bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infant massage as a stress management technique for parents of hospitalized extremely preterm infants
Authors: McCarty Dana , Silver Rachel , Quinn Lauren , Dusing Stacey , O'Shea Thomas Michael
Published: December 2023

Mothers of infants born extremely preterm requiring prolonged medical intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at high risk of developing stress. Parent‐administered infant massage is a well‐established, safe intervention for preterm infants with many developmental benefits, but the published literature has mostly examined its impact on infants and parents through self‐reported or observational measures of stress. The aim of this study was to measure salivary cortisol, a biomarker for stress, in extremely preterm infants and their mothers immediately pre and post parent‐administered infant massage in order to detect potential changes in physiologic stress. Twenty‐two mother‐infant dyads completed massage education with a physical or occupational therapist. All dyads provided salivary cortisol samples via buccal swab immediately pre‐ and post‐massage at the second session. Of mothers determined to be “cortisol responders” (15/22), salivary cortisol levels were lower after massage (pre‐minus post‐level: −26.47 ng/dL, [CI = −4.40, −48.53], p = .016, paired t‐test). Our primary findings include a clinically significant decrease (as measured by percent change) in maternal cortisol levels immediately post parent‐administered massage, indicating decreased physiological stress. Integration of infant massage into NICU clinical practice may support maternal mental health, but further powered studies are necessary to confirm findings.
Not all beef‐cut price shocks are alike: Disentangling supply and demand shocks in the US beef market
Authors: Ortez Mario A. , Tolhurst Tor N. , Thompson Nathanael M. , Widmar Nicole Olynk
Published: December 2023

We examine the causal effects of supply and demand shocks on the relative prices of beef cuts in the United States using a Structural Vector Autoregression model to disentangle the shocks. Supply and demand shocks have distinct, dynamic effects on relative prices, of roughly equal magnitude. Responses to supply shocks are less flat than implied by biological constraints, implying market constraints are binding. Responses to demand shocks are more stable, but interestingly “invert” about 9 months after the shock. Our findings are consistent with heterogeneous demand functions and fixed proportions of supply across cuts, as well as lifecycle constraints on livestock production.
Engineers, figuring it out: Collaborative learning in cultural worlds
Authors: Nolen Susan Bobbitt , Michor Edward L. , Koretsky Milo D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Although open‐ended projects are common in the first and final years of US engineering programs, middle‐year courses tend to utilize simpler highly constrained problems. Such problems can elicit knowledge and social practices typical of school activity (“School World”), with limited applicability in real engineering work (“Engineering World”). They can also result in inequitable participation in groups.

Purpose

We investigate whether a single‐session, complex studio task can promote equitable disciplinary engagement in the middle years, where time is limited and students' engineering knowledge needs to be developed. We ask whether and how the task is taken up by teams “thinking and acting like students” versus “thinking and acting like engineers.”

Design/Method

This microgenetic laboratory study analyzes video data of three student teams completing a realistic complex task.

Results

Teams initially used “School World” strategies and social arrangements, but eventually the task demands and facilitator framing shifted activity to “Engineering World.” We found within‐team, between‐world differences in reasoning, tool use, and social practices. Examination of shifts from School World to Engineering World pointed to the importance of task framing, material tools, peer interaction, and facilitator support.

Conclusions

Activity can shift to the disciplinary social and knowledge practices of engineering in a single task, expanding opportunities to learn those practices and promoting more equitable interactions. Instructors should seek to support disciplinary practices while preserving students' authority to make decisions. Future research should explore the impact of a steady diet of these kinds of studios in the middle years.
Characteristics of proton pump inhibitor‐resistant severe reflux esophagitis and efficacy of vonoprazan in elderly (older than 75 years) and non‐elderly groups
Authors: Hoshino Shintaro , Momma Eri , Motomiya Rina , Tanabe Tomohide , Koeda Mai , Hoshikawa Yoshimasa , Kawami Noriyuki , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Previous studies on age differences in proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐resistant reflux esophagitis (RE) have found that stenosis and bleeding complications were significantly more common in the elderly than in the non‐elderly. We sought to examine differences between two groups of elderly (75 years or older) and non‐elderly (<75 years) patients with (PPI)‐resistant severe RE and also the efficacy of vonoprazan (VPZ) in these patients.

Methods

There were 14 patients in the elderly group and 15 in the non‐elderly group. Information was obtained on patient background (sex, body mass index [BMI], gastric mucosal atrophy, and the presence of hernia and collagen disease), and all patients underwent the saliva secretion test and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The saliva secretion test (amount of saliva secreted, salivary pH, and the acid‐buffering capacity) was performed by chewing sugar‐free gum for 3 min before EGD. The efficacy of VPZ in both groups was also assessed.

Results

Saliva secretion, sex, BMI, and the presence of gastric mucosal atrophy did not significantly differ between the two groups. The number of hernias larger than 4 cm was significantly higher in the elderly PPI‐resistant group, and significantly more patients had collagen disease in the non‐elderly group. The efficacy of VPZ was not significantly different between the two groups; however, 10 patients in the non‐elderly group had collagen disease, and 4 did not achieve esophageal mucosal healing even with VPZ 20 mg.

Conclusion

The number of large hernias (>4 cm) was significantly higher in the elderly group, while significantly more non‐elderly patients had collagen disease. In the non‐elderly group with scleroderma, the efficacy of VPZ 20 mg may not be sufficient.
Correlation between anxiety and decreased quality of life in patients with non‐esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Tanaka Fumio , Kanamori Atsushi , Sawada Akinari , Ominami Masaki , Nadatani Yuji , Fukunaga Shusei , Otani Koji , Hosomi Shuhei , Kamata Noriko , Nagami Yasuaki , Taira Koichi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Mental status such as anxiety and depression in patients with non‐esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (non‐EoE EGIDs) has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with non‐EoE EGIDs had mental disorders and decreased mental‐health‐related quality of life (QOL) similar to those in patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI).

Methods

We enrolled patients with non‐EoE EGIDs and DGBI visiting the Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital, and the measures listed below were compared between the groups. We collected data using the following questionnaires: hospital anxiety and depression scale, and short form (SF)‐8 including mental component summary (MCS)‐8.

Results

We evaluated 21 and 17 patients with non‐EoE EGIDs and DGBI, respectively. The anxiety score was not significantly different between the groups. The proportion of patients with possible anxiety was not significantly different between the groups (19.0% vs 33.3%). These results show that patients with non‐EoE EGIDs had anxiety that might be equivalent to that of patients with DGBI. The depression score and proportion of patients with possible depression in the non‐EoE EGID group tended to be lower than those in the DGBI group. MCS‐8 scores were not significantly different between the non‐EoE EGID and DGBI groups, which might imply an equivalent decrease in mental‐health‐related QOL in both groups of patients. In patients with non‐EoE EGIDs, the anxiety score had a significant inverse association with the MCS‐8 score.

Conclusions

Patients with non‐EoE EGIDs may have anxiety that correlates with decreased mental‐health‐related QOL.
Comparison of postoperative outcomes in cases achieving sustained virological response with direct‐acting antiviral and interferon therapy
Authors: Hashimoto Masakazu , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ohira Masahiro , Okimoto Sho , Abe Tomoyuki , Inoue Masashi , Onoe Takashi , Honmyo Naruhiko , Kuroda Shintaro , Ohdan Hideki
Published: December 2023

Background/Purpose

The effect of direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after curative hepatectomy remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of sustained virological response (SVR) with DAAs or interferon (IFN) therapy on recurrence and overall survival (OS) after hepatectomy.

Methods

We enrolled 593 patients who underwent curative resections between January 2010 and December 2017. Among them, 186 achieved SVR before hepatectomy: a total of 51 (27.4%) in the DAA‐SVR group and 132 (72.6%) in the IFN‐based SVR group.

Results

SVR before hepatectomy was an independent predictor of OS, and the 5‐year OS rate was significantly higher in the SVR group than that in the non‐SVR group (82.2% vs. 63.9%). There were no significant differences in the recurrence rates or OS between DAA and IFN treatments in achieving SVR before hepatectomy, regardless of poor hepatic function in the DAA therapy group.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in OS and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) between the preoperative SVR achieved with DAA and IFN groups in this study, although liver function was significantly worse at the time of surgery in the DAA group compared to the IFN group.
Role of aurone ligands in microwave enhanced Mn (II) and Co (II) catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling reaction: An efficient ligand for the synthesis of quinoline, pyridine, and pyrrole
Authors: Mishra Shachi , Prakash Chandan , Tripathi Bhartendu Pati
Published: December 2023

The role of new series of phosphine‐free aurone ligands have been investigated in microwave‐enhanced Mn (II) and Co (II) dehydrogenative coupling reactions. Various heterocyclic compounds such as Quinoline, pyridine, and pyrrole have been synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The synthesized ligands (L1–L4) with Mn(II) and Co (II) salt showed excellent catalytic activity and proved to be very effective for the dehydrogenative coupling reaction. This synthetic method involves the in‐situ formation of a metal ligand complex that was analyzed by mass spectrometry. A broad range of substrates including aliphatic ketone, heterocycles, and sterically hindered Ketone coupling partners are well tolerated in the developed protocol.
Editorial for “Preoperative Gadoxetic Acid‐EnhancedMRIFeatures for Evaluation of Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters and Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Creating Nomograms for Risk Assessment”
Authors: Mulé Sébastien
Published: December 2023

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Clinical utility of quantitative immunoassays and surrogate virus neutralization tests for predicting neutralizing activity against the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 variants
Authors: Lee Beomki , Ko Jae‐Hoon , Kim Yong Chan , Baek Jin Yang , Park Yoon Soo , Song Kyoung‐Ho , Kim Eu Suk , Lee Kyoung Hwa , Song Young Goo , Ahn Jin Young , Choi Jun Yong , Choi Won Suk , Bae Seongman , Kim Sung‐Han , Jeong Hye Won , Lee Young Jae , Kim Hye‐Jin , Choi Ju‐Yeon , Kim Byoungguk , Kim Shin‐Woo , Kwon Ki Tae , Peck Kyong Ran , Kang Eun‐Suk
Published: December 2023

Developing new antibody assays for emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants is challenging. SARS‐CoV‐2 surrogate virus neutralization tests (sVNT) targeting Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 have been devised, but their performance needs to be validated in comparison with quantitative immunoassays. First, using 1749 PRNT‐positive sera, we noticed that log‐transformed optical density (OD) ratio of wild‐type (WT) sVNT exhibited better titer‐correlation with plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) than % inhibition value. Second, we tried 798 dilutional titration tests with 103 sera, but nonlinear correlation between OD ratio and antibody concentration limited titration of sVNT. Third, the titer‐correlations of two sVNT kits for BA.1 and two quantitative immunoassays for WT were evaluated with BA.1 and BA.5 PRNT. All tested kits exhibited a linear correlation with PRNT titers, but the sVNT kits exhibited high false‐negative rates (cPass‐BA.1 kit, 45.4% for BA.1 and 44.2% for BA.5; STANDARD F‐BA.1 kit, 1.9% for BA.1 and 2.2% for BA.5), while quantitative immunoassays showed 100% sensitivity. Linear mixed‐effects model suggested superior titer‐correlation with PRNT for quantitative immunoassays compared to sVNT kits. Taken together, the use of quantitative immunoassays for WT, rather than rapid development of new kits, would be practical for predicting neutralizing activities against emerging new variants.
Deep eutectic solvent extraction combined with magnetic bead ligand fishing for identification of α‐glucosidase inhibitors from Pueraria lobata
Authors: Li Bing , Jiao Pan , Tang Cheng
Published: December 2023

In this study, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction combined with a magnetic bead ligand affinity analytical method was developed and used for α‐glucosidase inhibitor identification from Pueraria lobata. Several critical parameters affecting the analysis performance, including the type of DES, molar ratio, water amount, pH, salt concentration, and volume of DES, were investigated. The selected analytical sample preparation conditions were as follows. The composition of DES is choline chloride‐1,4‐butanediol (1:3), the water content is 40%, pH is 7.0 and the volume of extraction solution is 2 mL. The obtained sample extraction solution was analyzed directly using α‐glucosidase immobilized magnetic beads (GMBs). Three α‐glucosidase inhibitors in Pueraria lobata, including puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein, were identified. Luteolin was used as a positive control to evaluate the method's selectivity. Results showed it could selectively bond to the GMBs in the DES. As the affinity analysis was performed directly in a DES, the solution‐removing process could be avoided. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions of the method are 5.21% and 6.38%, respectively. The solvent amount was 1/50–1/2000 of that used in traditional methods.
Semi‐natural habitats benefit maintaining the spider diversity in subtropical agroecosystems
Authors: Geng Xuewei , Lin Yucheng , He Yiting , Liao Jing , Ran Jianghong , Zhang Pei
Published: December 2023

Land use change has caused the loss of agricultural biodiversity. As major natural enemies of pests in agroecosystems, spiders have important ecological functions in improving agricultural productivity and thus deserve attention. However, few studies have considered their responses to land use changes. Here, we investigated the structure and diversity of the spider community in four land use types, that is, fallow land, woodland, orchard, and cropland in Pengzhou City, China. The differences in species richness, total abundance, community composition, and spider abundances with three foraging strategies and their correlations with environmental factors and agricultural intensity were compared between land use types. The results showed that the total abundance of spiders in fallow land was 71%, 157%, and 214% higher than that in orchard, cropland, and woodland, respectively. Similarly, fallow land maintained the highest species richness. Shannon–Wiener index, community structure heterogeneity, and number of spider species sampled in a single land use type were highest in woodland. Further, spiders with different foraging strategies showed distinctive responses to environmental factors and agricultural practices. The diversity of hunters was negatively correlated with the intensity of agricultural practices and canopy density, while web‐builders were positively correlated with canopy density. The diversity of burrowers was positively correlated with the vertical complexity of vegetation structure. Our study emphasizes the vital role of semi‐natural habitats, like fallow land and woodland, in maintaining spider diversity, and suggests optimizing land uses to provide wide‐open spaces and mitigate the effects of intensified agricultural activities for natural enemies of pests in agriculture.
Using unmanned aerial vehicle multispectral data for monitoring the outcomes of ecological restoration in mining areas
Authors: Chen Zanxu , Hou Huping , Zhang Shaoliang , Campbell Tristan , Yang Yongjun , Tu Mu , Yuan Yang , Dixon Kingsley W.
Published: December 2023

The effective and efficient monitoring of revegetation outcomes is a key component of ecosystem restoration. Monitoring often involves labor‐intensive manual methods, which are difficult to deploy when sites are inaccessible or involve large areas of revegetation. This study aimed to identify plant species and quantify α‐diversity index on a sub‐meter scale at Manlailiang Mine Site in Northwestern China using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a means to semiautomate large‐scale vegetation monitoring. UAVs equipped with multispectral sensors were combined with three industry‐standard supervised classification algorithms (support vector machine [SVM], maximum likelihood, and artificial neural network) to classify plant species. Spectral vegetation indices (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI], difference vegetation index [DVI], visible‐band difference vegetation index, soil‐adjusted vegetation index, modified soil‐adjusted vegetation index, and excess green–excess red) were used to assess vegetation diversity obtained from on‐ground survey plot data (the Margalef, Pielou, Simpson, and Shannon–Wiener indices). Our results showed that SVM outperformed other algorithms in species identification accuracy (overall accuracy of 84%). Significant relationships were observed between vegetation indices and diversity indices, with the DVI performing significantly better than many more commonly used indices such as the NDVI. The findings highlight the potential of combining UAV multispectral data, spectral vegetation indices and ground surveys for effective and efficient fine‐scale monitoring of vegetation diversity in the ecological restoration of mining areas. This has significant practical benefits for improving adaptive management of restoration through improved monitoring tools.
Ultracompact Metasurface for Simultaneous Detection of Polarization State and Orbital Angular Momentum
Authors: Zhang Yaxin , Jin Jinjin , Pu Mingbo , Guo Yinghui , He Qiong , Zhang Runze , Zhang Fei , Li Xiong , Ma Xiaoliang , Luo Xiangang
Published: December 2023

In the field of optical communications and quantum informatics, polarization and orbital angular momentum (OAM) offer a promising way to expand the dimension of information. However, detecting the polarization state and topological charge of the OAM beam on‐chip way can be challenging. To address this, an ultracompact metasurface is proposed and demonstrated. The metasurface is composed of six polarization‐sensitive metalenses that occupy 60°annular sectors each and are capable of simultaneous polarization state and orbital angular momentum detection. The metasurface focuses the coaxial polarized vortex beam into six locations, and the foci displacement is related to the value of the topological charge. The corresponding polarization state can be obtained through the reconstructed Stokes parameter using the six focus light intensities. For proof‐of‐concept, an ultracompact metasurface operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm is fabricated, which exhibits exceptional polarization and orbital angular momentum recognition ability. The proposed metasurface possesses the merits of ultra‐compact size and simultaneously entire polarization state and orbital angular momentum identification capability, which may encourage the development of on‐chip optical communication systems.
Predictors of Survival in Friedreich's Ataxia: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Indelicato Elisabetta , Reetz Kathrin , Maier Sarah , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Amprosi Matthias , Giunti Paola , Mariotti Caterina , Durr Alexandra , de Rivera Garrido Francisco J.R. , Klopstock Thomas , Schöls Ludger , Klockgether Thomas , Bürk Katrin , Pandolfo Massimo , Didszun Claire , Grobe‐Einsler Marcus , Nanetti Lorenzo , Nenning Lukas , Kiechl Stefan , Dichtl Wolfgang , Ulmer Hanno , Schulz Jörg B. , Boesch Sylvia ,   the European Friedreich's Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS)
Published: December 2023

Background

Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a rare multisystemic disorder which can cause premature death.

Objectives

To investigate predictors of survival in FA.

Methods

Within a prospective registry established by the European Friedreich's Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02069509) we enrolled genetically confirmed FA patients at 11 tertiary centers and followed them in yearly intervals. We investigated overall survival applying the Kaplan–Meier method, life tables, and log‐rank test. We explored prognostic factors applying Cox proportional hazards regression and subsequently built a risk score which was assessed for discrimination and calibration performance.

Results

Between September 2010 and March 2017, we enrolled 631 FA patients. Median age at inclusion was 31 (range, 6–76) years. Until December 2022, 44 patients died and 119 terminated the study for other reasons. The 10‐year cumulative survival rate was 87%. In a multivariable analysis, the disability stage (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, 95% CI 1.08–2.12, P = 0.02), history of arrhythmic disorder (HR 2.93, 95% CI 1.34–6.39, P = 0.007), and diabetes mellitus (HR 2.31, 95% CI 1.05–5.10, P = 0.04) were independent predictors of survival. GAA repeat lengths did not improve the survival model. A risk score built on the previously described factors plus the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction at echocardiography enabled identification of four trajectories to prognosticate up to 10‐year survival (log‐rank test P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Arrhythmias, progressive neurological disability, and diabetes mellitus influence the overall survival in FA. We built a survival prognostic score which identifies patients meriting closer surveillance and who may benefit from early invasive cardiac monitoring and therapy. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The Hypoxia Response Pathway: A Potential Intervention Target in Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Janssen Daalen Jules M. , Koopman Werner J.H. , Saris Christiaan G.J. , Meinders Marjan J. , Thijssen Dick H.J. , Bloem Bastiaan R.
Published: December 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which only symptomatic treatments are available. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that moderate hypoxia induces evolutionarily conserved adaptive mechanisms that enhance neuronal viability and survival. Therefore, targeting the hypoxia response pathway might provide neuroprotection by ameliorating the deleterious effects of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which underlie neurodegeneration in PD. Here, we review experimental studies regarding the link between PD pathophysiology and neurophysiological adaptations to hypoxia. We highlight the mechanistic differences between the rescuing effects of chronic hypoxia in neurodegeneration and short‐term moderate hypoxia to improve neuronal resilience, termed “hypoxic conditioning”. Moreover, we interpret these preclinical observations regarding the pharmacological targeting of the hypoxia response pathway. Finally, we discuss controversies with respect to the differential effects of hypoxia response pathway activation across the PD spectrum, as well as intervention dosing in hypoxic conditioning and potential harmful effects of such interventions. We recommend that initial clinical studies in PD should focus on the safety, physiological responses, and mechanisms of hypoxic conditioning, as well as on repurposing of existing pharmacological compounds. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Global trends in psycho‐oncology research investments 2016–2020: A content analysis
Authors: Conti Isabella , Davidson Mitchell , Cutress Ramsey I. , McIntosh Stuart A. , Head Michael G.
Published: December 2023

Objective

An estimated one‐third of cancer patients experience a clinically significant psychological disorder, however it is unclear to what extent this is reflected in research funding. To address this a systematic analysis the allocation of psycho‐oncology research funding globally between 2016 and 2020 was conducted.

Methods

A global dataset of 66,388 cancer research awards, from 2016 to 2020 inclusive and totalling $24.5 billion USD was assembled from public and philanthropic funders. Each award was previously categorised by cancer site type and research theme, including psychosocial research and these awards were further sub‐categorised for this analysis.

Results

There was $523m of funding awarded for psychological research across 1122 studies: 2.14% of all cancer research funding during this period ($24.5 billion). Median funding per award was $97,473 (IQR $36,864 – $453,051). Within psychological research, mental health received most funding ($174m, 33.5% of psychological funding). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focused research was the specific psychological support with the highest proportion of funding at $14 million. By country of funder, the USA provided most investment ($375.5 m, 71.8%).

Conclusions

Psycho‐oncology research received relatively little funding, for example, when compared with pre‐clinical cancer research. There needs to be a shift from pre‐clinical science to research that benefits cancer patients in the shorter‐term. Low‐ and middle‐income countries, and ethnic minorities in higher‐income settings, were underrepresented despite having a large cancer burden, indicating inequities that need to be addressed.
A closer look to the bispericyclic transition structure leading to 4 + 2 and 2 + 4 cycloadducts in the endo dimerization of cyclopentadiene
Authors: Sánchez‐Márquez Jesús , Morales‐Bayuelo Alejandro
Published: December 2023

This work delves into the study presented by Caramella and co‐workers (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 7) on the cyclopentadiene dimerization. We have reperformed the calculations of this work using updated methodologies, obtaining the structures of the reactants and transition states, as well as new energy profiles. Additionally, we have obtained new insights that were not included in the previous work, such as bond structures from NBO analysis, QTAIM theory, and spin density. Reactivity indices of the principal NBOs responsible for the reaction have also been obtained using a recently developed model based on conceptual DFT and Sanderson's principle of electronegativity equalization and the new results obtained have allowed us to propose reaction mechanisms that satisfactorily justify all reaction stages. This work is a study of the mechanism of the cyclopentadiene dimerization reaction, but it is also an example of applying the new model for calculating reactivity indices for NBOs. Additionally, it demonstrates the combined use of these descriptors with other types of analyses that also employ NBOs or provide a description of the molecular bonding structure. As shown in this work, the collective use of all these methodologies generally provides an adequate description of the chemical reactivity of the studied processes.
Integral passivity‐based control of underactuated mechanical systems with state‐dependent matched disturbances
Authors: Franco Enrico , Arpenti Pierluigi , Donaire Alejandro
Published: December 2023

This work investigates the energy shaping control of a class of underactuated mechanical systems subject to state‐dependent linearly parameterized matched disturbances. To this end, a new integral interconnection and damping‐assignment passivity‐based design is proposed. The controller design is developed for systems subject to either momenta‐dependent disturbances or position‐dependent disturbances or to both simultaneously. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated with numerical simulations on three examples: an Acrobot system with nonlinear friction; a ball‐on‐beam system with constant and position‐dependent disturbances; a disk‐on‐disk system with a complete set of state‐dependent disturbances. In all examples, the proposed controller shows better performance compared to previous implementations.
Impact of fly‐in fly‐out work on health behaviours and affective states: A daily diary study
Authors: Asiamah‐Asare Bernard Kwadwo Yeboah , Robinson Suzanne , Powell Daniel , Kwasnicka Dominika
Published: December 2023

Our knowledge about the role of fly‐in fly‐out (FIFO) work‐related factors on the well‐being of workers across the FIFO work cycle is limited. This study examined the within‐person effects of job demand and control on psychological states and health behaviours. The study employed a daily diary design, with 23 FIFO workers in the Australian mining industry completing a daily diary survey for 28 consecutive days across on‐shift and off‐shift periods. Multilevel analyses showed FIFO workers experienced higher positive affect and enjoyed better sleep quality, but consumed more alcohol, during off‐shift days as compared to on‐shift days. Within‐person variability in daily demand (workload) was associated with higher anxious affect, whereas job control predicted lower anxious and depressed affects, higher positive affect, more alcohol consumption, and more physical activity. The within‐person effect of demand on anxious affect was moderated by job control such that those who generally had more control over their jobs had a smaller effect of demand on anxiety than those with less control. Results suggest potentially modifiable aspects of FIFO work—particularly job control—may help alleviate the impact of workload on poorer health behaviours and mood.
Quasi‐Solid‐State All‐V2O5 Battery
Authors: Wang Guolong , Cui Xiaoqian , Yang Zhuofan , Liu Jiamei , Shi Xiaowei , Zhang Yan , Zhao Zehua , Wang Jingqi , Song Jiale , Wang Xiao , Li Yanhuai , Song Zhongxiao , Li Lei
Published: December 2023

Solid‐state symmetrical battery represents a promising paradigm for future battery technology. However, its development is hindered by the deficiency of high‐performance bipolar electrodes and compatible solid electrolytes. Herein, a quasi‐solid‐state all‐V2O5 battery constructed by a binder‐free carbon fabric‐V2O5 nanowires@graphene (CVOG) bipolar electrode and a softly cross‐linked polyethylene oxide‐based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) is reported. The synergetic effect of nano‐structuring of V2O5, hierarchical conductive network, and graphene wrapping endows the CVOG electrode with boosted reaction kinetics and suppressed vanadium dissolution. The cathodic and anodic reactions of CVOG are decoupled by electrochemical analysis, conceiving the feasibility of constructing all‐V2O5 full battery. In manifesting the solid‐state all‐V2O5 battery, the robust and elastic SPE exhibits high ionic conductivity, tight/self‐adaptable electrolyte‐electrode contact, and a low charge‐transfer barrier. The resultant solid‐state full battery exhibits a high reversible capacity of 158 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, good capacity retention of over 61% from 0.1 C to 2 C, and remarkable cycling stability of 77% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 C, which surpass other solid‐state symmetrical batteries. Hence, this work provides a practice of high‐performance solid‐state batteries with symmetrical configuration and is constructive for next‐generation battery technology.
RETRACTED: The predictive efficacy of programmed cell death in immunotherapy of melanoma: A comprehensive analysis of gene expression data for programmed cell death biomarker and therapeutic target discovery
Authors: Yue Chao , Lian Wenqin , Duan Mengying , Xia Die , Cao Xianbin , Peng Jianzhong
Published: December 2023

In this study, genes linked to prognosis in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) involved in programmed cell death (PCD) were identified and confirmed and prognostic models based on these genes were constructed. Acquisition and analysis of clinical data and RNA sequencing information from The Cancer Genome Atlas‐SKCM (TCGA‐SKCM) and Sangerbox databases, gene expression data for 477 tumor samples and 2 normal samples were successfully gathered. The patients were separated into two clusters based on consensus clustering of PCD‐related genes, with Cluster A having greater tumor purity, ESTIMATE score, immune score, and matrix score, and Cluster B having a significantly distinct pattern of immune cell infiltration. The use of gene set enrichment analysis and weighted correlation network analysis showed significant associations between certain genes and factors such as tumor mutation burden, age, stage, grade, and tumor subtype. Finally, based on the 12 genes selected by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression analysis (STAT3, IRF2, SLC7A11, ZEB1, LIPT1, PML, GCH1, GYS1, ABCC1, XBP1, TFAP2C, NOX4), a prognostic model of PGD‐related genes was constructed. The effectiveness of the model's prognostic value was confirmed through survival analysis, time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, single‐factor Cox regression analysis, and nomogram. We also verified the relationship between the GCH1 and MKI67 expression by wet experiment. This model has high prediction accuracy in SKCM patients and can provide a reference for clinical treatment.
Predictors of controlled attenuation parameter in metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Bianco Cristiana , Pelusi Serena , Margarita Sara , Tavaglione Federica , Jamialahmadi Oveis , Malvestiti Francesco , Periti Giulia , Rondena Jessica , Tomasi Melissa , Carpani Rossana , Ronzoni Luisa , Vidali Matteo , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Fraquelli Mirella , Vespasiani‐Gentilucci Umberto , Romeo Stefano , Prati Daniele , Valenti Luca
Published: December 2023

Background & Aims

Hepatic fat content can be non‐invasively estimated by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) during transient elastography. The aim of this study was to examine the determinants and predictors of CAP values in individuals with metabolic dysfunction.

Methods

We enrolled 1230 consecutive apparently healthy individuals (Liver‐Bible‐2022 cohort) with ≥3 metabolic dysfunction features. CAP was measured by Fibroscan. CAP determinants and predictors were identified using backward stepwise analysis and introduced in generalized linear models.

Results

Participants were predominantly males (82.9%), mean age was 53.8 ± 6.4 years, 600 (48.8%) had steatosis (CAP ≥ 275 dB/m), and 27 had liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 8 kPa. CAP values correlated with LSM (p < 10−22). In multivariable analysis, fasting insulin and abdominal circumference (AC) were the main determinants of CAP (p < 10−6), together with body mass index (BMI; p < 10−4), age, diabetes, triglycerides, ferritin, and lower HDL and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH; p < 0.05 for all). In a subset of 592 participants with thyroid hormone measurement, we found an association between higher free triiodothyronine levels, correlating with lower TSH, and CAP values, independent of TSH and of levothyroxine treatment (p = 0.0025). A clinical CAP score based on age, BMI, AC, HbA1c, ALT, and HDL predicted CAP ≥ 275 dB/m with moderate accuracy (AUROC = 0.73), which was better than that of the Fatty Liver Index and of ALT (AUROC = 0.70/0.61, respectively) and validated it in multiple cohorts.

Conclusion

Abdominal adiposity and insulin resistance severity were the main determinants of CAP in individuals with metabolic dysfunction and may improve steatotic liver disease risk stratification. CAP values were modulated by the hypophysis‐thyroid axis.
Prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in domestic cats (Felis catus) during COVID‐19 pandemic in Latvia
Authors: Mūrniece Gundega , Šteingolde Žanete , Cvetkova Svetlana , Valciņa Olga , Zrelovs Ņikita , Brīvība Monta , Kloviņš Jānis , Birzniece Līga , Megnis Kaspars , Fridmanis Dāvids , Bērziņš Aivars , Kovaļčuka Līga , Kovaļenko Kaspars
Published: December 2023

Background

The causative agent of the COVID‐19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is of zoonotic origin and has shown reverse zoonotic transmissibility.

Objectives

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the serological and molecular prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the domestic cat (Felis catus) population from Latvia in natural conditions and subsequently perform viral genome analysis.

Methods

Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs and blood samples were collected from 273 domestic cats during the second wave of COVID‐19 infection in Latvia. Molecular prevalence was determined by using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Serum samples were analysed via double antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay targeting the antibody against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS‐CoV‐2. Positive swab samples were analysed using whole viral genome sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome sequencing data of the samples was performed.

Results

The overall SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR positivity and seroprevalence was 1.1% (3/273) and 2.6% (7/273), respectively. The SARS‐CoV‐2 genome sequences from three RT‐PCR positive cats were assigned to the three common lineages (PANGOLIN lineage S.1.; B.1.177.60. and B.1.1.7.) circulating in Latvia during the particular period of time.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that feline infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 occurred during the second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Latvia, yet the overall prevalence was low. In addition, it seems like no special ‘cat’ pre‐adaptations were necessary for successful infection of cats by the common lineages of SARS‐CoV‐2.
A comparison of swallowing related quality of life in patients undergoing transoral endoscopic versus open thyroid surgery
Authors: Deshmukh Parth , Shiva Bharath , Yadav Sanjay Kumar , Agarwal Pawan , Sharma Dhananjaya , Johri Goonj
Published: December 2023

Introduction

It is important for the endoscopic thyroid surgeon to understand the pros and cons of trans‐oral endoscopic thyroidectomy‐vestibular approach (TOETVA) vis‐à‐vis, open conventional thyroidectomy (OTx) so he/she can help patients in making informed choices regarding the type of procedure to opt for. Swallowing related quality of life (SWAL‐QoL) has not been compared between the two approaches. Using a rigorous qualitative methodology and validated reliable tool, this study set out to compare the swallowing related quality of life in patients undergoing TOETVA versus OTx.

Methods

Prospective study at 3 time points in patients planned for hemithyroidectomy (Preoperative, 1 week and 12 weeks). Data were collected on patients at a tertiary teaching institute in India. Participants ranged from age 18–60 years with a diagnosis of benign euthyroid nodule undergoing hemithyroidectomy. Exclusion criteria were—(1) pre‐existing vocal cord abnormalities, (2) undergoing surgery for recurrent nodules, and (3) any neuro‐muscular disease affecting swallowing ability. Main outcome measure was comparison of swallowing related quality of life domain scores between patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy via either endoscopic trans‐oral or open approach.

Results

Of the 82 included patients, 40 underwent TOETVA and 42 OTx. Both the groups were comparable in terms of demographic and clinicopathological profile. The mean preoperative SWAL‐QOL scores were comparable in all domains. Mean SWAL‐QoL scores for all domains on postoperative day 7 were significantly better in TOETVA group with domains burden, eating desire, mental health and communication having medium effect sizes. Physical symptom domain was better in the OTx group but had a small effect size. The difference in SWAL‐QoL domains between the two groups persisted for 3 months also.

Conclusion

Swallowing related quality of life after trans‐oral endoscopic thyroidectomy compared to conventional open surgery has not been reported in the literature. Our findings suggest that trans‐oral endoscopic thyroidectomy results in significant superior swallowing related quality of life in the majority of domains.
Landslide and Soil Erosion Inventory Mapping Based on High-Resolution Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study from Istria (Croatia)
Authors: Bernat Gazibara Sanja , Jagodnik Petra , Lukačić Hrvoje , Sinčić Marko , Krkač Martin , Šarić Gabrijela , Arbanas Željko , Mihalić Arbanas Snježana
Published: December 2023

The central part of the Istrian Peninsula (Croatia) is the area of the Eocene flysch basin, i.e. “Gray Istria, which is prone to weathering and active geomorphological processes. The high erodibility of the Istrian marls led to the formation of steep barren slopes and badlands exceptionally susceptible to slope movements. This research presents the application of high-resolution remote sensing data, i.e., Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and orthophoto images, for landform mapping at a large scale (1:500). Visual interpretation of remote sensing data was done for the pilot area (20 km2) near City of Buzet to produce detailed inventory maps for implementation in the spatial planning system. There is a lack of detailed inventory maps because systematic mapping was not performed for any part of Istria until the scientific research project LandSlidePlan (HRZZ IP-2019-04-9900), funded by the Croatian Science Foundation. After preliminary visual interpretation of LiDAR DTM and field verifications, it was concluded that four types of landforms could be mapped, i.e. badlands, gully and combined erosion, unstable slopes and landslides. The research objective is to show the representative examples and potential of direct and unambiguous identification and mapping of small and shallow landslides and soil erosion processes based on the visual interpretation of high-resolution remote sensing data in flysch-type rock.
Interactions between several types of cosmic strings
Authors: Fujikura Kohei , Li Siyao , Yamaguchi Masahide
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We study the interaction of several types of static straight cosmic strings, including local strings, global strings, and bosonic superconducting strings with and without magnetic currents. First, we evaluate the interaction energy of two widely separated cosmic strings using the point source formalism and show that the most dominant contribution to the interaction energy comes from the excitation of the lightest mediator particles in a underlying theory. The interaction energy at arbitrary separation distances is then analyzed numerically by the gradient flow method. It turns out that an additional scalar field introduced in the bosonic superconducting string becomes an additional source of attraction. For such a bosonic superconducting string, we find that a string with two winding numbers is energetically favorable compared to two strings with a single winding number in a certain parameter region. Our analysis reveals that a phase structure of bosonic superconducting strings is richer than that of local and global strings and that the formation of bound states at intersections of bosonic superconducting strings is favored.
Factorization of non-global LHC observables and resummation of super-leading logarithms
Authors: Becher Thomas , Neubert Matthias , Shao Ding Yu , Stillger Michel
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We present a systematic formalism based on a factorization theorem in soft-collinear effective theory to describe non-global observables at hadron colliders, such as gap-between-jets cross sections. The cross sections are factorized into convolutions of hard functions, capturing the dependence on the partonic center-of-mass energy $$ \sqrt{\hat{s}} $$

s
̂

, and low-energy matrix elements, which are sensitive to the low scale Q0 ≪ $$ \sqrt{\hat{s}} $$

s
̂

characteristic of the veto imposed on energetic emissions into the gap between the jets. The scale evolution of both objects is governed by a renormalization-group equation, which we derive at one-loop order. By solving the evolution equation for the hard functions for arbitrary 2 → M jet processes in the leading logarithmic approximation, we accomplish for the first time the all-order resummation of the so-called “super-leading logarithms” discovered in 2006, thereby solving an old problem of quantum field theory. We study the numerical size of the corresponding effects for different partonic scattering processes and explain why they are sizable for pp → 2 jets processes, but suppressed in H/Z and H/Z + jet production. The super-leading logarithms are given by an alternating series, whose individual terms can be much larger than the resummed result, even in very high orders of the loop expansion. Resummation is therefore essential to control these effects. We find that the asymptotic fall-off of the resummed series is much weaker than for standard Sudakov form factors.
Inclusive $$ \overline{B}\to {X}_s{\ell}^{+}{\ell}^{-} $$ with a hadronic mass cut
Authors: Huber Tobias , Hurth Tobias , Jenkins Jack , Lunghi Enrico
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The hadronic mass spectrum of inclusive $$ \overline{B}\to {X}_s{\ell}^{+}{\ell}^{-} $$

B
¯

→

X
s

ℓ
+

ℓ
−

is investigated at next to leading order in the heavy quark expansion. For mild cuts on the hadronic mass, the expansion, which applies when the cut is released, remains convergent. However, the cuts used at BaBar and Belle to reduce backgrounds from charged current semileptonic processes are too severe for a description in terms of matrix elements of local operators to apply. Strategies for interpolating between the two regions are discussed.
On the stability and deformability of top stars
Authors: Bianchi Massimo , Di Russo Giorgio , Grillo Alfredo , Morales Jose Francisco , Sudano Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Topological stars, or top stars for brevity, are smooth horizonless static solutions of Einstein-Maxwell theory in 5-d that reduce to spherically symmetric solutions of Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton theory in 4-d. We study linear scalar perturbations of top stars and argue for their stability and deformability. We tackle the problem with different techniques including WKB approximation, numerical analysis, Breit-Wigner resonance method and quantum Seiberg-Witten curves. We identify three classes of quasi-normal modes corresponding to prompt-ring down modes, long-lived meta-stable modes and what we dub ‘highly-damped’ modes. All mode frequencies we find have negative imaginary parts, thus suggesting linear stability of top stars. Moreover we determine the tidal Love and dissipation numbers encoding the response to tidal deformations and, similarly to black holes, we find zero value in the static limit but, contrary to black holes, we find non-trivial dynamical Love numbers and vanishing dissipative effects at linear order. For the sake of illustration in a simpler context, we also consider a toy model with a piece-wise constant potential and a centrifugal barrier that captures most of the above features in a qualitative fashion.
A stringy effect on Hawking radiation
Authors: Ho Pei-Ming , Imamura Yosuke , Kawai Hikaru , Shao Wei-Hsiang
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In string theories, interactions are exponentially suppressed for trans-Planckian space-like external momenta. We study a class of quantum field theories that exhibit this feature modeled after Witten’s bosonic open string field theory, and discover a Lorentz-invariant UV/IR relation that leads to the spacetime uncertainty principle proposed by Yoneya. Application to a dynamical black hole background suggests that Hawking radiation is turned off around the scrambling time.