues in recent years, therefore many municipalities changed their transport policy direction to become more sustainable, especially active mobility based. This study makes use of an activity-based demand model to simulate urban mobility and policies for sustainable transport modes in the Usti nad Labem district using an agent-based model simulator driven by a co-evolutionary algorithm. Two policy scenarios were created by considering the transport literature and analyzing the characteristics and behaviors of citizens as well as the properties of the study area. Three scenarios—the actual situation, a cycleway-infrastructure case, and a bus priority case—were simulated for the study area with MATSim software. Both policy scenarios resulted in a decrease in car usage, with a higher drop seen in the cycleway-infrastructure scenario. 9.11% higher public transport ridership and 2.45% more of public transport modal share are observed in the bus priority compared to the actual situation, however the car-related emissions did not decrease. 6.36% more of cycling modal share was also noticed in the cycleway-infrastructure scenario which, the transport modal shift is enhanced by 2.6 more times than in the bus priority scenario. Car driving hours were significantly reduced in the cycleway scenario (5535 h less in a day) where 445.3 tons of car-related CO2 emissions would be saved annually, therefore environmental benefits of cycling modal share increase in the study area is undoubtable in long-term.
Implementing a Non-Specialist Delivered Psychological Intervention for Young Adolescents in a Protracted Refugee Setting: a Qualitative Process Evaluation in Lebanon
Authors: Ali Rayane , Brown Felicity L. , Stevenson Kerrie , Jordans Mark , Taha Karine , Amine Mounif El , Steen Frederik , Meksassi Bassel , Elias Joseph , Aoun May , Roberts Bayard , Sijbrandij Marit , Cuijpers Pim , Akhtar Aemal , Malik Aiysha , Woodward Aniek , Fuhr Daniela C. ,   on behalf of the STRENGTHS Consortium
Published: December 2023

There has been an increase in the evaluation and implementation of non-specialist delivered psychological interventions to address unmet mental health needs in humanitarian emergencies. While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide important evidence about intervention impact, complementary qualitative process evaluations are essential to understand key implementation processes and inform future scaling up of the intervention. This study was conducted as part of an RCT of the Early Adolescents Skills for Emotions (EASE) psychological intervention for young adolescents with elevated psychological distress (predominantly with a Syrian refugee background) in Lebanon. Our aims were firstly to conduct a qualitative process evaluation to understand stakeholder experiences and perceived impact of the intervention and identify barriers and facilitators for implementation, and secondly to explore considerations for scaling up. Eleven key informant interviews and seven focus groups were conducted with 39 respondents including adolescent and caregiver participants, trainers, providers, outreach workers, and local stakeholders. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Respondents perceived the intervention to be highly needed and reported improvements in adolescent mental health and wellbeing. Key implementation factors that have potential to influence engagement, adherence, and perceived impact included the socio-economic situation of families, mental health stigma, coordination within and between sectors (particularly for scaling up), embedding the intervention within existing service pathways, having clear quality and accountability processes including training and supervision for non-specialists, and sustainable funding. Our findings provide important context for understanding effectiveness outcomes of the RCT and highlights factors that need to be considered when implementing a mental health intervention on a larger scale in a complex crisis.
Alkoholpräventionsangebote für Studierende an Hochschulen – eine Analyse der Einflussfaktoren auf den Implementierungsprozess
Authors: Martin Saskia , Uricher Jonathan , Keplinger Simone , Laging Marion , Heidenreich Thomas
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Im Setting deutscher Hochschulen besteht aktuell ein Forschungsbedarf bezüglich der Einflussfaktoren auf die Implementierung gesundheitsförderlicher Angebote für Studierende.

Ziel der Arbeit

Es werden Faktoren identifiziert, die die Implementierung eines Angebots zur Prävention riskanten Alkoholkonsums an deutschen Hochschulen fördern, behindern oder verhindern.

Methodik

Es wurden eine systematische Befragung zu Implementierungsvoraussetzungen auf Basis des Campus Community Readiness Assessment (CCRA) an 13 Hochschulen, die deskriptiv- und inferenzstatistisch ausgewertet werden sowie qualitative Inhaltsanalysen vorhandener Dokumente von 56 Hochschulen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Eine logistische Regression ergibt, dass die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Implementierung signifikant von vorhandenen gesundheitsförderlichen Strukturen abhängt. Eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse vorhandener Projektdokumente konnte sechs förderliche, drei behindernde und elf verhindernde Faktoren des Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) identifizieren.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Implementierung von gesundheitsförderlichen Angeboten für Studierende an Hochschulen ist ein voraussetzungsvoller und individueller Prozess. Dabei sind nicht nur die vorhandenen institutionellen Strukturen, sondern auch Merkmale der beteiligten Akteur:innen von Bedeutung.
Can machine learning algorithms deliver superior models for rental guides?
Authors: Trinkaus Oliver , Kauermann Göran
Published: December 2023

In this paper we discuss the use and potential advantages and disadvantages of machine learning driven models in rental guides. Rental guides are a formal legal instrument in Germany for surveying rents of flats in cities and municipalities, which are today based on regression models or simple contingency tables. We discuss if and how modern and timely methods of machine learning outperform existing and established routines. We make use of data from the Munich rental guide and mainly focus on the predictive power of these models. We discuss the “black-box” character making some of these models difficult to interpret and hence challenging for applications in the rental guide context. Still, it is of interest to see how “black-box” models perform with respect to prediction error. Moreover, we study adversarial effects, i.e. we investigate robustness in the sense how corrupted data influence the performance of the prediction models. With the data at hand we show that models with promising predictive performance suffer from being more vulnerable to corruptions than classic linear models including Ridge or Lasso regularization.
Transforming growth factors β and their signaling pathway in renal cell carcinoma and peritumoral space—transcriptome analysis
Authors: Kajdaniuk Dariusz , Hudy Dorota , Strzelczyk Joanna Katarzyna , Młynarek Krystyna , Słomian Szymon , Potyka Andrzej , Szymonik Ewa , Strzelczyk Janusz , Foltyn Wanda , Kos-Kudła Beata , Marek Bogdan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The aim of the study was to verify hypotheses: Are transforming growth factors TGFβ1-3, their receptors TGFβI-III, and intracellular messenger proteins Smad1-7 involved in the pathogenesis of kidney cancer? What is the expression of genes of the TGFβ/Smads pathway in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues, peritumoral tissues (TME; tumor microenvironment), and in normal kidney (NK) tissue?.

Methods

Twenty patients with RCC who underwent total nephrectomy were included into the molecular analysis. The mRNA expression of the genes was quantified by RT-qPCR.

Results

The study showed that the expression of the genes of TGFβ/Smads pathway is dysregulated in both RCC and the TME: TGFβ1, TGFβ3 expression is increased in the TME in comparison to the NK tissues; TGFβ2, TGFβ3, TGFβRI, TGFβRIII, Smad1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad6 are underexpressed in RCC comparing to the TME tissues; TGFβRI, TGFβRIII, and Smad2 are underexpressed in RCC in comparison to the NK tissues.

Conclusion

On the one hand, the underexpression of the TGFβ signaling pathway genes within the malignant tumor may result in the loss of the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of this cytokine. On the other hand, the overexpression of the TGFβ/Smads pathway genes in the TME than in tumor or NK tissues most probably results in an immunosuppressive effect in the space surrounding the tumor and may have an antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect on non-neoplastic cells present in the TME. The functional and morphological consistency of this area may determine the aggressiveness of the tumor and the time in which the neoplastic process will spread.
CSGALNACT2 restricts ovarian cancer migration and invasion by modulating MAPK/ERK pathway through DUSP1
Authors: Ma Mingjun , Wang Chao , Wu Meixuan , Gu Sijia , Yang Jiani , Zhang Yue , Cheng Shanshan , Xu Shilin , Zhang Minghai , Wu Yongsong , Zhao Yaqian , Tian Xiu , Voon Dominic Chih-Cheng , Takahashi Chiaki , Sheng Jindan , Wang Yu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women. CSGALNACT2 is a vital Golgi transferase and is related to a variety of human diseases. However, its expression pattern and function in ovarian cancer remain uncertain.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas and GEPIA databases were used to assess the expression of CSGALNACT2 in ovarian cancer patients. RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, and IHC were used to verify the expression of CSGALNACT2 in ovarian cancer tissues. Then, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the role of CSGALNACT2 in the progression of ovarian cancer. RNA-seq and GSEA were used to reveal the potential biological function and oncogenic pathways of CSGALNACT2.

Results

We demonstrated that the mRNA expression and protein level of CSGALNACT2 were significantly downregulated in ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer metastatic tissues. CSGALNACT2 can significantly inhibit the migration, invasion, and clonogenic growth of ovarian cancer in vitro and is progressively lost during ovarian cancer progression in vivo. CSGALNACT2 suppresses ovarian cancer migration and invasion via DUSP1 modulation of the MAPK/ERK pathway through RNA-seq, KEGG analysis, and Western blotting. Moreover, CSGALNACT2 expression was correlated with immune cell infiltration and had prognostic value in different immune cell-enriched or decreased ovarian cancer. In addition, patients with CSGALNACT2 downregulation are less likely to benefit from immunotherapy.

Conclusion

As an ovarian cancer suppressor gene, CSGALNACT2 inhibits the development of ovarian cancer, and it might be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients with ovarian cancer.
Natural course of AIDS following HIV-2 infection
Authors: Fuhr Hannah , Christopeit Maximilian
Published: December 2023

In a 21-year-old female, AIDS following infection with HIV-2 was diagnosed alongside an HIV-associated high-grade B cell lymphoma. Treatment of HIV-2 with dolutegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir resulted in viral suppression and slow recovery of CD4 cell counts. Treatment of lymphoma caused significant adverse effects but led to complete remission. The patient denied sexual activity and intravenous drug abuse. The patient had been born to an HIV-2-positive mother but appropriate perinatal testing based on national guidelines had remained negative. This case recapitulates the natural course of HIV-2 infection.
A new family of aggregation functions for intervals
Authors: Diaz-Vazquez Susana , Torres-Manzanera Emilio , Rico Noelia , Mesiar Radko , Rodriguez-Martinez Iosu , Lafuente Julio , Diaz Irene , Montes Susana , Bustince Humberto
Published: December 2023

Aggregation operators are unvaluable tools when different pieces of information have to be taken into account with respect to the same object. They allow to obtain a unique outcome when different evaluations are available for the same element/object. In this contribution we assume that the opinions are not given in form of isolated values, but intervals. We depart from two “classical” aggregation functions and define a new operator for aggregating intervals based on the two original operators. We study under what circumstances this new function is well defined and we provide a general characterization for monotonicity. We also study the behaviour of this operator when the departing functions are the most common aggregation operators. We also provide an illustrative example demonstrating the practical application of the theoretical contribution to ensemble deep learning models.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Aluminum-Polyethylene Composite Structure Subjected to Tension and Perforation Under Dynamic Loading for a Wide Range of Temperatures
Authors: Bendarma A. , Jankowiak T. , Rusinek A. , Lodygowski T. , Czarnota C. , Bernier R. , Khalfaoui M.
Published: December 2023

The aim of this work consists of identifying the material behavior of Alucobond composite structures subjected to ballistic impact. The composite is made of Aluminum alloy AW5005 and LDPE (low-density polyethylene). The mechanical properties of these materials are described in term of strain rate and temperature dependencies. Quasi-static tensile and compression tests for Alucobond are performed at four different strain rates, i.e. 0.0001 0.001, 0.01, and 0.03 $${s}^{-1}$$

s

-
1

. Moreover, in dynamic regime the used strain rate ranges in compression and perforation tests are ($${10}^{4}$$

10

4

$${s}^{-1}$$

s

-
1

≤ $$\dot{\varepsilon }$$

ε
˙

≤ $${10}^{5}$$

10

5

$${s}^{-1}$$

s

-
1

) at temperatures ranging from room temperature 20 °C to 100 °C. Various parameters influence the behavior of the Alucobond structure under impact: the geometry and the mechanical properties of the projectile, the initial impact velocity, and the thermomechanical behavior of the target. Numerous quasi-static and dynamic original test results (traction and perforation over a wide range of strain rates at room temperature and high temperature) are presented. Numerical simulations, particularly using the finite element (FE) method with the ABAQUS explicit code, are also effective supplements for theoretical and more detailed experimental investigations, which were carried out to analyze the dynamic behavior of impacted structures.
Determination of Hansen Solubility Parameters of Raw Muscovite
Authors: Weng Ming , Wang Xiuhua
Published: December 2023

Muscovite has been used increasingly as a substrate in flexible electronics and fillers in high-performance nanocomposites. Muscovite-based interfacial interactions play a crucial rule in material fabrication. Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) have proven useful in characterizing molecular interactions within/between condensed phases. The present study aimed to determine the HSPs of raw muscovite (RM) and to investigate solvent dispersion mechanisms of RM. To achieve this, the solubilities of RM in 17 solvents were evaluated by dispersion tests, and the HSPs of RM were calculated as the center of the optimal solubility rotated-ellipsoid in HSP space, which included all good solvents, had the smallest number of outliers, and had the smallest volume. The resulting dispersion, polar, and hydrogen bonding components of RM were 18.301, 2.366, and 3.727 MPa1/2, respectively. By considering the HSPs and Kamlet-Taft's solvatochromic parameters of solvents, we concluded that the low polarity of RM is due to hindered K+/H+ exchange on the RM surface, resulting from limited water/moisture contact. For solvent dispersion of RM, essential conditions include strong dispersion forces and weak polar forces, finely tuned to match the surface property of RM at a certain hydration level. The HSPs of RM determined from dispersion tests were restricted to predicting/characterizing RM-based interfacial phenomena in an environment with strictly controlled water/moisture content. The HSP calculation method proposed herein was applicable to any clay mineral.
Stahl's Illustrated Treatments for Mood Disorders
Authors: Stahl Stephen M. , Segal Sabrina K.
Published: December 2023

Fully updated, this new edition continues to present information in a clear, illustrative, and concise manner. Replacing both Stahl's Illustrated Antidepressants and Stahl's Illustrated Mood Stabilizers, this concise and illustrated guide examines the full spectrum of symptoms included in mood disorders from mania to depression to mixed states in between, the neurocircuitry underlying these symptoms, and the evidence-based therapeutic targets for treatment. Concepts are illustrated by full-color figures, images, and tables making psychopharmacology concepts within this book easy to master for the visual learner. Non-visual learners can enjoy a shortened text version of complex psychopharmacology concepts. Each chapter builds on previous chapters, synthesizing information from basic biology and diagnostics to building treatment plans and dealing with complications and comorbidities. The interaction between the images and text allows the reader to vividly conceptualize complex pharmacologies and a Suggested Reading section guides readers toward more in-depth learning about particular concepts.
Confronting algorithmic management using subject access requests: Insights using the case of food deliveries
Authors: Perrig Luca
Published: December 2023

Gig work is defined by a (mostly) automated management, operating remotely through an app. Without human interaction, workers are left with only guesses about the functioning of the algorithms they are subjected to. To better position themselves in their competition for tasks, they try to influence the data profile that platform build about them. Made of performance indicators, personal information, and sensor data, these profiles are an essential part of algorithmic management. This paper will identify data profiles as core sites of the struggle in the gig economy. It will discuss the benefits and limitations of bringing data at the centre stage through a workers’ inquiry of food delivery platforms. The analysis will distinguish three actors in this inquiry and discuss their uses of data profiles: the couriers themselves, as they attempt to make sense of algorithmic management; the researcher, and how they can use personal data in order to reconstitute this field of struggle; and the trade unions, which can provide a way to collectivise data governance and gain better information in building their case in favour of gig workers’ rights.
Asymptotic Nusselt numbers for internal flow in the Cassie state
Authors: Hodes Marc , Kane Daniel , Bazant Martin Z. , Kirk Toby L.
Published: December 2023

We consider laminar, fully developed, Poiseuille flows of liquid in the Cassie state through diabatic, parallel-plate microchannels symmetrically textured with isoflux ridges. Via matched asymptotic expansions, we develop expressions for (apparent hydrodynamic) slip lengths and Nusselt numbers. Our small parameter (

$\epsilon$

) is the pitch of the ridges divided by the height of the microchannel. When the ridges are oriented parallel to the flow, we quantify the error in the Nusselt number expressions in the literature and provide a new closed-form result. It is accurate to

$O\left (\epsilon ^2\right )$

and valid for any solid (ridge) fraction, whereas previous ones are accurate to

$O\left (\epsilon ^1\right )$

and breakdown in the important limit when the solid fraction approaches zero. When the ridges are oriented transverse to the (periodically fully developed) flow, the error associated with neglecting inertial effects in the slip length is shown to be

$O\left (\epsilon ^3{Re}\right )$

, where

${Re}$

is the channel-scale Reynolds number based on its hydraulic diameter. The corresponding Nusselt number expressions’ accuracies are shown to depend on the Reynolds number, Péclet number and Prandtl number in addition to

$\epsilon$

. Manipulating the solution to the inner temperature problem encountered in the vicinity of the ridges shows that classic results for the thermal spreading resistance are better expressed in terms of polylogarithm functions.
The ‘−1’ decay law for some small-scale quantities at large Péclet numbers and fixed Reynolds numbers
Authors: Tang S.L. , Antonia R.A. , Djenidi L.
Published: December 2023

The effect of a uniform mean scalar gradient on the small scales of a passive scalar field in statistically stationary homogeneous isotropic turbulence is investigated through the transport equation for the scalar fluctuation. After some manipulation of the equation, it is shown that the effect can be recast in the form

$S_\theta ^* {{Pe^{-1}_{\lambda _\theta }}}$

(

$S_\theta ^*$

is the non-dimensional scalar gradient,

${{Pe_{\lambda _\theta }}}$

is the turbulent Péclet number). This effect gradually disappears as

${{Pe_{\lambda _\theta }}}$

becomes sufficiently large, implying a gradual approach towards local isotropy of the passive scalar. It is further argued that, for a given

$S_\theta ^*$

, the normalized odd moments of the scalar derivative tend towards isotropy as

${{Pe^{-1}_{\lambda _\theta }}}$

. This is supported by direct numerical simulations data for the normalized odd moments of the scalar derivative at large Péclet numbers. Further, the present derivation leads to the same prediction (

${\sim }Sc^{-0.45}$

where Sc is the Schmidt number) as Buaria et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 126, no. 3, 2021a, p. 034504) and complements the derivation by the latter authors, which is based on dimensional arguments and the introduction of a new diffusive length scale.